Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by Georgie Smith
People buy Compound Mitre Saws for various reasons. However, the products make an excellent choice for individuals who need to complete miter cuts efficiently. The saws allow angling of cuts and every package offers the accuracy you need. You know that Dewalt and Makita both are good companies, but out of these options, DEWALT DW713 vs. DW715 vs. MAKITA LS1221, which do you choose?
Whether you need the saws to complete DIY projects or you are about to start a new workshop within your area, choosing the right equipment is essential. Manufacturers design them to cut crown molding, window casings, picture frames, and doorframes fast. Among the things to expect when buying your first tool, is a variety of choices – brands, and styles.
Accounts
Free Trial
Projects
SSL
DEWALT DW713
Brand - DEWALT
Blade Length - 10 Inches
Speed - 5000 RPM
Ac/dc
DEWALT DW715
Brand - DEWALT
Blade Length - 12 Inches
Discontinued model
Corded Electric
MAKITA LS1221
Brand - Makita
Blade Length - 2 Inches
Color - Factory
Hand Powered
Miter Saw Variations
Miter saws are specialized tools that allow the user to make cuts at various angles. The saws boast a blade mounted on their swing arm, which pivots right and left to make angled cuts. With a quality, miter saw you could make crown molding, window casing, window frames, and doorframes cuts easily. Here are the primary variations.
Compound miter saws
This category of miter saws pivots both right and left to produce angled cuts. It also tilts in one direction to make beveled cuts. By manipulating the saw on its axles, you will get compound miter cuts. The saws are suitable for people who produce crown molding, picture frames, and other projects that require angled cuts. They provide compound cuts in a single pass.
Dual compound miter saws
The dual compound miter saws work more like the compound miter saws. However, unlike the compound miter saws, dual compound miter saws tilt both right and left. Therefore, you can use them to make bevels at any particular angle.
Sliding compound miter saws
The sliding compound miter saws have all the features you expect on compound miter saws. The manufacturers add a sliding feature, more like radial arm saws, to allow the user to move the blade frontward and backward. The sliding feature offers longer cuts.
The Features to Look for When Buying a Miter Saw
When shopping for the best miter saw, you should know what to look for in a product. Here are some of the features that will help make your woodwork easier and provide versatility.
Amps
Amps represent the power of the miter saw’s motor. Saws with higher amps provide more power.
Blade size
The blade size is another essential feature to look for when buying a miter saw. The typical sizes include 8, 10, and 12 inches. Larger-diameter blades will always make more extended cuts.
Positive stops
Positive stops are factory pre-set points that allow the user to make precise cuts on particular angles very fast. A saw with more positive stops allows a faster setup of cuts. For quicker adjustments, some saws provide thumb-activated stops.
Depth stops
Depth stops allow the blade’s height adjustments. Put differently; they will enable the user to control how deep the saw can cut into a wood material.
Articulated blade guards
The blade guards clear the guard of stock to provide the user with a clearer cutting line view. Each time you raise the miter saw, the guard lowers to cover the blade completely.
Electric brakes
The purpose of an electric brake is to help reverse the electric current immediately after the user releases the trigger. Reversed current halts the momentum of the blade instantly. Electric brakes are known to stop saws within two seconds.
Shaft locks or spindle
The spindle and shaft locks immobilize the blade and shaft and make the process of changing a blade easier.
Dust blowers and chutes
The two critical features, chutes and dust blowers help the user remove sawdust from the saw’s cutting area.
Dust bags
Manufacturers provide dust bags, which you can mount on the saw to collect dust and chippings in a better way.
Table extensions
Some miter saws come with extensions connected to the sides to help support longer materials and to help you make accurate cuts.
Digital displays
Digital displays provide easier-to-read miter and bevel setting information.
Light guides and laser guides
The two features, laser guides, and light guides, project beams or cast shadows onto the material to help the user make precise cuts.
Flip fences and sliding
Flip fences and sliding provide more support for the taller stock. After cutting them, you can easily flip or slide them out of the way.
