Thread: Makita LS1017 sliding compound saw

Similar but the LS1018L can do LH and RH bevel cuts, where as the LS1017L can only do single bevel cuts. Besides that they look pretty much the same.

I bought the LS1018L at the Sydney show for $518 with a few little goodies thrown in. So far I'm very happy.

So if the bevel cuts are not an issue for you I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I checked the Makita website and they don't list the LS1017L, so it may be a special model just for Bunnings.

Also, some people think it's just a gimmick but I find the laser a very handy feature.

Kev

If you're a tradesman, DO NOT BUY THIS. You will be disappointed. If you're a home handyman or an apprentice starting out, then it's fine. Reason it's not on the Makita web site is because it's not a tradesman serious tool.

You've been warned!

Cheers guys, thanks both for replies.

The LS1017 is a promotional product at Bunnings it is not a stocked item it comes in during promotional times such as fathers day christmas and easter.

Found a listing at Makita Canada:
Makita Canada Inc
Bevel cuts up to 45° left and 5° right

Still is a current model at Bunnings here in NZ.

Originally Posted by Gary_H

If you're a tradesman, DO NOT BUY THIS. You will be disappointed. If you're a home handyman or an apprentice starting out, then it's fine. Reason it's not on the Makita web site is because it's not a tradesman serious tool.

You've been warned!

Just looked at the Canada website.....Is Makita telling fibs.......

LS1017 range (Professional Quality)

LS1017LX it weighs in at 70.35kgs (what's it made of) says it's portable
LS1017L weighs in at 20.7kgs

My LS1212 weighs in at around 22kgs

It says "with stand", must be a bundle

OK
Here's the 1017L without stand
Makita Canada Inc

Originally Posted by lepidopteranos

It says "with stand", must be a bundle

Nearly 50kgs of stand.....

Originally Posted by Gary_H

If you're a tradesman, DO NOT BUY THIS. You will be disappointed. If you're a home handyman or an apprentice starting out, then it's fine. Reason it's not on the Makita web site is because it's not a tradesman serious tool.

You've been warned!

I think the reason it is not on the Makita website is it's a parallel import.

G'day fellas,

the 1017L has put me off Makita for good.

I was silly enough to buy one on April fools day this year.... !!

In mid June it died - second time it had been used. I took it off to the local agent [BST Ballarat] where it sat for 5-6 weeks until I chased it up. The thing ran OK when it came home but DIED yet again yesterday, hmmmm, second use again, could be a message there. It's obviously a lemon...

Makita's answer is to send me to another agency - so, apart from being a damn useless saw I have extract two hours from my day in travel it seems every second time the thing is used.

Old time Makita's are OK, but I wouldn't touch any of their new stuff. The company attitude also stinks, to refund me on the basis that this particular item is a lemon costs them little, with everything to gain in the long run from good will. No more Makita stuff here.

cheers,
Bob

The LS1017L was for a machine built to a price and available in Bunnings only in this country. It had a number of reduced features to that of its brother the LS1018L.
I have the LS1018L and it’s been fantastic.

I’ve had problems with the actual repairers for tools under warranty. They sub contract to multiple manufacturers, they get paid a pittance for warranty work and it seems that if they can’t get it to play up immediately, they say it’s fixed by replacing any part and charging the manufacturer.

In saying that, it doesn’t matter what the machine is, the manufacturer should come to the party and reimburse you because of the multiple problems you have had.

I have both a 7 and a 8 and apart from the differing features consider them identical in quality.
I have done tens of thousands of cuts with the older 7 without any issues apart from calibration of the blade. The 8 has not done as much but no issues

Sounds like you were unlucky and got a lemon and a poor service agent, in general all the main stream brands are reliable products

G'day,

Originally Posted by Beardy

......in general all the main stream brands are reliable products

Just out of interest, I quote the agent.... "all modern Chinese Makitas are rubbish". So there you go... !

I recognise that this Bunnies machine is entry level DIY hardware and not meant for serious service, but, considering the limited use it gets it really should well outlast me. I also have had for years now one of the much maligned MLT100 table saws which has been great and gets well used, so they can make good cheap stuff, but, obviously, you take a chance with this gear.

Two lessons learnt, no more Makita, no more tool impulse buys at the green shed - real tools are kept at the specialist tool shops.

cheers,
Bob