Makita LS1216LX 12-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser and Stand

by Makita

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Makita LS1216LX combines the LS1216L 12" dual slide miter saw and the largest crosscutting and crown cutting capacity in its class with the convenience and mobility of Makita's jobsite miter saw stand. The LS1216L miter saw has a patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System that further increases rigidity to produce superior cuts, and an exclusive 6 linear ball bearing design for smooth, adjustment-free, "dead-on" accurate cuts. The LS1216LX miter saw and stand is ideal for jobsite use, as well as high-production/manufacturing settings.

View larger

LS1216LX Features CAPACITY - 8" crown molding (vertically nested) and 6-1/2", baseboard (vertical) and 15" crosscut at 90° ACCURATE - Exclusive 6 linear ball bearings and 4-steel rail system deliver maintenance-free "dead-on" accurate cuts VERSATILITY - 5-1/2" tall fence system features upper and lower fence adjustments for more precise cuts DURABILITY - Powerful 15 AMP direct drive motor requires less maintenance than belt-driven saws INCLUDES - Blade, dust bag, vertical clamp, wrench, triangle, and stand

Tool Specifications Blade diameter 12" Arbor 1" Crown molding (nested) 8" Baseboard (vertical) 6-1/2" Max. cutting capacity (90°) 3-5/8" x 15" Max. cutting capacity (45° L/R ) 3-5/8" x 10-1/2" No-load speed 3,200 RPM AMPs 15.0 Dimensions (LxWxH) 31-3/4" x 25-1/4" x 28-3/8" Net weight (saw and stand) 135.4 lbs.

Large Cutting Capacity, Increased Accuracy
The LS1216L will crosscut boards up to 15" wide at 90°, right out of the box with no special setup required. It has an innovative direct drive gearbox and patented retractable guard system engineered for increased vertical cutting capacity and the largest crown molding cutting capacity (8" vertically nested) in its class. The patented retractable rear guard also provides 6-1/2" baseboard cutting capacity (vertical). In addition, the exclusive 6 linear ball bearings deliver smooth, solid and adjustment-free "dead-on" accurate cuts. The saw also has a patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System that further increases rigidity to produce superior cuts, as the four steel rails provide less deflection. The result is a larger cutting capacity and more accuracy.

Precise Miter and Bevel Cuts
The LS1216L has an exclusive 5-1/2" tall sliding fence system, with four sliding fences featuring upper and lower fence adjustments for more precise miter and bevel cuts to accommodate a variety of cutting applications. The saw miters 0° to 52° left and 0° to 60° right, with positive stops at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45° (left and right). The dual rear-handle bevel lock is easily accessible with adjustments 0° to 45° (left and right), with positive stops at 0°, 22.5°, 33.9°, and 45° (left and right). Precision adjustments are made easier with dual front bevel scales for improved visibility. The easy one-touch (push in and turn) miter lock system is designed for accurate adjustments and increased efficiency. For more precise cuts, a built-in laser indicates the line of cut, whether the blade is turning or not, and also includes an on/off switch and microadjustments for precise "left-of-blade" or "right-of-blade" cutting.

Ease-of-Use Features
In addition to the large cutting capacity, power, and accuracy, the LS1216L offers a range of conveniences and ease-of-use features. The LS1216L has a patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System that requires less rear space than competitor dual sliding miter saws. The see-through blade guard system provides greater visibility of blade and line of cut, and has a one-step blade change process for increased efficiency. The ergonomic rubberized horizontal D-handle design has a better fit and added comfort, and the large trigger switch is designed for easier operation.

15 AMP Power for Smoother, Higher-Quality Cutting
The LS1216L has a 15 AMP direct gear box motor that never slips, bogs down, or requires maintenance like belt-driven saws. The soft start feature delivers smoother startups, and the Electronic Speed Control maintains constant speed under load for smoother, higher-quality cutting. The LS1216LX includes the Makita Jobsite Miter Saw Stand. The stand adjusts to five positions with a spring-loaded mechanism for quick and easy setups in seconds. It also includes a large platform base and 9' material support extensions with feed roller to support long crown molding. The stand is equipped with a large rubberized handle and solid rubber 12" wheels for easy jobsite portability.

Best in Class for a Range of Applications
The LS1216LX is engineered for precision tasks in woodworking shops, as well as for cutting large materials like 4" x 16" beams and wide boards up to 15". It is ideal for a broad range of tradespeople, including finish carpenters, professional woodworkers, case and base installers, cabinet installers, cabinet manufacturers, closet installers, decking and flooring professionals, siding installers, stair installers, and general contractors seeking a best-in-class 12" dual slide compound miter saw and stand for the jobsite or high-production/manufacturing setting.

About Makita's Miter Saws with DXT
Makita's new miter saws with DXT (Deep and eXact Cutting Technology) are designed with an innovative direct drive gearbox and patented retractable guard system that are engineered for large vertical cutting. In addition, the exclusive 6 linear ball bearings deliver smooth, solid and adjustment-free "dead-on" accurate cuts. The saws also have a patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System that further increases rigidity to produce superior cuts, as the four steel rails provide less deflection. The four steel rails also enable a more compact rear design than standard two-rail systems. Makita's new miter saws deliver a larger cutting capacity and more accuracy combined with a more compact rear design.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial-quality power tools, and it offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to engineer power tools that are more compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial-strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800-4-MAKITA (800-462-5482) or visit makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.

What's in the Box
Makita LS1216L 12-inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw, 60T TCT Saw Blade, Vertical Vise, Dust Bag, Triangular Rule, Wrench and Stand.

