Warning - DeWalt Miter Saws

[Koken]

I recently purchased a DeWalt miter saw, model DW716 and the matching DeWalt LED worklight, model DWS7085, from Home Depot online. The items were shipped separately (saw arrived several days prior to the light). Home Depot's website states that the worklight is "For use on the DW713, DW715, DW716 and DW718 Dewalt miter saws". DeWalt's packaging for the worklight also states "Designed Exclusively For Use on the DW713, DW715, DW716, DW718". Needless to say, it doesn't fit. I contacted DeWalt. Representatives told me that DeWalt has manufactured several different types of DW716's over the years (mine is a Type 20, the newest) and some will not accept a worklight or a laser. What suprises me is that DeWalt knows about the misleading information/packaging for a long time but has done nothing to correct it or inform the retailers/public. From what I have since read online, this problem extends to other DeWalt miter saws as well. Now I have to decide whether to return it or live with it........

 

[cheechi]

the light's info is older than the saw's info. i bet the saw's info doesn't mention the light or refers to a different model/revision right?

Also why didn't you get a 718 or 780?

 

[Koken]

Cheechi,

Home Depot's webpage for the DW716 doesn't mention the light/laser in the narrative or specifications, but it does give you a box on the same webpage recommending the laser/light for the DW716. When you click on the light, it states: "For use on the DW713, DW715, DW716 and DW718 Dewalt miter saws".

I selected the DW716 because I could add a light/laser to it (in addition to the above, there are YouTube video's showing the DW716 accommodating the use of DeWalt light/laser system), a hinged miter saw supposedly gives a more precise cut than a sliding one, and the price.

I still like DeWalt power tools. If I return the DW716, I will definitely consider the models you listed. I created this post to inform others that if they have intentions on adding a light or laser to a DeWalt miter saw, do not depend on the light/laser's packaging or retailer's websites for accurate information. Contact DeWalt to verify.

 

[Tripp2012]

Koken I went through the same issue. I took my saw back and looked around at local Lowes stores and found an older Type 4 instock and bought that saw. If you look around the older version will state that the light is compatable on the the box. The newer Type 20 box does not mention the light. Good luck hope you can find what you are looking for the light is great.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243968&highlight=Dewalt+DW716

 

[Koken]

Tripp,

Before I make a decision, I think I will take your advice and look for an older Type-4.

Thank You

 

[MikeF2316]

I recently purchased a DeWalt miter saw, model DW716 and the matching DeWalt LED worklight, model DWS7085, from Home Depot online. The items were shipped separately (saw arrived several days prior to the light). Home Depot's website states that the worklight is "For use on the DW713, DW715, DW716 and DW718 Dewalt miter saws". DeWalt's packaging for the worklight also states "Designed Exclusively For Use on the DW713, DW715, DW716, DW718". Needless to say, it doesn't fit. I contacted DeWalt. Representatives told me that DeWalt has manufactured several different types of DW716's over the years (mine is a Type 20, the newest) and some will not accept a worklight or a laser. What suprises me is that DeWalt knows about the misleading information/packaging for a long time but has done nothing to correct it or inform the retailers/public. From what I have since read online, this problem extends to other DeWalt miter saws as well. Now I have to decide whether to return it or live with it........

I would take it back if I were you. You bought the saw because you wanted the laser. Now every time you use it, the lack of laser is going to irritate you.

I have an 15 year old Delta that is still working perfectly that I'm thinking of replacing just to get a laser.

 

[Papa H]

Last year I bought a DWS715. Now I’ve bought the laser light (shadow) which basically says it is for a DWS716. Should I be able to adapt this to my saw. Any YouTube videos anyone knows about on how to do it.

Also, is a DWS716 handle compatible with the dws715 handle???

 

[Achilleus]

I got the DWS780 which was an extra nearly $200 for the light and a stronger locking handle at the back. But I'm super happy I did coz that light is freakin awesome. It's a shadow line on the wood and by definition it has to be 100% accurate. I only wish it was easier to move the thing around.