The Festool Kapex KS 120 and the DeWalt DWS780 are separated by one number that matters above every other spec on this page: price. The DeWalt retails for approximately $549–$649 (around £399–£499). The Festool Kapex KS 120 REB — the current flagship variant — costs approximately $1,499–$1,799 (around £1,199–£1,499), a figure confirmed by a field review in the Journal of Light Construction trade publication, and prices have only moved upward since. That is two to three times the outlay, and it is the lens through which every other comparison in this guide should be read.
Both saws are genuinely excellent. But they are excellent in different workshops, for different people, doing different work. This guide draws on official technical documentation from both manufacturers, first-hand accounts from professional woodworkers, a field review conducted by finish carpenter Tommie Mullaney of Mullaney Woodworks (published in JLC, May 2021), and the supplemental user manuals for both tools — sources that do not typically surface in a standard web search for this comparison.
Quick answer: For most woodworkers — including serious hobbyists, general contractors, and trim carpenters working in non-sensitive environments — the DeWalt DWS780 delivers outstanding accuracy, generous cutting capacity, and exceptional value. The Festool Kapex KS 120 earns its premium only in specific circumstances: fine woodworking and finish carpentry in dust-sensitive environments, compact workshops where footprint is a hard constraint, and production settings where near-dustless cutting directly affects a professional’s workflow and client relationships.
Festool Kapex KS 120: precision engineering for fine woodworking
The Kapex KS 120 is available in two main variants. The KS 120 EB (Electronic Brake) includes an active electrical braking system. The KS 120 REB (Reactive Electronic Brake) replaces the electrical brake with a magnetic brake that has no contact points and therefore never wears out — Festool’s own documentation notes that failure of the older electrical brake mechanism caused the whole motor to fail, a warranty claim the magnetic system eliminates entirely. For professional daily use, the REB is the variant worth specifying.
The Kapex is powered by a 1,600-watt direct-drive motor with fully variable electronic speed control running from 1,400 to 3,400 RPM. Soft-start electronics prevent the sudden torque kick that you feel when triggering the DWS780 — a small comfort detail that matters over a long day of repetitive cuts.
Key specifications
| Specification | Festool Kapex KS 120 |
|---|---|
| Blade diameter | 260 mm (10.25 in) |
| Motor | 1,600 W direct-drive |
| Speed | 1,400–3,400 RPM (variable, electronic) |
| Soft start | Yes |
| Weight | 21.5 kg (47.4 lb) |
| Miter range | 50° left / 60° right |
| Miter positive stops | 0°, 22.5°, 30°, 45° |
| Half-degree miter markings | Yes |
| Bevel range | 47° left / 47° right |
| Bevel fine-adjustment | Yes — counter-spring balanced lever |
| Crosscut capacity at 90° | 305 mm (12 in) |
| Max material thickness (standard) | approx. 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Max material thickness (extended position) | 121 mm (4.75 in) |
| Crown molding (nested) | up to 168 mm (6.625 in) |
| Rail design | 30 mm rail-forward (slides toward operator) |
| Rear wall clearance required | Near zero — flush-to-wall capable |
| Cutting guide | Dual adjustable laser (one each side of blade) |
| Blade change | FastFix — tool-free |
| Dust port | 27 mm or 36 mm (Cleantec bayonet) |
| Dust extraction efficiency | Up to 94% (with Festool CT extractor) |
| Noise level | approx. 82 dB |
| Approximate retail price | $1,499–$1,799 / £1,199–£1,499 |
| Warranty | 3 years (incl. wear parts) + 2-day repair + 30-day return |
Standout features
30 mm rail-forward design. This is the single feature that most distinguishes the Kapex from every other sliding compound miter saw on the market. Rather than sliding backward on rails like the DWS780 — and every conventional sliding miter saw — the Kapex head travels forward over the workpiece on a 30 mm column. The result, as noted in the JLC field review, is that the saw can be positioned with its back against a wall with zero rear clearance needed. In addition to the space-saving benefit, this design reduces blade deflection and head play that are common in conventional sliding-rail saws: the rail geometry keeps the blade path more geometrically consistent through the full sliding stroke.
Counter-spring balanced bevel adjustment. When you loosen the Kapex’s bevel lock, the head does not drop under gravity — a counter-spring holds it in position at whatever angle you set. This means you can adjust the bevel freehand, fine-tune it, and only lock it down once you are satisfied with the setting. On the DWS780, unlocking the bevel requires you to actively support the motor head. The Kapex’s system makes freeform compound angle work significantly less laborious.