DEWALT DW713 vs. DW715 vs. MAKITA LS1221:
The reason for writing this guide is to help you buy the right equipment for your project. Therefore, let us start by comparing a few of them.
| DEWALT DW713 | DEWALT DW715 | MAKITA LS1221 |
|---|---|---|
| Offers 5000 RPM | Offers 4000 RPM | Offers 4000 RPM |
| Delivers 15 Amps power | Delivers 15 Amp Power | Delivers 15 Amp power |
| Has 10-inch blades | Has 12-inch blades | Has 12-inch blades |
| Weighs 35 pounds | Weighs 42 pounds | It is larger and weighs 7 pounds |
| Offers 11 positive stops | Has 11 positive stops | Has nine positive stops |
| Assembled in China | Assembled in China | Assembled in the United States |
| Suitable for DIY projects | Suitable for DIY projects | Suitable for professionals |
DEWALT DW713 Reviews:
The Dewalt DW713 Compound Miter Saw has stood out for a long due to its wonderful design and exceeding functional capabilities. It’s efficiency and great power are part of its many qualities, which make it comfortable to use.
The product is suitable for cutting baseboards, crown molding, and many other tasks. The machine is exceptionally user-friendly and accurate. It is convenient for light and tough tasks alike.
Some of the features that make the product an excellent choice include:
Cam miter lock
Proper positioning of a miter table is vital in carpentry. However, positioning accuracy can be tricky when working with substandard or faulty saws. The DW713 Miter Saw features a quality Cam Miter Lock that allows perfect alignment of the miter table. With that, you will manage to complete your work without any misalignment fears and with accurate measurements.
Miter Detent Override
Another important feature that Dewalt DW713 displays are the Meter Detent Override. The feature eases the adjustment and angling processes. Mostly, poor quality work originates from angling shortcomings.
5000 RPM Motor
Due to its 15 Amp power capacity, its 5000-RPM motor works efficiently. The motor produces regular and more stable rotations that highly contribute to the speed’s quality. Even more, the designer of this machine ensured that the miter saw worked with extended power assurance. As a result, the machine works consistently.
Tall sliding fences
When completing crown-molding tasks with the machine, you will definitely notice its impressive performance. The miter saw features tall sliding fencing, which plays an important supportive part during the crown molding. The task details include vertical support that the manufacturer measures appropriately to guarantee the accuracy level the user anticipates in his work plan.
Sliding fences are useful when completing cabinet construction and interior styling tasks, which require attention to detail.
Stainless steel detent plate
The miter saw features stainless steel detent plates with eleven positive stops to enhance accuracy. Possibly, the manufacturer designed the detent plate to improve the workmanship and skills of the user towards producing high-quality work.
Also, it prevents material wastage, imprecision, and typical clumsiness. The stainless steel also prevents corrosion, and staining and keeps it in the right shape for many years.
Machined base fence
The base fence support, which supports and maintains the miter saw in place and in the right shape for optimal performance can partly explain its stability and strength. That along with the design aspect of the machine adds ergonomic qualities that the machine operator requires.
Most Dewalt DW713 reviews on Amazon cite sturdiness as one clear aspect that differentiates the product from many others in the industry.
Good Stuff
Bad Stuff
Summary
The Dewalt DW713 is not only durable, but it is also reliable and works with great ease and speed. Its unique design makes it suitable for most jobs including cutting baseboards and crown molding. It is also user-friendly.
DEWALT DW715 Reviews:
The Dewalt DW715 Miter Saw is one of the best single-bevel miter saws on the market. The product, which weighs 40 pounds, is more mobile and lighter than what most other brands offer. According to my personal experience, and what other consumers said, the saw is high-speed and provides concise and precise cuts for woodwork projects.
The manufacturer offers a package consisting of the Dewalt 12” single-bevel miter saw, a single-blade wrench, one carbide blade, and one dust blade.
Now, let us talk about what makes the product an excellent choice.
I ordered the product from Amazon.com for my DIY project, and I am happy to say that the first thing that impressed me is the staking and packing of the compound miter saw. However, that does not mean that you should not be careful when removing the saw and its accessories from the box.
The second thing that will make you happy is the reliability of this saw. On average, the rating of this product on Amazon stands at 4.8 stars. One of the things you will realize when reading user reviews is the high number of pros compared to cons.
