How to Use the DeWalt DWS779 Miter Saw

The DeWalt DWS779 is a professional-grade 12-inch double bevel sliding compound miter saw designed for precision cutting of wood, wood products, and plastics. This guide will help Reforge members safely operate this powerful tool for crosscutting, beveling, and mitering projects.

Safety First

⚠️ CRITICAL: The saw power, vacuum, and light are ALL controlled by the yellow paddle switch. Know where this switch is at all times before operating the saw.

Always wear eye protection and hearing protection when operating the DWS779
Keep hands and body away from the blade path at all times
Never reach behind the saw blade while it’s running
Always wait for the blade to come to a complete stop before removing material or making adjustments
Use the material clamp provided for pieces smaller than 4 inches from the blade
Never lock or tape the trigger switch in the ON position
Ensure the saw is firmly mounted to a stable work surface before use
Keep the work area clear of bystanders

Equipment Overview

The DWS779 features a powerful 15-amp, 120-volt motor capable of 3800 RPM with an automatic electric brake that stops the blade within 5 seconds of releasing the trigger. The saw includes a 12-inch carbide-toothed blade and comes equipped with a dust bag for collection, material clamps, base extensions, and a blade wrench.

Key Specifications:

Motor: 15-Amp, 120V AC, 3800 RPM
Blade: 12-inch (305mm) diameter carbide-tooth crosscut blade
Maximum Crosscut Capacity: 2×8 at 90 degrees, 2×6 at 45 degrees
Bevel Range: 0 to 45 degrees (both left and right)
Miter Range: 0 to 50 degrees (left and right)
Automatic Electric Brake: Stops blade within 5 seconds

Getting Started: Pre-Operation Checklist

Before you begin cutting, complete this important checklist:

Verify the saw is unplugged before making any adjustments
Inspect the blade for damage, dull edges, or debris buildup
Ensure the blade is mounted correctly with teeth pointing downward and in the cutting direction
Check that all guards are in place and moving freely
Confirm the miter and bevel angles are set correctly for your cut
Clear the work surface of any obstructions
Attach the dust bag securely to the dust collection port
Have a clear path to the emergency stop (yellow paddle switch)

Making Your First Cut

Step 1: Position Your Workpiece

Place your material firmly against the fence and table. For smaller pieces, use the material clamp provided to keep the piece stable. Make sure your hands are at least 4 inches away from where the blade will cut.

Step 2: Power On and Warm Up

Press the yellow paddle switch to turn on the saw. Allow the blade to spin up to full speed for about 1 second before beginning your cut. The blade must reach full operating speed before cutting to ensure clean, accurate cuts.

Step 3: Lower and Cut

For basic crosscuts (rail lock knob tightened), smoothly and slowly lower the handle to cut through the material. Do not force the blade—let it do the work. Allow the blade to reach full speed before beginning the cutting motion.

Step 4: Complete the Cut and Stop

After completing your cut, release the yellow paddle switch immediately. Raise the saw arm smoothly and wait for the automatic electric brake to bring the blade to a complete stop (within 5 seconds) before removing your material. Never reach toward the blade while it’s still spinning.

Understanding the Controls

The Yellow Paddle Switch

This single yellow paddle controls three critical functions: power to the motor, the dust collection vacuum, and the LED work light. Press to activate all three; release to deactivate. Always know its location before operating the saw.

Trigger Switch

Squeeze the trigger to turn the saw on. The blade will begin spinning. Release the trigger to turn the saw off, and the automatic brake will engage to stop the blade quickly.

Miter Lock Handle (Control J)

Unlock the miter lock handle to adjust the miter angle. The saw can miter from 0 to 50 degrees both left and right. Lock it securely before making any cuts.

Bevel Lock Knob (Control I)

Loosen the bevel lock knob to adjust the bevel angle from 0 to 45 degrees. Use the bevel pointer and scale for accuracy. The saw includes convenient 45-degree bevel stops on both sides for quick setup.

Rail Lock Knob

When the rail lock knob is tightened, the sliding feature is locked, allowing for basic vertical crosscuts. When loosened, the saw can slide in and out on the rails, enabling the “out-down-back” cutting motion for larger workpieces.

Advanced Cutting Techniques

Sliding Cuts (Out-Down-Back Motion)

For material larger than a 2×8 (51x203mm), use the out-down-back motion with the rail lock knob loosened. Pull the saw out toward you, lower it onto the workpiece, then slowly push it back to complete the cut. This technique provides extended cutting capacity while maintaining control.

Mitered Cuts

To make mitered cuts for joining boards at angles: Unlock the miter lock handle, rotate the miter arm to your desired angle (typically 45 degrees for corners), and lock it in place. Keep the workpiece firmly against the fence during the cut.

Beveled Cuts

Loosen the bevel lock knob and tilt the saw head to your desired bevel angle. The DWS779 can bevel from 0 to 45 degrees in both directions. Use the convenient 45-degree stops for precise angle setup.

Crown Molding and Compound Cuts

The DWS779 double bevel feature allows you to make compound cuts by combining miter and bevel angles without repositioning the workpiece. This is especially useful for crown molding installation. Position the molding as it will appear on the wall and make your cuts accordingly.

Maintenance and Care

Regular Maintenance

Clean the saw blade regularly with a brush to remove sawdust and pitch buildup
Use oven cleaner to remove resin or stubborn debris from the blade (let sit 30 minutes, then wipe clean)
Keep the fence tracks clear by brushing out accumulated sawdust
Check that guards move freely and aren’t jammed with debris
Inspect carbon brushes regularly for wear (they should be replaced when worn to approximately 1/2 inch)
Keep the handle and all switches clean and dry

Blade Replacement

Unplug the saw from the electrical outlet
Lock the spindle using the spindle lock button
Use the provided blade wrench to loosen the blade nut counterclockwise
Remove the old blade carefully
Position the new blade with teeth pointing downward and in the cutting direction
Replace the blade nut and tighten securely with the wrench
Release the spindle lock
Plug the saw back in and verify proper blade rotation

Troubleshooting Guide

Saw Won’t Start

Check that the saw is plugged in and the outlet has power
Verify the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped
Inspect the power cord for damage
Check carbon brushes for excessive wear

Blade Doesn’t Reach Full Speed

Verify voltage is not more than 10 percent below rated voltage (120V)
Check for dull blade and replace if necessary
Remove and clean pitch buildup from the blade

Unsatisfactory Cuts (Rough or Inaccurate)

Verify the blade is sharp and appropriate for the material
Check that the blade is mounted correctly with teeth pointing downward
Clean pitch and debris from the blade
Confirm the blade is not loose (tighten blade nut)
Ensure workpiece is firmly clamped against fence and table

Excessive Vibration

Check that the saw is securely mounted to the work surface
Verify the blade is balanced and not bent
Confirm the blade is tightened securely with the blade nut
Look for loose components or worn bearings

Reference Materials

Official Documentation:

YouTube Tutorial Videos:

DeWalt DWS779 Tutorial Videos – Search for beginner and advanced techniques
Basic Miter Saw Cutting Techniques
Crown Molding with Miter Saw
Compound Cutting Techniques

Related Topics:

Blade selection for different materials (wood, plastic, composites)
Safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE)
Dust collection and shop air quality
Common joinery techniques using a miter saw

Questions or Need Help?

If you have questions about operating the DeWalt DWS779 at Reforge Charleston, please reach out to a staff member or certified instructor before your first use. Safety is our priority, and we’re here to help you succeed with your projects!

Last Updated: November 2025

How to Use the DeWalt DWS779 Miter Saw