Best Compound Miter Saw: DEWALT DW717 Review
Note: This is a review, click here to visit the DEWALT DW717 site.
I replaced my 20-year old Delta Miter Saw with the DeWalt 717. I had planned on purchasing the Bosch 10" slider, but after analyzing and fretting and then testing the new DW717, decided for the money, the DW717 was the best saw for our shop.
Out of the box the saw was setup pretty well, not perfect. It took a whopping five minutes to set up and test the 0 deg, 45L deg, and 45R deg settings. I read the instructions but did not follow them. I think my method was faster and turned out to be highly effective. I loosed the screws that attached the miter scale, then loosened the miter lock and override. I then moved the carriage to set the blade to 90 degrees. I then locked down the miter lock and override, moved the miter scale to line up the indicator to 0 degrees, and tightened the miter scale screws. Made a couple of test cuts in a sheet of MDF (12" wide) to verify that the saw was cutting accurately, and it was. Tested miters at 45L and 45R, and found them to be accurate as well.
The included blade works surprisingly well. I run Forrest and Ridge Tool (In Line Industries) cross-cut blades in my saws, but ordered a Freud LU91M010 blade for the DW717 and will install it soon for our cabinet-making activities. But for construction work and trim carpentry, I would not hesitate to use the standard blade.
The slider action seemed a bit rough but after closer examination of its competitors, there is little or no difference. They all slide a bit rough, even the Makita.
One of the highlights of the DW717 is the fence system. The fences are taller and have greater adjustability and versatility that most if not all previous generation saws. I say previous generation, because the DW717 is one of the newer designs among 10" sliders.
The cutting depth and cross-cut specs are also greater than most 10" saws. A 12" saw provides greater specs in this regard, but I don't like paying $$$$$ for 12" blades, and they tend to flex more in this context.
In regards to head deflection, the DW717 head deflects no more than any of the others when forcing the issue (not cutting, just pushing left or right). However, in use, when done correctly, there is zero deflection.
Though it will not completely cut through a 6 x 6, we tried it and the power seemed to be more than adequate. Since my work is typically cabinetmaker oriented, I generally do not work with construction lumber and thus its specs are perfect for me.
The DEWALT DW717 is on sale now at Amazon – Click Here for Lowest Price!
Regarding lack of a laser... I know I can add one at any time for $60 or so. I preferred to have a newer gen saw with the DW717 features than a stock laser that may or may not be effective. Frankly, most slider users with lasers find them less than ideal. So why bother.
On the negative...
1. The DW717, like most sliders, does not include zero clearance inserts. I will find or manufacture them.
2. I hate yellow, but evidently the saw is made in the USA, which is good.
3. Table could be a bit wider, but it offers a better platform that most sliders (Makita is better in this regard).
4. Dust collection leaves a lot to be desired. Until I add a DC drop, I am using a Fein vac with the saw and still at least 50% of the dust ends up on the bench, the saw, and/or my lungs. Okay, I realize this is a common problem, but c'mon manufacturers let's take some time to get this right. +1 for Festool.
5. It's probably just me, but I have yet to figure out the method for doing dados (grooves) at a consistent depth. Sure it's possible, but the depth mechanism is not designed as I would design it...
In Summary....
I had a $50 Home Depot gift card and thus was tempted to purchase the Makita 10" slider which was on sale for $399. Everyone knows the Makita is a great saw, with a great blade, laser, wide table, smooth slider, etc. However, I still purchased the DW717. Why? First of all, quality control at Makita, Hitachi, and Bosch is dropping like lead rocks. Read the reviews, try the saws. Even though I am very picky when it comes to tools, I could make any of them function perfectly well. But, where there is smoke there is fire, and so with an open mind I tried the DW717 and basically fell in love with its features, especially the great fence. It is simple to setup, erognomic to use, and very accurate. Plus, for those who take their saws to the worksite, the DW717 seems lighter or at least better balanced to carry than the competitors. Other than better dust collection and an improved depth mechanism for dados, I am not sure I would change a thing.
Now, where is the spray paint, I hate yellow tools....
