DeWalt DWS779 vs DWS780: My Clear, Calm Guide

People ask me about these two saws all the time. They look almost the same on the shelf. But once you use them, the differences show up fast. I learned this while working in hot Florida garages and cold shops in the Midwest.

Each saw is great. But each one fits a different type of user. This guide shares what I see every day. It will help you pick the right saw the first time.

What Are the Main Differences Between the DeWalt DWS779 and DWS780?

When I first compared the DWS779 and the DWS780, I thought I would see big changes in power. But that was not true. Both saws use the same motor, the same rails, and the same frame. The real change is in how they help you work.
The DWS780 adds the XPS shadow light, a nicer blade, and a lighter body. Many people miss this when they shop online. The key point is simple. The DWS780 feels easier to use, not stronger.

Quick Comparison Table (Specs, Features, Price)

When you place the two saws side by side, most specs match. Here is what stood out to me in real use:

• Both use a 15-amp motor with 3,800 RPM.
• Both have the same rails, bevel stops, and miter range.
• The DWS779 weighs about 70 lbs and comes with a basic 32T blade.
• The DWS780 weighs about 56 lbs and includes the XPS light and a 60T blade.
• Price sits near $399 for the DWS779 and $599 for the DWS780 in the U.S.
• Both were inside the 2019–2022 recall group.

The point is clear. The numbers look the same, but the small features change the way each saw feels in daily work.

Why These Differences Matter for Real U.S. Workflows

These changes show up the moment you move the saw. A light saw helps when you climb stairs or shift between rooms. The DWS780 also saves time on trim because the XPS light shows the cut line with no guesswork.
The better blade gives clean cuts on day one. The key point is that these small updates save time. That matters on any U.S. job site.

Do the DWS779 and DWS780 Cut the Same?

Many people think the DWS780 is “stronger.” But that is not true. Both saws cut the same because the main parts match. Same motor. Same rails. Same angles.

I ran both on framing lumber and hardwood trim. The cuts felt the same. The only change is how fast you set up the cut. The key point is that cut power and cut quality match on both saws.

Motor: Same 15-Amp Power and 3,800 RPM

I pushed both saws through 2x lumber, poplar trim, and even oak. I never felt a change in strength. Both run at 3,800 RPM with no load. So the motor work is the same.

Cutting Capacity: 14″ Crosscuts and 7.75″ Crown

If you cut baseboard, crown, or wide shelves, both saws reach the same size. I used both in U.S. remodels. They handled the same wood with the same smooth feel. The point is that capacity is equal across both models.

Accuracy and Factory Calibration

Each saw uses the same detent plate and the same bevel design. The accuracy felt the same out of the box. I still square each new saw before real work. Humid days can shift things a bit. I saw this in shops near the Gulf.
The takeaway is simple. Accuracy is the same, but both saws still need a quick check before heavy use.

What Is the XPS Light and Why Does It Matter?

The XPS light on the DWS780 is the one feature that changes how you work. It does not use a laser. It makes a shadow of the blade on the wood. That shadow shows the exact cut line.
No tuning. No drift. I used it in bright shops and dark basements. It stayed clear each time. The key point is that the XPS light cuts setup time and helps you see the line fast.

Why Pros Prefer the XPS System Over Lasers

Every pro I know says the same thing. Lasers drift. The XPS shadow does not drift. It shows the true blade width. It works with any blade. It works indoors and outdoors.
So the XPS light gives better and more steady line control than a laser.

But Do You Need XPS?

Not all users need it. If you do rough framing or simple cuts, the DWS779 works fine. But if you do trim, floors, or any close work, the XPS light helps a lot.
The takeaway is clear. The XPS light is not a must. But it saves time if you need neat lines.

How Much Does Weight Matter for Daily Use?

The weight gap between the DWS779 and the DWS780 surprised me. On paper, 14 pounds does not look like much. But once you move these saws through real homes, the weight hits fast. Stairs make it worse. Tight rooms make it worse too.

The DWS780 feels easier to lift and shift during a long day. In a fixed shop, the weight does not matter because the saw stays put. The key point is simple. Weight matters only if you move the saw a lot.

Mobile Contractor Use Case

When I carried these saws through homes, the lighter body helped right away. Stairs felt easier with the DWS780. Moving from room to room took less effort.

I used it on a second-floor remodel, and the light frame saved my back. So the lighter saw is a clear win if you move it all day.

Stationary Workshop Use Case

In my own workshop, the weight never mattered. The saw sits on a stand. A dust hose stays in place. I walk up, cut, and move on.

Nothing shifts. In this setup, the heavier DWS779 works fine because it does not travel. So if you keep the saw in one spot, the extra weight does not hurt you.

Do Both Saws Have the Same Sliding Smoothness?

Yes. Both saws slide the same in real use. They share the same rails and the same bearings. Any change I felt came from dust, heat, cold, or grease.

I saw this in humid Florida shops and in cold Midwest garages where grease gets stiff. The key point is that slide issues come from the environment, not the saw.

Real-World Slide Behavior

Rails get sticky on humid days in Florida. In cold weather, grease turns thick and slows the slide. In dusty areas like some Arizona shops, fine dust builds up fast.

