If you're in the market for a miter saw, we always recommend considering a compound model. A compound miter saw is one on which the blade both tilts (bevels) and rotates (miters) to make miter cuts, allowing you to make compound-angle cuts essential for installing crown molding. This professional-duty machine tilts 45 degrees left and right, allowing you to make bevel cuts at both ends of a board without having to flip the board piece around. Its oversized aluminum worktable rotates 45 degrees to the left and 52 degrees to the right. 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
