Makita miter saws: features and popular models

If you have a need to purchase a miter saw, then experts advise you to pay attention to Japanese-made power tools. They are of high build quality and have a long service life. For example, the Makita saw is considered to be the best in its class.

The Makita miter saw is equipped with an electric motor that differs from others in its high cutting accuracy. The Japanese have achieved efficient work through strict requirements for the quality and reliability of the tool. Miter - designed for cutting across the fibers, from the end. The saw has the ability to make cuts at different inclines. The Makita trimmer works freely not only with wood, but also with plastics, cladding panels and soft metals such as aluminum.

The main technical characteristics of the miter saw are as follows:

• power;
• the number of revolutions of the disk;
• cutting depth;
• saw cut corner.

The trimming device consists of a standard set of basic components and a variety of additional units that increase the safety, comfort and reliability of the tool:

• Desktop;
• adjusting scale for table setting;
• electric motor;

• protective cover for safety;
• a disc or a set of several circular saws;
• adjusting handle with start button;
• stoppers-fasteners and stops for workpieces;
• fixing elements to stabilize the table at a certain angle during operation;
• adjusting mechanisms for setting the required angle;
• dust collector;
• laser pointer;
• handle for transporting the saw;
• backlight lamp.

Among the advantages of a Japanese-made saw users highlight the following advantages:

• the ability to quickly reconfigure the tool;
• convenient control and adjustment;
• high degree of safety during work;
• starting and braking systems operate smoothly and efficiently;
• trimming keeps the angle well when cutting, which simplifies work with high-precision cutting requirements;
• low weight (13-34 kg) - the manufacturer uses light alloys and specialized plastic for the manufacture of miter saws;
• wide assortment line of interchangeable equipment;

• a laser marker makes work easier, but is not present on all models;
• important is the fact that Makita products have a large print on the scale, all inscriptions are clear and understandable;
• due to the high requirements for assembly quality, the models are not inferior to European counterparts in terms of their technical characteristics and degree of reliability;
• this also explains the absence of flaws in the design of the tool;
• long service life - after several years of use, the engine still works properly, without backlash and kinematic workings.

Among the disadvantages, the following factors are usually noted.

• high cost of miter saws of the latest modifications;
• a certain shortage of spare parts;
• long delivery period.

The Makita range includes several miter saws, many of which have become popular as they have proven to be effective in practice.Let's review some of the equipment modifications of this famous Japanese brand.

The small production saw is geared more towards woodworking. It is often used for the production of furniture or personal needs. The tool is easily modified by using interchangeable discs, with its help you can work not only with wooden blanks, but also with plastic or non-ferrous metal sheets. The power of the model is 1.01 kW. Weight - 13 kg. The diameter of the working disc is 19 cm. The saw is suitable for making combined, complex cuts. Bevel cuts are possible up to 45 degrees, up to 5 cm deep. If the angle of inclination is more than 45 degrees, then the depth reaches 30 cm.

The next generation of Makita saws is technically better than the previous one. The rated power indicated in the passport is 1.4 kW. Weight - 19 kg. The diameter of the disc is 21.6 cm. When cutting at standard angles, the depth reaches 6.5 cm. The model is considered semi-professional. Among the characteristics that ensure comfortable work, we will single out a few:

• smooth start of the brush-collector electric drive;
• the presence of a dust elimination system;
• laser marker for accuracy;
• backlight;
• elasticated comfort pads on the steering grips.

The price of the model is comparable to the first option.

This modification is equipped with devices for working with large-sized workpieces: retractable supports and guides. In addition, the saw diameter has been increased to 26 cm and the tractive power of the engine to 1.43 kW, which significantly improves productivity. The structural changes made have a beneficial effect on the efficiency of work, among them: the ability to tilt the saw head in two directions, improved angle adjustment, and an increase in the area of ​​the working table. The model received a number of functions that increased safety: a start lock, double electrical insulation of the engine, an electronic speed stabilizer and an emergency stop system for the power unit. All these changes make it possible to use the miter saw for working with furniture and construction wood, for sawing laminate, plastic and aluminum. She is able to carry out any kind of sawing from corner to combined.

The mid-size model is almost identical to the Makita LS1013 as most of the specifications are the same. The only difference is movement in the horizontal plane and an increase in the weight of the tool up to 20 kg. The saw is universal, it has many different devices for work, including an increased angle of rotation of the working table (60 degrees to one side and 47 to the other). The tool is equipped with a collector-type motor. In addition to the standard set of functions for safe and comfortable work, there is a laser pointer to facilitate accurate cutting. It runs on batteries. It should be noted such a property as the ability not to remove the protective cover when replacing the saw blade or cleaning. He leans back. Additional clamping bars allow the saw to be tailored to suit different requirements. The cutting depth is changed using a special regulator. Thanks to its design, the transition from a through-cut to an incomplete cut occurs quickly and without interference.

The design of the Makita LS1040 trimmer is reinforced with a 1.65 kW motor. Due to its low weight (11 kg) and high power, the saw has gained popularity among craftsmen working in the furniture industry. The working disc with a diameter of 26 cm allows you to get cuts with a depth of 3.5 cm at inclined angles and 5.3 cm - at standard. The improved ergonomics of the control knob, the well-adapted location of the start button, the presence of an emergency lock and a rotary ruler on the desktop greatly simplify the work, making it comfortable. The developer has improved the specified model in terms of comfort and released its next modification - Makita LS1040F.In particular, the illumination of the area where the work is being carried out was added, which made it easier to perform the task in a poorly lit room.

