My Makita compound miter saw does everything I want it to do in my workshop.  I have the smaller LS 1013 model saw and I love it!.  The Makita miter saw is an electric saw that cuts with a high degree of accuracy, adjusts quickly, and easy to use without all the fancy high-tech “stuff” that I wouldn’t use.

To me a quality tool that is built to last is very important and as Makita have a reputation for quality tools, I had no hesitation in buying my Makita compound miter saw.

I have a two year old LS1013 10 inch (255mm) Makita compound miter saw  which has now been replaced by the LS1016.  Many of my comments will, I believe, be relevant also to Makita’s other models on the market the LS-714 (7 ¼” / 190mm)  and LS1216 (12” / 305mm).

I acknowledge that some later models of the Makita compound miter saw will come with a light and/or laser light, which my model does not have.

Makita Compound Miter Saw – specifications

Dual slide compound 10-inch (255mm) mitre
Cuts up to 279mm at zero degrees or 197mm at 45 degree mitre cut
Accurately performs cross cut, bevels, mitres, compound cuts easily
Has a double sliding guide fence  that can be adjusted
Cuts bevels up to 45 degrees (left and right) with positive stops at 22.5, 33.9, 45.  Adjustments made quickly and easily.
Makita miter saw cuts  up to 60 degrees right and 52 degrees left
Soft start motor and electric brake
Work clamps to hold down timber
Extension arms at each end to hold lengths of timber
Dust bag

What I like about the Makita Compound Miter Saw

The Makita compound miter saw head is mounted on a double rail system which allows the head to slide back and forth very smoothly, making it easy to use.  What’s more, there doesn’t feel to be any weight in the saw head as I slide it in and out.

I like the Makita compound miter saw soft start and electric brake, as the saw blade builds momentum almost instantly when I squeeze the trigger.  However it also stops quickly after releasing the power switch.  This is an important safety feature in the event of having to stop the blade in the event of an emergency.

The handle is positioned so that I can take hold of the handle in either hand and pull the handle down onto the surface of the wood and pull or push the saw head in either direction.

The Makita compound miter saw power trigger is positioned so that it is easy to squeeze with either hand.

My Makita compound miter saw has 15 amps of power and to date has not bogged down or struggled cutting thicker timber. For example, I found it slices through 100 mm thick timber with ease and doesn’t become sluggish in any way during the cutting process.

The saw also has a flat, sturdy aluminium base that holds all straight timber exactly where I want it.

The Makita compound miter saw is relatively quiet when compared to so many other electric saws on the market.  Easy on the neighbour’s ears too!

I have found my Makita compound miter saw cuts both mitres and bevels accurately and square!

My Makita compound miter saw cross cuts up to 280 mm wide and if I flip the timber over I can cut up to 550mm wide.  This has proven to be very useful when I have a 400 mm wide cabinet top that needs to be cut.   The Makita miter saw does this perfectly.

The Makita compound miter saw bevels and mitre cuts and can be adjusted quickly, simply by turning the black knob at the front of the saw 90 degrees to quickly lock or unlock the mitre angle lock.

For cutting vertically (up to 120mm high) I will use a backing “fence” to provide additional support.

When using the Makita compound miter saw I find  holding clamps very useful when cutting mitre cuts as the clamp(s) hold the wood firmly enabling me to cut through the wood safely and keeping fingers well out of the way.

The Makita compound miter saw dust bag reduces the amount of saw dust by collecting most of the dust created, although I still seem to end up with plenty of sawdust on the floor.

What do I use my Makita Compound Miter Saw for?

Cutting all cabinet timbers up to 500 mm wide.  Most being 19mm – 38mm (3/4″ – 1 1/2″)  thick with the occasional size up to 100mm x 100mm (4” x 4” thick.
Mitre and bevel cuts for cabinets, picture frames
Cutting the top and base of cabinets up to 500mm wide (once joined)
Most of my use is light home workshop cabinet making and it fulfils all my requirements perfectly.

For me, buying my Makita compound miter saw has certainly been worth the money as I now have a sawthat cuts accurately and adjusts quickly.

Remember the old adage – you get what you pay for, and one of the lessons I have learnt over all these years is to buy quality tools!    In my humble opinion the Makita miter saw is a quality tool.

Optional Extras for the Makita compound miter saw

Whilst I do not have one, if you are sawing long lengths of timber on a regular basis it may well be worth your while purchasing the Makita table extension accessory.

If your saw does not come with holding clamps these are also worth while accessories for holding difficult pieces of wood in place so your fingers are well out of the way.  This then allows you to cut through the wood safely.  Holding clamps are particularly useful for mitre cuts.  

Recommendation:

Irrespective of which Makita miter saw you buy, whether it be the  LS0714 (190mm), LS1016(260mm) or the LS1216 (305mm) you should be very happy with your purchase.

Also remember too that Tool King have an excellent brand name power tools for you to choose from.

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