Popular Woodworking 2008-12 № 173, страница 26
Makita LS1214FL This saw is similar in design to Makita's 10" saw, which has been available for more than 10 years. It's a time-tested design and a quality saw. Some of its features are showing age, however, and what was once a category leader is now an average saw. In this category, however, average is very good. Our only complaint is the indicator for the miter angle. It is on the right side near the fence instead of up front as it is on all the other saws. It isn't visible if you have a piece of stock on the table. The saw we received needed some minor adjustment to square the fence and reset the bevel stops. Adjustments were straightforward and quick to make, but this was one of only two saws that weren't ready to go on arrival. The body-mounted laser took a bit longer to adjust than the Hitachi version, but that was still less than a 10-minute job. There is also a worklight mounted on a flexible stem. This was an added convenience, but we preferred the fixed light on the Milwaukee. The Makita was the quietest saw in the test, at 99dl3. The controls for locking in a miter setting and the sliding bars are both at the front of the saw. This is a convenient location, but it takes a while to get used to which is which. With the slide all the way back, the distance from the fence to the wall is 207/l6". The Makita is a popular and reliable tool. The sliding bars are located below the table, giving this saw a low center of gravity and a more positive feeling of control while cutting. New on the market is this saw from Milwaukee. It is solidly made, and arrived needing no adjustment. The worklight and digital miter setting (to 0.1") are nice features, as is the dust-collection bag-the only one in the group that was effective. But we wonder why a laser guide is not available. Not all of us think the laser is essential, but it is an option or standard equipment on all the other saws we tested. The sliding rails on this saw are below the table, keeping the center of gravity low. Changing miter angles is smooth, although the lever to release the detents is out of sight and easy to miss. The addition of a fine-adjustment knob for miter angle setting is a nice addition, and the digital readout reflects c hanges of one-tenth of a degree. The direct-drive motor features an electronic speed control, which maintains optimal speed under load. The noise level was on the high side at 104dB, but other saws were louder. The distance from the fence behind the saw is 21V4". The built -in worklight provided good light at the blade. Again, this feature may not appeal to everyone, but in a small garage or basement shop it could be a real benefit. The combination of unique and useful features and overall quality moved this saw into the "Editor's Choice" position. But the margin of victory is narrow. Most of the other saws were equal in quality of construction and cut of this one. It could almost be considered a photo finish. Ridgid MS1290LZA As the lowest-priced saw in our test, the Ridgid is a decent saw and a solid value. It cuts and holds its settings as well as any of the other saws in this group. Some of the features have been "value-engineered," but not to the point of making this saw a regrettable choice. It's on the loud side at 106dB, and doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it is a good, solid tool. One of the good features it shares (with the DeWalt and the Bosch) is the ability to adjust the tightness of the bushings on the sliding bars. We did have to adjust the fence to square on the saw we received, but this was a simple, five-minute task. This saw has a large table in front of the fence, and it also requires a lot of space in back, 26'/2" from the fence to the wall if permanently mounted. The additional table area up front doesn't really provide additional support, and this saw has the deepest footprint of the group. The laser guide is blade-mounted, and adjustable. The detent override is located above a locking lever up front. It looks like a fine-adjustment knob, but isn't labelled, except for arrows pointing up and down. To change a miter angle, this has to be released then manually re-engaged. On all the other saws, moving between the miter detents is a simpler, one-step process. The dust collection, as with most of the saws we tested, leaves a lot to be desired, and the mechanism for controlling the depth of cut is awkward to use. Milwaukee 6955-20 MAKITA MILWAUKEE RIDGID 800-462-5482 or makita.com 800-729-3878or milwaukeetool.com 866-539-1710orridgid.com ■ Street price: $660 ■ Street price: $690 ■ Street price: $549 |
