When it comes to woodworking, a high-quality miter saw is essential. In this article, I am going to compare two popular models from Makita: the LS1018 and LS1016. Both of these saws offer impressive features, but which one is right for you? Let’s dive in and find out!
Makita LS1018: Overview
Features
The Makita LS1018 is a 10-inch dual bevel sliding compound miter saw. It comes with a powerful 13.0 AMP motor that delivers 4,300 RPM. The saw offers a large cutting capacity, and its linear ball-bearing system ensures smooth and accurate cuts. The LS1018 also features an electric brake for increased safety and a soft start system for smoother startups.
Pros
- Large cutting capacity
- Smooth and accurate cuts
- Electric brake for added safety
- Soft start system
Cons
- Slightly heavier than the LS1016
- May require frequent calibration
Makita Ls1016: Overview
Features
The Makita LS1016 is also a 10-inch dual bevel sliding compound miter saw, but it features a 15.0 AMP motor that delivers 3,200 RPM. The LS1016 boasts a patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System for increased rigidity, and it also offers a larger cutting capacity than the LS1018. This saw also includes an electric brake and a soft start system.
Pros
- Larger cutting capacity than the LS1018
- Patented rail system for increased rigidity
- Electric brake for added safety
- Soft start system
Cons
- Lower RPM than the LS1018
- Heavier than some competitors
Motor and Power
LS1018
The LS1018’s 13.0 AMP motor provides plenty of power for most tasks, with a top speed of 4,300 RPM. This allows for fast and efficient cutting, making it suitable for both DIYers and professionals.
LS1016
On the other hand, the LS1016’s 15.0 AMP motor delivers 3,200 RPM, which is slightly slower than the LS1018. However, its motor is more powerful, making it better suited for heavy-duty tasks and cutting through tougher materials.
Accuracy
LS1018
The LS1018 is known for its smooth and accurate cuts, thanks to its linear ball bearing system. However, some users have reported that it may require frequent calibration to maintain its accuracy. Nonetheless, with proper maintenance and adjustment, this saw should provide reliable results for most woodworking tasks.
LS1016
The LS1016 boasts a patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System, which increases rigidity and improves accuracy. This design helps to reduce deflection, ensuring precise cuts even on larger workpieces. As a result, the LS1016 is often considered the more accurate of the two models.
Ease Of Use
LS1018
The LS1018 is designed with user convenience in mind. Its soft start system ensures smoother startups, while the electric brake offers added safety. Additionally, the large cutting capacity and smooth sliding action make it easy to work with various materials.
LS1016
Similarly, the LS1016 also features a soft start system and an electric brake. The patented rail system not only improves accuracy but also makes it easier to make precise cuts. Overall, both saws are user-friendly, but the LS1016’s innovative rail system gives it a slight edge in terms of ease of use.
Dust Collection
LS1018
The LS1018 comes with a built-in dust collection system that effectively captures dust and debris during operation. While it may not capture 100% of the dust generated, it does a decent job of keeping the workspace clean.
LS1016
The LS1016 also features a dust collection system, but some users have reported that it’s not as effective as the one on the LS1018. However, with proper setup and maintenance, the dust collection system should still help to minimize messes in your workspace.
Portability
LS1018
Weighing in at 43.7 lbs, the LS1018 is slightly heavier than the LS1016. However, its compact design still makes it relatively easy to transport and store.
LS1016
The LS1016 weighs 52.2 lbs, making it one of the heavier miter saws on the market. While this may be a disadvantage for some users, its increased weight provides added stability during operation.
Safety Features
Both the LS1018 and LS1016 come with an electric brake for added safety, ensuring the blade stops quickly when the trigger is released. Additionally, both saws feature a soft start system that reduces the risk of sudden movements or kickbacks during startup.
Price and Value
LS1018
The LS1018 is generally more affordable than the LS1016, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. Its powerful motor and smooth cutting action provide excellent value for the price.
LS1016
While the LS1016 is typically more expensive than the LS1018, its innovative rail system and larger cutting capacity may justify the higher price for some users. If accuracy is a top priority, the LS1016 may be worth the investment.
Warranty and Support
Makita offers a 1-year limited warranty on both the LS1018 and LS1016, along with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. This ensures that you’re covered in case of any defects or issues with your saw.
