12-inch compound miter saw kit; easily handles a 4 x 6 at 90 degrees
15 amp motor delivers 4,000 rpm; horizontal D-handle; positive stops at 9 settings
Carbide-tipped blade; fiber-reinforced polycarbonate and aluminum coating
Includes vise, blade, 2 extension wings, socket wrench, dust bag
Editorial Review:
15A Motor,12" Compound Miter Saw, Delivers 4,000 RPM, Horizontal D-Handle Design For Easy Operation, Carbide Tipped Blade For Precision Cutting, Pivoting Fence For Supporting Larger Stock, Includes Extension Wings, Carbide Tipped Blade, Dust Bag & Vertical Vise.
Why buy a compound miter saw? While a standard miter swings left or right at varying angles of the centerline, a compound miter also swings on a bevel, allowing you to cut a bevel and an angle simultaneously. This is invaluable if you are working on projects that require compound cuts, such as crown molding.
As compound miters go, it's hard to do better than the Makita. At just over 36 pounds, this is among the lightest of the 12-inch miters, yet it doesn't feel flimsy at all. The swing arm is substantial, and I was able to make accurate cuts easily over and over again. The 4-1/2-inch fence is not as high as other models (fences for 12-inch saws typically average around 5 inches), but is perfectly fine for most applications.
This is one quiet machine, which is great if you're going to be using it all day, and the horizontal, D-style handle is comfortable to use right- or left-handed (although, like most compound miters, the LS1221 bevels only in one direction).
On the down-side, the miter and bevel scales are a little difficult to read compared to other models. But given the overall quality, portability, accuracy, and the sturdy construction, this is indeed a minor complaint.--Josh Dettweiler
What's in the Box Carbide-tipped blade, vertical vise, two extension wings, socket wrench #13,dust bag, elbow
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Actually need to remove a couple of stars here...:
******UPDATE****** Of course it had to happen. I wrote the original review below based on the Makita saw I bought a number of years ago and a second one that I purchased for my workplace. I recently took another job and, because of my experience with those saws, I purchased another for the new shop. Unfortunately, the saw arrived out of alignment. That does happen sometimes but not often with an item at this price point. We set about trying to align it properly but no matter how much we tried to adjust... more info
Love it! Love it! Love it!:
I'm not a professional carpenter, but I've used this saw for projects around the house for a while now and can't get enough of it. The cuts were right on straight out of the box. It's a clean design and easy to use. I would recommend this saw to anyone...even family members!!
Homeowner user:
I'm almost completely satisfied with the saw. Plenty of power, positive detents, easy to handle knobs, useful side extensions, and easy to change blade. The horizontal handle is much better that a vertical handle. I'd have given it 5 stars if the table had a little more friction. Smooth hardwoods tend to slide on the nice smooth table when doing angle cuts. A 100 tooth ATB blade helped minimize the problem.
Great Saw:
I have used this saw now for 3 years and it has held up wonderfully. This is one of the best tools I have owned.
