How to change blade on DeWalt 705?
To change the blade on a Dewalt DW705 12" miter saw, we unplug the saw, lock the head down, raise the lower guard, and loosen the arbor bolt (it loosens in the direction marked on the saw). Then we swap the blade, reinstall the outer washer, and tighten the bolt securely.
Safety first (do this every time)
- Unplug the saw (do not rely on the trigger switch).
- Remove the battery only applies to cordless tools; the DW705 is corded.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling the blade.
- Keep the blade teeth pointed away from your hands.
- Use the correct wrench; do not use pliers on the arbor bolt.
Step-by-step: blade change on DW705
- Unplug the saw and set the miter and bevel to 0° for stability.
- Lower and lock the head in the down position (or hold it down firmly if your unit does not latch).
- Raise the lower blade guard to expose the arbor area.
- Engage the spindle lock (arbor lock) so the blade cannot rotate.
- Loosen the arbor bolt in the direction indicated on the saw (many miter saws use a reverse-thread bolt; follow the arrow/label on your DW705).
- Remove the outer washer/flange, slide the old blade off, and install the new blade.
- Reinstall the outer washer/flange and tighten the arbor bolt firmly while holding the spindle lock.
- Spin the blade by hand to confirm it clears the guard, then plug in and do a brief no-load test.
Blade fit checklist (what must match)
| Item to match | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Blade diameter | 12 inch | Guard clearance and cut capacity |
| Arbor hole | Commonly 1 inch on 12 inch miter saw blades | Must fit the spindle correctly |
| Blade type | Crosscut, combo, or fine-finish | Cut quality and motor load |
Why it matters
A loose arbor bolt, missing washer/flange, or wrong arbor size can cause blade wobble, poor cut accuracy, and unsafe operation. A correct install keeps the DW705 cutting square and reduces vibration.
Parts and diagrams
If you need the correct blade hardware (washers, bolt, guard parts) for your DW705, we use the model diagrams to match the exact components, then order by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common issues with DW705?
The most common problems we see with the Dewalt DW705 12-inch miter saw are inaccurate cuts (out-of-square or out-of-miter), weak or intermittent power, excessive sparking at the motor, and poor dust handling. Most issues trace back to alignment, wear items, or electrical connections.
Common DW705 symptoms and likely causes
- Cuts are not square or angles are off: fence not aligned, miter detent wear, bevel stop misadjusted, blade not seated flat, or a bent/warped blade
- Saw won’t start: bad switch, worn brushes, damaged cord, loose internal wire connection, or a tripped breaker/GFCI
- Starts then stops or loses power under load: worn brushes, overheating, failing armature/field, or extension cord voltage drop
- Excessive sparking or burning smell: worn carbon brushes, dirty commutator, or motor damage
- Blade wobble or rough cut: worn arbor flange, debris on arbor, loose arbor bolt, or worn bearings
- Guard sticks or doesn’t return smoothly: pitch buildup, damaged guard linkage, weak return spring
- Dust blows everywhere: clogged dust port/bag, missing shroud pieces, or poor vacuum connection
Quick checks we recommend first
- Unplug the saw and remove the blade for inspection.
- Verify the blade is correct for a 12-inch miter saw and is installed with the arbor surfaces clean.
- Check fence straightness and tighten fence hardware.
- Confirm miter and bevel pointers are set correctly after alignment.
- Inspect the power cord for cuts and test the outlet.
Troubleshooting guide by symptom
| Symptom | Most common fix | What to inspect |
|---|---|---|
| Out-of-square crosscuts | Realign fence and bevel stop | Fence, bevel stop screw, blade flatness |
| No power | Electrical diagnosis | Switch, cord, brushes, connections |
| Heavy sparking | Replace/inspect brushes | Brush length, commutator condition |
| Rough/noisy operation | Service rotating parts | Bearings, arbor, blade, flange |
Why it matters
A miter saw that is out of alignment wastes material and can bind the blade; electrical issues (switch, cord, brushes) can create intermittent operation and overheating. Addressing the root cause improves cut accuracy and helps protect the motor.
For safe electrical testing steps, we use guidance like how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video.
Last updated: March 2026
What is a DeWalt DW705?
The Dewalt DW705 is a Dewalt 12-inch compound miter saw (model DW705) designed for accurate crosscuts and angle cuts (miter and bevel) in wood and similar materials; it is commonly used for trim, framing, and general carpentry.
What the DW705 is used for
- Crosscutting boards to length for framing and carpentry
- Miter cuts for corners on trim and molding
- Bevel cuts for angled joints
- Repetitive cuts using a stop block on a miter saw stand
- Shop and jobsite cutting where consistent angles matter
Key features you can expect on a 12-inch compound miter saw
Most 12-inch compound miter saws like the DW705 include the same core systems. Here is what those systems do:
| Feature | What it does | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Miter scale and detents | Sets left/right angle | Helps repeat common angles accurately |
| Bevel adjustment | Tilts the blade for bevel cuts | Needed for crown molding and compound cuts |
| Blade guard | Covers the blade when raised | Reduces accidental contact risk |
| Fence and table | Supports the workpiece | Improves cut stability and accuracy |
| Dust port (if equipped) | Routes sawdust to a bag or vacuum | Keeps the cut line clearer |
Why it matters when ordering parts
Dewalt often has multiple “types” or revisions under the same DW705 model family, and small design changes can affect fit for parts like the blade guard, switch, brushes, or fence hardware. Matching the exact model identification on your saw helps ensure you get the right replacement.
Quick tips before you shop
- Confirm the full model marking on the saw (DW705) and any type number on the data label
- Identify the system you are repairing (motor, guard, miter lock, bevel lock, fence)
- Compare your part visually to diagrams and photos when available
- Replace worn safety-related items (guards, return springs) promptly
- Use Sears PartsDirect to search by model number and narrow to the correct revision
Last updated: February 2026