The tremendously powerful design provides faster precise cuts, which you are possibly looking for with your projects. The manufacturer backs the 12-inch single-bevel miter saw with a stronger and more reliable 15-amp motor that provides 4000 rpm. That makes molding, miter cutting, crosscutting, and frame cutting tasks easier and faster to finish.
Its design is somehow different from that of others. The design is durable and allows the machine to deliver flexible setups with optimum accuracy for various applications. It offers 11 positive stops.
Moreover, it displays an adjustable cam lock handle that offers precise and fast miter angles and allows detent override. Its lengthy fence supports 5-1/4 inch crown molding nestled vertically and 6-1/2 inch base molding, which the manufacturers set vertically against its fence.
The manufacturer designs the Dewalt DW715 for speed accuracy – and to make it suitable for various applications. The miter saw transfers flawless 45-degree bevel cuts through wood measuring 2×8 inches. With the product, you will easily fix bevel cuts ranging between 0 and 45 degrees to the left. It allows setup of bevel cuts ranging between 0 and 3 degrees on the right. That offers added capacity for bigger jobs.
The product has a hard steel bevel, which stops at 48, 45, 33.9, and 0 degrees. You will set up bevel angles fast and easily with the machine.
Good Stuff
Bad Stuff
Summary
The Dewalt DW715 is an accurate, powerful, full, and fast saw. Considering the many important features it provides, the product will be worth it. You will also like the three-year warranty and the 90 days’ money-back guarantee.
MAKITA LS1221 Reviews:
When purchasing a tool or equipment, you have to think of why you need it. You have to base your buying decision on personal needs and the tasks you intend to complete. The fact that the market provides numerous miter saws means that you have to be certain of what you need to avoid distractions or buying a miter saw that does not match your individual needs. That is the primary reason I am writing this review – to help you make an informed decision.
Makita is among the recognizable power tool manufacturers in the world and for a very long time, they have been producing quality tools that are not only innovative, but they are also easier to use. The Makita LS1221 comes as a complete compound miter saw kit, and it is one of the leading models. The high-quality blade, which is uncommon in other models, intrigued me.
The Product’s Key Features
One of the features you will like about this product is its large capacity. It quickly cuts through materials measuring 3-7/8 inches x 6 inches at a right angle (90 degrees). Its 15-Amp direct-drive motor rotates the blade at around 4000 rpm, and it can, therefore, cut thick pieces precisely.
Makita has also included an electronic speed control that helps keep the blade running at a constant speed. With this excellent feature, you will not worry about its motor bogging down when cutting.
Apart from cutting wood, the minter will also cut aluminum extrusions. However, when using it for that purpose, use cutting lubricant on its blade to prevent material buildup. With this versatile feature, you will be able to reduce your expenses in the long term.
Its Safety Features
The standard blade guard leads the list of Makita LS1221 safety features. The second feature is the lock-off button that prevents the accidental startup of this machine. The two features in addition to the electric blade brake minimize the chances of accident occurrence. Immediately you release the trigger to stop the blade from spinning, the brake engages automatically.
The machine also holds materials securely in one place to enhance the user’s safety when cutting. Use the horizontal and vertical vise to get a secure grip in the workplace. You can also extend the worktable to 24 inches for more stability and support. Its weight maintains stability.
The Fine Finishes
The miter saw comes with a 40-tooth micro-polished blade, which you can use for numerous projects such as framing, furniture making, and cabinetry. Most other blades feature comes with standard blades that are suitable for regular rough-cutting jobs, and unsuitable for fine finishes.
Good Stuff
Bad Stuff
Summary
Most users on Amazon have rated the product a 5-star, and the site gives it a 4.5 stars customer score (out of 5 stars). That means that it is one of the products to consider during your shopping.
Which One Is Perfect?
The Dewalt DWS715 is a good choice for both novice and experienced woodworkers alike. The product is easy to use, precise, and durable. It has many other essential features like 4000 rpm and added bevel capacity, which facilitates faster job completion.
How Do You Cut an Angle Greater than 45?
When cutting an angle above 45 degrees, you will have to cut the complementary angle from the opposite direction. A quick example, if you require a 60 degrees angle, you will have to cut 30 degrees angle from the opposite direction. That will make it 60 degrees.
