The LS1018 is a single slide saw (actually two slides side by side) which makes it quite a space hog, needing a lot of space behind the saw) when compared to the newer LS1016 and the LS1019 (which replaced the LS1016) models.
I have a lot more experience with the LS1018 having just retired one. In terms of accuracy, not bad, but suffer a little from having the pre-set detente stops cast into the underside of the turntable as opposed to say the the deWalt DW717XPS and later Makita LS1019 which have very similar stainless steel notched detente plate screwed to the top of the turntable (this is the DW717XPS):
The detenre issue only really becomes a concern for saws that are used in trade for jobs where they are constantly changing bevel angle (e.g. when doing architrave mitres by the gross).
I personally find the bevel angle scale on the DW717XPS (left) to be a lot easier to read than the Makita (right):
although the scale on the newer LS1019 (below, and the very similar cordless DLS110) are a further improvement and incorporate a Festool-like fine adjuster control at the front of the saw (the know is just visible in the top right corner here):
Note how little back overhang there is on a double rail set saw - very handy for site use and when moving kit around.
In terms of power, capacity there isn't much in it between the LS1018 and comparable size (250mm) more saws. Same is true of power. And they are pretty durable - mine, a second hand unit, became the "company bicycle" when I set-up a cutting area on the last big job. I don't know how many cuts it made, but I was burning through a blade every 3 weeks or so for a couple of years on joists, battening, bearers, etc (C24 treated and untreated up to about 6 x 3in) and it never missed a beat
The thing about the Makita is it is probably 1/2 to a full generation behind the current crop of trade double bevel SCMS saws. The scales are a bit harder to read and it lacks some of the bells and whistles of newer tools as well as being a tad slower to use, but then it is basically a lower cost design and takes a lot of its' design cues from the earlier LS1013. What is impressive is that the Makita seems to be cheap as chips at the present with FFX have it on at
£299 at the moment (down from £385 - by way of comparison an LS1019 will run you around £500) - a real bargain for a saw which is a lot better than many a DIY special such as the Erbauer, GMC or the like. At that sort of price it's a real steal
If you have any questions I can answer, let me know
