Dewalt 10 Inch Miter Saw Comparison Review Summary
Dewalt is currently offering 2 models of the 10″ miter saw. One is priced low, the other is priced high. They build all their miter saws with great quality, so don’t feel like getting their low-end model means your giving up their rugged durability. Instead, you will have to give up some features and capacities to get the lower price. So read the overviews below to help you decide which Dewalt 10 inch miter saw is best. I also linked to my full product-review pages for more in-depth analysis of each saw.
The Dewalt DW713 – 10″ Single Bevel Miter Saw
This Non-Sliding Dewalt 10 inch miter saw is priced for basic use. Of the 2 10″ saws they make, it’s definitely the cheapest, by far.
However, don’t let the bargain price fool you. This is still a quality tool. Dewalt doesn’t slack in build-quality to reduce their price, they just limit capacities and features.
So with this model, you won’t get massive cutting capacities like on many other Dewalt miter saws. You also don’t get the dual bevel feature.
Instead, you get a super-lightweight standard compound miter saw that’s really easy to carry around for quick use and mobilization.
The cut capacities are similar to standard low-priced miter saws on the market. It does come with a sliding fence for better trim molding support.
I still consider this an OK saw for woodworking, but the lack of crosscutting capacity lowers my rating for this category. I’m a woodworker myself, and while I can appreciate a basic miter saw for some projects, I know the importance of wider cutting for building panels, shelves, etc.
Plus, in a shop environment, the light weight of the saw is not a selling point. For these reasons, this tool mostly speaks to job-site users and DIYers.
This tool is built for framing, decking, renovating, and it handles basic trim molding projects.
Our Ratings
Most Professionals – 5 of 5
Do-It-Yourselfers – 4 of 5
Beginner Woodworkers – 3 of 5
Serious Woodworkers – 3 of 5
The Dewalt DW717 – 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
This Dewalt 10 inch miter saw is pretty much the opposite of the DW713 above. This model is priced high, and with that, it offers many features and impressive cut capacities.
The Dewalt DW717 is a dual-bevel compound miter saw. This means it tilts both ways, increasing versatility and making bevel and compound cuts simpler. You also are not required to flip the material over when needing a bevel in the opposite direction, reducing confusion and mess-ups.
This is a sliding saw, which means it slides out on 2 rails, which go through a sturdy ball-bearing slide system. Dewalt makes a very smooth and accurate slide system, so your cuts will be perfect from full extension, through the entire cut.
This adds to the crosscutting and miter cutting capabilities. It can handle an impressive 14″ dimensional board crosscut at 90-degrees in a single pass. This ranks up there better than some sliding 12″ models.
To get this increased capacity though, you have to set the saw up using Dewalts ‘Back Fence’ feature. This also allows for 45-degree miter cuts through a 12″ board, which is also very impressive for a 10″ saw.
Weighing in at 51 lbs, it’s a bit on the heavy side. But for trim carpenters, it has better than average vertical baseboard and nested crown capacities. Nesting crown against the fence, it can cut material 6-1/4″ tall. Vertical baseboard cuts can go up to 6″ tall.
This Dewalt 10 inch miter saw is well-rounded for all users, but is mostly for professionals and woodworkers.
Our Ratings
Most Professionals – 5 of 5
Do-It-Yourselfers – 4 of 5
Beginner Woodworkers – 4 of 5
Serious Woodworkers – 5 of 5
Which Dewalt 10″ Miter Saw Is For You?
The 10″ class of miter saws can handle most jobs and projects. Typically, we need crosscutting for framing a room or a building, renovating a room in your house, building a deck or a gazebo, doing trim molding for windows, doors, base, etc., hardwood flooring, and for building things out of wood.
Obviously there are other special uses, but for the most part, this covers our miter saw needs. And for these projects, the 10″ models usually fit the bill. You can get extra capacity by going with a 12″ model, but this comes at an extra cost, plus the blades are more expensive.
I personally own and use a Craftsman 10″ sliding miter saw. I use it for building furniture and home renovation projects. I’ve taken it to job sites on occasion for more basic carpentry as well. I’m not suggesting you get the Craftsman, but I’m saying that for everything I’ve done, I have not run into any issues or serious limitations because of the 10″ blade. It’s been more than enough for everything I do.
I would argue, however, that the sliding model I use is far superior to any non-sliding model. I will never own and non-sliding miter saw as I find myself time and time again needing that extended crosscut capacity, only found on the sliding models.
What Are Your Uses
If you are a homeowner that does renovations, hardwood flooring, decks, etc., you may get by just fine with the cheaper of the 2, the DW713. This saw handles these projects well, and it’s so light weight you can easily store it away and pull it out only when you need it for a project.
But if you plan on doing rooms with larger-than-average crown molding or baseboards, you may find this model is somewhat limiting. You can still cut large trim molding, but you will need to cut the pieces horizontally, instead of nested against the fence. If you’re ok with that, and you don’t see a need to cut a lot of really wide boards, then the DW713 would be a great choice and will save you some money.
If you plan on doing woodworking projects, like building cabinets and other furniture, I would suggest the Dewalt DW717. This model will handle larger material, and more custom cuts.
For all you carpenters out there, a great job-site saw would be the DW713. It’s low-cost, lightweight, and does all your standard crosscutting, miters, bevels, and compounds.
As I’ve already mentioned, it lacks a bit with trim molding capacities, but it will get the job done. Also, for framing and deck building, you will have to flip the board for a second cut when crosscutting anything over a 2×6. If you’re ok with that, then this saw will work fine.
If you cut a lot of 2x8s and 2x10s, or if you do large trim molding, I would strongly suggest the Dewalt DW717 for its added capacity.
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