Miter Saw Reviews

Makita LS1016L Review by Jack Henderson

Looking for the best price on this Makita compound miter saw? Click Here to check it out on Amazon.

When you find yourself looking for a new miter saw, don’t forget about the Makita LS1013. This dual sliding compound saw has a unique horizontal double-rail system that allows for increased stability. These rails are self-cleaning and slide on linear ball bearings. The saw also has an extremely wide range of cutting area with bevels that turn 45 degrees in each direction.

The Makita LS1013 has a vertical grip design, unlike some saws with a horizontal, and has a thumb-activated safety switch and paddle trigger. Although not always as comfortable as a horizontal handle, the vertical design allows for use of both the left and right hand, and the paddle grip makes it easy for you to squeeze the trigger whenever.

One of the unique features of the Makita LS1013 is that is has a large depth capacity, which makes it able to cut four-by-four material with ease. It can also crosscut a two-by-twelve at 90 degrees, which is something that many people desire. There is a large amount of workspace so that you can make extremely wide crosscuts due to the saw’s large table. With nine positive stops, it’s simple to lock in common miters. Although the miter lock has a screw handle instead of a cam-lock design, it ensures complete safety.

Due to all of it’s unique features, this saw is extremely user-friendly to anyone, whether you’re an experienced woodworker or a first timer. There’s a pivot fence that can support large stock or flip back for bevel cuts. However, it’s important that you are safe at all times when sawing. The Makita LS1013 has a work clamp that lets you make precision cuts on a small piece without risking your finger getting chopped off. The depth-stop mechanism allows you to make quick cuts while working on the job, and the release safety button to lock the saw off is ideal for when you’re working at home.

Perfect for:

1) Deckbuilding

2) Woodworking

3) Carpentry

Great features:

• Positive locks
• Dual steel rails
• 45 degree bevels in each direction
• Vertical paddle grip
• Safety switch
• Depth-stop mechanism
• Screw handle on miter lock

Click Here to check out the Makita LS1013 compound miter saw on Amazon where it’s currently on sale.

Pros:

• Extremely precise blade
• Angles are set perfectly
• Blade brake stops the blade very quickly
• Large table

Cons:

• Fence is not as long as some others

No matter whether this is your first miter saw purchase or a new one to replace your old, the Makita LS1013 miter saw is perfect for anyone at any time. If you need a saw with accuracy, precision, safety, and power, you’ve found it. The double-rail system and exclusive depth capacity allow for a wide variety of jobs to be done, and the nine positive stops promise an accurate cut. This saw is easily one of the best available, and with all of the great features, it’s not difficult to see why.

A professional woodworker who has been working with saws for the past 25 years, Mike Schmidt understands that a good saw is one that is able to do difficult jobs while still being safe, which is exactly what he claims the Makita LS1013 does. Here is his review:

“I have been woodworking for the past 25 years and have a substantial investment in tools. I’ve used an 8.5″ SCMS for 10 years and spent the past year shopping all the new larger sliders on the market. My purchase of the Makita LS1013 was based on precision, quality, ergonomics and value. Of the 30+ top brand power tools in my shop, the 1013 has it all!

The one word that comes to mind is “SMOOTH”! The glide of the sliding rails, the ease of the miter table swing and bevel adjustment, the solidity of the saw head and blade guard in the cut and the smooth but powerful and quiet motor all give the feeling of a machine with precision and finesse. Don’t get me wrong. This tool is solid and very well built. I know it will last for many years to come. The miter and bevel settings were square right out of the box and the blade run out was a negligible .001″.

I was ready to purchase a Forrest Chopmaster blade but found the stock 64-tooth carbide blade gave a “glass-like” finished edge with no tear-out on several types of wood. The supplied accessories and the add on accessories are great and give the saw the features to perform all the task I’ll ever need. Overall, the saw “feels” right. A lot of thought must have gone into the design and final production of this unit and in my opinion, there’s not really any competition out there in the SCMS market!! Although I haven’t yet performed any crown molding projects with it, I’m confident that it will be up to the task. Makita has a real winner here. It’ll be hard to better it in the future!”

If you would like to read some more Makita LS1013 reviews, Click Here.