DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound vs Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding
Both made our Best Compound Miter Saw 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. No paid placements and no invented test scores. How we research
Quick verdict
Choose the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw if you want the most commonly recommended 12-inch sliding miter saw for professional and serious home use. Choose the Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser if you'd rather have built-in laser guide shows exact cut line, the best integrated laser on any saw. Overall we rank the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Compound Miter Saw 2026 list.
Winner overall: DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw vs Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Compound Miter Saw 2026 | #3 of 8 in Best Compound Miter Saw 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | |
| Brand | DeWalt | Makita |
| Key features | 12-inch blade; 15A motor; Stainless miter | 10-inch blade; Laser guide built-in; Dual bevel |
| Biggest strength | The most commonly recommended 12-inch sliding miter saw for professional and serious home use | Built-in laser guide shows exact cut line, the best integrated laser on any saw |
| Main trade-off | Heavy -- 56 lbs without stand | 10-inch blade limits maximum cut depth vs 12-inch saws |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw if…
- The most commonly recommended 12-inch sliding miter saw for professional and serious home use
- 15A motor handles the most demanding wide crown cuts without bogging
- Stainless miter detent plate for accurate positive stops at common angles
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser section.
#3 pick
Choose the Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser if…
- Built-in laser guide shows exact cut line, the best integrated laser on any saw
- Direct-drive motor is quieter and requires less maintenance than belt-drive designs
- Dual bevel handles crown and coped joints without workpiece repositioning
Prefer the alternative? See the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw section.
Pros and cons of each
DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Pros
- The most commonly recommended 12-inch sliding miter saw for professional and serious home use
- 15A motor handles the most demanding wide crown cuts without bogging
- Stainless miter detent plate for accurate positive stops at common angles
- Tall fence for large baseboards and crown molding support
Cons
- Heavy -- 56 lbs without stand
- The sliding rail system extends behind the saw -- requires wall clearance
Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser
Pros
- Built-in laser guide shows exact cut line, the best integrated laser on any saw
- Direct-drive motor is quieter and requires less maintenance than belt-drive designs
- Dual bevel handles crown and coped joints without workpiece repositioning
- Makita engineering quality is excellent, accurate detents out of the box
Cons
- 10-inch blade limits maximum cut depth vs 12-inch saws
- Higher price than entry-level 10-inch saws
DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw vs Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser: common questions
Which is better, the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw or the Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser?
Choose the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw if you want the most commonly recommended 12-inch sliding miter saw for professional and serious home use. Choose the Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser if you'd rather have built-in laser guide shows exact cut line, the best integrated laser on any saw. Overall we rank the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Compound Miter Saw 2026 list.
What is the difference between the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw and the Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser?
The DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw stands out because the most commonly recommended 12-inch sliding miter saw for professional and serious home use, while the Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser stands out because built-in laser guide shows exact cut line, the best integrated laser on any saw. The trade-offs differ too: the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw's main caveat is that heavy -- 56 lbs without stand, and the Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser's is that 10-inch blade limits maximum cut depth vs 12-inch saws.
Is the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw worth it over the Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser instead if heavy -- 56 lbs without stand is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser instead of the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw?
The Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw is best for buyers who want the best overall package.