Follow-Up | RIDGID18-Volt SubCompact Cordless Brushless 3" Multi-Material Saw Cutter 

I appreciate the honesty in your mistakes on the earlier review. Also good on Ridgid for honouring their warranty. All that being said, it seems to do a great job. Can't really fault it for creating tile dust, any tool makes when cutting dry

*_Had 3 20v batteries so I bought the saw _**_MyBest.Tools_**_ Amazing compared to another cordless I owned. Great and powerful for those small jobs where I don't want to lug my 7 1/4 corded around._*

I don't usually like tool reviews, but you got a sub from me for your honesty and integrity.

Digging the birds in the background. Birds for background noise is never a problem👍🏼🦉🦅🦆🦜🕊🦢🦃🐓🦩

I have the Milwaukee version. I use it for a variety of things. One is to cut a straight line on tile that’s already installed if I’m transitioning between rooms. That use alone is awesome. I also use it to cut those acrylic sheets for lights. Use it to do you different notches and cuts for tile. For home remodel it’s great and gets you out of a lot of jams.

Ridgid has really been stepping up and doing well. Looks like I got into the line at the right time.

Follow up from post below: I ended up getting this Subcompact saw and LOVE of it. As suspected it is PERFECT for tile work. It has replaced my grinder (with diamond blade) for making certain cuts, i.e. around toilet flanges, cutouts for shower fixtures and even L and U cuts on small jobs without having to set up my wet saw. The small diameter blade makes it easier to cutout around a toilet flange than using a 4-1/2" grinder blade. Fantastic tool.

i think a lot of people forget that this is not a woodsaw alone, or not an angle grinder... its a multi purpose tool, has its own frame.. the idea of the rotation adjustment is to suit different needs, metal, cut away from you, tile, away from you, wood rotate other way around so you dont chip the surface..

Nice update 👍 looks like a nice saw for cutting tile around doors and moldings with out getting out tile saw...and small metal cutting jobs

Good job as usual Brian, thanks for sharing & for the update about that tool.

Appreciate the prompt update brotha!!

I want to point out if you want to cut on reverse with diamond blades you have to make sure that the disc is cutting in whatever direction you want it to cut. Simply look on the direction of the disc in which it was intended to cut, so you may either need to flip the disc with the label facing out or not. Abrasive blades go in both directions, so you don't have to worry about how you place the disc. I personally like to cut everything on reverse as it shoots everything the other way. Same way I handle my angle grinder where I use it in a way where sparks or debris go away from me depending on what I am cutting.

I recently purchased this saw and they included the 7/8 arbor washer and the 3/8 inch arbor washer so you can now use 3 inch wheels with a 3/8 arbor, and you can get the the cut off wheels at harbor freight at a very big saving, if you didn't get the 3/8 in your kit, you can contact Ridgid in their customer service (sorry don't have number) and they will send you one free of charge

When adjusting something on a cordless tool, I usually for safety take off the battery out of the tool .

Just picked this up and it was a lifesaver. Needed it to cut out a larger box for hvac register in 3/4 ceramic tile. Nothing else I had worked in the very tight/limiting spot I was in. Now that I have it, I use quite often when needing to cut through sheet metal ducts to add registers or access panels.

Hey, thanks for the follow up video!! So I own the Milwaukee M12 version, I also have an 18v angle grinder. I'm always working jobs cutting metal plastic and tile, and I have to say I almost regret buying the angle grinder. These small cut off tools are just so much easier to deal with imo. Angle grinder will jump just as much if not more when making a cut, but the small blade and superior grip really makes it easy to be precise (I know some brands have really improved the grip on angle grinders) As for that guard... I would pull that off and never look back if I were you lol. I know the guard is a little different on the m12 version, but unless I really need the dust extraction, which the m12 has, I always go without the guard. I can't speak for the weight of this tool, but on the m12, once your used to it, is easier to cut without the guard. Also with the m12 I am constantly changing blade spin direction to influence the debris and I've never had the bold lock on me. Anyway thanks again for the review and follow-up!!

I just bought one today. I can say they do come with both arbors now.

Great review. I want it for convenience of breaking down 4x8 sheets of 3/4 plywood. It felt extremely light in the store without the battery. Home Depot wanted $129, but found out that’s without a battery. A single battery and charger was another $139. $260 is a rediculous price to pay for rough cuts. The guide seemed a little rickety to depend on it for straight cuts. It easily flexed with side pressure.

after watching you cut with your left hand the reason it was kicking forward is because you were lifting the back on the tool up and it would kick out of the cut groove. The deeper you can set the blade the better, it helps hold the blade in its own cutting channel.

