When you do a search on Makita miter saw, you'll find that Makita makes a number of different models.
For this Makita miter saw review, we are going to concentrate on the Makita miter saw model LS1016L. This is a 10 inch Makita miter saw. It is a dual slide compound miter saw and it even has a laser.
See a demo of the Makita Miter Saw
This sliding compound miter saw is really something to see and is a long way from the affectionately termed "chop saw" of yesteryear. When it comes to cutting crown molding for instance, it has a 6-5/8 inch cutting capacity (vertically nested) and is considered to be the largest in its class.
This Makita miter saw provides increased rigidity for more accurate cuts by incorporating its patented Four-Steel Rail sliding system resulting in less deflection. And to further increase the accuracy of your cuts, this Makita miter saw also has six linear ball bearings providing you with smooth and accurate cuts.
This Makita miter saw has been designed for an increase in its vertical cutting capability by providing a direct drive gearbox as well as an innovative retractable guard system that has been patented. In addition to the largest cutting capacity for crown molding as we touched on above, this Makita miter saw boasts a retractable, patented, rear guard providing you with a 4-3/4inch vertical baseboard cutting capacity as well as 12 inch capability at a 90 degrees.
The Makita miter saw model LS1016L accommodates a variety of cutting applications. This is done with its 4-3/4inch sliding fence system. Having four sliding fences with lower as well as upper fence adjustments, you are provided with more precise miter and bevel cuts.
This Makita miter saw miters to the right 0 - 60 degrees and to the left 0 - 52 degrees. It has positive stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees both right and left. It has a dual rear handle bevel lock. This feature is easily accessible and is adjustable from 0 - 45 degrees in both the right and left directions having positive stops at 22.5, 33.9, and 45 degrees.
With its dual front bevel scales providing improved visibility, precision adjustments are made much easier. Increased efficiency and accurate adjustments are made much easier because of the one touch, push in and turn mite lock. The laser that is built into this Makita miter saw shows you the line of cuts even if the blade is not turning. This laser provides you with more precise cuts, has an on-off switch and allows you to micro-adjust for precise "right of blade" or "left of blade" cuts.
This Makita miter saw model LS1016L provides you with an ergonomic and compact design. The LS1016L weighs less and is the most compact miter saw in its class. It is especially portable and is easily transported from job to job around the house or between job sites. The Four-Steel Rail sliding system that we mentioned above, means you will need 2 inches less sliding space to the rear than the dual sliding miter saws of the competition.
In addition, this Makita miter saw has a much greater visibilty of line of cut due to its unique see through blade guard system. It has a one step blade change and also sports a better fit and added comfort through its ergonomically designed rubberized horizontal D-handle.
As for power, this Makita miter saw boasts a 15 amp, direct gear box motor that, unlike belt driven saws, will not bog down or slip. In addition, it provides smoother start-ups with its innovative soft-start feature. The electronic speed control also means that this Makita miter saw is able to maintain constant speed under the most demanding of loads insuring you a smoother, high quality cut.
If you have read any miter saw reviews you know the high quality and precision of the Makita miter saw. But Makita not only makes high quality, professional grade miter saws for use at home and on the job. Makita also makes professional quality table saws, circular saw, and the portable band saw.
Makita of course manufactures saw blades such as circular saw blades and table saw blades. And while you are searching for your Makita miter saw, you might want to check out the portable Makita miter saw stand.