Best Methods to maximize your Miter-saw
Only a few tools can match the portability and fast setup of miter saws. However, some woodworkers believe that the saws do not provide quality cuts. If your saw is not doing clean cuts, the following tips will be of great help.
Upgrade the blade
Most miter saws boast general-purpose blades with 24-40 teeth. Such saws are suitable for decking and framing lumber cutting – where clean cuts are not important. To make clean cuts, go for the high-performance blades that come with a low-degree hook angle. An 80-tooth blade will work perfectly on 10” miter saws while a 96-teeth blade is suitable for 12” models.
Stop before lifting the material
After you have used your miter saw to make a cut, wait for the spinning to stop, before you raise the saw. That will prevent the scoring of the workpiece ends. Spinning blades are also known to snag cutoffs and hazardously propel them at very high speeds.
Extend the support
Most miter saw tables measure around 18 inches wide, but most of them feature extension wings that extend the width when pulled out. Extend the width of your table when working with long workpieces. They will prevent boards from lifting and tilting off the table.
Sneak up on the cuts
The blade of your miter saw can flex when cutting through tough wood. To prevent that, just make all your cuts in two different steps. Start by making the initial cut around 1/16” to the cut line’s waste side and finally cut to its line. Finish by widening the curve. You will end up with a clean spot-on square.
FAQs:
Q: Where will I find the cutting capacity of the miter saw?
A: Manufacturers include the cutting capacity of their miter saws in the user’s manual. Others provide the capacity on their website. So, if you are not sure, you should feel free to check any of the two sources.
Q: What should I do if the miter saw is cutting the wrong angles?
A: When that happens, check the manual to see whether you are using the machine according to the manufacturer’s directions. Check your blade for damages. Ensure that the blade is parallel to the cutting slot and adjust the bevel block.
Q: What should I do after the machine has stopped unexpectedly?
A: Start by checking the laser light to see whether it works. If it is working, disconnect its power supply from your power mains and check its carbon brushes. If they are dirty, remove them and use a dry cloth to clean them. Return them to the miter saw.
Reconnect the power supply back to the mains and retry. If the machine does not work, most likely the printed circuit breaker is at fault. When the laser light is not working, check the plug to see whether the fuse fits correctly. Check your power cable for discontinuity.
Q: What should I do when the blade stops spinning immediately after I start cutting?
A: Check whether the motor is running and whether it produces a normal sound. If the motor is not at fault, your machine’s gearbox is possibly faulty, and you will have to repair it. If the motor is running, but it is somehow noisy, contact a service person for repair. If the saw shuts down when cutting, that might be a result of a damaged blade that causes overload triggering the electrics to shut the machine down.
Q: The miter saw’s blade guard does not return, and the machine does not pull down, what should I do?
A: When this happens, start by checking the guard linkage to see whether it is connected correctly. If it is the problem source, you will have to remove the blade and reset the guard linkage. Tighten the max height screw.
Final Thoughts
One significant benefit of miter saws relates to their ease of use. Anyone, including those who have never seen one before, can use them. With any of the three machines, you will complete your woodwork projects without any external help. You just need to follow the instructions in the user manual.
So what do you think of the information in this article? Leave us a message and we will gladly respond. Thank you for reading our articles on our website. We put much time and effort into the research that it takes to provide our readers with the information they need.
While you are here, could you please share this and some of the other articles we have posted? Thank you for your time and your devotion to reading our work.
Related Articles:
- DEWALT 745 Vs. 7480 Vs. 7490: Reviews And Comparison Guide (2023)
- Dewalt DW734 Vs Ridgid R4331 Vs. Makita 2012nb: 2023 Reviews & Comparison
- Porter Cable 557 Vs DeWalt DW682K Vs Makita PJ7000: Reviews And Comparison (2023)
- DeWalt DCK590L2 Vs. DCK592L2 Vs. DCK520D2: Reviews & Comparison
- DEWALT DCK280C2 Vs. DCK240C2 Vs. DCK285C2 Drill Driver: What Works?
- DeWalt DW734 Vs. DW735 Vs. DW735X Planer: What Works?
- Dewalt DWE7491RS Vs. Bosch 4100-09 Vs. DW744XRS: 2023 Reviews & Comparison
- DeWalt DWE6421K Vs DWE6423K Vs D26453K Vs D26451K: What Works?
