There was a time around here when if you were serious about construction, you owned Makita tools. They had some of the best tools around and were serious innovators. Then it seemed like they stopped innovating and just kept producing the same tools until they became tired and other brands were passing them by.
However, one tool that has always remained a premium example of it’s class has been the Makita miter saw. The LS1216L Dual bevel sliding compound miter saw is the latest entry into Makita’s line of Miter saws, and it continues this tradition.
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Makita miter saws have always had an intensely loyal following and they continue to impress new buyers every day. Like Teddy R., who had this to say:
“I added the Makita LS1216L to my work shop a couple of weeks ago. This is my first Makita tool and I choose it over all others after several weeks of reading the reviews of comparable saws on the market… Unless time proves otherwise this is the best power tool I have owned in my 30 plus years of woodworking.”
Makita has made a first in the industry decision to go to a four rail system instead of a two rail. Four rails should aid with rigidity and ensure consistent accurate cuts. The Makita LS1216L also has a 15″ crosscut capability out of the box, the best in the industry without additional fixturing. It will also cut 8″ crown nested vertically, something no other 12″ slider can do. And it comes with a laser, built in, not added on like others
The Makita LS1216L Feature List
- Powerful 15.0 AMP direct drive motor requires less maintenance and delivers 3,200 RPM
- Large cutting capacity for up to 8″ crown molding (nested), 6-1/2″ baseboard (vertical), and 15″ crosscut at 90°
- Compact design with a patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System further increases rigidity to produce superior cuts
- Independent laser indicates line-of-cut whether blade is turning or not, with on/off switch and micro-adjustments for precise “left-of-blade” or “right-of-blade” cutting
- Exclusive 6 linear ball bearings engineered to deliver smooth, solid, and adjustment-free “dead-on” accurate cuts
- Exclusive 5-1/2″ tall dual sliding fence system features versatile upper and lower fence adjustments for more precise miter and bevel cuts
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- Patented retractable rear guard and triple gear system for increased vertical cutting capacity
- Miters 0°-52° left and 0°-60° right, with positive stops at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6° and 45° (left and right)
- Bevels 0°-45° (left and right) with positive stops at 0°, 22.5°, 33.9° and 45° (left and right)
- Dual rear-handle bevel lock is easily accessible, with front and top facing scales for more precise bevel adjustments
- Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load for smoother, higher quality cutting
- Soft start feature for smooth start-ups
- Easy one-touch miter lock for accurate adjustments and increased efficiency
A. Miller said:
“I am a general contractor who is always looking for the best bang for your buck but will not settle for average equipment… This tool is hands down the best investment I have made in a long time! A++ rating on this bad boy of miter saws.”
One troubling thing did come up more than once in reviews of the Makita LS1216L that has little to do with the design of the saw itself. Makita seems to be having some quality control issues. There were several reports of miter saws being received with missing parts or with shipping damage caused by poor packaging. I am sure Makita will get this issue sorted out. As for the saw itself -
“We run a small custom wood shop. I really did a lot of research on saws and spent countless hours driving long distances to see them in person. It was a tough decision but I settled on The Makita 12″ sliding compound miter saw… I think the Makita is by far the best saw overall. I’m really happy with this saw.” – Jerome Q.
With Makita’s long stellar reputation on Miter Saws, if you are leaning towards buying the LS1216 dual bevel sliding compound miter saw, take the plunge. You won’t be disappointed.
