DEWALT DW718 Heavy-Duty 15 Amp 12-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

As with it little siblings, the DW716 and DW715, the feature at the top of our list is the fantastic miter detent override, allowing you to compensate for a world that just isn’t square all the time. Normally, setting a 44.7-degree miter would leave you with a fight on your hands with regular detents, because of that annoying tendency saws have to snap in when you get too close. But with the integrated override, you can cut as close to a detent as you need to without slipping in. The 718 miters 60 degrees to the left and 50 degrees to the right, with 10 zero-play detents, and all dead-on accurate. Of course, we like the miter cam lever, too, a great improvement over the old turnscrew knob.

The tall sliding fence has a machined support that promises nothing but the ultimate long-term accuracy. We like the extra height because it supports crown molding beautifully, even up to 6-5/8 inches nested, and base molding up to 6-1/2 inches vertically. Need a bevel cut? The fence slides neatly out of the way for bevels, anywhere from 0 to 48 degrees both left and right. (If you’re in the market for this much power but just a single bevel, check out the DeWalt715 saw. A close second to this saw, without the slide, is available in the DW716 model.)

There are absolutely no complaints from this motor no matter what you’re cross-cutting, as it’s drawing 15 beefy amps and has a max rpm of 3,600, slicing through 2-by oak like it’s paper. What we found extremely impressive is the saw’s ability to crosscut a 2 x 16 just by adding an auxiliary base to bring the stock up to level with the back fence. At a 45-degree miter, you’re still able to cross-cut a 2 x 12.

If portability is a factor, understand that the slide function adds a little weight, so this saw tips the scales at 53 pounds, nine pounds more than the next model down from this. Still, easy-on-the-body handles built into the base offer a nice, wide, secure grip. This is more saw than most do-it-yourselfers need, but it’s a contractor’s dream. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Amazon.com Product Description
The DW718 takes cut capacity to the next level. The innovative back fence design delivers cut capacity up to 2 x 16 at 90 degrees and will cut up to 6-1/2 base molding when standing vertically against the fence. The DW718 is powered by a 15 amp motor and comes equipped with a 12-inch carbide blade which spins at 3,600 rpm. The extra tall fences and double bevel feature deliver unmatched performance. The DW718 incorporates an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops for the most common miter cuts. The cam lock miter handle eliminates the need to twist the miter handle to lock in on the miter angle and delivers a quick and solid miter lock. The saw features a miter detent override which allows the user to override the miter stops and adjust to the miter setting desired without the saw slipping into the miter detents. The innovative machined base fence design delivers long term fence straightness by providing additional support to the fence. The DW718 is designed to accept the DW7187 DEWALT Adjustable Miter Saw Laser System (SOLD SEPERATELY, NOT INCLUDED) which delivers visibility to the cut path. The saw can be beveled to the left 0 degrees - 48 degrees and to the right 0 degrees - 48 degrees with positive stops at 0 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 33.9 degrees and 45 degrees. Weighing in at 53 pounds and equipped with dual horizontal rails, the DW718 is designed to be compact and portable.

Technical Details

• Powerful 15 Amp, 3,600 rpm motor provides extended power and durability
• Tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 6-5/8 inches nested and base molding up to 6-1/2 inches vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts
• Miters 60 degrees to the left and 50 degrees to the right provide increased capacity
• Compact, lightweight design (53 pounds) allows for easy transport and storage
• Designed for use with the DW7187 DEWALT Adjustable Miter Saw Laser System which delivers visibility of the cutting path