Belongs to the class of professionals with such technical equipment to ensure the use of tools for processing materials of different types with equal success. The miter tool is designed to realize sawing in both planes, in both directions. The electric motor has a power of 1.65 kW. The structural diagram is equipped with a stabilizing circuit that controls the operation of the equipment under heavy loads. Also, the saw is equipped with systems of uniform start and emergency braking, has two guides, which provide a soft and smooth movement of the carriage. Part of the protective cover can be removed when cutting bulky material. The saw blade can cut material to a depth of 10.7 cm.

Multifunctional professional equipment is designed for sawing at right and inclined angles of any wooden, plastic blanks, metal profiles. The depth is within 12 cm. The electric motor power of 1.38 kW is provided by including a blocking unit in the design. Additional thrust and fixing accessories allow you to work with long workpieces. The presence of double electrical insulation makes it possible to work without grounding.

Combined cutting tool. It is characterized by a removable saw with a diameter of 26 cm with a standard cut depth of 9 cm. The list of advantages also includes the following characteristics:

• cutting long workpieces;
• locking device, which is a protection when changing the saw blade;
• additional lighting of the working surface;
• reinforced insulation of conductive elements;
• cutting depth control;
• extension of the working table.

A professional tool that combines a combined type of miter saw and sawing machine. The model provides maximum safety for sawing operations of any complexity level. The standard kit includes a 1.65 kW commutator drive, laser as a marker, good illumination system, depth adjustment.

Before choosing a miter saw, you need to decide on the requirements for it. For example, what materials it will be needed for processing: for working on wood, plastic or metal.

You also need to pay attention to the rated power of the tool. Its performance depends on it. Experts say that a device from 1 kW is suitable as a household appliance, and for work on an industrial scale it is better to give preference to saws of 1.6 kW.

In addition to power, an important selection criterion is the number of revolutions. The higher it is, the more efficient the saw is. If the model has a speed regulator, then this is a significant plus.

Makita miter saws are available in three types.

• Cantilevered. The main advantage is the ability to cut vertically with a cutting angle from 0 to 45 degrees. The jib saws are small but powerful and ready for constant stress. With their help, any material is cut.
• Standard. The tool is designed for processing wood, metal and plastic profiles. Less powerful.
• Combined. The versatile trimmer model is designed to combine the best of the saw and the machine. It can be either desktop or manual. Performs various actions. Has impressive power and speed. Many models of this type are produced with a broach, which simplifies the processing of wide workpieces, since the disc moves horizontally during operation.In addition, the combi saw includes many additional features for comfortable operation and increased safety.

In principle, almost all models have the same functional set - they are designed for sawing materials at different angles. All models are designed for intensive use and operate on a central 220 V.

If the tool is selected for artistic cutting, with the presence of a large number of small and high-precision elements, then it is better to give preference to compact options. In the case of working with building material, metal or PVC, it is more expedient to choose heavier models with a large number of fasteners and holders. This will allow you to work with long and wide workpieces. If in the future the tool is planned to be used to obtain complex cuts at different angles, then you should pay attention to the console type.

The manufacturer always includes instructions for the operation and subsequent maintenance of the tool in the saw kit. If you follow the recommendations given in it correctly, then the service life will be long.

The manual usually includes several sections.

• Application area. The purpose of a particular model is revealed here.
• Specifications. As a rule, this part contains all the nominal operating parameters of the device: power, speed, disc diameter, dimensions of possible cuts.
• Miter saw device. This part contains a list of all the elements and assemblies included in the package. It includes the main parts (table, disc, electric drive, etc.) and additional elements (guide, stopper, laser, backlight, etc.).
• Safety precautions. This section includes rules and various recommendations for the correct operation of the miter saw.

Safety precautions include some subsections.

• Organization of the workplace. Adjusting the level of illumination and visibility, eliminating factors that can disrupt the operation of the instrument and cause harm to someone (for example, the presence of small children or animals).
• Monitoring the state of the device. Inspections must be carried out before each session in order to identify defects in working units. If the protective or blocking systems are found to be damaged, the saw must not be used.
• Electrical safety. This section provides basic requirements for working with electricity. In particular, if any element is replaced, the power must be turned off.
• Operational safety. Use of protective equipment during treatment (goggles, masks, ear muffs or ear plugs, gloves or mittens).
• Lack of jewelry. Loose hair and loose clothing are unacceptable - they can get caught in the disc. The workpiece must be carefully secured. Observance of a certain mode of operation in order not to overload the saw.
• Repair safety.

The operating recommendations section includes some recommendations:

• Dust cleaning;
• Installation of soft start;
• Cutting angle adjustment;
• Fixing the workpiece;
• Turntable stabilization.
• Maintenance. Here you can find recommendations on how to customize the operation of certain parts, how to improve performance, replace or lubricate parts.
• Manufacturer's warranty obligations.

For an overview of the Makita miter saw, see the following video.