Makita MLT100 table saw

CroppyBoy1798 · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 6:54 pm Post subject:

Hi mrwilby,

The saw does not have an induction motor unfortunately, she's pretty noisy, but nothing that a good pair of muffs cant help Smile

It does have a break which is a nice feature (sounds nice too!).

There is no movement in the fence on the main table, it locks solid with no movement or flex. The grip however doesnt seem to be as tight on the extension table.

woodworker73 · Forum Newbie Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Italy

Hi to all!!

CroppyBoy,is the blade height adjustable (can't find a pdf manual over the net......)?

Are you happy after 3 months of use?

Thanks in advance

CroppyBoy1798 · Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 7:01 pm Post subject:

Hi Woodworker73,

The blade height is adjustable, yes, it'll cut max of 90mm and I know that because I've put a pice throught it that was exactly 90mm, a newel post off a stairs that I had to split down the middle.

I've only really started using it more so the past couple of months. So far, so good, pretty happy with it, the only let down that I've had so far with it was the side extension which wouldnt reach out far enough to cut an 8x4 down the middle, it was just a couple of inches short. Also the fence wouldnt get a tight grip of the aluminium extrusion on this small side extension table, certainly not tight enough to use as a fence! This problem however I soon sorted with an extension table I made myself, plus a runoff bench/router table to the rear, which, you can see here:

http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30876

Apart from that, yeah, its a grand saw, it comes with a good blade! I havent changed it yet, its given a clean cut through oak, beech, pine and MDF alike. The sliding carraige is a nice feature and is pretty sturdy also.

woodworker73 · Forum Newbie Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Italy

Thanks!

I'm in trouble with the Axminster TS200 vs this makita....
I like the blade dimension and the cut eight of the makita and probably i will buy this one.

The makita main table is in aluminum?
Is it solid when you cut?

Ciao

CroppyBoy1798 · Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 6:35 pm Post subject:

The Axi TS200 certainly looks like a nice bit of kit! Looks more robust and better suited to light trade work, handling 8x4's etc. But I see the max cut is only 60mm and the power is 1,100w the Makita's max cut is 90mm and has a power of 1,500w.

The 90mm cut I made was with pine, I dont think I'd try and put the same thickness of a hardwood through it!! Confused

The table top of the Makita is aluminium I believe, it also has a paint finish on it which tends to scratch easy enough with some use.

As for cutting, mine is pretty solid alright, I made a good strong base for it out of 6x2"'s so its sturdy enough. I do notice though that when making heavy cuts, say 50-90mm or so there does be a vibration coming from somewhere, might be something simple.

Mike Bremner · Woodworker Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Posts: 186

I have the Axi and have cut 60mm of White Oak with no problems and have never had any vibration what so ever.

Remember also that the Makita has a brush motor, the Axi an induction motor - thats what swung it for me.

woodworker73 · Forum Newbie Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Italy

Many thanks to you all guys.

Now my I'm in very very trouble between these 2 table saws..... Question

Have a nice weekend.

Ciao

MickCheese · Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 9:33 am Post subject:

I do think the type of motor would have a bearing on the decision if it were me.

Playing as I do in a home workshop noise is an issue.

I was looking at the Axi saw last week in their store and it certainely looks like a heavy, well made piece of kit.

I am watching with interest which one you chose as I will probably be buying a better TS soon to replace my budget Axi one.

Mick
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CroppyBoy1798 · Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 12:56 pm Post subject:

When I say 'vibration', maybe that was the wrong phrase to use, the saw isnt actually shaking, but, making a vibrating sound..........if you know what I mean Confused

, as if something is shaking or rattling. It could be something simple but I just never bothered look into it yet.

Mike Bremner · Woodworker Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Posts: 186

If it helps, when I made my decisions the Axminster was a clear winner with the exception of power and depth of cut. Portability is obviously an issue as well if you need it but for workshop use being portable is possibly a downside.

With regards to power, I have cut the full depth on the Axi in Oak with no problems - as another poster has said they wouldnt try this on the Makita.

Depth of cut is an issue with the Axi - I have already come across times when I would prefer the extra depth - but decided that the quieter motor, cast top and larger tables where more important to me.

CroppyBoy1798 · Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:38 pm Post subject:

I personally wouldnt try cut 90mm of oak (thats the saws max cut), but then thats probably out of my own fear of tablesaws Razz

, I'd imagine it could cut it alright. The largest cut of hardwood I've done to date was 50mm beech and it sailed through that without a problem.

Personaly if I had a slightly larger shop and had a pernament spot for a tablesaw I'd be going with the Axi. The reason for the Makita was that I needed something resonably light that could be moved about the shop or stored out of the way if I needed extra floor space, or, if needs be be brought outside.

againstthegrain

I have just taken delivery of a Makita MLT100 and as earlier contributors saw, it is a sturdy piece of machinery.

However the 90 deg and 45 deg angles need to be adjusted and there is a hole in the table top which accesses grub screws to change the default angles.

What Makita's instruction book does not tell you is what tool you use to adjust this grub screw. I tried screwdrivers to no avail.

Makita's helpful service department then told me that you need a 3mm allen key (which does not come with the saw).

Hope you find this helpful

Againsthegrain

beeroll · Forum Newbie Joined: 01 Sep 2009 Posts: 1

Hi there,

Does anyone who has this saw know whether it accepts a dado blade of any size at all? (Like a previous poster, I can't find a manual for it online either.)

Cheers,

Ben

JojoMcFly · Forum Newbie Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 2

Hi everybody !

my name is Ben, and I'm a french luthier amateur.

I found these thread after a google search for these makita table saw. I found a lot of great advices here and I'd like to thank the members and especially CroppyBoy1798 for his pics... Wink

I'm interested in these table saw, mostly to prepare acoustic guitars back and sides sets (see the picture in the dave's post below )

So, I would like to know if these saw could manage to resaw hard and figured woods (rosewood, pear, koa, ziricote, etc...).

The purpose is to saw 35x4.5x0.4" (90x10x1cm) in two halves for the sides and 20x8x0.4" (50x20x1cm) for the back and top. Of course, I'll finishit with a japanese saw (ryoba).

The most important point is the accuracy of the 90° angle to not spoil wood...

Thanks by advance for your advice and sorry for my poor english... Embarassed

Have a nice evening,

Jojo

DaveL · Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 12:58 pm Post subject:

Hi Bren,

Welcome to the forum. Very Happy

Your picture has been caught by our spam trap, this will stop when you have a few more posts to your name, here it is:

Sorry but I cannot answer your question about the saw.
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Regards,

Dave

I do not have a tool problem, I can stop using them any time I like!