Makita LS1040 Compound Miter Saw Review
Editor Rating: 4.5/5
Excellent
Makita LS1040 Compound Miter Saw
Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson
Published on: August 21, 2017
Last modified:
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Makita LS1040 Review Summary:
Specifications:
- Weight – 33 pounds
- Dimensions – 21 x 18 x 15 inches
- Power source – Corded
- Voltage – 120V
Makita LS1040 – The Basics
One of the main advantages of this particular model is its ease of use. Many other models require a dose of previous experience, while this one doesn’t. All you have to do in order to comprehend how it works is to read the user manual. The best part is the fact that the user manual is well-written and comprehensive even to people who never had any experience with these tools.
The Makita LS1040 features a 15-amp motor which has plenty of power to cut through the wood of any density. Furthermore, the miter base is designed well, although it could have been calibrated a bit better. However, that doesn’t affect the performance as much as one would imagine. On the other side, accuracy is good, but far from impressive. Therefore, if you’re a devoted professional, you might want to consider this fact.
The Features
The design
As far as the design goes, it’s quite conventional and standard. However, there are some things make this unit different from the others in the same category. The first of those things is its light weight. Due to the lack of weight, this machine is quite portable and easy to carry around. Therefore, if you’re working in a dynamic environment and need to move frequently, it won’t be an issue if you opt for the LS1040.
The second characteristic thing of this machine is its compactness. In simpler words, you can install it wherever you want without having to think about free space due to its small dimensions. The miter stop has nine settings which greatly alleviate the need for fine-tuning. Instead, you can select any preset value and cut the angle with high precision.
Safety
The safety is okay, but there are no impressive elements. The machine does have a transparent blade guard. It’s a good feature because it allows you to supervise the blade as it cuts through the wood. In other words, you have more than enough time for a fast reaction if needed.
Dust collecting
As far as the dust collecting goes, it’s also pretty standard. A bag is included with the machine. Installation is quite straightforward, but the performance is far from impressive. As usual, the capacity of the dust bag is underwhelming meaning you’ll have to empty it quite frequently.
Pros:
Affordable
Easy to use
Lightweight
Cons:
Isn’t foreseen for stressful projects
Things we liked about it
The simplistic design and ease of use are what we liked the most about this product. While some other models tend to be complex for some people due to auxiliary features, this one isn’t. In fact, it’s one of the simplest units on the market. All you have to do in order to operate it is unpack and plug it into a socket. However, we strongly recommend that you read the manual first, before turning the machine on for the first time to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
The thing we also liked is the price, especially if you compare it to some other models within the same category. While it offers very similar features as the other ones, it’s significantly cheaper. The main reason is the brand. Makita is known for their affordability, while other brands charge for their popularity and respect.
Things we didn’t like
At first glance, the unit seems cheaply made, that’s a fact. Many buyers seem reluctant when it comes to the build quality of this machine. However, even if it seems like a low-quality machine – it isn’t. Truth be told, durability isn’t its strongest point, to say the least. But, considering the overall price of this unit, it’s something you should expect in the first place. Therefore, if you’re a professional, you might want to look for something sturdier and with more reliability. Also, the casting finish and paint are somewhat sloppy.
What Users Say About The Makita LS1040
Usually, the professionals tend to avoid this unit. It’s not because it doesn’t perform well, it’s usually because it doesn’t offer as much as some other models in the similar price range. On the other hand, DIY enthusiasts love its ease of use and the overall performance. If you’re not working with wood on a daily basis, this machine might be the thing for you. However, if you do use a miter saw for several hours a day, find something else, this one isn’t foreseen for prolonged use.
Conclusion
As you can tell, it’s a useful machine if you use the full potential of it. However, it’s not foreseen for prolonged use and particularly stressful projects. On the other hand, if you consider the price, it’s a pretty worthy investment nonetheless. Also, the price-to-quality ratio is great, as with all other Makita units.
As far as we are concerned, you won’t make a mistake if you decide to purchase this particular model. However, don’t get surprised if it doesn’t meet some of your expectations because it definitely won’t perform miracles. It certainly isn’t the best thing on the market, but it’s good enough for a vast array of applications.
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