Check out the lowest price on the DEWALT DW717 at Amazon – Click Here.
We'll start
I replaced my 20-year old Delta Miter Saw with the DeWalt 717. I had planned on purchasing the Bosch 10" slider, but after analyzing and fretting and then testing the new DW717, decided for the money, the DW717 was the best saw for our shop.
Out of the box the saw was setup pretty well, not perfect. It took a whopping five minutes to set up and test the 0 deg, 45L deg, and 45R deg settings. I read the instructions but did not follow them. I think my method was faster and turned out to be highly effective. I loosed the screws that attached the miter scale, then loosened the miter lock and override. I then moved the carriage to set the blade to 90 degrees. I then locked down the miter lock and override, moved the miter scale to line up the indicator to 0 degrees, and tightened the miter scale screws. Made a couple of test cuts in a sheet of MDF (12" wide) to verify that the saw was cutting accurately, and it was. Tested miters at 45L and 45R, and found them to be accurate as well.
The included blade works surprisingly well. I run Forrest and Ridge Tool (In Line Industries) cross-cut blades in my saws, but ordered a Freud LU91M010 blade for the DW717 and will install it soon for our cabinet-making activities. But for construction work and trim carpentry, I would not hesitate to use the standard blade.
The slider action seemed a bit rough but after closer examination of its competitors, there is little or no difference. They all slide a bit rough, even the Makita.
One of the highlights of the DW717 is the fence system. The fences are taller and have greater adjustability and versatility that most if not all previous generation saws. I say previous generation, because the DW717 is one of the newer designs among 10" sliders.
The cutting depth and cross-cut specs are also greater than most 10" saws. A 12" saw provides greater specs in this regard, but I don't like paying $$$$$ for 12" blades, and they tend to flex more in this context.
In regards to head deflection, the DW717 head deflects no more than any of the others when forcing the issue (not cutting, just pushing left or right). However, in use, when done correctly, there is zero deflection.
Though it will not completely cut through a 6 x 6, we tried it and the power seemed to be more than adequate. Since my work is typically cabinetmaker oriented, I generally do not work with construction lumber and thus its specs are perfect for me.
The DEWALT DW717 is on sale now at Amazon – Click Here for Lowest Price!
Regarding lack of a laser... I know I can add one at any time for $60 or so. I preferred to have a newer gen saw with the DW717 features than a stock laser that may or may not be effective. Frankly, most slider users with lasers find them less than ideal. So why bother.
On the negative...
1. The DW717, like most sliders, does not include zero clearance inserts. I will find or manufacture them.
2. I hate yellow, but evidently the saw is made in the USA, which is good.
3. Table could be a bit wider, but it offers a better platform that most sliders (Makita is better in this regard).
4. Dust collection leaves a lot to be desired. Until I add a DC drop, I am using a Fein vac with the saw and still at least 50% of the dust ends up on the bench, the saw, and/or my lungs. Okay, I realize this is a common problem, but c'mon manufacturers let's take some time to get this right. +1 for Festool.
5. It's probably just me, but I have yet to figure out the method for doing dados (grooves) at a consistent depth. Sure it's possible, but the depth mechanism is not designed as I would design it...
In Summary....
I had a $50 Home Depot gift card and thus was tempted to purchase the Makita 10" slider which was on sale for $399. Everyone knows the Makita is a great saw, with a great blade, laser, wide table, smooth slider, etc. However, I still purchased the DW717. Why? First of all, quality control at Makita, Hitachi, and Bosch is dropping like lead rocks. Read the reviews, try the saws. Even though I am very picky when it comes to tools, I could make any of them function perfectly well. But, where there is smoke there is fire, and so with an open mind I tried the DW717 and basically fell in love with its features, especially the great fence. It is simple to setup, erognomic to use, and very accurate. Plus, for those who take their saws to the worksite, the DW717 seems lighter or at least better balanced to carry than the competitors. Other than better dust collection and an improved depth mechanism for dados, I am not sure I would change a thing.
Now, where is the spray paint, I hate yellow tools....
Check out the lowest price on the DEWALT DW717 at Amazon – Click Here.
We'll start