Makita ls1219l

glass1

Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2008
Messages
622
I have been using the 10”cordless version of this saw. It has been excellent once the rails where adjusted. I took on another job so I added the ls1219l. First impressions:
Needed same rail adjustment. Saw came near perfect for bevel adjust. Dust collection so far not quite as good as 10”. After using the cordless brushless there is an adjustment back to corded in that the cordless has a much faster blade brake. Deflection seems minimal and the ergonomics are the same as the 10”. Capacity is amazing and the weight seems real close to the cordless 10”. Slides are smooth. That’s all I got so far.
 
I seen on another thread  where some one  adjusted the rails  on the  ls1219l.
Not sure how this  could be achieved  without actually twisting  the rails  and damaging  the saw.

The mouldings  and machined  bores    are factory set. And if Makita intended adjustment  by the end users then those instructions  would  be made available  in the manual.
The issue from what I could gather  was/is  that  the rails  were/are  not running parallel  with the blade.

If I buy another scms  it will be the  LS1219L. But I will insist  on doing  a few  test  cuts  before I buy the machine.
First  one will be a plunge cut  on the rear edge  and then a plunge cut on the front edge  and then slide back to ensure  the kerf of the blade  matches exactly  with the first cut.
 
They didn't intend for these to be user adjusted, because it should not change assuming the saw was assembled correctly and wasn't subject to some form of damage.  But they didn't assemble it accurately, they left enough margin for error that plenty of people have noticed.  If you're really uncomfortable, don't buy it.  You may be opening 10 boxes to get one that's close enough to perfect.  OTOH, if you buy from a retailer with a good return policy, at least try to get it dialed in yourself before you give up and bring it back. 

Just because it's not in the manual isn't a good reason not to adjust it yourself.  The manufacturer of my car states that my car should be brought in if the headlight burns out.  I know they had their reasons, but....

 
I find in doubtful anybody will ever know I adjusted the rails. I have got the saw dialed in pretty well actually very well. Makita SHOULD address this issue.  That being said the saw is quite good. I am not in the business of returning tools, if a simple adjustment whether its in the manual works I am good with it. Let me follow up on the running review:  dust collection definitely not as good as 10". The bevel scale is a little larger, but its not a match to the kapex. Once dialed in the accuracy is excellent even over 15" of crosscut and over 6 3/4" vertical cut. Ergonimics are similar to 10', super smooth sliding, detent overide and 60 degree in both direction. Side to side deflection is minimal and bevel cutting is easy. Power is abundant and cut quality is high, as makita supportlies good stock blades. These units are not light, heavier than dewalt 12" lighter than bosch. True soft start relatively quiet. Perfect mate to my battery 10" ( 499 plus 600= 1100, a real steal$)
 
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