Bevel selector with three range modes. The bevel selector has three positions: 0°–45° (left only), ±45° (both sides), or the full ±47° range. A secondary fine-adjustment lever allows the bevel to be trimmed in sub-degree increments. For compound miter work on crown molding — where a bevel that is 0.5° off produces a visible gap at the joint — this level of precision is not a luxury.
Dual adjustable lasers. The Kapex projects two independently adjustable laser lines, one on each side of the blade, so you can see the exact kerf location and choose to cut to either side of a pencil mark or split it precisely. Festool’s supplemental manual notes that both lasers auto-shut off after a period of non-use, and each can be recalibrated via a kerf test cut should the saw take a knock. The JLC reviewer described the dual lasers as “another feature that helps me to be deadly accurate with my cuts, yet efficient.”
Variable speed for material versatility. A speed chart printed on the motor housing recommends RPM settings for timber, laminates, plastics, and aluminium. Running a blade at 3,800 RPM through acrylic or thin aluminium extrusions risks melting, delamination, or tooth damage. The Kapex’s 1,400–3,400 RPM range, combined with the appropriate blade, handles these materials cleanly. Festool offers dedicated blades for each material type: a 60-tooth ATB combination blade is standard, with 80-tooth fine crosscut, 64-tooth flat-tipped laminate, and 68-tooth TCG aluminium blades available as options.
Extended cutting position. A latch mechanism locks the Kapex head slightly forward of its normal rest position, opening the rear of the blade guard and increasing the maximum material thickness from approximately 78 mm (3.1 in) to 121 mm (4.75 in). This is used primarily for cutting tall skirting boards or crown molding vertically against the fence — a method that gives cleaner, more repeatable results than laying the piece flat and compound-bevelling. Note from the supplemental manual: the tall miter latch will not engage if the saw head is tilted. Set the bevel to zero before engaging this mode.
FastFix blade change. Press and rotate the FastFix button, unscrew the left-hand-thread arbor bolt (it loosens in the direction of blade rotation — Festool marks this with an arrow), and the blade is free without any additional tooling. The JLC reviewer noted that the stock 60-tooth ATB blade performs well but recommended upgrading to an 80-tooth blade such as the Tenryu IW-26080AB3 for noticeably cleaner crosscuts and fewer flying offcuts in fine finish work.
Integrated cord reel. The power cord coils onto a retractable reel at the rear of the motor housing. On a busy job site or in a compact workshop, this is a quality-of-life detail that eliminates trailing cables during setup and breakdown.
MiterFast angle transfer tool. The Kapex includes a bisecting angle finder that measures internal and external corners and transfers the angle directly to the saw. It is stored on the back of the saw. This replaces a separate digital angle gauge — typically a $30–$60 accessory purchase — and removes the mental arithmetic of converting a corner angle into a miter setting.
Festool 3-2-1 warranty. Unlike a standard warranty, Festool’s 3-2-1 programme covers three years of use including wear parts such as motor brushes, guarantees a two-business-day standard repair turnaround, and includes a 30-day no-questions-asked money-back period. For a professional who bills by the day, the two-day repair guarantee is a meaningful service-level commitment.
DeWalt DWS780: power and versatility at a fraction of the price
The DWS780 has been DeWalt’s flagship 12-inch miter saw for over a decade, and its longevity in the market is not accidental. The combination of a 15 A / 1,800 W motor at 3,800 RPM, a crosscut capacity of 349 mm (13.75 in), and a vertical cut height of 170 mm (6.7 in) gives it a cutting envelope that the Kapex’s smaller-diameter blade simply cannot match. One user in an independent long-term review reported less than 1/64 in (0.4 mm) of rail deflection across the full range of sliding motion — a level of geometric accuracy that the majority of woodworking tasks will never push to its limit.
The trade-offs relative to the Kapex are primarily two: workshop footprint and dust capture. At full extension with the standard dust bag attached, the DWS780 requires approximately 52 in (132 cm) of front-to-back clearance — a measurement confirmed in multiple independent user accounts. Substituting a 90° elbow adapter for the dust bag and connecting a shop vacuum reduces this to approximately 42 in (107 cm), still a significant floor area commitment.
