Today DeWalt announced the brand new DWS780 12-inch sliding compound miter saw. The saw does look very similar to the older DW718 miters saw, and if you compare the two carefully you will notice that some parts are mirrored. I have had a few days of use with the older model saw, but it was years ago and I hardly remember if it had any design flaws. Because the saws are so similar looking, there were probably only minor changes made to the saw, but having not used the new DWS780 it is impossible to say for sure.

The advantage of this DeWalt saw is its larger crosscutting capacity of 16-inches at 90 degrees. This is accomplished by using a sacrificial table and second built in fence. Not everyone needs a 16-inch capacity, but if you have ever installed closet shelving, you realize what an advantage it is. The second plus for this saw is its weight. People still like the cutting capacity of 12-inch miters saws, but like the weight of the smaller 10-inch saws. At 56-lbs the DeWalt has the other 12's beat.

The number one new feature of the DWS780 appears to be their new LED shadow line system. While other brand use laser lines to show where the blade will cut, DeWalt has come up with a system that uses the shadow of the blade to show where it will cut. So instead of having to adjust the laser after changing to a thicker/thinner blade, with the shadow system it doesn't even matter.

The DWS780 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw is set to be released September 2011 and is expected to retail for $599. The Saw will come with a 3-year limited warranty, and 1-year free service contract.

For the full specs and details check the press release below.

I wondered how long it would be until Bosch came out with a track saw of their very own, and now I know. It turns out that Bosch Germany will be releasing two track saws in a matter of just a couple of months. Good news for other track saw owners is that they will use a track and saw configuration that is compatible with Festool, Makita, and other tracks and saws on the market.

The saws are going up against some pretty big competition with Festool, but according to the specs, Bosch has them beat on most everything. Of course it is about more then just specs, but they do play a major part. The New Bosch GKS 55 GCE will be going head to head with the Festool TS 55. They both offer the same cutting depths at 55mm (2-1/8") but the Bosch has more watts (power) at 1350 vs 1200. The Festool TS 55 does beat the Bosch GKS 55 GCE by 100 rpm at high speed (5,100 rpm), but again Bosch beats Festool in weight.

Onto the big saws. Festool has the TS 75, but Bosch jumps ahead with their GKS 85 G. Again the numbers in the model are referring to the max depth of cut at 90 degrees in millimeters. So the Bosch offers a cutting depth of 3-5/16" vs Festool's 2-15/16". Those cutting depths are taken without using a track.

Other then that, the Bosch saws have a number of accessories available including: rails of various lengths, rail connectors, angle guides, clamps, anti-splinter guards, etc. All in all it looks like Bosch will be giving Festool a run for their money, at least on paper. The only area that Bosch seems to be lacking in is dust collection; their saws do no appear to have a dust collection port that can be used with a collector. For some this will be a major drawback.

Obviously we bring you this news expecting that these track saws will be coming to the USA at some point. When, and at what price is unknown. Bosch Germany users can expects the saws this July at a price of 309 euros (about $445) for the GKS 55 GCE plus 1600mm track and L-Boxx, and 409 euros (about $590 USD) for the GKS 85 G with 1600mm track and L-Boxx. Again Bosch beats Festool with price.

Congratulations to Jennifer McCullar, winner of the Channellock Tool Roll #3

This month up for giveaway is a Limited Edition 125 Anniversary 5-Piece Channellock tool roll set that has been engraved with "1886-2011-- 125 Years Strong." This set is so limited, that when Channellock sent me the tool roll to try out, my own set did not have the special engraving.

This 5-piece set of tools is perfect for your average homeower/DIYer or even a professional tradesman. The roll has tools that can help you conquer almost any task. The two tongue & groove pliers are great for plumbing, the cutting plier is your go-to for your cutting needs, the long nose pliers are for those hard to reach places, and the slip joint plier is great for smaller gripping and twisting tasks. For those of you that want everything in its place, the set can be wrapped up snug in its own tool roll.

Channellock's Tool Roll No.3 Includes:

• 430 tongue and groove plier
• 420 tongue and groove plier
• 337 cutting plier
• 3017 long nose plier
• 526 slip joint plier

This set would make a great Father's day gift, though please note that this giveaway will not end until after Father's Day.

Entering the giveaway is simple and we give you three options, here is how.

• Leave a comment anywhere on the Tool-Rank Blog. Any comment will do, but if you want to say thanks to the sponsor, that would be nice. Or let us know how you would use your new toy.
• Facebook users can enter by leaving a comment on the ToolRank Facebook page.
• Twitter users may also enter by following ToolRank and tweeting the following message (as shown):

• You may enter this specific giveaway up to three times (once per method). Additional entries will not be counted.
• Contest is open to anyone in the 48 Contiguous United States (including the District of Columbia), 18 years of age or older.
• One (1) Winner will be chosen randomly. Winner will receive one (1) of the prizes listed above.
• If you are chosen, you will be notified by email (Use a valid email address), or PM via Facebook or Twitter.
• Prizes may look different then those pictured above.
• Entries can be submitted until Thursday June 30 2011, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
• Complete giveaway rules can be found here.

A big thanks to Channellock for supplying the prize. Be sure to pay them a visit and add them on your social networks. Channellock on Facebook & Twitter

Math gets in the way of great woodworking projects. Yeah, I know it might be hard for some of you to believe, but amazing looking furniture was being built long before the masses knew the wonders a+b=c and all that jazz. Sure a tape measure comes in handy when you need to divide 73-3/16 by 5, but that is only because we were never taught the ways of old.

So what can replace a tape measure and the knowledge math? How about two sticks and a hinge, or what is commonly known as a "sector". So we know a sector can replace (in some cases) the knowledge of math, but we still need the knowledge of how to use a sector. Chris Schwarz from FineWoodworking has a quick video to get us started on some of its capabilities, and another video on how to make such a device, but any true knowledge seeker needs to read the 'Secret of the Sector' article from the June 2011 issue of FWW.

FWW & FWW via JLC Forums