Makita LS0714: Thoughts anyone?

[Sean_C_G]

Hello, I'm interested in a small SCMS, the Makita LS0714. A search of this saw on this forum doesn't return many hits, but  those who have used the saw seem to hold it in high regard in their posts. I'd like to use this for baseboard, cabinetry and simpler molding. Can anyone give me their thoughts on this saw? Does it lend itself well to being hooked up to a CT dust extractor, and if so how is the dust extraction? I imagine that it may be somewhat limited for molding, but if it is, what size molding can it handle? Thank you very much.

 

[mwhafner]

I can't answer all of you questions, but do have a little experience with an older 7 1/4' Makita.  While the capacity was obviously limited, it would cut "standard" moldings without any issues.  The thing that impressed me the most was the accuracy and reliability.  My one knock on the LS1013 was that I had to true it up too often, that was not the case with the smaller saw.

At the time, we weren't concerned about dust collection, so I can't comment there.  I can tell you that my LS1013 was pretty good after I built a little larger rubber shroud. 

I have always been impressed with how smoothly the Makita saws operated, especially the 4-pole saws.  The slide easily compares to that of the Kapex, and is a little better than my Milwaukke 6955-20. 

 

[Sean_C_G]

Thanks, mw, for your input! I think I have seen posts of the mod for improving extraction on the larger Makita, so when I pick this up, I'll know where to look, and adapt it accordingly to the smaller saw.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

Sean G: I have one at home and one at work, it is a great little saw, sturdy, portable and accurate. With the sliders it cuts fairly wide and it cuts thick stock too.

It does really well for it's size and I was a bit concerned I would lust for the bigger one but I am glad I opted for the LS0714. Definitely worth the price, great performance in a small package. I even pigtailed mine.


Can recommend it wholeheartedly, today I had no choice but to use a DeWalt saw of similar size on a job site and the difference was huge: the Makita handles much better.

regards, Henrik

 

[Sean_C_G]

Sean G: I have one at home and one at work, it is a great little saw, sturdy, portable and accurate. With the sliders it cuts fairly wide and it cuts thick stock too.

It does really well for it's size and I was a bit concerned I would lust for the bigger one but I am glad I opted for the LS0714. Definitely worth the price, great performance in a small package. I even pigtailed mine.


Can recommend it wholeheartedly, today I had no choice but to use a DeWalt saw of similar size on a job site and the difference was huge: the Makita handles much better.

regards, Henrik

Henrik, that is a ringing endorsement; thanks for your insight. Point well taken about the size, I remember having the same internal debate with myself before I purchased the TS55, and for my application the 55 has been more than enough. Also, although this is a secondary consideration, one of the many reasons why I bought into the Festool system for my use as a hobbyist is that we have a small home. I've little space for a shop, so I always appreciate tools with compact footprints that can still get a lot done. Besides, if, down the road, we find ourselves in a bigger home, the LS0714 will be able to keep a Kapex company!

I appreciate the feedback.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

You are welcome Sean.
Dust collection is not stellar but I have yet to see a mitre saw that handles DC exceptionally well. On the Makita it is not better nor worse than other mitre saws.
Henrik