Comparison Table Of Makita Ls1018 Vs Ls1016
| Feature/Specification | Makita LS1018 | Makita LS1016 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 13.0 AMP | 15.0 AMP |
| RPM | 4,300 RPM | 3,200 RPM |
| Cutting Capacity | Large cutting capacity | Larger cutting capacity than LS1018 |
| Rail System | Linear ball bearing system | Patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System |
| Bevel Cuts | Dual bevel | Dual bevel |
| Soft Start System | Yes | Yes |
| Electric Brake | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 43.7 lbs | 52.2 lbs |
| Dust Collection | Good dust collection system | Slightly less effective system |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Typically more expensive |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly | Slightly better due to rail system |
| Accuracy | Smooth and accurate cuts | Improved accuracy with rail system |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
| Suitability for DIYers | Suitable for most tasks | Suitable for heavy-duty tasks |
| Blade Size | 10-inch blade | 10-inch blade |
This table provides a detailed comparison of the Makita LS1018 and LS1016 miter saws, highlighting their differences in motor power, RPM, cutting capacity, rail system, weight, dust collection, price, and more. By examining these features and specifications, you can make an informed decision on which saw is best suited for your woodworking needs
Key Points
Makita LS1018
- 13.0 AMP motor with 4,300 RPM for fast and efficient cutting
- Large cutting capacity for versatile woodworking applications
- Linear ball bearing system for smooth and accurate cuts
- Dual bevel capability for increased flexibility
- Electric brake and soft start system for added safety and smooth startups
- Good dust collection system to keep the workspace clean
- User-friendly design and features
- More affordable compared to the LS1016
Makita LS1016
- 15.0 AMP motor with 3,200 RPM for powerful cutting performance
- Larger cutting capacity than the LS1018 for handling bigger workpieces
- Patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System for increased rigidity and improved accuracy
- Dual bevel capability for increased flexibility
- Electric brake and soft start system for added safety and smooth startups
- Slightly less effective dust collection system compared to the LS1018
- Innovative rail system for better ease of use and precise cuts
- Typically more expensive than the LS1018
Accessories
Makita LS1018
- 10-inch carbide-tipped saw blade
- Vertical vise
- Dust bag
- Triangular rule
- Socket wrench
- Hex wrench
Makita LS1016
- 10-inch carbide-tipped saw blade
- Vertical vise
- Dust bag
- Triangular rule
- Socket wrench
- Hex wrench
Both the Makita LS1018 and LS1016 come with similar accessories, including a carbide-tipped saw blade, vertical vise, dust bag, triangular rule, socket wrench, and hex wrench. These accessories help improve the overall user experience and provide added convenience for various woodworking tasks.
FAQs
Can Both The Ls1018 And Ls1016 Make Bevel Cuts?
Yes, both the Makita LS1018 and LS1016 are dual bevel sliding compound miter saws, which means they can make bevel cuts in both left and right directions.
What Is The Main Difference Between The Ls1018 And Ls1016?
The main difference between the LS1018 and LS1016 is their motor power and cutting capacity. The LS1018 has a 13.0 AMP motor with 4,300 RPM, while the LS1016 has a 15.0 AMP motor with 3,200 RPM. Additionally, the LS1016 has a larger cutting capacity and a patented 4-Steel Rail Sliding System for improved accuracy.
Are The Blades For The Ls1018 And Ls1016 Interchangeable?
Both the LS1018 and LS1016 use 10-inch blades, so you should be able to interchange the blades between the two models as long as they meet the required specifications.
Can I Use A Dado Blade With Either Of These Miter Saws?
No, dado blades are not designed for use with miter saws like the LS1018 and LS1016. Dado blades are typically used with table saws for cutting grooves or dadoes in wood.
What Type Of Materials Can I Cut With The Makita Ls1018 And Ls1016?
Both the Makita LS1018 and LS1016 are suitable for cutting a variety of materials, including wood, plywood, MDF, and more. However, it’s essential to use the appropriate blade for the specific material you’re working with to ensure clean and accurate cuts.
Conclusion
Both the Makita LS1018 and LS1016 are high-quality miter saws with their own unique features and advantages. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with a higher RPM, the LS1018 may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize accuracy and cutting capacity, the LS1016 may be worth the extra investment.
