The Dewalt 716 is one of the range of miter chop saws manufactured by Dewalt. It is very confusing to see all the model numbers in a catalogue.It is hard to work out exactly what each model is for and how it differs from the other models.
An Overview of Miter Chop Saws Types
The is a progression in the range that starts with your basic Dewalt chop saw. This model is the cheapest one and just does straight cuts in wood. To use it with aluminium or wood laminates you need to have the specific Dewalt saw blade for that use. There is no opportunity to make angled cuts or cuts to large pieces of wood. The blade and motor unit is fixed in place.
The next model is where your motor and blade unit is fixed but you can angle the cut. The range is just over 90 degrees in adjustment. This is where the Dewalt 716 sits in the range. You can make accurate 45 degree cuts in either orientation. There is also a staged indent system for certain common angles such as 30 degrees. So you can in a few seconds select one of these set angles to cut.
The next type is where the angle is fixed but the motor and blade slides forward. This enables you to cut wide wood pieces. Very few people use this type because you might as well go for the top of the range. The top of the range model is the Dewalt 718 which is a compound sliding miter saw. This cuts at angles through 2 planes and is a terrific piece of kit if you need the features it provides.
How To Use The Dewalt 716 Chop Saw
The main use for this particular saw is to cut down long pieces of wood into correct lengths. You maximum size for cutting will be around 150mm by 50mm. (6” X 2”) Pieces bigger than this are not easy to cut. If you are working on a real wood floor then you can cut the planks easily and accurately with this. This is probably the job that the DW716b is used for. It is portable enough to carry to your working site but accurate enough to do a great cut. The cut is very clean. The blades will last for years if you use the right blade for each job. You shouldn't use a wood blade to cut laminate flooring. You can get a dedicated blade for cutting laminated wood.
The second use is for cutting very accurate 45 degree cuts. You can dial up any angle but in practice it is the 45 degree setting that you will use. I have had 3 of these over the last 22 years and they work very hard. The Dewalt range is designed for heavy use and the Dewalt 716 is part of that standard. Cheaper models such as the evolution range will do a job but will make the job longer. They are not so easy to use.
I'd imagine having a larger bearing surface keeps things true longer - I've got a shooting board that I've had to redrill and replace the screws on because eventually the force of planing has made the thing out of square, and the holes have worn themselves a bit larger.. best sliding miter saw
ReplyDeleteDewalt Miter saws are really great and made from high quality materials. A little bit expensive but you are right, they are the perfect tool for 45 degree settings!
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