DeWalt Tool Review | 10" Sliding Mitre Saw | A Better Saw for Small Workshops? | DWS778 -GB

In this video we take a look at the problem of sliding mitre saws and small workshops and review the DeWalt DWS778 saw. The saw has an interesting feature which potentially solves one of the big headaches of saws of this type - namely the space you need behind the saw.
As an example of the problem we’ll take a look at the Evolution 255mm Rage 3S which has a 950mm footprint. We’ll compare dust collection, safety and basic operational features. How do the saws compare in terms of cut quality with the stock blades that come with the saw.
And ultimately, will the DWS778 work better for me in the workshop?
if your looking to cut the cord then the DeWalt DCS778 is for you. it has a 54v battery and the same cutting capacity.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
DeWalt Links
DeWalt Website (UK):
products.dewalt.co.uk/powerto...
DeWalt DWS 778 on Amazon UK: amzn.to/2SKD2fV (Affiliated Link)
Makers Monday Featured Maker Video: • Makers Monday - 53 - K...
Links to Evolution R255SMS Saw which replaces the Rage 3S saw featured in the video and is one that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good saw on a budget:
Evolution R255SMS on Amazon amzn.to/2QN0QT5
AMZN: * As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
Wherever possible links are to actual products used, but this is not always possible, for example some products are not available outside the UK in which case I have selected something similar.

[@georgebliss7674]

Homie, have you never heard of the highly praised Bosch GCM12SD? That's your solution, right there

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I have but at the time of buying the DeWalt the Bosch was £250 more than I was prepared to pay. I have said later in response to a question on the subject, that I do regret not saving-up for longer and going for the Bosch or Festool Kapex.

[@davidmuresan628]

Please look at my invention "Parallel Guided Power Saw"

[@kevinkeelan354]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop the Bosch has play in its arm. I’m looking at the makita ls1019 but just seen this on sale.

[@iancreese9310]

Loved your comment about us left handed woodworkers.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I'm a minority Righty in a family of lefty's so understand.

[@spencertrueman6879]

Very interesting topic mate enjoyed the vid 👍

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thank-you for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@troyboy4345]

I've had the Dewalt DW717XPS for several years now .... initially it took over the shop, but now I've developed everything else around it, bench etc ... looks a decent piece of kit that 778 model though and not that much to pay too.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

So far I'm really pleased. Alternatives that met the space saving requirement were Ryobi which is relatively inexpensive and Bosch and Festool which are crazy money for enthusiast. By the way I looked up your saw, Very nice,

[@alanneedham9106]

Hi I am new to your channel but you have helped me out with this review, I have the same issue with back wall space and have looked around for a saw like this, but the space saving is not enough so I think I will have to go for a chop saw, keep up the good work

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks for the feedback. Compared to the Evolution saw I am beginning to miss the trenching cut feature.

[@davidmuresan628]

Please look at my invention "Parallel Guided Power Saw"

[@scalereality4840]

A 90degree angle adapter for the hose would save some space behind the machine, I know Festool make one but I am sure there are generic models on the market, great review by the way!

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks for the comment and I've designed and 3d printed my own adaptor which continues to use the dust-lock feature dewalt has on their tools. While it works very well, a redesigned blade housing could improve things further. I'm glad you liked the review. Cheers!

[@joricktimmer6078]

Hi! Great video! I’ve got a question; I’ve also bought the DWS778. And I also want to buy a festool dust collector ctl26 for my mitersaw. Is it worth it? Is the dust collection good at the DWS778? Thanks you!

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I cant vouch for the festool dust collector.as I use a Nilfisk Aero.

[@markb9974]

Good review thanks. Are the same sort of blades on the fury available for the dewalt so can cut steel etc?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I don't think so. The blades for Evolution are designed for the saw which runs at a slow speed (less RPM) - I don't think I've mentioned this before I bought the smaller R210CMS Evolution saw for metal cutting the workshop.

[@sandman2651]

interesting buy,im looking at buying the dewalt dws774 £210 on ebay that also has front facing rails

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

My KZbin friend Matt at The Badger Workshop did a review of that saw. Check-out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIO5omOCa8pja5Y It's a much smaller saw in terms of cutting capacity and if I wasn't so stubbon on having a 305mm cut, I would have been a contender. Thanks for watching.

[@sportenetwebdesign2715]

Ur dust pipe i fitted a 90' 30mm drain pipe as an adapter ( used a heat gun to soften plastic so it could push on fit)

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Great tip. thanks for sharing.

[@cuebj]

Good tip but still leaves the right angle in the port and adds a right angle with your bend.

