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If you want something that truly gives it all, this Makita miter saw review is just for you. It’s a saw that has plenty to offer and many features that will stand out against the competition. It even comes in a kit so you get the powerful saw in all of its glory as well as two batteries and a dual charger.
Check out my Makita miter saw review for the XSL08PT model.
Contents
Makita XSL08PT Key Features
The Makita XSL08PT 12 is battery-operated and that does not take away from the powerhouse within. This dual bevel saw is very smooth and very powerful. Don’t be fooled by the battery operation. The power is something to take note of. This miter saw is definitely one for the books and it is absolutely versatile.
Let’s start with a quick overview and breakdown of the features of this saw. This will gear me up to break down the elements that set it apart later in my guide. Here are the key features to note.
- Large 12 inch blade size
- Powered by two 18-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Brushless motor for smooth operation
- Speed reaches up to 4,400 RPM
- Dual bevel miter allows for angles up to 60 degrees in either direction
- Extended expansion that allows you to work with crown molding or trim
- Includes a guiding laser as part of the kit
Features Highlight
And now let’s turn my attention to the features on this saw that I feel really makes it stand out. What is it that makes this so worth so much money? Is it really worth the cost when you break it down? It’s a beast and if that’s what you need, you can’t go wrong here.
- Powerful: One thing that actually surprises me and other users is the power. You see this miter saw is battery-operated. Oftentimes, I sacrifice a little bit of power to enjoy the convenience of a cordless tool. That’s not the case here. It connects to two 18-volt batteries and it is plenty powerful for a lot of great uses. Don’t negate it just because of the batteries.
- Versatility: Because of the power and the dual bevel capabilities, this saw is incredibly versatile. If you want or need to make a cut, you can most likely do that here. You can use the miter saw at a standard 90 degrees or tilt to 60 degrees on the right or the left. That’s pretty substantial and definitely wins some versatility points in this Makita miter saw review.
- Dust Collection: You know what most miter saws forget to make really great? The dust collection. In fact, so many models actually have dust collection as one of their biggest cons. That’s not the case here. In fact, Makita took it one step farther and actually added dual dust collection ports. That means you get double the dust protection.
Additional Features
Alright, this saw has a lot to offer so there is much to say. I covered the big highlights. You already know that this Makita miter saw is really just about unmatched in comparison to others. Makita has a reputation for doing just that. In fact, I’m slightly surprised because Makita rarely adds special features but this miter saw has them.
The brushless motor helps the batteries better maintain power to operate. With the overall design, this motor also will help notice if the saw begins to overheat and it takes action.
This saw also has the AWS system that Makita is known for. This helps you start the tool and operate it easily. In fact, AWS makes this saw stand out a bit more compared to many others.
As far as prices go, you might pay just a little bit more for this one. It’s a full kit that comes with the batteries. You can also buy just the tool if you already have Makita batteries and chargers. It’s a bit on the pricy side but the quality and reliability that you get make it well worth the cost.
Makita XSL08PT Cutting Capacity
When it comes time to make the cut, the Makita miter saw delivers. This is one of their newer saws and they really ramped up some major details. Cutting capacity is one of them.
Since you have the power and the functionality, you can cut quickly and efficiently. For the record, this miter saw is also compatible with the Makita miter saw stands if you need them.
With a large 12″ blade, this Makita will outperform other 10″ miter saws. It is capable of making larger cuts.
As far as capacity, you have the ability to cut crown molding that is up to 8 inches. That is pretty substantial. It’s thanks to the power but also thanks to the angles and the fence design. Your capacity is 6 ¾ inches at the base and 15 inches for 90 degree crosscuts.
Did I mention the bevel functions? You can easily control your bevel angles with a simple knob on the front of the miter saw. However, it’s a dual bevel miter saw. This means that you can bevel from either direction.
And even more, you have a bevel angle capacity of 60 degrees either way. That’s a phenomenal number.
The Cons
We’ve certainly ramped up how impressive this beast of a machine is. Of course, there are always downsides to be aware of too. I’d like to think they get close to perfect but it’s only fair to share the negatives so you’re fully informed.
The biggest thing that might be a drawback is the price of this kit. While it’s a great value for the money, it is an expensive saw. It’s going to take some budget planning for most to make it happen.
The other thing to be aware of is that the square that is provided with the miter saw is not great. It works but it’s a bit flimsy so you may want to acquire a better square if you don’t already have one.
You might want to consider the Makita LS1018 Compound Miter Saw or the Makita LS1219L Miter Saw. The LS1018 is only 10″ but the LS1219L has a 12″ blade.
Final Thoughts
In closing, in my Makita miter saw review, I feel the XSL08PT model is well worth the cost. It’s an investment but the saw really has a lot to offer. It’s got power, versatility, and reliability all on your side. If you can swing it, you might as well go for it.