Key specifications
| Specification | DeWalt DWS780 |
|---|---|
| Blade diameter | 305 mm (12 in) |
| Motor | 1,800 W / 15 A |
| Speed | 3,800 RPM (fixed) |
| Soft start | No |
| Weight | 25.4 kg (56 lb) |
| Miter range | 50° left / 60° right |
| Miter positive stops | 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45°, 60° |
| Miter detent plate | Adjustable stainless steel |
| Bevel range | 45° left and right (override to ~49°) |
| Bevel positive stops | 22.5°, 33.86°, 45° |
| Crosscut capacity at 90° | 349 mm (13.75 in) |
| Crosscut (extended with trick) | 409 mm (16.1 in) |
| Max vertical cut height | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Rail design | Dual horizontal rails (conventional rearward) |
| Rear wall clearance required | approx. 52 in (132 cm) with bag; 42 in (107 cm) with 90° elbow |
| Cutting guide | XPS LED crosscut shadow system |
| Blade change | Wrench required (included) |
| Dust port | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Dust extraction efficiency | approx. 75% (with bag) |
| Noise level | approx. 89 dB |
| Approximate retail price | $549–$649 / £399–£499 |
| Warranty | 3-year limited, 1-year free service, 90-day money-back |
Standout features
XPS LED crosscut positioning system. Rather than a laser, DeWalt’s XPS system uses a bright LED to cast the blade’s actual shadow onto the workpiece. This shadow shows the full kerf width — including the outline of individual carbide teeth — so you can place a cut to either side of a pencil line or split it precisely. Unlike lasers, it requires no calibration: what the shadow shows is exactly where the blade will cut, regardless of blade wear, vibration, or the saw taking a knock. It does wash out in very bright direct sunlight, which is a practical note for outdoor job site use. Multiple professional trim carpenters who have used both the Kapex’s lasers and the DWS780’s XPS system describe the XPS as preferable for daily production work precisely because it demands zero ongoing maintenance.
Generous crosscut capacity. The DWS780’s standard crosscut of 349 mm (13.75 in) is 44 mm (1.75 in) wider than the Kapex at the same angle. A straightforward modification — adding a 38 mm (1.5 in) auxiliary base board and removing the sliding fences — extends this to 409 mm (16.1 in), making it possible to crosscut boards up to approximately 16 inches wide without tilting the workpiece. The 170 mm (6.7 in) vertical cut height is also significantly greater than the Kapex’s 121 mm (4.75 in) maximum, useful for cutting deep baseboard or door casing profiles upright against the fence.
Stainless steel miter detent plate with override latch. The miter detent plate is machined stainless steel with six positive-stop positions on each side: 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45°, and 60° (right) / 50° (left). A miter override latch on the side of the table can be flipped up to hold the detent release permanently engaged — so you can sweep through the full miter range without holding down the release button on every pass through a detent. For trim carpenters doing high-volume repetitive cuts at varied angles, this is a time saver that is easy to overlook until you use it.
Crown bevel stops at 22.5° and 33.86°. Two adjustable bevel pawls provide hard stops at the two angles most commonly required when cutting crown moulding in the flat (compound) position. For production runs of crown moulding these stops eliminate the need to manually dial in the compound bevel angle on every setup change. A 45° bevel stop override allows cutting to approximately 49° when unusually steep bevel angles are required.
Depth stop for grooving and trenching. A fold-down grooving stop with an adjustable depth screw limits the blade’s vertical travel to a preset depth, enabling repeatable partial cuts for dado-style grooving, hinge mortises, and decorative channel work. The mechanism is robust — significantly stiffer than comparable features on sheet-metal competitors — with very little flex at the set depth.
Adjustable rail tension. The twin horizontal rails’ running tension can be fine-tuned via a set screw in the rail-lock knob, allowing the user to compensate for wear over time or to dial in the resistance to match their cutting preference. Users who have owned the DWS780 for several years report this as a useful maintenance feature that extends the saw’s useful precision life.
