Makita 8-1/2" Slide Compound Miter Saw

The Makita 8-1/2” Slide Compound Miter Saw delivers 12” crosscut capacity in a 30.6 lb package, making it the sweet spot for contractors who need full-size cuts without hauling heavy equipment. The linear ball bearing system provides precision cutting with a 10.5 AMP direct drive motor, and at 30 pounds, it’s light enough to carry upstairs without killing your back.

Skip it if you need extreme bevel angles. The older LS0815F offers a broader miter range (up to 60° right) and bevel range, but you’ll pay for it in weight and lose some modern conveniences.

Compact Design, Full-Size Performance

The LS0816F cuts 2-9/16” x 12” at 90 degrees and 2-9/16” x 8-1/2” at 45 degrees. That’s enough capacity for 2x12 framing lumber, 5-1/4” baseboard standing tall, and most crown molding nested against the fence. The 8.5” blade spins at 5000 RPM on a direct drive system — no belts to replace, less maintenance headache.

Specification	LS0816F (Current)	LS0815F (Legacy)
Weight	30.6 lbs	31.1 lbs
Motor	10.5 AMP	10.5 AMP
No-Load Speed	5000 RPM	5000 RPM
Miter Range	0-47° L/R	0-50° L, 0-60° R
Bevel Range	0-47° L, 0-2° R	0-48° L, 0-5° R
90° Crosscut	2-9/16” x 12”	2-9/16” x 12”
45° Crosscut	2-9/16” x 8-1/2”	Not specified

The built-in LED light illuminates the cut line — actually useful when you’re trimming in a dark basement or finishing work late. Features include soft start for smooth start-ups and an electric brake for efficiency.

Real-World Applications

Applications include baseboard and crown molding installation, finish carpentry, cabinet and furniture making, wood floor installation, deck building, and general construction. The saw excels at finish work where precision matters more than raw capacity.

For Montana contractors bouncing between job sites, the weight difference matters. At elevation, carrying tools upstairs gets old fast. The 30.6-pound weight beats dragging a 12” slider that weighs 50+ pounds. The large precision machined aluminum base stays accurate despite the portable design.

Customer reviews rate it approximately 4.8/5.0, with positive feedback highlighting excellent portability for job site work, high accuracy and precision out of the box, LED light helpfulness, and smooth sliding action due to high-quality bearings. Negative feedback includes limited right-bevel capability compared to dual-bevel models, reduced miter range on the LS0816F compared to the LS0815F, and average dust collection.

The LS0816F includes an 8-1/2” 40-tooth carbide-tipped blade, 6mm hex wrench, dust bag, and vertical vise. Four bolt holes in the base allow for mounting to a workbench or miter saw stand.

The Competition

Bosch’s CM8S competes directly in the 8-1/2” sliding miter saw category. DeWalt offers larger 12” options with the DWS779/DWS780, though they also make 7-1/4” sliding saws for portability. Makita’s own GSL02Z provides a 40V Max XGT cordless version of the 8-1/2” sliding miter saw if you’re already invested in their battery platform.

For contractors who prioritize portability without sacrificing crosscut capacity, this saw hits the target. The reduced miter range on the newer LS0816F might frustrate trim carpenters working complex angles, but for standard cuts, it handles the job at 30.6 pounds instead of 50.

The manufacturer’s limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from date of purchase. The tool is UL Listed, CSA Certified, and references ANSI Z87 for eye protection requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the actual weight difference between this and a 12” sliding miter saw?

Most 12” sliders weigh 50-70 pounds. At 30.6 pounds, the LS0816F weighs about half as much while still delivering 12” crosscut capacity. That 20-40 pound difference matters when you’re loading tools daily or working upper floors.

Q: Can it handle 2x12 lumber at full width?

Yes — the saw cuts up to 12 inches at 90 degrees, which handles dimensional 2x12s (actual width 11.25”). At 45 degrees, capacity drops to 8-1/2 inches.

Q: What’s the difference between the LS0816F and LS0815F models?

The LS0816F is newer, lighter (30.6 lbs), and features a 47° miter range. The LS0815F is older, slightly heavier (31.1 lbs), but offers a broader miter range (up to 60° right) and bevel range. Both use the same 10.5 AMP motor running at 5000 RPM.

Q: Does the LED light require batteries?

The built-in LED light runs off the tool’s power — no batteries needed. It activates when you pull the trigger, illuminating exactly when you need it.

Q: What maintenance does the linear ball bearing system need?

Clean sliding arms regularly to prevent grinding or rough movement — sawdust buildup kills smooth operation. Check blade alignment periodically to maintain accuracy. The direct drive motor needs minimal maintenance compared to belt-driven saws.