[@gchild01]

Great video! I am currently looking at getting my first mitre saw (budget is about £200) would you recommend a non-sliding 255mm one like the makita mls100 or a dewalt sliding one but only 216mm (DWS773-gb)? TIA

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Hey a great question and something I've pondered myself. You realise, of course, that the larger blade gives you the bigger depth of cut - but fixed the width is limited. The 216mm blade that slides will allow for wide cuts but you're limited with the depth. (reading that back that's so obvious). In my situation the most common custs I make are no deeper than 50mm but I'm always cutting wider boards - frequently doing the cut and flip method to even wider boards through. I hope that helps.

[@gchild01]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop That's great and does help, thanks for taking the time to reply :)

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@gchild01 You're welcome

[@paulstarrs7672]

Hi Karl / Carl? Love your channel. I purchased the Dewalt 777 which is similar to the 778. I rely heavily on extension fences for cutting multiple pieces to identical lengths and, as with my buy-in ryobi mitre saw, simply drilled holes to allow screw access in the existing fence. Dewalt have used a soft metal, so it was fairly straightforward. You may prefer this to double sided tape? Hope this is useful. Paul PS Love the extras for the Marita track saw that I bought from you (depth gauge, dust cover and blade kerf shim).

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Hey thanks for the comment. I did drill some holes for mounting fences and you're right about it being soft. That saw has a new home and I've upgraded to a Festool Kapex KS 60 which I love.

[@LK-xe4vn]

hello, nice review, Im wondering now about the dewalt but what about this trench cutting? is it possible on it too? there was cut in video when you started about evolution saw and then jump to other subject. please tell how that looks with dewalt or if you can do dados, then how. thanks

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

There's no trench cutting facility at all due to its design. It is something that I've come to miss over time and there is no way I've found where you could rig up a way of doing it.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

The evolution saw does have the facility but the rails supporting the saw head extend behind preventing you placing the saw near the wall.

[@LK-xe4vn]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop thank you for reply. But i think overall that dewalt saw is quite reasonable to do job. Maybe bosh would do same thing with that no rails system but is twice the price of dewalt so i believe this dado option is not that important if we can use router or table saw but for sure convenient if would be possible.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@LK-xe4vn I would agree to be honest on the Evolution saw trenching was never simple (you needed a sacraficial fence) nor particularly safe (the blade is exposed and moving backwards and forwards (like a radial arm saw which is dead dangerous). I can cut a half-lap in a post twice as fast with a router and a speed square anyway. Thanks for your comments.

[@peterobrien7661]

Hi why dont you fit it with "255mm 44T Multi-Material Circular Saw Blade - SCCSM255_44" blade so you can cut steel and other metals?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Hi Peter - that's a really good recommendation - thanks. I would say that now I have the saw set-up in its new 'benchtop' and I've got dedicated dust collection I'm keeping the Dewalt for timber only. I've a smaller compound saw for my brass, aluminium and mild steel cutting needs on the other side of the shop.

[@angussmith8901]

Hi, I have just purchased the DWS778. I have a question for you, when you lower the saw to store it in the locking position, with the blade guard down, does the blade guard on your saw rub against the right hand side of the fence?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I will take a look and let you know.

[@angussmith8901]

Thanks, as I'm not sure if it's a fault or not and will return it if it is.

[@angussmith8901]

Sorry to chase you on this, but If I get back to them today, if the saw is faulty, I can get it exchanged, any chance you can get back to me today?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Angus if I follow your instructions then yes. the blade guard does touch the fence on the RHS when you lower the blade down. However I don't store mine down that way. I first raise the blade guard drop the saw down and engage the lock pin and then let the blade guard rest on the plastic insert in the table.

[@angussmith8901]

Thanks a lot for getting back to me, it is much appreciated.

[@SAylottdesign]

How does the quality of cut compare between the two on wood? Ive recently got a smaller evolution and worry I should have got a dewalt for the faster rpm possibly giving cleaner cuts?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Hi Sam. To be honest the complaint I had regarding the Evolution was solely that it took up more room than I had space for. Cut quality was always good in my opinion with the combination blade and excellent when using the specialist wood blade - which I would recommend if you're predominently a woodworking set-up. The cons for Evolution are that the combination blade does wear quite quickly and very quickly if you're regularly cutting hard materials (even hardwoods) but the flip-side is replacement blades are affordable. The DeWalt saw cut quality is good in timber, acceptable in man-made boards. I did buy a second blade for plastics/laminate/plywood which helped and a multi-material blade comparable to the Evolution blade, which I use for non-ferrous metals. I did go out later and buy the Evolution 210CMS for ferrous metal cuts which, for 50 quid, worked out well for me,

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

It won't matter about what saw you are using, you get the best cut from choosing the right blade, the more teeth the finer the cut.