This Ridgid 3" multi material saw cutter has one thing that it can do easily that other grinders can do but this one can do it better. That is when installing large tile backsplashes this tool can cut out electrical boxes like nothing. I am working 24 x 48 inch tiles and the cutouts need to be perfect. This tool makes it happen.

Great tool for tiles

I'm a tile guy. Currently working in the bathroom of a winterized (non-heated) summer cottage in below freezing temperatures. Using a space heater in the bathroom. It's too cold to run a wet saw outside (or inside when tiling the floor), so I'm left using a grinder to dry cut the tile outside. This tool "might" come in handy. I'm just not sure it will do a better job than a grinder. Might be worth a shot.

If you work in millwrighting or something similar a tool like this no matter what brand comes in handy for basically anything where space is limited

Just got one and it comes with both arbors now.

I use my Milwaukee m12 model for hvac as well as plumbing and hot water heater installs for the ventilation

This tool comes in very handy for precision, cutting on foam backer boards.

I use the 7/17 dremel 3 inch blades alot in my Milwaukee m12 model

This was a very helpful video. I'm an industrial mechanical/electrical assembler. I work a lot on building electrical control panels, and junction boxes, and have been looking at this MM saw for cutting materials for panel building, and for cutting the panel enclosures themselves. I use a 4 1/2" angle grinder a lot for this, but honestly I believe this saw might be better.

Thank you for the follow up and the explanation of what was done wrong. I originally decided not to buy this tool after your first video. Now I am reconsidering this tool. Thank you.

I do a lot of rental property repairs that I could see how this cutoff tool would be used: small tile repairs, trim and drywall repairs, etc. The question is whether it’s more efficient than the other tools I’m using now such as an angle grinder, multi tool, hole saws, etc. With a limited tool budget, I’m more inclined to stick with what I have even though I own both the RIDGID 18v and Milwaukee M12 battery platforms.

Very good review, thx... That said you should review the Milwuakee M12 cut off tool or maybe do a comparison against the Ridgid or a head to head..

Nice video, you made me like my purchase even more. I already have the M12 fuel 3" grinder but I got a sick deal for this and the sub compact drill + impact I couldn't pass up. I like that it's variable speed and I like the metal rails for lining up a longer cut compared to the Milwaukee and I've already decided to keep both for different use scenarios. ...I still think Ridgid's batteries look stupid as hell on these sub compact tools though LOL

No issues cutting in both directions with the M12. That’s part of what makes the tool awesome, blowing sparks in the most convenient direction.

thanks for the reviews. You might try slowing the feed some and let the tool work. that should solve the jumping issues and less stress on the tool.

Works great for body work (cutting out rusted panels). Much more accurate than grinder

I have the Milwaukee and never had an issue cutting forward or reverse, I’m a plumber and use it to cut tiles to replace 3 handle shower valves

Have mostly all ridgid tools use them every day. Had to return this one for the simple fact you have to use a seperate tool (allen key) to adjust the guide. Makita has same tool simple thumb screw to adjust.

It might be best used for sheet of acrylic or metal. Something needing long straight cuts.

You answered my question at the very end of the video... do I need this in place of my angle grinder? Depends. Could get in a tight spot, but I've got a dremel and ridgid multi tool that could probably do the same thing. Thx for the follow up video.

Good review nice tool I'm just not a fan of the battery size compared to their sub compact tools.

Cool. I have the M12 version of this. From the handle up, minus the wire depth adjuster, it looks to come from the same mold. Sounds identical too. It's not something I use every day, but it's handy as hell when you need it. I think the first one was just a freak failure. It happens. I don't think the direction you were cutting had a anything to do with it either. I mean, it's a reversible tool for a reason. I cut hardware cloth with mine and it's like cutting butter. 12ga metal cut fine. Used the wrong screws on a project and had about 50 points sticking out about a 1/8 in out the back and zipped them off with it. The M12 comes with a dust collection shroud and saw plate which is good for tile, not so much for metal imo. The damn vacuum hose is bigger than the tool. Like you said, it isn't going to replace any bigger tools. It's just a handy pocket tool that can cut lots of materials in place. Not a tool you'll be hauling work to, but vise versa. I "harvested" some spring steel out of an old bed box spring and it fit in where other tools wouldn't. Don't judge me, it's awesome very tough steel rod that's handy to have around. HA! I have a hunch that these and the Milwaukee 12v die grinders are all based on the same basic motor in different form factors. Overall nice to have, but not a must have tool. If I was forced to part with 5 tools, this would likely be on the list. Not because it sucks. It doesn't. There are just not that many jobs that this is the best tool for. But that's me. Others may find it invaluable. Being this one is 18v may mean more power, but it also means a bigger tool which hinders some usefulness.

