Cutting baseboards, crown molding, and dimensional lumber is a snap when you have a compound miter saw. These two saws from Makita are accurate and easy to use, plus they come with stands. Let’s examine them both to see which one will be the best for you.
Makita LS1216LX4 12-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser and Stand
When you have to choose between two equally good saws like the LS1216LX4 and the LS1016LX5, you’ll need to consider their cutting capacities. The LS1216LX4 can cut larger stock like 8-inch crown molding, 6.5-inch baseboard, and 15-inch wide lumber. All of those are 90-degree vertical cuts, but the LS1216LX4 can do miter cuts too, up to 3-5/8 by 10-1/2-inches.
One of the features you’ll see on the LS1216LX4 is its solid, study miter table. It’s very easy and fast to select the angle you want, then lock it in place with the large knob. You can miter up to 52 degrees left and 60 degrees to the right, and choose one of the positive stops for convenience. Once locked, the table stays put so your cuts come out smooth and accurate.
Also with regards to accuracy is the built-in laser. You can turn it on and off with a switch on top of the saw. That way you can preview the cut line without starting the blade in motion. Plus, you can use it to do micro-adjustments when it matters on either the left or the right side of the blade.
Another reason why the LS1216LX4 is precise is due to the four steel rails that support the motor and blade. These rails have linear ball bearings that make moving the saw blade very smooth. And with four rails, the saw is very stable, which cuts down on blade deflection.
Users also appreciate the sliding fence system with both upper and lower adjustments. It’s 5.5-inches tall and very rigid to support nested stock. When you’re cutting taller material, the rear blade guard automatically retracts, too.
As a compound saw, the Makita LS1216LX4 also bevels up to 45 degrees either left or right. Like the miter table, it has common positive stops available, but you can also set any angle within the range.
Then, the 15amp direct drive motor itself is powerful enough to perform fast cuts in hardwood. Its top speed is 3200rpm. It has electronic speed control, like a Festool, to keep the blade working efficiently under load.
Also, whether you’re left- or right-handed, the Makita LS1216LX4 is ready for you. It has a D-shaped horizontal handle that works for anyone. And you can attach a dust bag or vacuum hose to capture debris at the rear.
Finally, the miter saw in this package comes with a portable work stand, model number WST05. The stand has extensions to support materials up to almost 9 feet in length. It also adjusts to either 21-5/8 and 31-1/2 inches in height. You won’t need any tools to mount the miter saw on it.
More features of the Makita LS1216LX4 Compound Miter Saw and Stand:
- Makita offers a limited warranty
- Package includes saw stand, 12-inch 60-tooth blade, vertical vise, dust bag, socket wrench, triangular rule, and straight guide
Makita LS1016LX5 10-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Laser and Stand
If you don’t need the larger capacity of the LS1216LX4 saw, you’ll get the same great tool in the smaller LS1016LX5. This miter saw weighs less and takes up less room than the other, but has an impressive cutting capacity all the same. It also has all the same electronics inside, as well as a laser.
Although it uses a 10-inch blade, the LS1016LX5 manages a 12-inch wide crosscut and up to 4.75-inches vertical cuts for baseboard. It can also perform 2-13/16 by 8-1/2-inch miter cuts and handle 6-5/8-inches of crown molding if the molding is nested against the fence. Like the other saw, this one miters up to 52 degrees left and 60 degrees right, plus it bevels up to 45 degrees to either side.
Finally, the LS1016LX5 comes with the same stand, the WST05. The stand adjusts to two different heights and has extensions to hold long materials.
More features of the Makita LS1216LX5 Compound Miter Saw and Stand:
- Makita offers a limited warranty
- Package includes saw stand, 60-tooth blade, vertical vise, dust bag, socket wrench, triangular rule, and straight guide
- Weighs 53.3 pounds
Recommendation
If you need a larger vertical cutting capacity up to 15 inches wide and 8 inches tall, get the Makita LS1216LX4.
If you prefer a lighter saw, but still want better cutting capacity than the average 10-inch miter saw, get the Makita LS1016LX5.
Click here to purchase Makita LS1216LX4 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Makita LS1016LX5 on Amazon.com!