[@SAylottdesign]

oo0Spyder0oo even if these evolutions are geared to be way slower? That’s my concern that they will be held back for fine woodworking

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@SAylottdesign We need to remember to be realistic about what Evolution are selling. The saw is predominately designed for work on sites where it's multipurpose features win-out over cut quality (which is good enough in my opinion) and the do so at a price point that is hard to ignore and attractive to someone building the tools they want for woodworking. The point @oo0Spyder0oo makes is a fair one and the woodworking blade from evolution is good and if you have the saw a firm recommendation as it has more teeth and is great for cross cutting. Fewer teeth are needed if all you are doing all day is rip cuts (not possible on a mitre saw) and many teeth are needed for veneered or laminated materials, quite simply, because the surfaces stop behaving like wood and little 'bites' with the blade are tolerated better. The speed thing is really a bit of a red herring to be honest with you. My friend Tomaz from the Casual DIY Channel recently switched-up his blades to non-evolution brands and compares the results. You can take 30mm bore blades and reduce them down for the Evolutions saw. (what you can't do is use evolution blades anywhere else) The blade speed might result in a slower cut but I defy anyone to say the really ever notice in practice. If the piece your cutting is the lid for an heirloom quality box, you're not going to rush. If what you have is the small evolution do some research (with videos like Tomaz's) and investigate other blade manufacturers. For example I changed my plunge saw blade from Makita for one from Axminster Xcaliber and was surprised that not only does it cut better for the same tooth count but it is considerably quieter. I've used Makita and Freud blades for years! Anyway - My brother has my old saw and he loves it. And he's made some pretty decent furniture from it - no splinters the last time I went around for a BBQ. And the Rage 5 table saw I had was sold to a chap who fits out the interiors of luxury river boats - and he swore by Evolution.

[@SAylottdesign]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop Thank you very much for your time! That really helps. I totally agree that for their intended purpose the evolution products are great and dominating that sector. Its only that after purchasing the mitre for boxing in pipes in a bathroom, that I started research more and more into furniture making and would like to give it a go. As you say I'm sure the evolution wood blade would be slightly cleaner than the multi. Or going to a fine tooth could be another option. I'll see how I get on.

[@ice4142]

Can you a give measurement from the wall to the front of the saw? I would like a saw to fit along the wall of the garage but we also park the car in the garage so I want to try and find a saw I can leave in place when I park the car. thanks.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thnsks for the question. I've made a couple of measurements as best I can. With the saw at 90 degrees to the fence you need at least 70mm. If you then the blade to 45 degrees you can reduce what you need down to 52cm. The saw is only 43cm tall. So you could mount.the saw to a board.and store or hang it vertically on the wall. I hope that helps.

[@ice4142]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop that is a game changer! I can't believe I didn't think of that. If I can store it on the wall it options open up a lot more (cheaper!) options of what I can buy. Many thanks

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@ice4142 No problem.

[@keefykeef]

Looks great but agree that dust port is a design flaw! Does it have an induction motor? How loud is it? Great video! Cheers, Keith

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Both good questions. The first, no it's brushed my guess is that DeWalt believe the brushes will outlast the saw as you have to remove the motor housing. As for noise, measured at 94.2db

[@Palpac]

If it’s that big a deal just make up or source a right angle connector for it, problem solved.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I have made a connector and it makes a big difference. The point was made because DeWalt marketed the saw as space saving but you save very little space due to the design of the dust collection.

[@davidmuresan628]

Please look at my invention "Parallel Guided Power Saw"

[@markins666]

7:15 I thought it depends on a blade you are using. Am I wrong?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

The evolution saw with its stock blade will cut just about anything out of the box and the results were good. You're right with the dewalt you could choose a blade to suit your material.

[@rcr76]

I was thinking about the makita 36 volt

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I think if I were a jobbing joiner and on-site a good deal then the Makita Cordless system looks really attractive. Thanks for watching.

[@cuebj]

Thanks very much for showing the space taken by the hose. Not for me, then. I go to real shops to mess about with tools - the knowledgeable staff know that I buy from them and don't go online so they're happy to let me do so and to talk about strengths and weaknesses as applied relevant to what I plan to do

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Great tip!

[@TTT-Turbo]

Should have bought a kapex because the rails are forward and you can have the saw against the wall. 👍🏼👌🏼

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

At the time, the KAPEX was on the list but I really couldn't justify the expense. They are, as you say, ideal for workshop situations due to the arrangement of their rails but a even the smaller KS60 costs 50% more than the DeWalt. All that said, I lived with this saw for over 3 years and did eventually replace it with the KS60 to get something with better dust collection and I didn't need the capacity as much as I thought I needed it. Anyway, thanks for watching.

[@TTT-Turbo]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop there is another 1 that has a hinge type system and the saw can go digital to a wall also. Possibly Bosch or Makita can't remember.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@TTT-Turbo Yes that's the Bosch Glide. I had considered that but almost all the reviews I saw suggested it's dust collection was not as good as Festool. And Makita make a forward facing rail saw now too. So there is plenty of choice.

