XPS Shadow line cut indicator provides fast accurate alignment of the blade while illuminating the work piece for increased productivity no adjustment required. Some users might even complain that DeWalt have added too many safety features to this saw. There are times when you might want to use a non-standard grip to operate the saw at an angle, for example.

Dewalts self-proclaimed “classic” saw design has been around for years, with minor model updates elevating performance and Flex-Volt cordless options completing the range. I wanted a saw that would offer repeatability and accuracy in the construction of projects from reclaimed pallet wood, and accurate mitres in small furniture, instrument components, turntable plinths and other similar projects. The cutting potential of the DWS774 allow cuts of up to 250mm by 62mm at a 90-degree angle setup. The minimal cut made has dimensions of 198mm by 48mm at a 45-degree angle. The DeWalt DWS774 is a powerful and versatile saw designed for various cutting tasks. With an input power of 1400 W and output power of 1100 W, this saw delivers ample strength to handle demanding cutting jobs. The idle speed reaches a maximum of 4500 RPM, allowing for efficient and precise cutting. Despite the plus point, one would observe that other mitre saws would offer more versatile designs on the blades. However, it is easy to overlook when all the features of the DWS774 come together and make a great appliance. Cutting PotentialWeighing 12000 g, the DWS774 is portable and easy to maneuver. Its dimensions are 550 mm in depth, 590 mm in height, and 490 mm in width. Not only do you get a work light that illuminates the workpiece but because it’s positioned behind the blade it casts an exact shadow onto the timber. It precisely shows where the blade will touch. It’s extremely useful as you can be sure that where the shadow falls, the blade is going to cut. I absolutely love this system and prefer it to a dodgy laser line on any day of the week. With a maximum capacity cut at 90° of 250 x 60 mm, I was surprised at the impressive capacity of this saw. On first inspection, I didn’t even see the hidden slide mechanism that improves the capacity without increasing this tool’s overall footprint. The marvellous blade intends to cut wood in a method that very few saws do. With a 216mm diameter and 30-inch bore, it is effortless to acquire additional blades for making cuts of different densities and strengthened materials.

The DWS774 has a retracting blade guard for safety with a two-part trigger system. The rear lever sits between your thumb and first finger, and when squeezed raises the guard. With your hand in the correct position on the handle, the pad of your thumb rests on the trigger safety switch which when depressed allows the first and second fingers to depress the trigger. I have heard many complaints of users catching the webbing between their thumb and finger in the trigger lever, but I never encountered this issue and I don’t see how it is possible if you are holding the handle correctly. Lefties will probably found the saw difficult to operate however as the trigger safety switch is on the left-hand side of the handle and is nigh-on impossible to operate using the saw left-handed. Before I got down to the business of chopping up some perfectly good CLS timber, I wanted to find out whether the saw was sent from the factory in a good state of adjustment.

How I Tested The DeWalt DWS774-GB Sliding XPS Mitre Saw

XPS Shadow line cut indicator provides fast accurate alignment of the blade while illuminating the work piece for increased productivity no adjustment required These measurements vary, and the cuts made can be sufficient for the majority of the projects. Convenience To make sure you’re using this saw in as safe a way as possible, it’s important to read all the safety instructions in the manual. Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and never allow your hands to come within 10 cm of the spinning blade.