I’m a retired builder contractor with more than 40 years experience. After owning every brand except Festfool, I think Rigid is a no brainer. Unlimited lifetime repair and batteries. One day when I saw thousands of dollars of expired battery tools in my shop I switched. As a hobbiest now,I’m not gonna invest in another brand. In Canada our tools are double the cost. I think the short track will be handier than you suggest for angles etc and I’ll purchace a long track. I like cordless for speed on just a quick “ one of” cut. As far as durability,never had my most used Rigid tools fail. Cheers.
Hey Rob, I'm a teacher and all I have to say about your review videos and articles is that you rock it! Well crafted, thorough, very thoughtful, and easily understood. Need I say more? No, but I will. I was on the fence about the Ridgid track saw as I'm on their platform. Your video(s) really informed me. I bit the bullet and bought the Milwaukee Fuel track saw, watched your video on that as well. You are spot on about the Milwaukee. I love it for all the reasons you covered in that review. Again, can't thank you enough for what you provide for the woodworking / construction community. Your expertise and care shines through. Awesome reviews, awesome articles. Much thanks and more! Keep 'em coming. All my best.
It's kind of a deal breaker. Considering Ridgid is a house brand. If something happens and I forget or the tool breaks I need to get one.. and there's no homedepot in the town I'm in... At least with Standard rails I can pick up the brand that fits and go with thinner pockets but not a missed day.
The mIn reason I bought it would be to break down sheet goods, especially to fit into my car. So cutting 8ft long strips would require assembling 4 track sections, 6 connector bars, and 24 screws, and a total of 34 parts to make a single track long enough to cut a sheet of plywood the long way. Nooooo thank you.
great review, you went into all details and didn't hold back. I watched a few reviews of this saw today and your's was the most in depth. thank you. I will likely buy this saw, my first track saw. Mainly because I can live with BASIC, and I have a ton of Ridgid batteries. concerning the LSA...My one and only experience with it was not great. I returned circular saw under the LSA; reason being, I could not for the life of me loosen the blade nut to change the stock blade. I put so much pressure on the blade nut tryin to loosen it, that I spun the blade with the blade lock engaged. Then lock would not disengage, it was stuck in lock position keeping the blade from spinning freely, and the blade nut still wasn't loose. The customer service I called lacked common sense. After they ran may zip code, they asked me to drop it off the saw at a HOME DEPOT 3 Hours away, which was where the nearest repair shop for RIDGID LSA was located. I asked why I couldn't drop it at my local HOME DEPOT, and the lady said, "oh yeah, you can do that." I Paid $20 for shipping (which was refunded upon return of "fixed" saw.) Took 2 moths to get it back. I was smart enough to open the box and check it while at customer service at HD. The repair center loosened the blade nut, but the blade lock button was still stuck in a locked position and the blade would don't spin free, the lock was engaged and would not disengage. I brought this to customer service's attention. The lady shrugged in disgust and said well that doesn't surprise me. It sounds as if this was the level of repairs she had seen before. She said to go grab a similar model saw off the shelf. They did not offer this saw alone, as it was only sold in a bundle. HD had a more expensive circular saw on the shelf. She said, go grab that we'll do an exchange, but since there's not going to be a receipt you won't get the LSA on this upgraded saw. I said that's fine. I took that saw out to the truck. I re-entered HD and bought the same saw they just gave me in exchange. I now had a receipt. Went home registered it on the RIDGID LSA website, returned the saw the next day for a refund. All is good. I now have an LSA on the upgraded model they exchanged for the original broken saw. This experience, even though it worked out in the long run thanks to my cleverness, doesn't give me much confidence in RIDGID's LSA policy and even less in their repair centers. I would guess they have minimum wage kids working at the repair centers. But, I still buy RIDGID b/c I can afford it and I can live with the quality of RIDGID. I would bet other's have had similar experience with RIDGID's LSA.
Good job on the review! I have Ridgid battery's and will consider this Ridgid saw. The power is a concern. Years ago, I bought a new sliding miter saw that seemed really weak. Changed to a better blade and power has never been a problem since. I would like to see if a blade change would improve this saw. Keep up the good work.
100% that was because of packaging and pricing as far as the tracks. I bought 106 inch track for my track saw because I got tired of connecting two 55” tracks and then taking it apart for crosscuts.
Thank you for the quality review. Ridgid made some good design decisions and some bad ones. Some of the bad ones were really boneheaded. Would this saw be a good fit for some users? Yes! I'm sure the power is more than adequate for sheet goods and 4/4 hardwoods. So, if I were I cut a lot of sheet goods or thin hardwoods on a job site -- installing flooring, for example -- this saw might be a good fit if I already had a bunch of Ridgid 18v batteries in my truck. How many potential buyers fall into that category? By using a proprietary track, Ridgid has made it much more unlikely that a pro -- most of whom already have tracks and accessories for other brands of track saws -- will even give this saw a try. It's one thing to make an impulse buy on a saw that is compatible with everything else you own. It's another to buy this saw that will require you to replace all your other stuff. On the other hand, if I'm a home owner doing DIY projects or a hobbyist woodworker working in my basement, why wouldn't I prefer to have a more powerful corded tool? I'm going to be using a vac for dust collection anyway, so battery powered won't free me from a tether. And, in my shop or home, I should have easy access to power. In such a use case, what's the point of an 18v track saw? Here, too, most DIYers and woodworkers most likely already have a battery tool platform they prefer. Why make it more difficult for such people to try out your saw, Ridgid?
