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If you’re looking for a miter saw that basically knows no limits (or at least very few limits), you might want to check out the Makita LS1018.
This miter saw is a dual slide compound model, which means you can do all of the things you need to do with a miter saw. It’s got speed and power and it’s designed to let you get to work quickly.
Take a look at this complete Makita LS1018 review.
Contents
Makita LS1018 Overview
This 10-inch miter saw performs well and can handle tough work. It might have some limitations with your hardest and most challenging materials but overall it’s reliable when it comes to getting the job done, and it’s versatile to boot.
Take a look at some of the primary features that stand out for this miter saw.
- 13 amp motor
- Speeds of up to 4,300 RPM
- Dual miter that reaches 47 degrees left and 60 degrees right.
- Designed for accuracy with a linear ball bearing system
- Dust collection bag connected to a port on miter saw
- Easy to use and adjust to meet the needs of your cut
Feature Highlight Review
When it comes to a miter saw like the Makita LS1018, it takes more than just some features that look good on paper. What is it that really sets such a saw apart from its competitors?
In this particular case, keep in mind I am looking at a dual bevel compound miter saw. That alone gives it some advantage over a traditional miter saw.
Here are some of the key elements that make a difference.
- Size & Versatility: considering the actual size and weight of this saw, it’s pretty amazing what it is capable of. It’s a dual bevel compound miter saw but it’s really lightweight and yet still plenty versatile. The lightweight might not handle the thickest materials but it makes it convenient to work with anywhere.
- Smooth & Accurate: This miter saw is genuinely precise. It’s designed to make accuracy a breeze. This means lining up for your cut and then making the cut are smooth. This is in part thanks to linear ball bearing system on the miter saw.
- Dual Bevel: Having that dual bevel capability gives you so much more capability. It improves your crosscutting, your miters, and even your angles. It makes it more suitable to a wider array of projects but it also simplifies the normal projects. You can swivel the head right or left for the cut.
- Power: The power on this miter saw is 13 amps. This is pretty relatable in the field, particularly when you consider this is built to be lightweight. With the power, you can reach 4,300 RPMs
Makita LS1018 Additional Details
Those are the basic things that make this Makita miter saw a superior choice in the industry. But that’s not all.
This tool falls into the mid-range when it comes to price. It lines up with other tools in the same price range and has some details that many miter saws at this cost don’t have. In fact, it can be very hard to find a dual bevel compound saw at this price.
This Makita miter saw stands out for professionals and for other fields of woodworkers. It is capable of working with a variety of different needs and that is perhaps why it’s such a great power tool. It doesn’t have a laser and the dust collection is just standard but remember that the saw itself was built for accuracy so you should be ok without that laser.
The beveling capabilities allow you to tilt the head left or right and the angle allowance is pretty significant.
In most cases, the left will be a lesser angle. This is true here but the left still allows for a 47-degree adjustment. The right tilt angle allows for up to 60 degrees, which is substantial. Both sides have multiple tilt stops along the way to the max.
Makita LS1018 Review Pros
One of the unique things about this miter saw is that it is versatile to several different usage options. It was ultimately designed to be powerful and versatile to be used by contractors on job sites.
It’s lightweight and easy to port around but it is fully capable of doing many different things.
While it was designed with the contractor in mind, it’s useful elsewhere too.
While it’s a 10-inch saw, it also has side rails that you have to accommodate wherever you place it. This can cause you to need a bit more space to devote to the saw. Overall, it’s built for versatility and durability. It’s built for a contractor’s life so you know it’s built to last.
The Cons
No tool is absolutely perfect. While some of them get very close, there are always potential drawbacks to be aware of. On this saw, I found a couple of things that might be a drawback but also might just be something you should be aware of.
If you’re looking for a dust port that is phenomenal, this doesn’t have that. It does have a standard dust port added to the backside of the miter saw. That dust port includes a bag. The bag isn’t huge but good enough for several cuts. It’s just standard though so there isn’t anything special about it.
The other thing that some people see as a con is the fact that this saw has no laser guide. Remember, Makita designed the saw for accuracy. Lasers are not always required. They just might make you feel more confident in your work.
You might want to consider the Makita XSL08PT Miter Saw or the Makita LS1219L Miter Saw. Both the XSL08PT and LS1219L have 12″ blades.
Final Thoughts
In closing, the Makita LS1018 dual bevel compound miter saw is a versatile choice. It’s built to accommodate contractors but versatile to handle regular workshops and most uses. It can handle a variety of tasks and has plenty of power to back it up.
With Makita, it’s really not about adding a bunch of fancy pieces but rather about giving you a tool that you can depend on for performance. That’s what you find in the Makita LS1018 miter saw.
