Makita LS1013FL

Discontinued
Reviewed
August 2008
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Makita LS1013FL

Pros
  • Smooth cuts (70-tooth blade)
  • Soft-start motor
  • Electronic speed control
  • Smooth cuts
Cons
  • One-year warranty
  • Bevel limited to 45 degrees
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 

Comparison tests rank the Makita LS1013FL miter saw close behind the much more expensive Kapex (*Est. $1,300) for both performance and ease of use. The Makita miter saw can make very smooth cuts on boards up to 12 inches wide, and the soft-start motor with electronic speed control lets it handle even thick hardwoods well. The adjustable laser guide has a separate switch. The main drawbacks are the short one-year warranty and the 45-degree limit to the bevel. The Bosch 4410 (*Est. $550) bevels further, but the laser guide and blade changes aren't as convenient.

ConsumerReports.org doesn't review any Makita sliding miter saws. We found the best and most recent comparison review of 10-inch, sliding compound miter saws at Woodworker's Journal, where tool expert Sandor Nagyszalancay tests the Makita LS1013FL and five other miter saws -- rating each saw on nine different factors. Taunton's 2006 Tool Guide reports on a large readers' survey in addition to tests in Fine Woodworking. Earlier comparison reviews in Workbench and Popular Woodworking magazines test the similar Makita LS1013 (without the fluorescent work lights), and about four-dozen owners review the current model at HomeDepot.com and Amazon.com.

     
 
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Festool Kapex KS 120 Sliding Compound Miter Saw
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
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Bosch 4410 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
Where To Buy
 
 
Makita LS1016L 10-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser

 (44 reviews)
Buy new: $1,010.00 $529.99   19 Used & new from $450.00

In Stock.

 
 
 
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
eBayeBay rated 3.89 (1219 reviews)1,219 store reviewsIn Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Conditions apply.$519.00
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. Woodworker's Journal

Woodworking authority Sandor Nagyszalancay tests the Makita LS1013FL along with five other 10-inch, sliding compound miter saws, ranking the Makita close behind the much more expensive top-ranked Festool Kapex (*Est. $1,300) miter saw. Each saw is rated on nine different factors.

Review: 10" Sliding Compound Miter Saws, Sandor Nagyszalancay, June 2008

2. Taunton's 2008 Tool Guide

Earlier comparison tests of six 10-inch, sliding compound miter saws (originally done in 2006) find that the Makita LS1013FL cuts a bit better than the top-ranked Bosch 4410L (*Est. $500), but isn't quite as easy to use. Both saws provide good dust collection. A survey of more than 9,000 readers of Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking magazines also ranks the Makita second to the Bosch.

Review: 365 Power and Hand Tools, Andy Beasley and Taunton Press Editors

3. Workbench Magazine

This review of seven 10-inch, sliding compound miter saws names the Makita LS1013 a best buy, with smooth operation and excellent fit and finish, accuracy and cut quality. The review gives top ranking to the Bosch 4410L for its front controls, despite inconvenient blade changing.

Review: Workbench Tool Test: Sliding Compound Miter Saws, Editors of Workbench magazine, June 2005

4. Popular Woodworking

Based on comparison tests of seven 10-inch, sliding compound miter saws, the older Makita LS1013 shares the Editor's Choice award with the Bosch 4410. The review praises the Makita for "simplicity, accuracy and excellent performance."

Review: Tool Test: 10-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saws, David Thiel, Aug. 2004

5. Amazon.com

Nearly four dozen owners review and rate the Makita LS1013FL miter saw here, making it one of the top-rated miter saws at this big retail site.

Review: Makita LS1013FL 15 Amp 10-Inch Dual Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw, Contributors to Amazon.com

6. HomeDepot.com

About a dozen owners reviewed the Makita LS1013FL here in 2008, giving the saw the highest possible praise and ratings.

Review: Makita LS1013FL Miter Saw, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

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