I'm a hobby woodworker working in a small shop without a table saw. I've gradually been acquiring tools to tackle various home projects, from built-ins to furniture. Currently, I'm using a DeWalt DWS713 miter saw. While it's served me okay, I'm not thrilled with its performance—there's no laser guide, limited cutting capacity, poor dust collection, and my cuts never seem to be as precise as I'd like, no matter how much I try to calibrate it. I'm considering upgrading to a better model. Is it worth it, and what saw should I upgrade to? I do have some Festool products, so I'm looking at the Kapex 120, but I'd appreciate insights on other decent options as well.
3 Answers
I upgraded to the Kapex about four years ago, and it has completely changed my woodworking game! It's super accurate every time, and with a blade sharpened recently, it feels like new. Plus, its dust collection is fantastic when you use it with an extractor. Even my neighbor, who has a better setup, comes to use my Kapex for perfect miter cuts. Honestly, if mine went missing, I’d sell just about anything to get another one ASAP!
I've owned both the DeWalt 779 and the Kapex 120. Honestly, I didn’t find the Kapex had much better dust collection, and the build quality felt similar. But the Kapex is lighter and has a smaller footprint, which is great for tight spaces since you can use it close to a wall. If the size of your DeWalt isn’t a big deal, maybe save your cash for another tool instead of rushing into this upgrade.
Honestly, if you're just a hobbyist, I'd say that a miter saw isn’t essential. I built my first house with only a table saw, circular saw, and some hand tools. If I had a nail gun and a miter saw, it would have made things easier, but you can definitely get by without upgrading right now until you figure out what you really need!