I'm currently using a non-sliding 12-inch Dewalt miter saw, but I'm planning to build a miter station with cabinets under it along one wall of my workshop. Eventually, I may want to switch to a sliding miter saw like the Dewalt DWS779, so I want to ensure my miter station has enough depth for that upgrade. How much deeper than my current saw setup should I go?
3 Answers
There's a helpful YouTube video on this topic that outlines the dimensions nicely. Basically, you need about 41 inches from the front of the base to the back of the rails. Just keep in mind, this doesn’t include the locking handle, which adds another 6 inches or so. So plan for roughly 47 inches total to be safe!
I think it’s a good move to future-proof your setup. I mean, the Dewalt sliding saws go on sale for about $400 sometimes, making it hard to justify the higher price of other brands like Bosch for hobbyists. Consider how often you’ll actually use the sliding feature before deciding!
I actually prefer the fixed saws over glide ones, so I went with a Kapex. The DW779 can be quite deep, so if you’re tight on space, it might not be the best for a wall setup. If I need wider cuts, I usually just pull out the table saw anyway. But having both fixed and sliding options can be handy!

Ha! Perfect answer. Thanks!