Product Description

Heres a formidable contender in the compound miter saw market with all the features you want in a high-end saw, plus one. We had high expectations for this saw, and we were not disappointed. Cutting is smooth, quiet, accurate and completely free of vibration, and the soft start is a nice feature. The 15-amp motor delivers 3,200 rpm, and electronic speed control maintains consistency under different loads. A common miter saw beef for us is a hard-to-read scale, but this ones large, clear and easy on the eyes, which we really appreciate. There are nine positive stops: 0 degrees, and left and right at 15, 22.5, 31.6 and 45 degrees, and bevels can be set from 0 to 45 degrees left and right. Capacities are great, too in the upright and center position, the saw will cut workpieces up to 4-1/2 inches high and 12-1/8 inches wide. A 45-degree left bevel still lets you cut stock 2-5/8 inches high and 12 inches wide, accommodating even the widest trim and moldings. The only thing wed change on this model is moving the rear bevel lever up front, but its not a big detractor. It does take a little muscle to set a bevel angle, but again, its not much of a mark against a saw that performs so beautifully. We like the vertical clamp on this saw; its quick to adjust and holds like a champ. Even the dust collection system, usually a notch above ineffective on most miter saws, is impressive, keeping the cutting line surprisingly clean. The thing we found coolest about this saw is a small detail, but one you dont see often: a built-in fluorescent light. It illuminates the workpiece cut line exactly where you want it, and its always right at your fingertips. Makita says the bulb will last some 2,000 hours, but we didnt stick around to check that out. Take care, though, as the bulb does get quite warm. There are a lot of compound miters on the market, but this one is definitely at the head of the class. Contractors and exacting woodworkers will love it.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10646 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Makita
• Model: LS1214F
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 32.00" h x 22.00" w x 21.00" l, 75.00 pounds

Features

• 12-inch dual bevel sliding compound saw with fluorescent light and soft start
• 15 amp; 3,200 rpm; cuts 52 degrees right and 47 degrees left with 9 positive stops at 0, 15, 22-1/2, 31.6, 45 degrees left or right
• Machined aluminum base; dual aluminum base; dual slide rails; carbide tip blade
• Includes saw, vertical vise, blade, wrench, triangular rule, 2 extension wings
• 20-1/2 by 28-1/2 by 27-1/2 inches; 52-1/2 pounds; 1-year warranty

Amazon.com
Here’s a formidable contender in the compound miter saw market with all the features you want in a high-end saw, plus one.

We had high expectations for this saw, and we were not disappointed. Cutting is smooth, quiet, accurate and completely free of vibration, and the soft start is a nice feature. The 15-amp motor delivers 3,200 rpm, and electronic speed control maintains consistency under different loads.

A common miter saw beef for us is a hard-to-read scale, but this one’s large, clear and easy on the eyes, which we really appreciate. There are nine positive stops: 0 degrees, and left and right at 15, 22.5, 31.6 and 45 degrees, and bevels can be set from 0 to 45 degrees left and right. Capacities are great, too – in the upright and center position, the saw will cut workpieces up to 4-1/2 inches high and 12-1/8 inches wide. A 45-degree left bevel still lets you cut stock 2-5/8 inches high and 12 inches wide, accommodating even the widest trim and moldings. The only thing we’d change on this model is moving the rear bevel lever up front, but it’s not a big detractor. It does take a little muscle to set a bevel angle, but again, it’s not much of a mark against a saw that performs so beautifully.

We like the vertical clamp on this saw; it’s quick to adjust and holds like a champ. Even the dust collection system, usually a notch above ineffective on most miter saws, is impressive, keeping the cutting line surprisingly clean. The thing we found coolest about this saw is a small detail, but one you don’t see often: a built-in fluorescent light. It illuminates the workpiece cut line exactly where you want it, and it’s always right at your fingertips. Makita says the bulb will last some 2,000 hours, but we didn’t stick around to check that out. Take care, though, as the bulb does get quite warm.

There are a lot of compound miters on the market, but this one is definitely at the head of the class. Contractors and exacting woodworkers will love it.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Customer Reviews

Better than the rest...
I am a contractor of 25+ years and have tried pretty much every saw out there. Every saw has its strong point... but the new Makita has more than most. It does have a couple areas which could be improved, but overall, it is the best 12" compound slider out there. I currently use this Makita, the DeWalt 12" slider, and the Ridgid 12" slider. I have tested the Bosch, and Hitachi also. All have their strong points, but in the end this saw is the winner! (In my opinion.) I do every aspect of construction being a remodel contractor, but specialize in fine finish. Again, you won't be disappointed if you choose this saw.

Makita saw a great buy!
The Makita saw is great. We are in the construction business; and have had them before and will stick with them. We thought the light would be in the way, but it turned out to be a great feature. The only drawback is a guide that sticks. Still, it is superior to other saws we've had. We own another Makita; and only after ten years has it needed any replacement parts.

Whats my angle?
I just bought the LS1212 a while back and love it. So do all of the other contractors that I work with. :-) One of my buddys thought that the saw was so nice that he went to buy one as a replacement for his hitachi 8 1/4. He had trouble finding the LS1212 and tried to one up me with the LS1214. The LS1214 comes with some nice stuff like the sub fence for the right and a larger base, but the miter angles are located on the right hand side of the saw. If you have a peice of 1 x 6 laying in the saw and want to make a 7 degree cut, you have to move the 1x out of the way to see what degree you are setting. We have not really incured in problems with this but it just seemed to be a bit odd and could become cumbersome at times. Other than that though it is a great saw just like it's big brother the LS1212.