Review of Makita LS1214F 12″ Dual Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw With Fluorescent Light
The Makita LS1214F 12″ Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw is a real work horse. With its powerful, direct drive, electronically controlled 15 amp motor it’s not about to bog down cutting large dimensional lumber (up to 4-1/2″ by 12-1/8″ on a square cut). But with its soft start feature, you have control for more delicate work, too.
It has long dual steel round slide rails with ball bearings to give you accurate cuts and a vibration-free slide action. The large turn base and included extension wings give you plenty of support for large stock and the tall, pivoting fence is great for cutting materials like crown and base molding.
The LS1214F comes with a high-output fluorescent light to light up the work area. No more guessing where your pencil mark is!
Then there are the positive miter stops for the turn base: 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 45° left or right and 0° for the most common miter cuts and an additional stop at 33.9° left. That’s 10 total positive stops.
The Makita LS1214F 12″ Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw has all the power and features most pros would need to get their job done, plus it comes with typical Makita quality and durability. As one owner reviewing this saw said: “It’s a makita what else is there to say”.
Specifications:
- Blade Diameter: 12-in
- Arbor Size: 1-in
- RPM: 3,200
- Amperage: 15
- Size: 28-1/2-inL x 20-1/2-inW x 28-1/4-inH
- Weight: 52.9-lbs
- Shipping Weight: 75 lbs.
- At 0 Miter / 45 Left Bevel: 2-5/8-in x 12-in
- At 0 Miter / 0 Bevel: 4-1/2-in x 12-1/8-in
- At 45 / 45 Max Height: 2-5/8-in
Included in the box:
- 12″ Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw w/ Fluorescent Light – LS1214FL
- 12″ x 70-Tooth Carbide-Tipped Blade – A-94443
- Vertical Vise – 122571-8
- (2) Extension Wings – 192673-4
- Sub-Fence (Right) – 153898-5
- Dust Bag – 122523-9
- Socket Wrench #13 – 782223-9
- Triangular Rule – 762001-3
- Operating Manual
Conclusion and Rating:
This saw is a real workhorse, but still capable of doing finish work. Being such a workhorse though, it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than Makita’s newer generation LS1216L. It’s also about $160 less expensive.
The florescent light is a really handy feature but it lacks a laser guide. Weight, bulk and no laser and I’m still giving it 4 stars. After all, like the man said, it IS a Makita.
Rating: 
If you’re considering purchasing a Makita LS1214F we highly recommend going to CPO Makita. This is a web site devoted entirely to Makita tools, so you can rest assured they know them well.
CPO has been in business since 2003 and have thousands of satisfied customers and are even customer certified by Bizrate. Ordering through their site is secure and they’re a member of BBB Online, so you can trust them. And they accept Pay Pal for totally secure transactions.
Lest we forget to mention it, CPO Makita also has great pricing, WELL below list. (We don’t quote prices because they’re subject to change, of course.)
Standard shipping to the lower 48 a flat rate of $5.99 and if you order by 3 pm Eastern Time and it ships same day.
Makita LS1214F 12-in Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw with Light