Product Description

The Makita LS1216LX combines the LS1216L 12-inch dual slide miter saw and the largest crosscutting and crown cutting capacity in its class with the convenience and mobility of Makita's jobsite miter saw stand. The LS1216L miter saw has a patented 4-steel rail sliding system that further increases rigidity to produce superior cuts, and an exclusive 6 linear ball bearing design for smooth, adjustment-free, "dead-on" accurate cuts. The LS1216LX miter saw and stand is ideal for jobsite use, as well as high-production/manufacturing settings.

See all Product Description

Product Details

• Item Weight: 170 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 170 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0033WSK5E
• Item model number: LS1216LX
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,969 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #18 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Saws > Miter Saws

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best designed miter saw, June 27, 2010

By 

J. Smith (Mound,MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Makita LS1216LX 12-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser and Stand (Tools & Home Improvement)

I bought this saw from Amazon because no one else offered a "package deal" on it. I saved over $200 on the combo compared to the local stores. I didn't think I would like the laser, untill I needed to find an angle I scribed, too cool. Love the adjustments, similar to my Makita 1040. The cross cut ability is amazing, 15 inches at 90deg. I really like the stand too, it has nice big wheels, and simple to operate. Overall I really like the saw, hands down the best designed saw on the market!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great hardworking combo, November 21, 2011

By 

moog_dog - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Makita LS1216LX 12-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser and Stand (Tools & Home Improvement)

Bought this saw + jobsite stand combo a few months ago to build from scratch an 18x10 workshop plus serve as my primary framing/trim saw for a cottage remodel. I'm an ex. contractor who now primarily works on my own investment properties at a very casual rate (I have a day job).

Unlike some of the other reviews for the saw itself (or combo) both parts arrived unscathed via the shipping company.

The jobsite stand has a number of hole patterns depending upon which saw you happen to be attaching to it. I'm not sure why one reviewer found the supports did not lineup with the saw once attached, the position is as expected.

It's absolutely worth getting the stand, even if the saw is going to be mostly static, folded it takes up far less space than a home constructed miter saw stand with extensions. Another plus is that you can do all kind of modifications to the rig and end up with a nice mobile workstation.

Out of the box accuracy was quite good, I did (as with every saw I've purchased) adjust alignment to zero tolerance though, may as well start with a clean plate. The supplied blade is of good quality and is still very serviceable following the completion of the 18x10 workshop.

The Good:

Soft start avoids any torque jerk (which shouldn't be a problem, we're all using clamps right ?)
Actually not too loud
Laser works well and has an independent dedicated switch (also see not so good comments)
Slide mechanism has minimal left/right play (as noted in other reviews there appears to be one bearing missing on one of the four slides, it's by design)
Vertical height stop makes cutting occasional dado's manageable (also see not so good comments)
Setting the vertical angle when not using positive stops is better than most saws, the motor/gearbox/blade assembly doesn't require a block and tackle to keep it in place while you tighten down, it also doesn't skew the angle when you do tighten
Horizontal movement is smooth and light, the lock mechanism is easy and convenient (lock 1/2 twist left, unlock push 1/2 twist right)

Not so Good:

A permanent left + right laser would be an asset, you have to double check once it's moved to for left/right operation to make sure the blade aligns with it (it's not always correct)
If you are using the vertical height stop the depth of cut can be quite sensitive to downward pressure variations, no match for a table saw + dado blade
Only a single vertical clamp included, an option for 2 vertical, 2 horizontal would be nice (not easy to find online and costly)
As above for crown molding stops if you'd rather cut crown molding without doing compound cuts
Needs a secondary power cable clip as standard to nicely route the cable (yes, very minor)

The Bad:

I have not found any aspects of the saw that fall into this category

Neutral:

This saw is heavy (75lbs) but it has huge capacity. The jobsite stand seems more appropriate than hauling, it's more a wheel around. My regular (naked) contract miter saw is a 10 inch (non-slide) that is under 30lbs, so this one not so easy to carry up/down/all over. I've physically assessed a number of 12 inch slide peer class saws from Dewalt, Bosch, Hitachi etc. and overall this saw from Makita feels (to me) more solid and stable in its design.

I'll update the review in time as the cottage remodel rolls out, there's a lot of compound cuts for that.

UPDATE: A question was asked as to the vertical cut capacity. Makita's claims are true, this saw will accommodate 6.5" high vertical stock (3/4" width) and cut maximum of 45 deg left, 50 deg right. I know this as I tried it with my own suitably sized material.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great saw, accurate cuts and miters, June 5, 2011

By 

Dr Rob - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Makita LS1216LX 12-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser and Stand (Tools & Home Improvement)

Purchased this saw to finish the house we are building. Contractor has a 12" Dewalt, however their attemt to trim out the house with Howe casing (RB3) left large 1/16" gaps that were not even parallel. They use lots of caulking here in Georgia to make up for poor workmanship. Although I used my 25 yr old Makita power miter box to tackle most of the trim until Big Bertha arrived, there were several pieces of casing that had to have both a miter and bevel adjustment. The saw is great. My only problem is learning how to use it properly. On more than one cut I left the saw in the bevel position resulting in a miscut and have to learn not to push the saw all the way back for the left miter (>45). I really do like the laser, however really wish it was on both sides of the blade.

I highly recommend the mobile stand. You need to place the saw adjacent to your work so you can cut the pieces to fit. Most of my miter joints are so tight that a hair will not fit between them. The contractor commented that he has never seen miters that tight. I admit to a little smirk.