Makita LS1221 vs DeWalt DW715: A Single Bevel Saws’ Clash

Makita LS1221 vs DeWalt DW715

Makita LS1221 vs DeWalt DW715 are two great single bevel representatives from the well-known Makita from the East and the famous Western manufacturer – DeWalt.

If you are looking for an affordable saw with fast speed, I will recommend the Makita LS1221.

If an extra-large cutting capacity is also on your bucket list, then again, the LS1221 will be a useful assistant for you at job sites.

But if you need a saw with a larger molding capacity, I would be happy to suggest the DeWalt DW715.

And if better accuracy in the saw is your priority, DW715 will win in this department.

The table below will give you a quick analysis of the two miter saws.

The winner
The runner-up
Image
DEWALT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw, 15-Amp (DW715)
Makita LS1221 12" Compound Miter Saw
Model name
DeWalt DW715
Makita LS1221
Best for
Capacity
Budget
Motor power
15 amps
15 amps
Capacity
6-1/2-inch crown molding
5-1/2-inch crown molding
Maximum cutting capacity
2x8-inch lumber at 90°; 2x6-inch at 45°
4x6-inch lumber at 90°; 2-¾x5-⅞-inch at 45°
Blade speed
4,000 RPM
4,000 RPM
Blade diameter
12 inches
12 inches
Weight
42 pounds
37 pounds
Size
26.1 x 19.6 x 17.2 inches
26.5 x 24 x 23.86 inches
User rating
-
-
Price
Price not available
Price not available
The winner
Image
DEWALT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw, 15-Amp (DW715)
Model name
DeWalt DW715
Best for
Capacity
Motor power
15 amps
Capacity
6-1/2-inch crown molding
Maximum cutting capacity
2x8-inch lumber at 90°; 2x6-inch at 45°
Blade speed
4,000 RPM
Blade diameter
12 inches
Weight
42 pounds
Size
26.1 x 19.6 x 17.2 inches
User rating
-
Price
Price not available
More info
The runner-up
Image
Makita LS1221 12" Compound Miter Saw
Model name
Makita LS1221
Best for
Budget
Motor power
15 amps
Capacity
5-1/2-inch crown molding
Maximum cutting capacity
4x6-inch lumber at 90°; 2-¾x5-⅞-inch at 45°
Blade speed
4,000 RPM
Blade diameter
12 inches
Weight
37 pounds
Size
26.5 x 24 x 23.86 inches
User rating
-
Price
Price not available
More info

Comparison Between Makita LS1221 vs DeWalt DW715

The Makita LS1221 and the DeWalt DW715 are great in most aspects of a single bevel miter saw. But, some may be better than the other’s.

Accuracy 

DW715’s miter detent plate features 11 positive stops, two more than the other one. The plate also owns four hardened bevel stops at 0°, 33.9°, 45°, and 48° to improve versatility. It also has a cam-miter lock handle to enhance accuracy and simplify adjustment.

Regardless, LS1221’s electronic speed control system will maintain constant speed under load. And it goes along with an electric brake to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

That said, the winner of this round will be DW715. It has a better miter detent plate and a more advanced lock handle.

Design and Material

Both manufacturers use similar materials for their saw components. For example, they have stainless steel for the miter detent plate, steel for the saw, and aluminum for the base.

LS1221’s design has high compatibility when used with Makita’s additional miter saw stands. Its usage of black in the base that contrasts with the silver on the board will highlight its numbers. That, along with the water blue on the saw, gives it a very stylish look.

On the other hand, DW715’s black is a classic for DeWalt’s products. And along with the yellow on some details and the silver on the entire bottom part, it possesses a very sturdy appearance.

Another main difference in their designs come from their carry handles. While LS1221’s is more visible, DW715’s built-in ones make it look neater.

They both are considered to have a lightweight design. But while LS1221 is lighter for easier transporting, its counterpart from the West has smaller dimensions for simpler storage. 

Nevertheless, they are both convenient for portability. That is also why this round between DeWalt DW715 vs Makita LS1221 will be a tie.

Power and Capacity

Both saws have a 15 amp motor that can spin its blade up to 4,000 RPM, providing strength for quick and easy cuts.

On their differences, DW715 has a wider miter capacity (0°-50° left and right). Its bevel capacity is also better (0°-48° to the left and 3° to the right) than its opponent from the East (0°-45° to the left).

Its crown molding capacity is also more significant, as the table above has shown.

But its cutting capacity is no match for LS1221, which can cut lumber that has an extra-thick width up to 4 inches.

Yet, considering the overall capacity, the DW715 will claim the victory here.

Cutting Blade

Both machines feature a metal 12-inch blade for fine and longer vertical operation, reducing work time. The blades are all carbide-tipped for strong and easy cuts.

On their top is a horizontal D-handle for comfortable and easy operations.

DW715 has a huge advantage here with an 11-positive-stop miter detent plate with extra hardened bevel stops. It also features a miter detent override for more consistency, powering up the saw even more.

But looking at the blade itself, LS1221 has the leverage. It has 60 teeth, 28 more than its opponent, for smoother and more precise cuts.

However, DW715 is still the winner. It offers more advantages with its blade.

Additional Features

DW715’s favorable warranty package includes a 3-year limited warranty, a 1-year free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

LS1221’s package is not that attractive since it only offers a 1-year limited warranty.

Thus, it is clear that DW715 has won again.

Included Components

DW715’s box comes with a 12-inch miter saw, a carbide blade, a dust bag, a blade wrench, and an instruction manual.

LS1221’s box has a 12-inch miter saw, a miter saw blade, a vertical vise, an extension wing, a socket wrench, a dust bag, and a user guide.

Since they are all basic components for each saw, this round will be another tie.

Quick Rundown of DeWalt DW715

Makita LS1221 vs DeWalt DW715

DEWALT 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw, 15-Amp (DW715)
  • 15 amp motor, 4,000 rpm delivers extended power and durability for the 12-inch miter saw blade
  • Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 11 positive stops of the mitre saw improves productivity and ensures cutting
  • Precise miter system and machined-base fence support optimize cutting accuracy for DEWALT miter saw
  • Tall sliding fence supports crown molding up to 5-1/4-inch nested and base molding up to 6-1/2-inch vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts
  • Bevels 0 degree-48degree to the left and 0 degree-3degree to the right for increased capacity

Pros:

  • Cam-miter lock handle
  • Miter detent plate with 11 positive stops and extra hardened bevel stops
  • Can handle more moldings
  • Wider miter capacity
  • Better warranty package

Con:

  • Less blade teeth

>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<

Quick Rundown of Makita LS1221

Makita LS1221 vs DeWalt DW715

Makita LS1221 12" Compound Miter Saw
  • Large cutting capacity (3-7/8" x 6" at 90°)
  • 4-1/2" tall pivoting fence for cutting up to 5-1/2" crown molding
  • Powerful 15 AMP direct drive motor delivers 4,000 RPM for smooth performance
  • Positive miter stops at 9 settings; 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45° right or left and 0° (90° cuts)
  • Horizontal D-handle design for easy and comfortable operation

Pros:

  • Easier to transport
  • Can handle thicker lumber
  • More blade’s teeth
  • More affordable

Cons:

  • 1-year warranty
  • Less positive stops on miter detent plate
  • Less miter and bevel capacity

>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<

Conclusion

Finally, after an intense match, I now declare the winner of the battle between Makita LS1221 vs DeWalt DW715 is the DeWalt DW715!

With greater overall capacity and accuracy, the DeWalt DW715 will be a great choice for your workshop! 

But, if you are looking for a more affordable saw but still have high productivity, the Makita LS1221 will not let you down.

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