Nice to see they got you another tool no problems good to see them stand by there warranty brian @WorkshopAddict

Wonder how it would do with expanded metal.

I'm a plumber personally I use it alot mostly for cutting unistrut and cutting rod I never was a big fan of grinders I find there unsafe but that's just me But I do like that little tool it does what I need it to do

That look surprisingly straight for free hand

I recently got the m12 version

Thanks for the video!! So when would it be appropriate for this tool be used in reverse??

Seems a lot like the Milwaukee M12 version but with enough power to actually be useful as a mechanic. It would be nice if it came with the 3/8 arbor also like the Milwaukee does so you can use readily available cutting discs though

In your last video, your hand was shaking left and right, maybe that's what caused the blade to go out of round and jam the arbor. Seems to me the "reverse" direction should actually be the "forward" direction since the blade will pull the cutter down towards the material and prevent skipping.

What are the competitors aside from dremel

Thanks for the update. I think a multi tool or grinder would work better. I can’t get over the size and battery position.

Wondering if there is a 5/8 and or 7/8 adapter for the larger diameter discs? Guessing RPM rating limitations if the speed isn't controllable. I'm waiting for mine to be delivered. I ordered a M18 battery to RIGID tool adapter as well that I will melt the notch in for the Bauer batteries so I can use those and DeWalt as well.

Can this tool be used to cut up pallets?

I have looked but have not found new blades. Anyone know where I can find some? Is there one available for cutting plywood etc???

I bought one April 2, 2021, mine came with 3/8ths installed and with a spare 7/16th and the blades from Ridgid were all 3/8ths even though the picture on the box shows 7/16ths blades, I assume they got a lot of complaints on the 7/16ths so just changed it. Do not feel bad about having it in reverse to start, I did the same thing for about 2 seconds and thought why are the sparks flying at me? I bought this for flooring and it works great at that, I tried it with Ridgid blades on some pretty small metal things, not so great with that.

That new Milwaukee m18 Metal circular saw next to you is sweet brian @WorkshopAddict

I think this thing is way louder than the M12. The upside is that this doesn't seem to stall like the M12 cut off tool. When you force on the M12, it shuts off to protect its motor from overworking. I do agree with you that not having the dust collector is going to play a roll when cutting materials like tile. I sometimes cut plastic like plexiglass and it's best to use the M12 cutoff tool, but it would clog up the dust collector and without it you can't make straight cuts. Ridgid on the other hand will be able to cut plastic without the need of having a dust collector causing you problems like clogging up. Yea, no tool is perfect.

sooo i have the 12v Milwaukee one and because its essentially a grinder spinning either direction should not matter for cutting speed just changes direction of spark throw. only blade it usually matters with is the diamond those blades usually have a direction. If cutting in reverse causes a malfunction like that than they need to work out that inherent issue. Like with my Milwaukee you should be able to cut in forward or reverse dosnt matter

just wondering- whats the point of having a reverse option if you arent supposed to use it and will lock up the blade?

Even with my variable speed 11amp grinder I’ve never tried to full depth cut tile expecting good results. But hey, that’s just me

Shouldnt you cut the tiles on top with multiple passes and not through it?

I wouldn't say cutting in reverse is "incorrect". It's a mode the tool can be operated in, and afaik it's not discouraged in the manual. It's also a logical thing to do since sparks and debris goes the other way.

I wonder if there is a wood cutting blade? Would come in handy doing cedar shingles and such when doing dormers

Great review. I have a old roto zip that has a cutting head attachment that takes a 3 1/2 blade. I used the crap out of it for plunge cutting electrical box openings through metal and tile. I used it to cut a 1'x2' opening to save tile in a bathroom repipe job. I'm buying this tool today at HD they have a tool battery deal going on.

