Contractors love this workhorse slide compound miter saw. The Makita LS1216L cuts cleanly through 2 x 6’s at 90-degrees and 2 x 4’s at 45-degrees with ease. It still offer precise cut without the bulkiness found in many dual-slide models.
For both home workshop use and on the job site, this is a fine piece of equipment. Like all tools, however, wear-and-tear can occur, and even tough ones gets their quirks after a while. If your saw begins to slip, bind, or cut rough, you probably assume the worst.
You might think it is broken and decide to go to store for a new one or send it in for service. Usually, however, it’s something far easier than that. Most issues is caused by something as simple as a few adjustment tweaks, a little maintenance oversight, or not understanding the mechanics.
Knowing what to look for, how the LS1216L should behave allows you to troubleshoot common issues on your own and save both time and money. But more importantly, it keeps you working rather than waiting for service.
Fixing Common Makita LS1216L Saw Problems
Why Your Miter Saw Bevel Drifts
Another common gripe centers on the fact that the blade doesn’t maintain a 90-degree position.
That’s typically because the bevel adjustment mechanism has come out of alignment or loosened up. Over time, the locking lever wear and you may find the arm “drifts” slightly throughout the cut. When that occurs, your mitered joints won’t close snugly.
Often simply wiping out the tracks and tightening the adjustment screws fixes it as accumulated dirt and sawdust prevents the mechanism from setting propery. A good blast with some compressed air often sets things right.
Preventing Kickback and Blade Binding
The saw might kick back or bind, which is another complaint I often hear from people.
It’s annoying and can be potentially dangerous. This happens because the saw either lacks proper support for the material being cut, or the blade are dull. Applying too much pressure to make a cut (which happens with a worn out blade) will also cause the saw to hesitate and even kick back as you is cutting.
First thing to check is whether your blade is good.
Aligning the Fence for Clean Cuts
If it is then you should of check to see if your fence is aligned correctly. Uneven pressure on the blade will cause it to bind.
Take a square to your fence and make sure it lines up perfectly with the blade, adjusting fence bolts to match.
Improving Dust Collection Performance
Users are also frustrated with the dust collection performance. The port appear small, and fine dust often escapes into the air.
This is partly due to design because the main exhaust goes opposite the user, but you can get much better capture. Use a hose that’s close to the same size as the port so it fits snugly. If it’s loose, there will be very little suction.
Use a high-flow adapter on your shop vacuum. Get a second dust bag. Use something like this.
It’s not great, but it’s doable if set up correctly.
Using the Laser Guide Correctly
Another thing that will confuse some is the laser guide. It’s sometimes difficult to see in daylight and may not be accurate enough for you.
Remember, the laser are a help, not a substitute for a test cut. It simply helps you see where the cut line would go. However, it does not take into account how thick your blade is, which will affect where the cut actualy occurs.
Always count for kerf. In case it’s consistently out of whack with the actual cut, look at the adjustment screws in the laser module itself. Use them to make very slight realignments.
Otherwise, trust the fence physically and do a test cut on scrap wood. Follow the mechanics rather then the light.
Avoiding Motor Stalls on Hardwood
Last, the motor will stall out under load.
You’ll experience this most on heavy wood like dense hardwoods or when cutting multiple layer. Even though this saw has a powerful 13-amp motor, there’s no such thing as an infinite power tool. Don’t force the cut.
Allow the blade to do the work for you. Check your power source and make sure it isn’t dropping voltage. Long extension cords cause voltage drop that can affect the motor’s performance.
Use the shortest cord available that’s rated for heavy duty. That will provide consistent power to the motor.
Routine Maintenance for Longevity
The fixes are easy and workable For the most part, the LS1216L’s issues can be addressed with simple hand tools and some time.
Routine issues don’t require a tech. Most maintenance will save you from headaches. Keep it clean.
Clean the saw after every use. Inspect alignment (blade to fence) once per month. Lubricate moving parts according to instructions.
These small steps will keep the tool running right. A sharp saw makes you look good You get tight joints, a clean finish, and precise cuts from using a saw that works well. That’s what the LS1216L is designed to deliver.
To make sure it does, though, requires a bit of TLC. Taking care of problems before they get worse will prolong the life of your investment. Stay ahead of the game by keeping yourself in charge of your projects.
Your saw stays on point as your trusted partner in the crafting process … ready for the next cut whenever you are.