Milwaukee vs DeWalt Miter Saws - Daily Use Opinions?
1/19/2026 3:04:40 PM
#1
OP
Guest
Posts: 0
Hey all, looking to upgrade my miter saw setup. Narrowed it down to Milwaukee's 12" sliding compound vs DeWalt's DWS780. Both seem solid on paper, but I need something that'll hold up to daily use in my garage shop (mostly trim work, some decking). Anyone have real-world experience with either? Leaning Milwaukee for the cordless ecosystem, but DeWalt's got that shadow line feature...
1/19/2026 5:03:40 PM
#2
SafetySteve72
Member
Posts: 0
Roofing contractor here - we beat the hell out of tools. Ran DeWalt 780s for 3 years on job sites. They're tanks - dropped one off a second story scaffold once, still cuts true. Shadow line is legit when you're cutting rafters in bright sun. Milwaukee's good too but their sliders feel lighter duty to me. Pro tip: whichever you get, spring for the Diablo blade. Night and day difference.
1/19/2026 4:42:40 PM
#3
TorqueTom55
Member
Posts: 0
Home inspector perspective - I see both brands in houses daily. DeWalt's more common in pro shops, Milwaukee gaining ground with the younger crews. The Milwaukee's dust collection is better if that matters (my allergies notice). Saw a DeWalt with slop in the slide after 2 years of daily use, but the guy never cleaned it. Either will serve you fine - just maintain it! Link to a tear-down comparison I found helpful: toolguysblog.com/miter-comparison
1/19/2026 7:22:40 PM
#4
LumberLuke90
Member
Posts: 0
Drywall wizard checking in! Honestly for trim/decking you can't go wrong with either. I'm team red (Milwaukee) because all my batteries swap, but my buddy's DeWalt has smoother slides. If you're doing crown molding, test the bevel stops - Milwaukee's detents are crisper IMO. Both will cut cleaner than you need for mud work lol. Just don't cheap out on the stand too!
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