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Makita LS1221 vs DEWALT DW715

Product Comparison: Makita LS1221 vs DEWALT DW715

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Best Pick

Makita LS1221 Compound Miter Saw

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DEWALT DW715 Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw

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General Specifications

Brand

Makita

DEWALT

Model

LS1221

DW715

Origin

USA

Taiwan

About the Product

The LS1221 has a large capacity with a 4-1/2-inch tall pivoting fence for cutting up to 5-1/2-inch crown molding and a pivoting fence for supporting larger stock. The saw has 9 positive miter stops at 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45° (left or right), and 0° (90° cuts). The precision-machined aluminum base ensures accurate cuts. Ease-of-use features include a horizontal D-handle design for easy and comfortable operation, and a compact size (weighs only 37 lbs.) for easy portability.

The DW715 12" Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw is powered by a 15 Amp motor to drive 4,000 rpm, delivering extended power and durability. Features stainless steel miter detent plate and cam miter lock that provide repeatable accuracy and durability with easy adjustments. Tall sliding fences support 6-1/2" of base molding vertically and 5-1/4" of crown molding vertically nested. Lightweight design and built-in carry handle for portability.

Key Specs

Type

Miter saw

Speed

4000 RPM

Blade Type

Disc

Size & Weight

Height

23.8 in.

17.2 in.

Width

26.5 in.

26.06 in.

Depth

24 in.

19.57 in.

Weight

58 lbs.

42 lbs.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Makita LS1221 Compound Miter Saw

On of the deciding factors for me was the weight of the machine. My old sliding saw weighs about 75 lbs. This saw weighs about 35 lbs. and I can still cut about 8" wide. Which is good enough for just about everything I do.
So much lighter and more precise than my Hitachi. Seriously, this thing is surprisingly light yet still very high quality and precise.
Wonderful saw, light weight, cuts wonderful, right out of the box.
This thing is surprisingly light yet still very high quality and precise. I usually equate quality equipment to heavier weight, but this guy is the exception.
This is a nice balance between cost, weight , and capacity . would certainly buy again.

DEWALT DW715 Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw

It's also great not having to deal with the extra bulk and weight of a SCMS, which I now only need sometimes. This saw is easy to carry when lifted by the table supports and kept against my body.
Amazing value in my opinion, and powerful for its surprising light weight
It's got good weight to it, so it doesn't shift around at all and worked flawlessly right out of the box. I can't recommend it enough!
It is relatively light weight, easy to carry and job-site rugged.
This saw works great. Is just the right size and weight. I did replace the cheap original blade with a nice high quality blade, and have been using this to cut oak with no problems.

Cutting

Blade Diameter

12 in.

Arbor

0.625 in.

Cutting Angle

Miter: 48° left/right; Bevel: 45° left

Bevel: 48° right, 48° left; Miter: 50° right, 50° left

Miter Cut Depth (at 45º)

5.5 in.

Miter Cut Depth (at 90º)

6 in.

7.7 in.

Bevel Cut Depth (at 45º)

1.75 in.

7.7 in.

Bevel Cut Depth (at 90º)

3.75 in.

Vertical Capacity

4.5 in.

6.5 in.

Horizontal Capacity

5.5 in.

6.5 in.

What customers say about "Cutting"

Makita LS1221 Compound Miter Saw

Dead on accuracy of cut and enough power to make light work of any wood I have used it on.
The blade that it comes with will cut crown molding very smoothly without any marks, it is almost not worth the hassle of switching it out for a high tooth blade.
The vertical vise and side extensions are incredibly useful for making precision cuts. Would highly recommend to anyone.
This thing is the Cat's Meow! Rips a 4x4 like a hot knife through butter. Dead on cuts out of the box. Very positive stops and a lifetime tool.
Look closely at the cutting capacity both vertical and flat and you will see what I mean. I can no longer put 5-1/4" base standing against the fnce and cut it. The bevel is only 0 to 45...no more. This is a very poorly designed saw.

DEWALT DW715 Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw

I have owned three of these saws. They can withstand some serious work and are well built. They cut true and are easy to adjust. They are a bit heavy and cumbersome but what would you expect with a 16" straight cut capacity saw.
This saw was dead accurate out of the box. I use it for cabinetry and finish trim. I am really enjoying the depth and length of cut I get out of this saw.
In my opinion the light's greatest benefit is not for making straight cuts, but for mitered cuts where you can see where the blade will fall at the side of the workpiece.
I underestimated the blade that came with the saw. although it has a low tooth count, it surprisingly cross cuts reasonably clean. will upgrade to a good diablo blade when this gets dull
Saw cuts pretty true, right out of the box and is also pretty easy to adjust. Very impressed with the amount of miter cut available and much quieter and smoother than my old Dewalt compound miter.

Features

Dust Collector

Yes

LED Light

Cutting Depth Adjustment

Yes

Rubber-Coated Handle

D-Shaped Handle

Yes

Front Assist Handle

Electric Brake

Yes

Extras

Large cutting capacity (3-7/8" x 6" at 90°), 4-1/2" tall pivoting fence for cutting up to 5-1/2" crown molding, Positive miter stops at 9 settings; 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45° right or left and 0° (90° cuts), Horizontal D-handle design for easy and comfortable operation, Carbide tipped blade for precision cutting, Electric brake for maximum productivity, Pivoting fence for supporting larger material

Precise miter system and machined-base fence support optimize cutting accuracy, Lightweight (42 lbs.) with built-in carry handle for easy portability, Three hardened steel bevel stops at 0°, 33.9°, and 45° delivers versatility at most common bevel angles, Adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 11 positive stops improves productivity and ensures cutting, Cam lock miter handle with detent override deliver quick and accurate miter angles

What customers say about "Features"

Makita LS1221 Compound Miter Saw

The sawdust collection bag catches some and the broom sweeps up the rest. Connect a shop vac and you will have to sweep up less but still keep your broom handy.
The safety switch is located perfect and when I cut anything there is no resistance, as if I was cutting air not a 2X4.
Plenty of power, positive detents, easy to handle knobs, useful side extensions, and easy to change blade. The horizontal handle is much better that a vertical handle.
I would have given this saw 5 stars if it had a soft start , kicks a bit due to the large blade and powerful motor .
I'd have given it 5 stars if the table had a little more friction. Smooth hardwoods tend to slide on the nice smooth table when doing angle cuts.

DEWALT DW715 Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw

The detent over-ride and lock out feature is nice and allows the saw to be easily and quickly locked on to uncommon settings.
My favorite feature of this saw is the XPS, which is an LED lamp that casts a shadow of the blade to show exactly where the blade will cut.
One inconvenient feature for me is the blade guard, its bulky and slightly annoying lining up cuts without a laser sight. I don't mark it down for this because its personal preference that could be fixed by an add-on or removing the guard.
Also the non-sliding feature allows you to place the saw closer to a wall. Dust collection is good but not great.
The saw has excellent features, but does not seemed to have every aspect of use nailed down.

Power

Power Source

Corded

Power Output

15 A