Updated 9/13/2023
If you are looking for a portable general-purpose compound miter saw that’s lightweight yet accurate, you should definitely check out this Makita LS1040 review.
The 1,650W brush motor of this compound miter saw will provide sufficient power for various specialized purposes, such as cutting crown molding or aluminum.
Not only does the back fence has holes drilled in it for extra support plates, but its left-hand side also features a pivoting section that you can move in and out of position for adequate support.
This compound miter saw comes with a dust bag, material clamp, service tools, and a TCT saw blade.
Makita LS1040 Features
I have thoroughly reviewed the Makita LS1040 Compound Miter Saw features and performance.
To help you better understand what you should be looking for in this compound miter saw, we’ve discussed it in detail below.
- Powerful 15 AMP direct drive motor for improved performance; 4,600 RPM
- Dual post compound pivoting arm
- Miter cuts 0°-45° left and 0°-52° right
- Positive miter stops at 9 settings: 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, right or left and 0° (90° cuts)
- Bevel cuts up to 45° to the left
Makita LS1040 Build & Safety Features
The Makita LS1040 is an extremely portable compound miter saw a little over 33 pounds.
So it is comparatively lighter than other miter saws with similar features, usually weighing over 35 pounds.
If you have to constantly move this tool on a daily basis, this will prove to be a major benefit.
The side of the tool has a stopper pin, so the handle can be locked in a lowered position whenever carrying it from one place to another.
Once the machine needs to be used, the stopper pin will have to be released, and the saw will be ready for hours of cutting.
This saw also has a safety lock-off button, which will help prevent it from starting up unintentionally.
A backup electric blade brake can be used in cases where the blade does not stop upon releasing the switch trigger.
15 AMP Motor
The Makita LS1040 compound miter saw offers a whopping 4600 RPM of no-load performance thanks to its 15 Amp direct-drive, dynamically balanced motor.
Unlike belt-drive units, Makita has engineered this motor to never bog down or slip.
With the Makita LS1040 compound miter saw, you can count on consistent speed even under load due to its electronic speed control.
Plus, thanks to its soft-start technology, it will start up quickly and smoothly each time!
Rapid Set Up
Setting up the Makita LS1040 compound miter saw is a breeze – you will have it running in two minutes or less without needing to refer to any manuals or rely on additional accessories.
Even better, the blade was already pre-installed.
Gotta love a compound miter saw that’s ready to go right out of the box.
Precise Cutting Angles
The Makita LS1040 is built with an amazing swivel mechanism, making it stand out from other miter saws out there.
To adjust the angle of the miter cut, all you have to do is press and rotate the lock lever until you reach your desired degree – easy!
But what makes this product truly unique compared to other models on the market is its smooth and solid turning base.
There are nine positive stops for left and right angles ranging between 0 – 45 degrees so that you can accurately place their turn base precisely into each stop location.
Types of Cuts
The Makita LS1040 compound miter saw is the perfect tool for press cutting, offering a secure and precise finish.
Its vice allows you to easily secure your workpiece in place while its adjustable blade enables miter cuts of any desired angle with accuracy and ease.
Moreover, this saw can also make bevel cuts by simply unlocking the lever before tilting it to the desired angle and then locking it back up once done – guaranteeing accurate results every time!
Excellent Fence
The Makita LS1040 boasts a secure fence with an immaculate finish, ensuring precise cuts and square edges.
An accessory sub-fence is provided for support when making miter or square cuts, which can be conveniently flipped away to make room for any required bevels.
What We Like
- Accurate measurement indicators
- Comfortable grips with barely any vibrations
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and portable
- Quiet yet speedy operation
- Very sturdy
What We Don’t Like
- The dust collector bag is not very useful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can the Makita LS1040 saw be used to cut 4×4 inch timber?
Yes, the Makita LS1040 can cut 4×4 inch timber without any problems, although it may take slightly more time to cut hard woods.
Wrapping it Up
The Makita LS1040 compound miter saw boasts an excellent design and robust construction, so if you’re seeking one of the best compound miter saws in its price range, your search is over.
We hope this review has shown you how well-made and functional this product truly is since it’s sure to exceed your expectations once you try it out!
