DEWALT 12" Double Bevel Compound Miter Saw with XPS Cutline (DW716XPS)

Flexing 15 amps, the 716 has no issue cutting through the thickest of timbers and boards.  The handle is comfortable and solid; straight cuts (as well as beveled and mitered) are stable.  At 41 pounds, the 716 won’t think of budging even when presented with the most strenuous of operations.

To start with the most intriguing feature, the Cutline system incorporates a remarkably simple yet effective solution to show the user exactly where the blade will cut.  Measure twice and cut once should always be a mainstay in the shop; but the Cutline system will let you cheat a bit if you feel so inclined.  Lights mounted on the handle shine downwards toward the workpiece.  Since the light’s path is impeded only by the blade, a shadow is cast upon the workpiece that is the exact width of the blade kerf (i.e. change your blade with no recourse since the kerf of all blades will be represented accurately by the light’s shadow).  Many of us have cut on the wrong side of the line only to find that our piece is ⅛” too long (or worse, ⅛” too short).  The Cutline system affords one more stopgap to these types of oversights. 

The 716 bevels and miters to a considerable degree in all directions.  The unit can miter (wag) left-and-right 50 degrees both directions and includes 14 positive stops along the way at common increments.  For example, a 45-degree cut doesn’t require eyeballing an angle gauge; rather, the positive stops (or settings) allow for the saw to be mitered at repeated angles with no variance thanks to the stainless steel miter detent plate.  The 716 can also bevel (tilt) left-and-right 48 degrees both directions.  Positive stops are also included in the bevel mechanism for common angles.  The locking mechanisms for both miter and bevel functions are firm with no slop or flex.

The sliding mechanism utilizes beefy slide bearings that allow for sliding (forward-and-back) movements that are both smooth and stable.  The unit naturally rests in an expanded position, so locks for the sliding motion and chopping motion (up-and-down) are included when the 716 is not in use.  When locked down, the saw can be lifted and carried from a conveniently-placed and well-balanced handle.  The bed is machined from aluminum that doesn’t easily mar and continues to hold up despite the worst abuse we could throw at it.

The fence is something to behold at 6-½” tall.  It allows for sliding adjustments when performing beveled cuts while remaining rock solid.  The 716 sports a fence that is unquestionably well-engineered.  A vertical clamp is included that can mount on both the left and right sides of the fence.  It’s a bit finicky, but we find that it’s most useful in clamping stop blocks on the bed for repeated cuts.

Dust collection is a bit of an afterthought; most miter saws tend to throw dust just about everywhere so we don’t particularly fault DEWALT.  A dust bag is included; just chuck it, it doesn’t do anything except get in the way.  As with all power tools, we recommend a quality respirator such as the 6503 from 3M along with their 60926 filters.  The standard blade guard is included that retracts only when the blade engages with the workpiece.