DEWALT Miter Saw, Double-Bevel, Compound, 12-Inch, 15-Amp (DWS716): Our Hands-On Review

If you’re searching for a reliable, powerful, and long-lasting miter saw, you likely know the DEWALT name. After putting the DEWALT Miter Saw, Double-Bevel, Compound, 12-Inch, 15-Amp (DWS716) through its paces in our workshop, we’re excited to share our insights. Below we explore everything that impressed us about the saw, from its precision cuts to its user-friendly features, so you can get a full picture of why this tool could be the best addition to your collection.

Why the DEWALT DWS716 Deserves Your Attention

When we first unboxed this miter saw, the robust construction was evident right away. DEWALT has a reputation for blending durability with performance, and the DWS716 exemplifies both. Here are some vital details we noticed even before making our first cut:

• The rugged all-metal construction gives this saw a stable feel.
• The generous cutting capacity allows for a variety of woodworking needs, from framing to crown molding.
• A double-bevel design that eases the process of angled cuts on both sides without having to flip the workpiece.

We’ve reviewed several miter saws over the years, and the DWS716 felt extremely solid. The stability and overall build quality made a strong first impression—one that held up through extensive testing.

Key Specs and First Impression

From its 12-inch blade diameter to its robust 15-amp motor, the DEWALT DWS716 is built to tackle a variety of tasks. We found that the saw’s power was more than sufficient during our hands-on testing, allowing us to make clean crosscuts and miters in everything from soft pine to hardwoods like oak and maple. Key specs include:

• 12-inch blade: Large enough for wide crosscuts and precise molding work.
• 15-amp motor: Delivers ample power to handle varied wood densities.
• 3,800 RPM no-load speed: Helps create smooth, efficient cuts.
• Tall sliding fences: Supports larger crown molding and base molding cuts.

Hands-On Cutting Experience

We tested the DWS716 in our workshop on hardwood boards, pine studs, and even composite decking to gauge its performance. Here’s what stood out:

Ease of Setup

Some miter saws can be a pain to set up correctly, undermining any user-friendly features. Not here. Straight out of the box, the saw was nearly aligned. We did a quick check with a speed square for accuracy, made a few micro-adjustments, and were good to go. The instructions were straightforward, and we appreciated that DEWALT took care to protect the saw in transit, so there was no dealing with bent rails or wobbly stands.

Precision and Accuracy

A big part of our testing involved cutting different angles in hardwood, double-checking accuracy with a digital angle gauge. The saw’s locking detent plate was crisp, ensuring our miter angles aligned perfectly, no matter if we were making 90° crosscuts or more elaborate angles. The double-bevel capability allowed us to create mirrored angles by simply flipping the blade’s tilt rather than flipping the entire piece. This not only saved time but also improved overall accuracy since the workpiece stayed stable on the saw table.

Bevel and Miter Adjustments

For advanced woodworking projects, the ability to make quick, accurate bevel and miter adjustments is crucial. The DEWALT DWS716 includes highly visible miter and bevel scales that made setting angles a breeze. We especially liked the large bevel scale on the side, which helped us fine-tune complicated cuts. The tall fence design was a further bonus. It supported vertical molding pieces impeccably and made those intricate crown molding cuts more straightforward.

Cut Quality

The blade that comes with the saw is a DEWALT 12-inch 60-tooth crosscutting blade that gave us smooth, clean edges on hardwood and softwood alike. For extremely fine woodworking or finish carpentry, you might eventually upgrade to a higher-tooth finish blade. But we were pleased with how refined the stock blade performed on typical lumber. No major tear-out or burning, and the saw’s power definitely helped with speed and consistency.

Designed for Professional and DIY Use

Our workshop is a mix of pro tools and home-improvement essentials, so we’re constantly assessing whether a particular product can handle daily professional demands as well as occasional weekend DIY projects. With the DWS716, we concluded:

• If you’re a professional contractor, the saw’s durability and precise angles will speed up tasks like framing, finish carpentry, and even custom work.
• If you’re a weekend hobbyist looking to get serious about woodworking, the intuitive features and reliable performance will help you sharpen your skills without constantly wrestling the machine.