These small things change how the saw feels. So the room you work in affects the slide more than the model does.

Quick Slide Fix Checklist

Here are the steps I use when the slide feels off:

• Unlock the rail knob.
• Wipe the rails with mineral spirits.
• Use a PTFE dry lube.
• Check the fence for rub.
• Do not use oil-based lube.

This quick list keeps both saws smooth.

Is the DWS780 Worth the $200 More?

For me, it depends on your work style. If you move a lot, cut trim each day, or work in homes, the DWS780 pays off fast.

The XPS light saves time. The lighter frame saves your back. The better blade helps right away.

But if you stay in one shop and want to save money, the DWS779 cuts the same wood for much less. The key point is that your workflow picks the right saw.

Best Pick for Mobile Pros

When I used the DWS780 on trim jobs, the setup felt fast. The line stayed clear. Carrying it took less work.

The nicer blade also kept cuts clean. So the DWS780 is the best pick for pros who move all day.

Best Pick for Hobbyists / DIYers

When I used the DWS779 in my shop, it acted just like the DWS780. Same power. Same accuracy. Same reach.

And the lower price helped my budget. So the DWS779 is the best pick if you work at home and want strong value.

Can You Upgrade a DWS779 Into a DWS780?

Yes. You can upgrade a DWS779 to feel close to a DWS780. I have done it more than once, and it works well. The core saws match, so small changes make a big jump.

The XPS kit and a better blade give the biggest upgrade. You cannot fix the weight or the hardware, but the daily use feels much better. The key point is simple. Upgrades bring the DWS779 very close for far less money.

Common Upgrade Path

Here are the upgrades I added to my own DWS779 setups:

• XPS light kit ($60–$100)
• 60T finish blade ($40–$60)
• Total cost near $510 vs $599 for a DWS780

These two upgrades make the saw much easier to use. Trim work feels faster and cleaner. So this path gives you most of the DWS780 feel.

Limitations of the Upgrade

Upgrades help, but some things do not change:

• The saw still weighs 70 lbs
• The XPS kit may raise warranty questions
• Detent parts stay the same

These limits matter only if you need a light frame or factory-ready parts. So the upgrades boost performance but cannot change the core build.

Are There Safety or Recall Differences Between the DWS779 and DWS780?

Both saws share the same recall record. The rear guard recall from 2019–2022 hit the DWS779, the DWS780, and even the DHS790.

I have seen both recalled types on used-tool markets in the U.S. So it is smart to check before you buy. Many units came back with metal guards, which helps with safety.

The key point is clear. Both saws share the same recall window and need the same safety check.

How to Check Recall Status

Here is the fast way I check recall status:

• Look at the date code on the motor cap
• Recall range: 2019 04 → 2022 04
• Green or black dots mean checked or fixed
• Contact the DeWalt recall team if you are not sure

This check takes under a minute. It keeps you safe from a bad guard. So always check the code before you use the saw.

What Do Real Users Say About the DWS779 and DWS780?

Across job sites and online groups, the feedback matches what I see in real work. Both saws get praise for long life and steady cuts.

The DWS780 gets love from trim pros because of the XPS light and light frame. The DWS779 gets praise from users who want strong cuts for less money.

The key point is that both saws have great names but serve different needs.

Pros and Cons from Job Sites

DWS780 Pros:

• XPS light
• Light frame
• Better stock blade

DWS779 Pros:

• Best price for a 12″ slider
• Same cuts and accuracy
• Easy and cheap upgrades

These notes match what I hear from U.S. contractors each week. So the pattern is clear: the DWS780 gives more ease, and the DWS779 gives more value.

Which Saw Should You Buy?

Here is the simple answer. Pick the DWS780 if you move a lot or cut trim each day. The light frame and the XPS light make each job easier.

Pick the DWS779 if your saw stays in one workshop. It gives the same cut and the same power for much less money.

The key point is that your work style, not the saw’s motor, picks the best model.

Best Pick by User Type

Mobile Contractor: DWS780

When I carried these saws through real homes, the light body helped right away. Stairs and tight rooms felt easier. So this model fits pros who move all day.

Finish Carpenter: DWS780

On trim work, the XPS light saved time. I could see the line in bright rooms and dark basements. So trim pros get the most from this feature.

Workshop Hobbyist: DWS779 + XPS Kit

In my shop, the DWS779 felt just like the DWS780. It sat on a stand and stayed put. After I added the XPS kit, the cut line looked clean. So this setup gives value and comfort at a low price.

Budget DIYer: DWS779

If you want strong cuts for less money, this is the pick. Same reach. Same accuracy. Same power. So budget users get the most value here.

Overall, the best choice comes down to movement and workflow, not cutting strength.

Final Take — DWS779 vs. DWS780

Both saws are great. They share the same core frame, the same motor, and the same cut depth.

The DWS780 gives more comfort and speed. The DWS779 gives big savings with no loss in cut quality.

Your choice comes down to how much you move, how much you want to spend, and how often you cut trim.

The key point is that both saws are solid picks for long-term use.

One-Sentence Verdict

DWS780 = more ease and speed; DWS779 = best value for the same cut.

FAQs – DeWalt DWS779 vs DWS780