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Head-to-head · Best Miter Saws

DeWalt DWS715 vs Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is best for: professional finish carpenters who prioritize space efficiency and precise cut quality. Read the strengths below before deciding.

DeWalt DWS715
Ranked #5 in Best Miter Saws
DeWalt DWS715
1 source$299.99as of Oct 28

TechGearLab found the DeWalt DWS715 achieved a perfect 10.0 score for Precision and Accuracy, attributing this stability to its non-sliding design which eliminates rail wobble during dense material cuts. Handymansworld highlighted the powerful 15-amp motor that delivers up to 4,000 RPM no-load speed, enabling fast slicing through hardwoods without bogging down under load. However, the tool's fixed blade path limits cross-cut capacity to an 8.1-inch maximum at 90 degrees, preventing single-pass cuts on wider boards like 2x10s or 4x4 posts. Weighing only 36 lbs with a built-in carry handle, it offers high portability for contractors but may require external vacuum support due to modest onboard dust collection.

Strengths
  • — Rated #4 of 12 miter saws by TechGearLab with a perfect 10.0 score for Precision and Accuracy.
  • — Features a powerful 15-amp motor that delivers up to 4,000 RPM no-load speed for fast cutting.
  • — Includes an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 14 positive stops for flexible angle selection.
Watch-outs
  • — Non-sliding design limits cross-cut capacity to an 8.1-inch maximum at 90 degrees.
$299.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Miter Saws
Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
2 sourcesall derived$799as of Oct 28

The Makita LS1019L combines a compact dual-bevel head with a front-mounted two-steel-rail sliding system, allowing it to sit flush against a wall while delivering 12-inch crosscut capacity. Electropro.blog found that this design saves bench depth and maintains accuracy across the slide, though Woodworkingadvisor notes its 3,200 RPM no-load speed is slower than several competitors in its class. The tool’s substantial 57.9 lb weight ensures stability during operation but requires two hands for transport, limiting mobility on large job sites. This saw fits professional finish carpenters who prioritize space efficiency and precise cut quality over raw cutting speed or portability.

Strengths
  • — 2-steel-rail sliding system allows the saw to operate flush against a wall while maintaining a 12-inch crosscut capacity at 90 degrees.
  • — Cuts nested crown molding up to 6-5/8 inches and vertical baseboards up to 5-1/4 inches, matching many 12-inch miter saws.
  • — Laser guide projects a cut line on the workpiece for precise alignment without lifting the blade guard.
Watch-outs
  • — 3,200 RPM no-load speed is slower than several competitors in its class.
  • — 57.9 lbs weight requires two hands to carry and is not considered lightweight by some reviewers.
$799 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

DeWalt DWS715

The DeWalt DWS715 achieves perfect precision scores due to its non-sliding design, which eliminates rail wobble compared to sliding models like the Makita LS1019L and DEWALT DCS361B. It offers a faster 4,000 RPM motor than the slower Makita LS1019L but sacrifices cross-cut capacity, limiting it to an 8.1-inch maximum unlike the wider cutting abilities of the DeWalt DWS780.

Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The Makita LS1019L features a compact dual-bevel head with a front-mounted two-steel-rail sliding system that allows it to sit flush against a wall. However, its 3,200 RPM no-load speed is slower than the faster motors found in the SKIL MS6305-00 and DeWalt DWS715.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDeWalt DWS715Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Blade Size12-inch10 inches
No-Load Speed4,000 RPM3,200 RPM
Miter Range14 positive stops0 to 60 degrees left and right
Weight36 lb57.9 lb
Bevel Capacity—48° left and right
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