Customer Reviews

Makita LS1214F 15 Amp 12-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Fluorescent Light

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

After checking out several 12" compound miter saws at a local tool house I ended up buying the Makita LS1214F from Amazon. I was originally looking for a unit with a Laser light but was informed that the fluorescent light on the Makita saw would light up the work surface better and was actually easier on your eyes than the laser (especially if you were making a lot of cuts). The carbide-tipped blade that came with the saw is awesome and I found the miters to be "dead-on". I'm also impressed with the dual slide rails and how smooth they ride. This saw is solid and powerful and the oversized base makes it easier to cut larger crown molding. I don't have much need for a 12" cutting capacity right now but I'm sure I'll be glad I have it when the time comes. This is by far the best saw I've ever had and would recommend it totally.

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.

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.

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.

Amazon offered the best price for this quality saw. I find the guides and sliding action to be very smooth. I also like the soft start feature when using extension cords. The saw ran great and accurate right out of the box. It runs quiet and the dust collector actually moves particals out of the sawing action. I have used the flourescent light at dusk for finishing a project and it works great, and it was $10 cheaper! I would reccommend this saw for any user. I highly reccommend getting a Rigid miter saw stand with wheels to make it more user friendly on the job site.

I definitely would highly rate this saw for the jobsite. The soft start feature is very helpful and the fluorescent light is a must have. There are so may times when I am in a basement with very little light and have to make some cuts to trim something out. The blade it comes with is a surprisingly excellent blade. The way this saw folds up to carry is by far the best of all the sliders we've used (ex: Bosch, Dewalt, Rigid, Hitachi). The only complaints I have is the bevel index in the table, which is easy to get used to, and it seems to hang a little when the blade is fully extended to make a long cut and the fact that you don't get a 60 degree bevel like the belted sliders. That extra bevel cappacity is nice to have doing stairs. I have saws with lasers and feel they are overrated anyone who uses a saw day to day will always use the blade, it's proven to me to be much more accurate. Have also used the Makita with the laser as well and like this one better.

I'm building a large sundeck (950 sq. ft.) with a lot of angle cuts. This saw does a wonderful job! I have not used the light yet and not sure I ever will, but it is a great saw. It is very easy to move around for a saw of this size. I love makita tools and this one is no different from the rest, it is the best!
Sincerely, Craig Evans Boonsboro, MD

Yes, just like other customer has mentioned. I got the package that look like it has been repackaged. It doesn't look brand new but also it doesn't look like it has been used. However, mine has come with a broken leg so I have to RMA it.

I am interested in knowing if any others who ordered, got upon receipt of the box, a repackaged unit. Seems to work OK, but definately does not appear to be a new unopened item. Please post, and let me know. Thanks. I did not see where these were refurbs or "other than new", in the original itme listing.

By far the best saw I have had or used. The soft start with electronic speed control is superior to any other saw I have used. The flouresent is is useless as far as I am concerned.