Keep going, keep going…not much to see here. That's the obvious mantra of the DeWALT DW718 Sliding Dual Miter Saw. It was like DeWalt wanted us to go and see the game. We tried really hard to find something new or innovative about the rugged DeWalt DW718 Miter Saw, but aside from its excellent build quality, nothing caught our attention.
Basic Features of Power Saw
Miter adjustment is the same as on its entry-level model—almost painful compared to more refined systems like the Ridgid MS1290LZA Miter Saw or the Bosch 4310 Dual-Bevel Slide Miter Saw with Front Control.
Once in the correct position, the locking lever on the DeWalt DW718 maintains the miter angle. The tension of this control (which in our experience tends to drift over time) is adjusted from below the saw. The bevels are all but covered up, and the very small digital readout is almost hidden under the rear brake pad. From the normal operating position, we found them difficult to see. You may find yourself twisting to set the correct angle.
Editor's note: Check out the new DeWalt DWS780 12″ Compound Sliding Miter Saw review for some truly upgraded features and capabilities.
The saw has a smoked blade guard to cover cuts and the DW7187 laser system is an optional accessory. You can further maximize your power by using a quality saw blade – check out our Thin Cut Miter Saw Blade Wars to see which brands we think are the best.
The DeWalt DW718 still has solid cut quality
Cut quality remains consistent with the DeWalt DW718 Miter Saw. This 12-inch miter saw can cut 2×16 wood just by using short fences. You remove the normal fence and put the wood on the 2x platform to elevate it so it connects with the rear fence.
The miter saw also extends 60 degrees to the left and 50 degrees to the right, giving it a wide range of motion. The +/- 48 degree bevel also allows you to make most cuts without turning the wood over.
in conclusion
Don't get us wrong, this 15 amp 3600 RPM saw is still a solid performer. It's a really powerful force with a lot of license. And, it's sure to get the job done on your job site. It's just not that innovative — and competition is starting to heat up in this segment of the market. DeWalt has yet to tweak the line to meet growing consumer expectations.
One final positive note: This is one of the lightest 12-inch sliding compound miter saws on the planet—it only weighs 53 pounds. With the DW718 out of circulation, check out the similar DCS361, which retails for about $379 in the kit. You can also find a DHS790 FlexVolt model kit for $799.