Miter Saw Showdown: Ridgid R4222 vs DeWalt DWS779 – Which One Comes Out on Top?

Comparing Ridgid r4222 vs Dewalt dws779 can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with either miter saw. If you pay close attention to the features, you will notice the differences between the two saws. Compare the design, speed, power, and accuracy to find out what suits you best with either tool. Below is an overview of each miter saw and their advantages and disadvantages. The Ridgid R4222 and the DeWalt DWS779 are both high-quality miter saws that are popular with woodworkers and professionals in the construction industry. Both saws have powerful motors and can make precise cuts, but they have some differences that may make one the better choice for your specific needs.

Overview of the Ridgid r4222

RIDGID r4222 is a dual bevel sliding compound miter saw with a 70-degree miter capacity. It features nine positive bevel stops for multiple applications with accuracy and offers power and precision for clean and accurate cuts through tough materials. It can cut a 2×12 with a single pass at 45 degrees. 

Its package includes the carbide-tipped blade, dust bag, material clamp, blade wrench, and a user manual. The 15 amp motor-heavy-duty motor powers through difficult materials. The adjustable miter and bevel detents with bypass feature are for improved accuracy. 

The dual bevel design has nine positive bevel stops at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 33.9 degrees, and 45 degrees left and right. It has 13 Positive Miter stops at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 31.6 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 67.5 degrees left and right. The blade brake stops the blade in seconds for quicker transitions between cuts. 

Sliding miter fences support wider material and adjust for bevel cuts and the LED cut line indication and work light for improved visibility. It is compatible with the AC9946 RIDGID Universal Miter saw stand.

Pros

• Powerful
• Accurate
• Compatibility
• Quick transitions
• Visibility 

Cons

• Lack of variety
• It is bulkier

Overview of the Dws779

The Dewalt DWS779 miter saw is an innovative saw tool with horizontal steel rails and a clamping system. The linear ball bearings deliver a smooth, accurate miter saw, whilst the tall sliding fence ensures accuracy when cutting. 

It has ten positive stops, making it versatile. The miter saw is durable and features a 15 Amp motor producing 3,800 rotations per minute. The back fence cuts to 2 x 16 lumber at 90 degrees and 2 x 12 at 45 degrees. 

There is a wider base supporting the miter saw. The bevel scale makes adjustments quick and accurate. It has a gearbox, a belt-drive design increasing the cutting capacity, a precise miter system, and machined base fence support. The cam-lock miter handle delivers quick and accurate miter angles.

It has tall sliding fences which support a 6-3/4 inch Base. It bevels 0°- 48° left and right 2-inch x 14 inch dimensional lumber cross cut capacity at 90° and 2-inch x 10 in. dimensional lumber at 45°.

Pros

• Quick
• Durable
• Affordable 
• Wide base
• Innovative

Cons

• A bit heavy
• No laser

Features of a Ridgid-R4222

Dust collection system

It features a built-in dust collection port with 1-1/4 inch wet/dry vacuum adapters. This type of setup is affordable and prolongs the longevity of the vacuum and air filter.

Stops

It features crown stops, mounting drills that fit common stops, and crown molding halt.

Brakes

The blade brake is for quicker transitions in between cuts.

Bevels

A positive bevel allows an immediate modifiable positive halt at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 33.9° angles, and even 45° on both sides, and adjusting the bevel angle is easy. It loosens the bevel lock knob, rotates it to the desired angle, and tightens the knob.

Miter stops

Its positive miter stops allow fast adjustment positive halt at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45°, 60°, and 67.5° angles left and right.

Blade Wrench

The blade wrench also has a star head to loosen the adjusting screws on the miter scale. Loosen the four screws and adjust them slightly until it cuts square.

Cutline Led light

This miter saw features the cutline-led work light. Use a switch on top of the saw to turn on a light that will cast a shadow of the blade onto your board so you can see where it will cut. It works great on straight and angle cuts and makes it easy to see where the cut is (Instructables.com). 

Features of Dewalt dws779

Positive stops

Dewalt dws779 features a stainless steel miter detent plate with ten positive stops.

Fence support and steel rails

The machined base fence support makes the precise miter system (Delphiacharter.nl). 

Steel rails

Its dual horizontal steel rails have an innovative clamping mechanism and linear ball bearings, for accuracy and durability.

Dust collection system

It has an efficient dust collection system that captures over 75% of sawdust. That makes it more competitive amongst other Dewalt models. 

Design and build quality

Dewalt dws779 has a compact and sturdy design, a linear ball bearing system, and an advanced clamping mechanism with dual steel rails for accuracy and precision. The saw design does not require much adjustment.

Positive Depth Stop

One of the most overlooked features of a miter saw is the adjustable depth stop. This feature comes in handy when you need it and when you know how to use it. When making redundant cuts that do not penetrate the wood, engage the adjustable depth.

Flip down the stop, and adjust the socket screw by loosening the wingnut first. That allows you to adjust the cutting depth. When ready to make through cuts again, raise the stop. That keeps your adjustment where you want it, and you can flip the stop down to re-engage the saw stop.

What could be better?

Ridgid r4222

• More options would have been better.

Dws779

• It could have been light enough to move easily.

Similarities

• Both have a built-in dust collection system.
• Both are steady.

Differences between Ridgid r4222 and Dewalt dws779

• Ridgid r4222 has nine bevel stops, whereas the Dewalt dws779 has 10.
• Ridgid r4222 is much easier to handle than Dewalt dws779.

Verdict

For cutting long bevels, you should try the Ridgid r4222 miter saw.  The 70-degree bevel cuts make it excellent for all sides and trim installations. When it comes to visibility, the Ridgid r4222 is the ideal tool. If you intend to work on tough projects, the Dewalt dws779 is the ideal tool. It is also powerful enough to cater to everyday job site projects. I assume you now know what you want.