Makita LS1018 Review: Is It Worth Your Investment?

Makita LS1018 Review will bring you a detailed breakdown of its features, pros, and cons.

This model is a powerful miter saw and can work on versatile materials. Both professionals and hobbyists find this machine very handy with user-friendly features. However, there remain some downsides that need to be considered before you make a purchase.

Before going into detailed analysis, here are some important features of the miter saw:

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Contents

Who Should Buy This Product?

With so many available options on the market, you wonder which miter saw is the best choice for large cutting capacity and commendable accuracy. If so, there is no need to ponder over this matter anymore. Makita LS1018 Review is here to solve your concerns.

Motor Power

The machine has a 13.0 AMP motor which can generate up to 4,300 RPM. This power and speed are enough for you to work on the heaviest jobs and perform such delicate cuts.

Furthermore, the model is equipped with a soft-start feature, attempting to prolong the life of the saw and save you from board shifting. With this smart feature, you can save time and waste little effort lifting the equipment.

Dual Bevel

The versatility of the Makita LS1018 is remarkable. This model is a dual bevel compound miter saw. In meaning, you have the power to tilt its blade to the left and right sides freely, which allows you to move the machine at multiple angles.

You can easily adjust the blade up to 47°to the left and 60° to the right regarding the miter angle range. To make smooth and precise cuts, you need to be aware of its standard positive stops, including 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees. With the right technique, you can optimize the machine to its fullest.

As for the bevel angle range, you can make bevel cuts both 45° to the left and right sides. This angle range is adequate to satisfy your beveling needs.

Portability and Durability

Compared to other compound miter saws, this model is relatively lighter. With only 43.7 pounds of weight, you can carry the machine around without any constraint.

Not only is it lightweight, but it is also built for professional work. You can rely on this miter saw when you are in hectic construction sites requiring heavy-duty jobs.

In contrast to its lightweight, the saw has a sturdy build, making it durable for a long time. This quality will surely save you the money, time, and effort to do regular maintenance to the machine.

User-friendly Features

Along with the high-quality figure, this miter saw also comes with many useful perks, such as a blade guard and an electric brake.

The blade guard is see-through and helps you know whether the blade and the wood piece are connected or not. As for the electric brake, it acts as a safety mechanism and allows you to stop the machine with ease.

What Needs Improvement?

Major Errors

The model has limited fence height and blade clearance in the back, which means you can’t perform accurate cuts on tall table saw and large crown molding.

Another disadvantage is the lack of a laser guide system. In poor lighting environments, you will find it difficult to cut with precision. Therefore, this error is likely to slow down your progress.

Minor Error

The performance of the dust collection system is not quite satisfactory. With woodworking, sawdust is inevitable, and a dust bag will help to minimize the mess.

However, the system of this model is sometimes ineffective and can’t absorb all dust particles. Fortunately, this situation can be fixed by applying a shop vac to the dust port.

Makita LS1018 Alternative

Compared to today’s subject, the DeWalt DW717 and RIDGID R4221 have similar features such as double bevel, wide miter and bevel angle range, and so on.

Additionally, they perform relatively well in terms of versatility and durability. Therefore, the two models can make great replacements for the Makita LS1018.

If you are looking for machines with more powerful motors and greater cross-cut capacity, you may prefer the DeWalt DWS716 and the Delta 26-2241.

Even though these two models have higher prices, they promise you more satisfying features, allowing you to create woodworks with delicacy and precision.

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