Full specification comparison
| Feature | Festool Kapex KS 120 | DeWalt DWS780 |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate price | $1,499–$1,799 / £1,199–£1,499 | $549–$649 / £399–£499 |
| Blade diameter | 260 mm (10.25 in) | 305 mm (12 in) |
| Motor power | 1,600 W | 1,800 W / 15 A |
| Speed | 1,400–3,400 RPM (variable) | 3,800 RPM (fixed) |
| Soft start | Yes | No |
| Weight | 21.5 kg (47.4 lb) | 25.4 kg (56 lb) |
| Miter range | 50° L / 60° R | 50° L / 60° R |
| Miter stops | 0°, 22.5°, 30°, 45° | 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45°, 60° |
| Half-degree miter markings | Yes | No |
| Bevel range | 47° L / 47° R | 45° L / 45° R (override ~49°) |
| Bevel fine-adjustment | Yes | No |
| Crosscut capacity (90°) | 305 mm (12 in) | 349 mm (13.75 in) |
| Max vertical cut | 121 mm (4.75 in) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Extended crosscut | — | 409 mm (16.1 in) |
| Rail design | 30 mm rail-forward | Dual horizontal (rearward) |
| Rear wall clearance | Near zero | 42–52 in (107–132 cm) |
| Noise level | approx. 82 dB | approx. 89 dB |
| Cutting guide | Dual adjustable laser | XPS LED shadow |
| Guide calibration needed | Occasionally | Never |
| Blade change | FastFix (tool-free) | Wrench required |
| Variable speed | Yes | No |
| Dust efficiency | Up to 94% | approx. 75% |
| Angle transfer tool | Yes (MiterFast included) | No |
| Cord reel | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 3 years + 2-day repair + 30-day return | 3-year limited + 1-year service |
Key battlegrounds: where each saw wins and loses
Dust collection: a health issue, not a tidiness question
The 94% vs 75% dust capture gap is routinely presented as a matter of workshop cleanliness. It is more accurately a matter of occupational health. Hardwood dust — including oak, ash, beech, and walnut — is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen with confirmed links to nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer in woodworkers with sustained exposure. For a hobbyist who cuts timber occasionally in a ventilated garage, the difference between 75% and 94% capture is largely about cleanup time. For a professional finish carpenter cutting hardwood mouldings in a client’s newly plastered and painted room, or in an enclosed shop for several hours a day, every percentage point matters in both health and contractual terms.
The Kapex’s headline figure requires an important qualification: 94% efficiency is achieved when the saw is connected to a Festool CT dust extractor via the 36 mm Cleantec bayonet hose port. The JLC reviewer confirmed that “using the shortest length of the larger-diameter hose provides the best dust extraction.” Running the Kapex on the bag alone captures significantly less — closer to the DWS780’s bag performance. If you are buying the Kapex primarily for dust control, budget for a compatible Festool CT 26 or CT 36 extractor (approximately $499–$799 / £399–£649), which will also sync automatically to the saw’s trigger via the auxiliary outlet.
Workshop footprint: the number nobody puts on the spec sheet
The DWS780 requires approximately 52 in (132 cm) of front-to-back clearance when the standard dust bag is fitted — the sliding rails extend rearward in the conventional manner, meaning the dust bag must clear the wall behind the saw at all times. Fitting a 90° elbow at the dust port and running a shop vacuum hose reduces this to approximately 42 in (107 cm). For a large workshop or a construction site, this is manageable. For a cabinet shop with limited square footage, or a finish carpenter setting the saw up inside a room being trimmed out, it can be a genuine operational constraint.
The Kapex’s 30 mm rail-forward design eliminates this entirely. Festool’s own documentation states the saw can be positioned flush against a wall, and the JLC reviewer confirmed this in practice: the total front-to-back depth is approximately 24 in (61 cm) with the saw at rest. The optional UG stand system (approximately $960 / £780) is itself a compact design — it weighs 21 kg (47 lb), sits on wheels for easy repositioning around a job site, and supports material up to 240 cm (94.5 in) in length via the extension wings.
Cutting guide: laser versus LED shadow
The two approaches are philosophically different, and which you prefer will likely correlate with the type of work you do. The Kapex’s dual laser system defines both edges of the kerf — so you can see exactly which side of each line the blade will remove — and can be calibrated to your preferred position using the test-kerf method described in Festool’s supplemental manual. The system adds measurable accuracy for compound angle work on precision joinery. The downside is that lasers drift if the saw is knocked, require periodic re-zeroing, and — as the Kapex’s own troubleshooting guide notes — can be obscured if the laser dust lens becomes fouled with cutting debris.
