Bosch GCM12SD vs DeWalt DWS779 12-Inch Miter Saw
Updated · Price Drop Radar
Bottom line
Both are 12-inch dual-bevel sliding miter saws. The Bosch GCM12SD has no rails: its Axial-Glide arm moves on bearing joints, so the saw can sit close to a wall. TechGearLab measured a 14.2 in cut capacity at 90 degrees, the biggest of 12 saws it tested, and ranked the Bosch second. TechGearLab did not score the DWS779 separately. It tested the near-identical DWS780 and says the DWS779 makes equally clean, precise and powerful cuts for less, but lacks the shadow cut line. Pick the Bosch for capacity and a small footprint. Pick the DWS779 for the lower price, and expect a heavy saw either way.
Bosch GCM12SD Axial-Glide
DeWalt DWS779
Side by side
| Spec | Bosch GCM12SD Axial-Glide | DeWalt DWS779 |
|---|---|---|
| TechGearLab rank (12 saws tested) [1] | 2nd | Not scored; the DWS780 ranked 1st |
| Blade and bevel [1][2] | 12 in, dual bevel; bevel up to 47 degrees each way | 12 in, dual bevel; 15 amp, 3,800 RPM, per Slashgear |
| Max cut at 90 degrees [1][2] | 14.2 in measured | DWS780 measured 13.6 in; Slashgear says both saws cut 2x16 at 90 degrees |
| Design [1][3] | Axial-Glide arm on bearing joints, no rails | Conventional rail slide |
| Wall clearance [1][3] | Straight cuts can sit against the wall; HomeFixated says a couple of inches for miters | Rails need clearance behind |
| Measured weight [1][2] | 66.6 lb | DWS780 measured 61.1 lb; Slashgear lists the DWS779 at about 70 lb |
| Cut line indicator [1][2] | None; Bosch has no laser or light | None on the DWS779; the DWS780 has a shadow line |
| Measured speed [1] | 3,950 RPM | DWS780 measured 4,050 RPM |
| Dust collection after 100 cuts [1] | 1.16 oz | DWS780 collected 1.36 oz |
| Miter range [1][2] | 52 degrees left, 60 right | 50 degrees left, 60 right |
| TechGearLab notes [1] | Pros: large capacity, easy to use, can sit close to a wall. Cons: no cut line, table and fence not perfectly flat or square, heavy | DWS780 pros: easy adjustments, well built, easy blade change. Cons: large footprint, dust curtains may close with strong vacuums |
| Typical price [2] | Check the live price | Slashgear: usually about $399, vs about $600 for the DWS780 |
Bosch GCM12SD Axial-Glide
- Biggest measured cut capacity of the 12 saws TechGearLab tested
- Axial arm saves space and can sit near a wall
- Calibrated out of the box and smooth to use, per HomeFixated
- Heavy at 66.6 lb measured
- No cut line indicator, per TechGearLab
- TechGearLab found the table and fence not perfectly flat or square
DeWalt DWS779
- Costs about $200 less than the DWS780, per Slashgear
- Same 15-amp, 3,800 RPM motor and 12 in dual-bevel cut as the DWS780
- TechGearLab found the DWS780 well built with easy adjustments
- No shadow cut line, which is the main upgrade on the DWS780
- TechGearLab calls the DWS780's footprint large and notes dust curtains that close with strong vacuums
- Slashgear lists it at about 70 lb, so plan on a stand or a helper
Which one is right for you
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cut wide boards or want the most capacity | Bosch GCM12SD Axial-Glide | 14.2 in measured |
| Small shop | Bosch GCM12SD Axial-Glide | Axial-Glide arm, near-wall placement |
| Tight budget | DeWalt DWS779 | About $200 below the DWS780 |
| Want a cut line | DeWalt DWS779 | Check the listing; the DWS780 has the shadow line |
| Move the saw often | DeWalt DWS779 | The DWS780 is the lighter of TechGearLab's two, but both are heavy |
What to look for
Space
Why it matters: A saw that needs room behind it takes shop space.
How to check: Measure the distance from your wall or bench to where the saw will sit.
Watch out: The Bosch can sit against a wall for straight cuts. HomeFixated says angled cuts need a couple of inches. The DeWalt's rails need more clearance.
Cut capacity
Why it matters: Wider cuts mean fewer awkward flips of the board.
How to check: Think about the widest board you cut.
Watch out: TechGearLab measured 14.2 in for the Bosch and 13.6 in for the DWS780.
Cut line
Why it matters: A shadow or laser line shows where the blade will cut.
How to check: Decide whether you rely on a light or a pencil mark.
Watch out: TechGearLab lists no cut line indicator for the Bosch. Slashgear says the DWS779 has only a traditional laser, while another source says none; check the listing.
Weight
Why it matters: You may lift the saw into a truck or onto a stand.
How to check: Plan for two people or a rolling stand.
Watch out: TechGearLab measured the Bosch at 66.6 lb and the DWS780 at 61.1 lb.
Dust
Why it matters: Miter saws make a lot of sawdust.
How to check: Plan to attach a vacuum.
Watch out: TechGearLab measured 1.16 oz for the Bosch and 1.36 oz for the DWS780 after 100 cuts.
Traps and timing
- TechGearLab tested the DWS780, not the DWS779. It says the DWS779 makes equally clean cuts for less but lacks the shadow line. Figures marked DWS780 are not measurements of the DWS779.
- Slashgear's weights for the DWS779 (about 70 lb) and DWS780 (56 lb) conflict with TechGearLab's measured 61.1 lb for the DWS780. Check the spec sheet.
- Sources disagree about the DWS779's cut line: Slashgear says a traditional laser, another source says none.
- The price on this page may be a third-party or bundle price. Slashgear lists the DWS779 at about $399.
- Bosch's HomeFixated review dates from the saw's launch. TechGearLab's 2026 lab test is the recent source.
Before you check out
- Measure your shop space and wall clearance.
- Check your widest board against 14.2 in and 13.6 in.
- Decide if you need a cut line.
- Plan for the weight.
- Confirm the model on the listing: DWS779, not DWS780.
- Check the live Amazon price.
How we put this together
We don't test miter saws in a lab. We compared the makers' published specs, the Amazon listings and independent reviews, all listed under Sources, and where they disagree we say so. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed by our system throughout the day.
Price Drop Radar earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides which product we recommend.
Quick answers
Which saw cuts wider boards?
The Bosch GCM12SD measured 14.2 in at 90 degrees in TechGearLab's test. The DWS780 measured 13.6 in.
Does the Bosch need room behind it?
Less than a rail saw. HomeFixated says straight cuts can sit against the wall and angled cuts need a couple of inches.
Is the DWS779 the same as the DWS780?
Nearly. Slashgear says they share the 15-amp, 3,800 RPM motor and 12 in dual-bevel cut. The DWS780 adds a shadow cut line.
Which is lighter?
TechGearLab measured the Bosch at 66.6 lb and the DWS780 at 61.1 lb. Slashgear lists the DWS779 heavier.
Which has the better dust collection?
In TechGearLab's 100-cut test the Bosch collected 1.16 oz and the DWS780 1.36 oz.
Sources
- The Best Miter Saws, TechGearLab
- DeWalt DWS779 vs. DWS780, Slashgear
- Bosch Axial Glide Miter Saw Review, HomeFixated