[@TTT-Turbo]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop I have the Kapex on the stand but was looking for a small crass cut just to do the odd small job to save taking that out all the time. Tried the dewalt 18v saw and it was 💩💩💩💩 mitres were off a mile and blades just too wobbly and not accurate enough for me. Big upgrades needed with that 1. Possibly a heavier blade but that will kill batteries. I might even look for a 240v small radial arm saw. See what's out there. 👍🏼

[@the-elliott-day]

I still, to this day, cannot get the blade out! The lack of a spindle lock button, on nearly every other, non DeWalt mitre saw, is an insane oversight on the designers' practice. How'd you get your blade changed without breaking your hand or your back?!

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I do remember that putting the hex key in the hole at the back to be counter intuitive and hard work. It’s been a while since I had that saw. Still a good saw in every other respect.

[@the-elliott-day]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop the irony in posting this comment, then thinking, maybe I'll try it the other way, with the impact driver, and it came loose! It was just on factory-tight! It's a solid saw, but for my use, it's lacking features incidentally that are on the EVO. Thanks for getting back to me! 🪚👍🙂

[@mphys5370]

no matter how much I fiddle I struggle to get a square cut with the Evo saw :(

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Mine was far from perfect when cross cutting wide boards. Not a precise tool in my view.

[@cuebj]

Evo is a lower level tool at lower price with much lower quality control - you can get good ones or get unlucky. Good ones are good for rougher work, eg planters and framing. Had to return mine unused next day as badly assembled so unusable and not fixable - Screwfix very apologetic

[@pasinen]

No need to buy "non sliding" saw. You can buy saw that have sliding rails towards you. I have Ryobi EMS254L and it can cut 90 x 305mm and it's still really compact. Probably even more compact than that dewalt.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I saw that saw in Bunnings/Homebase in Milton Keynes in the UK. It looked really solid and had a go on the demonstration day. It was a touch choice between that and the DeWalt. My guess I'd be happy with either. Thanks for Watching.

[@Hitngan]

If you put a 90 bend on the hose

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Since making the video I've put a bend in the port and it's much easier to get the saw back against the wall.

[@judithrob1591]

Always buy a Slide Compound Mitre Saw with the handle in a line above the saw blade , and with softstart.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

If that's your preference then go for it.

[@sjfarrell2.03]

£580 at Machine Mart today! Urrgghh, no thanks. I bought the Evolution R255SMS and while isn't very well put together and the dust collection is nonexistent, it is £400 cheaper than the DeWalt.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I agree the saw is expensive compared to the evolution, dust collection is better but probably not enough to justify the price, and while it is a better design from a space perspective it's an expensive solution. Having had it for 2 years and used it every day I will admit to disliking it less than I disliked the evolution saw after the same amount of time. I was asked a question in a live stream I'd did where the saw was mentioned and admitted that I wish I'd waited a bit longer and bought the Bosch glide-thing or a Festool Kapex KS60. The evolution saw lives on though, I gave it to my brother who absolutely loves it. He's outside all day and works with pallet wood way more than I do. And I will admit to also owning a evolution CMS216 and a hand circular saw that I use for metals and pallets respectively. Anyway I appreciate your comment.

[@shaundell4630]

Maybe a gap in the market for a 45 bend connector?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

You're right. I've made a 90 degree bend which works well and sold a few on Etsy last year. The saw is a popular with tradespeople and I do wonder if, on site, some of the issues I've highlighted with the space needed, or dust collection are really a problem.

[@manny_f]

DeWalt missed so many opportunities with this tool. The search continues.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Good luck!

[@Z-add]

Doesn't have electronic brake. Too slow in stopping

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Yes that's true. It's a brushed motor and bloody noisy. As soon as I've saved-up, it's going,

[@N269]

Thank you for this review..... BUT this is the most unergonomic POS saw... why? I got one! Not square and can't do +/- 45 with a 90, yeah, does +47/-44/90.... DeWalt failed on this one. Handle is WRONG! should be horizontal, not vertical. Why I bought it???? Well, my mistake.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I've always been happy with mine and it's been reliable once I dialed in the cuts. I agree about its ergonomics. Anyway I've moved on now to greener pastures with mitre saws. And things are not great there.

[@kroozer5215]

people who designs these tools obviously never use them !

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Smaller workshops are probably at the top of toolmaker's list of priorities.

[@TFfan75]

Not a fan of the grip..

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks for the comment. A few have said they don't like the grip, it was fine at the time. I've now traded up to a Festool Kapex KS 60 which is worse in my opinion. Thanks for watching tho. K

[@TFfan75]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop I have Bosch right now, very happy with it. It has the horozantal grip. Maby it just a habit..

[@andrzejwolder9819]

U are wrony man😎

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

No idea what you mean.