I'm trying to decide between the DeWalt DWS780, which comes with a light, and the DWS781, the 60V model that includes a 9Ah FlexVolt battery. Both are priced the same, but I have a few specifics to consider. I don't have a dedicated shop space—just a small area in my garage for storage—and I'll be doing most of my cutting in my driveway. I plan to pair it with a DeWalt rolling miter stand. Any thoughts on which one would be better for my situation?
4 Answers
I've preferred battery-operated tools, but I chose the DWS780 for full power. I didn’t want to risk running out of battery during projects. It's crucial to check prices at multiple stores, as they can vary quite a bit, especially here in LA. Just keep in mind how often you plan to use it and what projects you have in mind. For me, I found the DWS781 much more convenient since I'm mainly doing DIY tasks.
If you mostly cut in your driveway, going with the DWS780 and a good extension cord is probably the way to go. It saves you the hassle of batteries dying mid-project. The DWS780 is solid and has the light feature, which is nice if you're cutting outside. Plus, you can often find the DWS779, which is similar but without the light, at a lower price. If you're getting the DWS781 with that battery deal under $500, that's decent, but anything over that, I’d suggest the wired option.
Remember, the DWS779 lacks the built-in crown stops, but you can easily add a light for about $80. I’ve never found them necessary—just set them manually.
Think about whether you’ll need the FlexVolt battery for other tools in the future. More batteries are never a bad thing! If you won't need it elsewhere, the DWS780 makes a lot of sense for continuity and power, especially for longer cuts. Just be cautious about what other devices you’re running on the same circuit to avoid tripping breakers.
That’s a good point! My garage only has one outlet with double plugs, so I need to check the amperage when I get back home.
I used to have a corded miter saw and found it would trip breakers often when paired with my shop vac. Switching to the DWS781 was a game changer—no more cords to manage! I’ve attached an M18 for dust collection, which is fantastic for smaller projects. It really depends on your project scale and frequency, but I think the cordless option offers great flexibility for your DIY work.
Thanks for your input! The 781 is 584 right now. It seems like a tough call, especially with the power situation—I'm always near a socket, so the portability isn't a big factor.