Makita LS1040 10-Inch Compound Miter saw

A favorite on job sites, Makita's 10-inch compound miter saw has a highly dedicated following. Even though it's extremely portable (at 24.2 pounds), Makita's saw also boasts a super sturdy dual-post pivoting arm. A pivot fence adjusts for supporting large stock and flips back for bevel cuts. The saw bevels left up to 45 degrees and miters 45 degrees left and up to 52 degrees right. There's no lack of power here, either: a 15 amp motor spins the blade, plus there's an electric brake that saves you time between cuts. There's also a shaft lock that makes changing blades quick and easy. The miter has a smooth-action swivel, but the lock is of the older screw-handle design that's a little more time-consuming than the newer (and more expensive) cam-lock designs. This Makita also lacks a soft-start mechanism, so it does jump a bit when the motor first engages; some users swear by a soft start, but we think a saw can still be a high-quality saw without one. Makita's saw has a vertical grip design with a thumb-activated safety switch and a paddle trigger, and while the vertical design might be slightly less ergonomic than the horizontal D-handle, it does allow you to use the saw comfortably with either hand. And the paddle grip makes squeezing the trigger easy no matter how you're holding the handle. Our verdict: it's a solid saw. -- Jon Groebner

Choosing a Miter Saw
Miter saws are versatile tools that have become a mainstay of workshops everywhere. These powerful saws make angled cuts by pulling a circular blade down onto a workpiece with a short, controlled plunge. It might appear that miter saws are infinitely complex and varied, but there are only three general types. The type you choose will depend on your woodworking needs.

Basic Miter Saws
Basic miter saws are the least versatile off the three major variations, but they’re a great starting point for novice do-it-yourselfers. These models typically adjust for miter cuts only, so consider upgrading if you need to do more than that.

Compound miter saws are easier to use than basic miter saws because you can place your stock flat for cutting, and they adjust simultaneously for miter and bevel cuts. A compound miter saw is great for jobs that feature stock that's not very tall or wide, such as door and window trim or picture frames.

Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Sliding compound miter saws are the most versatile of the available models. They have a motor and blade assembly that's mounted on a moveable arm to accommodate longer, wider workpieces. For smaller pieces, the saw performs like an ordinary fixed-head model. On some models, the blade can only pivot in one direction, but on a dual sliding compound miter saw, the blade can tilt to the right or left.

Important Features at a Glance
Though models will vary by manufacturer and design, these are a few of the more commonly found features that you might want to keep in mind.

Electric brake: Reverses the flow of electricity when the saw's trigger is released. This is an important safety feature that slows the blade quickly in case of emergency.
Blade guard: Most miter saws have self-retracting guards that withdraw when the saw is lowered for use, and reappear when it is raised.
Laser guide: Gives a precise visual line where the cut will occur on your workpiece.
Dust bag: Helps collect sawdust for a clearer, more tidy cutting area.
Shaft lock: Immobilizes the shaft and blade for quicker, easier blade changes.
Table extensions: Mount on either side of the saw to help balance longer workpieces.

Miter Saw Blades
Miter saw blades come in a variety of different sizes, grades, and materials, but there are three main types: steel, high-speed steel, and carbide-tipped blades.

Steel: Inexpensive and good for cutting soft woods or plywoods. Sharpness diminishes quickly in tougher materials.
High-Speed Steel: More rugged than steel blades, and great for cutting harder woods.

Carbide-Tipped: More expensive than other blades but much more durable. Maintain sharpness over a longer period. ...Read more

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Makita's LS1040 10-Inch Compund Miter Saw combines power, performance, and ease of use for common miter cuts, including a range of applications in woodworking, cabinetry, deck building, framing, and more.

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LS1040 Features

PERFORMANCE - Powerful 15 amp direct-drive motor and 4,600 rpm for improved performance

CAPACITY - Miter cuts 0° - 45° left and 0° - 52° right; 9 positive stops for common miter cuts

ACCURACY - Dual post compound pivot arm, bevel cuts up to 45° to the left

PORTABILITY - Weighs only 27.3 pounds

INCLUDES - C.T. blade, vertical vise, wrench, triangular ruler, and dust bag

Tool Specifications

Blade Diameter	10"
Arbor	5/8"
Max. Cutting Capacity (Bevel/Miter) 90°/90°	2-3/4" x 5-1/8"
Max. Cutting Capacity 45°/45°	1-3/8" x 3-5/8"
No Load Speed	4,600 rpm
AMPS (120V)	15
Dimensions (L x W x H)	20-7/8" x 18-3/4" x 21"
Net Weight	27.3 lbs.

15 AMP Motor for Improved Performance
The LS1040 has a dynamically balanced 15 amp direct-drive motor with 4,600 rpm for improved performance and is engineered to never slip or bog down like belt-drive units. The electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load, and the soft-start technology is engineered for smooth start-ups.

Precise Miter and Bevel Cuts
The LS1040 has a dual post compound pivot arm with bevel cuts up to 45 degrees to the left. Miter adjustments range from 0 to 45 degrees left and 0 to 52 degrees right, with 9 positive miter stops at 15, 22.5, 30, and 45 degrees (left or right), and 0 degree (90-degree cuts). The engineered aluminum base ensures accurate cuts. Ease-of-use and comfort features include a fluorescent light that works independently of the blade rotation to clearly illuminate the work surface and a compact size (weighs only 27.3 pounds) for easy portability.

Best in Class for a Range of Applications
The LS1040 is engineered for a broad range of trades, including finish carpenters, professional woodworkers, case and base installers, cabinet installers, decking and flooring applications, siding installers, and general contractors seeking a superior 10-inch compound miter saw for the jobsite or the benchtop. The LS1040 is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.

About Makita Saws
Cut after cut, Makita saws deliver power, performance, and capacity with less weight and more ease-of-use features. Makita has a full range of corded and cordless saws and blades for cutting wood, metal, and masonry, including table saws, miter saws, reciprocating saws, circular saws, jig saws, metal cutting saws, plunge saws, and more, as well as a complete line of blades and accessories.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial-quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to engineer power tools that are compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial-strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit makitatools.com. Makita is Best-in-Class Engineering.

Warranty
Every Makita tool is thoroughly inspected and tested before leaving the factory. If you are not satisfied with any Makita tool within 30 days of purchase, return it and Makita will provide a replacement or refund. Each Makita tool is warranted to be free of defects from workmanship and materials for the period of ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase. Should any trouble develop during this one-year period, return the COMPLETE tool, freight prepaid, to one of Makita's Factory or Authorized Service Centers. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.

What's in the Box
Makita LS1040 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw, 10-inch C.T. blade, vertical vise, wrench, triangular ruler, and dust bag.
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Features powerful 15 amp motor and dual post compound pivoting arm
Provides a large capability with cuts 52 degrees right and 47 degrees left with 9 positive stops at 15, 22-1/2, 30, 45 degrees left or right and 0 degrees
Durably designed with a machined aluminum base, dual aluminum base, dual slide rails and a carbide tip blade
Saw includes vertical vise, blade, wrench and triangular rule
Covered by 1-Year warranty

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