The DWS780’s XPS LED shadow requires no calibration because it is not projecting a separate reference point: it is showing you the actual shadow of the actual blade, including the exact width of the carbide tips. It cannot go out of adjustment. Several professional trim carpenters who have used both systems in daily production prefer the XPS precisely for its zero-maintenance reliability. The Kapex’s lasers are advantageous for fine furniture work and occasional-use precision; the XPS is the stronger system for high-volume daily cutting.
Bevel precision: when it matters and when it doesn’t
For standard miter cuts on baseboard, casing, and simple crown work, both saws are accurate well beyond what most tasks require. The distinction becomes meaningful in two scenarios: first, compound miter cuts on crown moulding where left- and right-side bevel angles must match to within a fraction of a degree at inside corners; and second, expensive hardwood or custom moulding where a scrap cut represents significant material cost.
The Kapex’s counter-spring balanced bevel, fine-adjustment lever, and symmetric ±47° range provide a level of bevel precision that the DWS780 cannot match. The DWS780’s bevel mechanism requires you to actively hold the motor head while adjusting, locks at hard detent positions, and uses a lever-flip mechanism to switch direction. For standard carpentry, this is not a limitation. For a cabinetmaker dialling in a 38.5° bevel on figured walnut, the Kapex’s system is meaningfully faster and more accurate.
Cutting capacity: the DWS780 wins clearly
In raw material capacity, the DWS780 wins every metric. The 12 in (305 mm) blade provides a crosscut of 349 mm (13.75 in) versus the Kapex’s 305 mm (12 in). The vertical cut height of 170 mm (6.7 in) is 49 mm (1.95 in) greater than the Kapex’s maximum in extended mode. For framing lumber, large-profile crown, decking, or any dimensional timber wider than approximately 229 mm (9 in), the DeWalt is simply the more capable tool. The Kapex’s smaller motor and 260 mm (10.25 in) blade are engineered for precision in finish material, not for cutting structural timber.
Price and value: honest context
The Kapex is not more expensive for the same thing — it is engineered to different tolerances, built from more expensive materials (including a cast magnesium base, noted in the JLC review), and designed for a specific professional application. The relevant question is not “which is better?” but “does my work justify the additional cost?” A professional finish carpenter who bills by the job, cuts in clients’ finished rooms, and needs a saw that fits against a wall gets genuine, billable value from the Kapex’s advantages. A hobbyist, a framer, or a contractor doing general trim work is paying for precision they will never use in practice.
Who should buy the Festool Kapex KS 120?
- Professional finish carpenters and trim specialists who cut in clients’ homes where airborne dust is unacceptable, and who are willing to pair the saw with a Festool CT extractor to achieve the 94% dust capture figure.
- Cabinet makers and furniture builders for whom sub-degree bevel accuracy and repeatable compound angle cuts directly affect joint quality and finished appearance.
- Woodworkers with compact or shared workshops who cannot accommodate a 42–52 in (107–132 cm) front-to-back footprint and need a saw they can set up flush to a wall.
- Anyone who regularly cuts aluminium extrusions, acrylics, laminates, or engineered composites and needs variable speed to match blade RPM to material requirements.
- Professionals already invested in the Festool Cleantec ecosystem, where the Kapex connects natively via the bayonet dust port and the CT extractor auto-starts with the saw.
Who should buy the DeWalt DWS780?
- General contractors, framers, and builders who need maximum cutting capacity and reliable performance across varied site conditions.
- Serious hobbyist woodworkers who want professional-level accuracy without a professional-level price tag — the DWS780 delivers accuracy that the vast majority of woodworking tasks will never exhaust.
- Trim carpenters who work in environments where some dust is tolerable, or who already use a shop vacuum for dust management, and who need the 170 mm (6.7 in) vertical height for cutting large crown or baseboard profiles upright.
- Anyone whose primary work involves dimensional lumber, hardwood beams, large-format sheet goods, or material wider than approximately 229 mm (9 in) — all of which exceed the Kapex’s cutting envelope.
- Users who want a zero-maintenance cutting guide system: the XPS LED shadow never drifts, never needs calibrating, and works as accurately in year five as it did on day one.
Final verdict
For the majority of woodworkers, the answer is the DeWalt DWS780. It is an exceptional saw — precise, powerful, versatile, and backed by years of proven performance among professionals and hobbyists alike. Its XPS shadow system arguably outperforms the Kapex’s lasers for daily production use. Its 12 in (305 mm) blade handles material and profiles the Kapex cannot. And its price leaves substantial budget for a quality stand, a shop vacuum, and a selection of premium blades — all of which will improve your results as much as the saw itself.
