If you were only familiar with the DEWALT DW717 Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw’s capacities, you might think the “10in” in the title of this page should be “12-inch,” but this is a 10″ slider that thinks it’s a 12 inch, with impressive 90° and 45° crosscut capacities of 2 x 12-dimensional lumber, and 2 x 14 when using it’s back fence feature. Vertical cut capacities are also impressive. The DW717 is a real workhorse, driven by a powerful 15 AMP motor, with a lightweight, ergonomic design, cam-lock miter handle, tall sliding fence system, seven bevel, and 11 miter detents, in addition to its durability and ease-of-use. Let’s get right into the comprehensive DEWALT DW717 review.
Features
The 717 is equipped with an array of useful features, both large and small, and it’s those little extras that make it a standout. An electronic brake, adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate, sliding fences both left and right, and accessories that extend productivity all make the operator’s life easier.
The linear bar bearings top-quality and extremely durable. They allow the saw to glide smoothly through whatever material you’re cutting, whether it’s wood, metal, or plastic. This makes the saw exceptionally easy and accurate to use, even for novice users.
Power, Durability, Ease-Of-Use
The miter saw’s 15 AMP motor puts out 4,000 RPM through a V-belt drive to power through dense hardwoods, and its electronic brake contributes to both safety and productivity, stopping the blade within five seconds of releasing the trigger. The dual horizontal steel rails combine with linear ball bearings and an innovative clamping mechanism for smooth, precise sliding action. The durable machined base fence support makes sure the fence stays square, while improved ergonomics in the form of a horizontal handle keep controls operator friendly. A user commented that this miter saw is definitely “lefty friendly,” referring to the trigger placement. A spindle lock is provided for more natural blade changes, a lockdown pin helps avoid damage during transport, and a hole in the trigger for a padlock keeps your DW717 secure.
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Wide Bevel – Precision Adjustments – Dual Bevel
The 0°-48° left, and right bevel range combined with a miter range of 60° left and 52° right give the DEWALT DW717 tremendous versatility, made even more significant by the miter detent override which allows you to precisely dial in those angles that are oh-so-close to a detent hole. The cam lock miter handle locks down the angle fast, and if the miter scale gets out of square, the stainless steel miter detent plate can be adjusted to bring it back to true. The seven bevel and eleven miter detents make setting standard angles quick and repeatable, and the included material clamp keeps your workpiece from moving during a cut.
Dust Collection
Dust collection on this DEWALT top miter saw is not what it could be, according to user reviews. It was pointed out that when the saw head is lowered during a cut, the dust collection tube is pointing north of 45 degrees, making a collection with a dust bag difficult. Most users who employed a shop vac or other vacuum system felt they had no significant problem.
The dust collection bag helps to keep the work area clean and minimizes the amount of cleanup that is needed after using the miter saw. The bag is easy to attach and remove, and it can be emptied quickly and easily.
The dust port is a standard size and it works well. It’s easy to attach, and the sawdust doesn’t seem to create a lot of mess.
To lock or unlock the bevel adjustment you might need to remove the dust bag.
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Bevel detent system
The DW717 has an exclusive bevel detent system that helps to ensure accuracy and consistency when making bevel cuts. This system provides 14 detents in both the positive and negative directions, so you can always find the right setting.
Other Features
It can handle crown moldings of up to 6.25 inches, making it a great saw for professionals or serious DIYers.
The bevel angles on this Dewalt miter saw can be adjusted between 0 and 49 degrees, allowing you to easily create custom angles. This miter saw is also very accurate, so you can be confident that your cuts will be precise.
The Dewalt DW717 miter saw is able to make clean, accurate cuts every time. This is because of the miter detent plate and cam mechanism that ensures that the saw is always in the correct position. This makes it easy to get great results with every cut.
The brake system activates immediately when the saw blade stops moving, and it prevents the blade from restarting. This is a great safety feature that will keep you and your family safe while using this miter saw. The brake system is also easy to activate, and it does not require any extra effort on your part.
The DEWALT DW717 can cut crown molding. It is able to do this because it has a pivoting fence that allows it to adjust to different angles. This miter saw is also able to cut other materials like wood, plastic, and metal.
The laser system on this high quality tool can help with the cutting line by illuminating the path of the blade. This can help to ensure that the cuts are precise and accurate. The laser system can also be helpful in difficult or low-light situations.
The powerful motor on this great tool is one of its best features. It can easily handle large, heavy pieces of wood, making it a great choice for professional contractors. The miter saw is also very easy to use, with intuitive controls that make it simple to get the results you need.
It can easily cut through base moldings that are around 6 inches thick. This is due to its powerful motor.
The Dewalt DW717 miter saw has a very sturdy design. The build quality is excellent, and it feels like it can handle a lot of abuse.
What Are The Cons?
Dust collection, as noted above, was the primary complaint. If you are able to use a shop vac or other dust collection system, or you use the miter saw outside, this becomes much less of a factor. I found the stock blade to be poor quality. The difference could be a change in the quality of stock miter saw blades over the years, or just different uses – framing versus woodworking. A very few minor complaints ranged from difficulty getting at the blade guard screws to change the blade to wishing the table was a bit larger.
The high price tag might be a deal breaker for some people, but it’s definitely worth the money. The miter saw is extremely accurate and durable, which makes it a great investment.
What’s In The Box?
- DEWALT DW717 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- Owner’s Manual (PDF)
- Carbide Blade
- Blade wrench
- Carbide blade
- Dust bag (DW7053)
- Material Clamp
- DEWALT Warranty
FAQ
Is it durable?
The DeWalt DW717 is a very durable miter saw. I have used it extensively for both demolition and carpentry work, and it has held up very well. The blade guard mechanism is also robust and does a good job of protecting the blade from bumps and other accidental contact. Overall, I am very happy with the durability.
Can you connect it to a 100V/50Hz power supply?
No, you cannot use the option of a 100V power supply but have the option to use it on EU 240 V. The unit can only be used in countries with a 220-240V 50Hz AC power source.
Conclusion
The DEWALT DW717 miter saw is a powerful tool for home improvement projects. If you are looking for an affordable option with enough power to get the job done, then this may be your best bet. It’s great for cutting through anything from wood and trim to steel studs and tough materials like cinder block or brick.
The miter saw is easy to operate with a simple, intuitive control panel and it’s very lightweight and portable, making it easy to move around the job site. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a stand, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you don’t have one already. Over all, the DEWALT DW717 is a great miter saw for the price and it’s sure to make your home improvement projects a lot easier.
Thank you for reading the full DEWALT DW717 miter saw review and we hope you made up your mind when it comes to this product.
I love to share my expertise and love for the art of woodworking with others, providing tips and tricks, reviews of saws and other tools, and inspiration for new projects.