Makita LS1013FL 15 Amp 10-Inch Dual Bevel Compound Sliding Miter Saw with Laser and Fluorescent Light

• StableMate PLUS100 Universal Miter Saw Stand
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• Freud LU74R010 10-Inch 80 Tooth ATB Thin Kerf Cut Off Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor and PermaShield Coating
• Denali Miter Saw Stand
• Fulton SM-600 StableMate Wheel Kit

The saw has a built-in laser that clearly highlights cut line for quick, safe, accurate cuts. However, unlike most miter saws, the laser on this Makita model is mounted above the blade, not to the arbor. That means you don’t have to turn on the saw to activate the laser. Another nice feature is that the laser is independently switched, so you can turn it on or off whenever you’d like.

The saw carriage slides on two precision-ground steel rails that are fitted with ball bearing guides. The result is a vibration-free smooth-rolling saw that produces precise, consistent cuts, even at the outer limits of the slide mechanism. By the way, this 49-pound tool can crosscut a 2-by-12 and bevel-cut boards up to 3-5/8 inch thick. The LS1013L has a souped-up 15-amp, 3,700-rpm direct-drive motor that transfers cutting power to the blade much more efficiently than typical belt-driven saws.

One unique feature of the "FL" line of Makita saws is the built-in fluorescent work light. It illuminates the 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. Take care, though, as the bulb does get quite warm.

This versatile saw can handle a wide range of carpentry jobs from house framing and deck building to cabinetmaking and interior trim work. .-- Joseph Truini

What's in the box: The saw comes with a dust-collection bag, hold-down vise, two extension wings, 70-tooth carbide-tipped saw blade and blade wrench

MY BOY HAS TRIED THEM ALL AND SAYS THIS IS THE BEST, AND HIS WORK IS PERFECT

Arrived on time with all the parts. Makita on line service no help and had to return to service center for repairs. Worked fine for the first few cuts then the slide froze.

When I got it home, I took it out and sat it on the workbench. It was setup to light the right side of the saw kerf, and I wanted it on the left. I noticed that the saw dust blew right on to the floor behind the saw. I wish I could say that went smoothly, but it was quite difficult to get it just right.The light seems almost useless. Maybe it was due to the crappy way that the saw is sitting in a cardboard box with virtually no padding. I had to keep them open with a jury-rigged paper clip. However, it was not square, and I needed to spend a half hour getting it square. The few cuts that I made were pretty smooth, and were nice cuts after I got everything adjusted and squared.

I am not a professional anymore, so I am using it as a hobbyist.I looked at the Dewalt, but the saw guard really bites your thumb if you do not keep it out of the way. Imagine my shock as the leg came off in my hand.Maybe it was a defective saw. I bought my saw from the big Orange store. Anyway, I took it back and decided to try another.The second saw seems to have solid feet. I doubt that was shipping, but rather that it was not adjusted properly at the factory.One other thing I noticed is that the dust collection does not work well.

I'm sure I could do without it, and other saws seem to have approached this a little better.I have not used the saw enough to speak to its endurance, or my satisfaction. Even then, a good portion of the sawdust blew past the opening and on to the floor.The laser also took quite a bit of fiddling with. My wife watched as I extolled the virtues of the saw, and grabbed the saw by one of the metal feet to rotate the saw 90 degrees. I hooked it up to a vacuum as I do for most of my tools. This saw has a nice clearance for my thumb.

A closer look revealed that the rubber pieces hanging down to catch the sawdust had sucked tightly together because of the vacuum.

I was disappointed to find that Makita does not include a right hand fence with the LS1013FL. The right hand fence is crucial when working with vintage moldings. For the cost of that acessory, I would purchase a second LS 1213FL which includes the right hand fence. This saw has a 12" blade with the same overall size.

I reported it to Amazon and they immediately sent me a new one. It seems to have most of the features needed in a saw of this level. I've used this saw quite a few times over the month I've had it and like it very much. It cuts very nicely, great blade for finish work and the light and laser are perfect. Very good customer service from Amazon. The first one that was delivered was damaged by UPS.