The Festool Kapex KS 120 — specifically the REB variant — earns its premium in specific, professional circumstances: fine woodworking in dust-sensitive environments, compact workshops where footprint is a hard operational constraint, and high-end finish carpentry where the cost of a scrap cut in expensive hardwood, or the reputational cost of leaving dust in a client’s home, outweighs the price of the saw. If that description matches your work, and if you are prepared to also invest in a Festool CT extractor, the Kapex will reward you with a level of precision, dust control, and engineering quality that is genuinely difficult to replicate at any price.
The short version: buy the DeWalt unless your work gives you a professional reason not to.
Frequently asked questions
What blade does the Festool Kapex KS 120 use?
The Kapex KS 120 uses a 260 mm (10.25 in) TCT blade. It ships standard with a 60-tooth ATB combination blade (Festool item 494 604). Festool also offers a dedicated 80-tooth fine crosscut blade, a 64-tooth flat-tipped laminate blade, and a 68-tooth TCG aluminium/plastic blade. The smaller diameter compared to the DWS780’s 305 mm (12 in) blade is central to the Kapex’s compact rail-forward design and its quieter operation (approximately 82 dB versus 89 dB for the DWS780).
Does the DeWalt DWS780 have a laser?
No. The DWS780 uses the XPS LED crosscut positioning system: a bright LED that casts the blade’s actual shadow — including individual carbide tooth profiles — onto the workpiece. This never requires calibration, regardless of blade wear, vibration, or the saw being transported. It can be washed out in very bright direct sunlight but is highly effective in all typical workshop and interior job site lighting conditions.
Is the Festool Kapex worth the money?
For professional finish carpenters, trim specialists, and furniture makers who work in dust-sensitive environments, need a compact workshop footprint, or require symmetric bevel precision: yes. For hobbyists, framers, or general contractors: the DeWalt DWS780 delivers accuracy and features that are indistinguishable in practice for most real-world tasks, at roughly one-third of the price.
What is the cutting capacity of the DeWalt DWS780?
At 90°, the DWS780 achieves a crosscut width of 349 mm (13.75 in) and a vertical cut height of 170 mm (6.7 in). By adding a 38 mm (1.5 in) thick auxiliary base board and removing the sliding fences, the crosscut can be extended to 409 mm (16.1 in). These figures make it one of the most capable 12 in (305 mm) miter saws available in its price category.
Which saw is better for crown moulding?
Both saws are capable crown moulding tools, but for different methods. The DWS780 has dedicated bevel pawl stops at 22.5° and 33.86° for cutting crown flat on the table (compound method), plus a 170 mm (6.7 in) vertical height that accommodates larger profiles upright against the fence. The Kapex’s symmetric ±47° bevel range, fine-adjustment lever, and extended cutting position (121 mm / 4.75 in vertical height) give it an edge for compound work on non-standard profiles and for cutting large crown vertically. For standard residential crown work, the DWS780 is likely the more practical saw; for custom or high-end cabinetry crown work, the Kapex’s precision pulls ahead.
What is the difference between the Kapex KS 120 EB and REB?
The EB (Electronic Brake) uses an electrical braking mechanism to stop the blade quickly after trigger release. The REB (Reactive Electronic Brake) replaces this with a magnetic brake that has no contact points and never wears out — Festool notes that failure of the electrical brake on older units caused complete motor failure, a failure mode the magnetic system eliminates. The REB is the current production variant and the one to specify for professional daily use.
How much space does each saw need in the workshop?
The DeWalt DWS780 requires approximately 52 in (132 cm) of front-to-back clearance with the standard dust bag, or approximately 42 in (107 cm) with a 90° elbow adapter. The Festool Kapex requires near-zero rear wall clearance — its 30 mm rail-forward design means the saw can be positioned flush against a wall. Total front-to-back depth of the Kapex at rest is approximately 61 cm (24 in).
Does the DWS780 require a stand?
Not strictly, but a stand significantly improves usability. DeWalt’s DWX726 compact stand (approximately $119 / £99) is a popular pairing that raises the saw to a comfortable working height and provides lateral extensions for outfeed support. The Festool Kapex’s companion UG stand (approximately $960 / £780) is a more significant investment but includes built-in extension wings that support material up to 240 cm (94.5 in) in length, integral flip stops, and wheels for rolling across a job site.