Whether we were testing it under heavy use—like cutting repeated pieces to size—or using it more casually to trim a few boards, the DWS716 brought consistency every time. The power never felt lacking, and the saw’s handle was comfortable enough to prevent hand fatigue during prolonged use.

Standout Features We Loved

We used to rely on an older single-bevel miter saw, which required flipping pieces to get matching angle cuts. Switching to the double-bevel capability of the DWS716 was a small revelation. This feature was among the top reasons we wanted to review this specific model, and it didn’t disappoint.

Here are some standout qualities we believe you’ll find just as helpful:

Compact and Portable Design

Despite its solid build, we on our team found the DWS716 surprisingly manageable to move around. The saw’s footprint is quite compact compared to some sliding miter saws. And while you do need a sturdy stand or bench to operate it safely, shifting it from our storage area to the workbench and back hasn’t been a hassle.

High Visibility Scales

It seems obvious, but easy-to-read angle markers and locking detents can be deal-breakers. DEWALT got it right here, using bright markings that don’t wear off quickly. During testing, we frequently adjusted angles in dimmer workshop lighting, and the clear scales made it straightforward to set precise angles.

Dust Collection

Miter saws are notorious for generating sawdust, and while the DWS716’s dust collection system isn’t going to capture every last particle, we found it above average. Equipped with a dust bag and the option to connect to a vacuum, it did a decent job. This made for a less-cluttered workspace and easier cleanup.

Versatility Across Materials and Projects

We didn’t limit ourselves to just pine or oak. We also tested the DWS716 on composite trim boards and even cut some PVC piping for a quick home-renovation project. The saw handled these materials well, displaying no issues with torque or blade wandering. This level of versatility is a huge plus for those who juggle different tasks.

Durability and Maintenance

Woodworking tools take a lot of abuse over time. As a team that’s worked with everything from entry-level power tools to commercial-grade equipment, we’re mindful of how a tool’s design impacts maintenance. DEWALT’s track record for robust construction was reinforced in our testing. Here’s how:

• Blade changes are straightforward. The saw’s arbor lock and clear instructions shorten the process drastically.
• The motor housing feels sturdy. We noticed no unusual vibrations or rattles, even at high RPM.
• The base and fences are well-machined, meaning less risk of accidental warping.

We always recommend regular cleaning and blade care to maintain top performance. But to us, this saw felt like it could handle years of tough workloads, given proper handling and basic maintenance.

Working Comfort: Less Fatigue, More Productivity

We appreciate a well-designed handle, and the DWS716 didn’t disappoint. Ergonomics can really matter if you’re making consistent, repetitive cuts throughout the day. The horizontal handle and trigger were easy to grip, even with gloves on. Additionally, the saw’s fences and clamp system let us secure materials quickly, minimizing the chances of slippage or misalignment.

Throughout extended cutting sessions, nobody on our team reported significant hand or shoulder fatigue. The balanced weight distribution seemed to help as well. Projects that required frequent angle adjustments—like creating multiple segments for a hexagon table—were done without frustration or wasted material.

Top Benefits for Woodworkers and DIY Enthusiasts

If you’re considering this saw, you’re probably comparing it to other 12-inch compound miter saws. From our direct experience, we can confidently state some top benefits you can expect:

• Time Savings: The double-bevel feature cuts down on flipping long boards. Plus, the intuitive detent system speeds up angle adjustments.
• Professional-Grade Accuracy: With crisp detents and a stable fence, aligning your angles for perfect trim and molding is straightforward.
• Safety Enhancements: The blade guard retracts smoothly, and the on/off switch is comfortably placed. A secure clamp system helps keep hands safely away from the