Thread: Which Mitre? Makita ls1214f or metabo kgs305

Loz,
I'm on my second Makita SCMS, the first one did 11 years of constant trade work and was sold to cash convertors for $250 after that (not bad considering I bought it for $730 tax exempt).

I had a DeWalt when they first came out, not sure of the model number. Thefinal drive bearrings were replaced a couple of time (excessive end float) and then the entire saw. Then finally the trigger would stick and I had to belt the thing with a lump of timber to get it to stop. Took it back for a refund, this was all in the first two months. I believe they have lifted their game a lot now, but I'll never buy one again.

I've used an Elektra Beckum and didn't like it at all. Very heavy, awkward action and you need to wait for it to get up to speed before you can cut as it's an induction motor. The other thing I don't like is the pivotting action of the whole rail assembly, this makes the action awkward and means you cant use the saw to trench. The upside is that it's a lot quieter than the Makitas and Dewalts.

Mick

I dont know anything about the other two, but as far as the Makita is concerned, you will not be sorry.

Best way to put it is that it is a foolproof choice, no matter how good the other two may or may not be.

Loz,
do a search (the brown toolbar at the top of the page) on this topic, you will find lots of info & there was a similar question a short while ago.

I've used the 10 and 12 inch Makitas - they are simply excellent. The soft start/brake is very good. Note also that they are the only manufacture to offer the full warranty to hire companies.

Gidday

I've got the 12 inch Makita & its one of the workhorses of my Shed. I love the Dam thing keeps performing keeps giving accurate cuts!!!

.......................Highly recommended!!!

REgards Lou

I have both makita and Electra Beckum/AEG as well as a hitachi, I would recommend the makita and hitachi before the Electra Beckum. The only thing the Electra Beckum has goiing for it is it is very quiet being a direct drive and induction motor. (no noisy gears)

go the mak!

I have the Mak LS1212 (no light or blue blade) and i love it. The soft start has been mentioned- great. And you should be able to pick up a good bargain at the moment. There is a $300 price difference between retailers locally, so shop around. You could even join the mak club and may get another $50 off or free stuff.
Carry Pine

I have a 10" Makita and can only complain about two things: the first is the noise. The second, and probably true for most SCMS's, is the dust collection (what dust collection?).

Otherwise I can't really fault it.