You got some goofy sun burn marking lol, anyway good job on demonstrating the new tool!

Oh shit, the head rotates, that was the question I had about it was wouldn't the battery prohibit long cuts.

They print instruction manuals and package them up with the tools. Try reading them.

Kind of wondering why there's a reverse on that

Now we need this against the m12, I don’t know if the extra battery capacity is worth the size it takes up

Hi i will like to ask if i can used a 3-3/8 inch blades un the subcompact saw that you show here

How were you doing it backwards before? Why is there a switch for going backwards, how would that be helpful?

Regarding getting the replacement, was that Home Depot replacing it under their return policy or did you go directly to Ridgid?

Great Vid! That thing sounds pretty strong! In your opinion would you say that its stronger that that Milwaukee M12 3" cutoff? How strong, compared to a cordless angle grinder, would you say it is? 50-60%? More or less

can it cut wood

Good advice and no shouting unlike some other reviewers guess who ha ha

Looks like you had the same problem as me. The left hand wasn’t the issue it’s the fact that even with the guard all the way up the battery hits the tile and forces you to raise the back end which in turns causes you cut depth to be extremely shallow! You could see the battery hit and force you to adjust the saw accordingly. I love the saw but this causes it to be reduced to cuts less than a foot because the battery will hit on longer cuts.

Wish they made a saw like that so I could cut flooring

Someone please enlighten me. Why is this saw dual directional? The reviewer mentioned “ incorrect direction”, which apparently means the reverse direction. Is “forward” the correct direction? If so then why have a reverse direction? I bought one today and want to understand the operation. Also what exactly went wrong in the first review.

Who is this made for?

Is there a blade to cut wood for it?

The arbor size is what keeps me from ordering this. The Milwaukee uses 3/8, which is the readily available arbor size for cutoff wheels that you would use im traditional cutoff tools.

More coverage of the dog please

You’re putting a serpentine belt in that case?

Will It remplace your angle grinder?

I don't see why there's a reverse mode on the tool, that button should be used as a trigger lock

In all honesty would you rather have this or an angle grinder?

I’m curious how well this might work on HardiePlank. I’ve got some windows to trim out, and in order to do so I need to cut away 3 1/2” of existing installed HardiePlank around the window. Easy enough to do along the sides of the windows with a framing saw and a Hardie blade, but the tops of the windows are arched, meaning I’ll need to cut the siding along the top at a somewhat tight radius. I was planning to use an angle grinder but the smaller 3” blade on this saw may serve my needs better. Thoughts?

If you just did little jobs be better than dragging a big tile saw everywhere. Get the diamond blade.

The rigid does seem more powerful then the m12 Milwaukee brian @WorkshopAddict

I don’t know why tool companies don’t make for lefty people i like my tools if I can handle them with my left hand and see my cutting not sneaking on the other side of the blade.or the best idea is like the grinder set up you can turn left or right.

It can't do anything you can't do with an angle grinder, but this might do some things easier and cleaner. I need a compact saw that can also cut wood though.

great follow up, same as an angle grinder sometimes you jam the wheel or cut the wrong way with you and your fumbling with the nut tryna get it off for 30minutes until the things in the vise and youre holding a 24" pipe wrench and 8lb hammer

It may be a cool tool, but it seems way to finicky for my liking. But that is just my $0.02. Also, I am slowly going into the Milwaukee line of tools. I have had way to many Ridgid battery issues. I have 2 batteries that I did not use from brand new that were fully charged. Both batteries would not work after the 6 months of no use sitting at a full charge. Also where I live in Canada Ridgid tools are costing just about as much as Milwaukee. Ridgid is not the value brand it once was. If Ridgid thinks their tools warrant Milwaukee prices, it better be just like or better then Milwaukee. That I am not finding.

That's why they make manuals.

IMO your mistake in the other video was not the direction, when the blade is rotating away from you, what it does by friction is pull itself down, hence lock a pressure with the material and the tool itself.. that is actually how i would cut it.. your mistake was the wobbly plywood and not applying proper pressure...

It jumps because the blade is rotating the wrong direction!!!!

why would anyone want to cut tiles this way? with all that dust?

When would you run this in reverse?

Very bad safety measures! REMOVE the BATTERY when replacing discs !

Harbor freight ha 3inch cutting wheels for that size arbor. They're cheap