DeWalt DWS779 vs Makita LS1019L: 12-Inch Miter Saws Compared
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A 12-inch sliding miter saw is the centerpiece of any trim carpentry setup. The DeWalt DWS779 has been the default recommendation for years. The Makita LS1019L showed up with a direct-drive motor and a smaller footprint. Both crosscut a 2x14 in one pass. The question is which one fits your shop and your workflow better.
Quick Verdict
Different saws for different shops. The DeWalt DWS779 gives you more crosscut capacity and dual bevel for $130 less. It's the right saw for framing, deck work, and cutting wide trim. The Makita LS1019L is lighter, quieter, and picks up its own dust. Trim carpenters who work inside finished rooms and can live with 12-inch crosscuts will appreciate the LS1019L's refinement.
16-inch crosscut and 7-1/2 inch nested crown capacity. The 10-inch Makita can't match this.
12 lb lighter and doesn't need rear clearance. One person can carry it and set up in tight spaces.
85%+ dust capture means less cleanup and fewer complaints from the homeowner.
$399 for a dual-bevel 12-inch slider is hard to beat. Saves you $130 for blades and accessories.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | DeWalt DWS779 | Makita LS1019L |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Size | 12 in | 10 in |
| Crosscut Capacity (90 deg) | 16 in (nested crown: 7-1/2 in) | 12 in (nested crown: 5-1/4 in) |
| Bevel Range | 0 to 49 degrees (left and right) | 0 to 48 degrees (left), 0 to 2 degrees (right) |
| Miter Range | 0 to 60 degrees (left), 0 to 50 degrees (right) | 0 to 60 degrees (left), 0 to 60 degrees (right) |
| No-Load Speed | 3,800 RPM | 4,300 RPM |
| Weight | 56 lb | 43.7 lb |
| Motor Type | 15 Amp belt-drive | 15 Amp direct-drive |
| Dust Collection | Rear dust bag | Front-positioned dust port |
DeWalt DWS779
Price: $399 (Home Depot)
Pros
- 16-inch crosscut capacity handles 2x14 lumber and wide crown molding
- Dual-bevel 49 degrees both directions eliminates flipping your workpiece
- $100+ cheaper than the Makita at the same crosscut capacity
Cons
- 56 lb makes it a two-person lift onto a miter saw stand
- Rear-slide mechanism needs 12+ inches of clearance behind the saw
- Dust collection captures maybe 60% of chips, the rest goes everywhere
Makita LS1019L
Price: $529 (Amazon)
Pros
- Direct-drive motor means zero belt maintenance and less vibration
- 43.7 lb is manageable for one person with a decent miter stand
- Front-positioned dust port captures 85%+ of chips with a shop vac
Cons
- 10-inch blade caps crosscut at 12 inches, no good for wide boards
- Single bevel (left only) means you flip stock for right-side bevels
- $529 is steep when the DeWalt does more for $399
Best For
Wide crown molding and baseboards
DeWalt DWS779
16-inch crosscut and 7-1/2 inch nested crown capacity. The 10-inch Makita can't match this.
Jobsite portability
Makita LS1019L
12 lb lighter and doesn't need rear clearance. One person can carry it and set up in tight spaces.
Interior trim in finished rooms
Makita LS1019L
85%+ dust capture means less cleanup and fewer complaints from the homeowner.
Budget-conscious shop build
DeWalt DWS779
$399 for a dual-bevel 12-inch slider is hard to beat. Saves you $130 for blades and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I buy a 10-inch saw over a 12-inch?
Weight, dust collection, and cut quality. 10-inch blades cost less, produce a thinner kerf, and spin faster for smoother cuts. If your work doesn't need more than 12 inches of crosscut, the 10-inch is the better tool.
Can the DWS779 be placed against a wall?
Not without modification. The rear-slide mechanism extends 12+ inches behind the saw at full travel. You need to pull the saw away from the wall or use it on a stand. The Makita's dual-rail system keeps the head inline, so it can sit inches from a wall.
Do I need a miter saw stand?
For the DeWalt at 56 lb, strongly recommended. For the Makita at 43.7 lb, a dedicated stand helps but you can get by with a pair of sawhorses and a flat board. Both saws bolt to standard miter saw stands.