I wish that Ridgid would have kept the 12v line. The light drills and drivers for woodworking. I bought two sets of them...wish I would have bought 3 now
I got my Ridgid track saw ordered from Home Depot. Ridgid is offering an additional 60-inch track saw kit along with the standard track saw track that comes with basic kit-at higher price of course. Ridgid came out with accessories first and ordered additional track and clamps at that time. I will be testing the track saw in between family, my regular full-time job and other outside involvements.
Thanks for this honest review. Nice to hear you pointing out the pros and cons. A track saw is high on my tool acquisition list. I have been considering the Kreg track saw for it’s price point. After seeing your review I am happy to see Ridgid is delivering a good tool for the price point. I have settled on the Ridgid battery platform so this will save me money. I will probably buy a bigger battery though.
@@ConcordCarpenterlove the head to heads, however the previous is missing more then 2, it is missing 6. (Milwaukee, Makita 40v, Metabo, Hikoki/Metabo HPT, Ryobi, Ridgi)
I have built cabinets for years and a short track has been handy in many high and tight spaces. Also the short tracks are good when a chop saw isn't around or too hard to get in a spot or whatever and then use this saw and a short track to get precise clean cuts like a chop saw.
I was in the market 2 years ago and I wish this was an option. I went with cordless Makita and I am very happy with it. This would have been a contender for sure, especially if you are mainly breaking down sheets of plywood like me. I do wish they went with a 36V system and used 2 batteries.
Nice through review - thanks. When mentioning it's a "basic tracksaw" and "it doesn't have some of the features of higher end saws" I would have liked for you to list those. Being new, to woodworking and a home DIYer and on the Ridgid battery platform already, I'll probably buy this one when needed but it would be nice to know the more advanced features that you think are missing. Anyways, good stuff....thanks again!
Fantastic fair review. I am interested in this saw as I am on the Ridgid platform. I was very curious and your review was informative fair and helpful.
The standard sized arbor was an outstanding decision, the non standard track was a really bad one. If it can't run on Powertec/Festool tracks I don't want it.
i really apreciate time and effort you put in this product revue. thx. to me it feels fishy, trying to put everything in, some good details, but a lot of plastic, underpowered, battery and charger not included... if you are in the ridgid world, well, i would give it a thought, otherwise buy once-cry once
Thanks brother. Great video. Really informative. You guys are so good at answering all my questions as I'm about to ask them. I've been questioning about track saws, whether or not I need 1. I'm more in the buy once, cry once camp. It's good to know there's a budget track saw that I wouldn't hate 15 seconds after I bought it and got it out of the box, and assembled. It just isn't on any of my current battery platforms. My only issue is power, and perhaps Ridgid is unwise in not pairing this saw with an 8Ah battery or a 12Ah. I've heard Ryobi owners complain about that track saw's power and having to use a 9Ah battery, which cost more than the damn saw to make the tool even usable on the project.
Excellent review, thanks. It's currently on sale, but I really don't like all the plastic parts you mentioned. Please consider reviewing the Milescraft circular track saw guide. There is a lot of buzz (no pun intended) on the kit being very accurate. I am considering buying it for my excellent Makita circular saw. Thanks!
I bought a tracksaw for sheet goods...The first job I use it on was on a mistake I did and it would have been a weird cut on any other saw. Lets just say it paid for itself the first time I used it so I never regretted it.
I appreciated the cut quality assessment on your other video about track saws. How'd this one do there? Zooming in on some of the footage it appears to leave quite a bit of tear-out?
Do you think that the time will come or is already here (which I suspect). That the only difference between Ryobi HP tools and Ridgid is the color, slight differences in plastic, battery, and Ridgid's LSA? I predict and this is only a prediction. Ridgid track saws will be available to order July 8.
Thanks Buzz. Great review. Is this available in the USA now. It ain't in Canada yet. In fact I asked the tool guy at the local Homedepot and he has never heard of it.
Question on underpowered? Did you use an octane battery? (Those they don't sell anymore) . I have octane and curious about using the famous octane batteries.
Was waiting for this to come out, bought the Milwaukee because of need, really happy that I made that purchase. This saw is disappointing on many levels. I like my Ridged tools , have many in there cordless line but this is definitely a no go for me. I use the 12 v Milwaukee stuff for a majority of my projects but occasionally need more power and get out the 18v Ridged stuff. Thanks for the honest and straightforward review.
Rob, you mentioned the saw seemed under powered, I know the stock blade on my 7 1/4" saw was absolute garbage and it runs better with almost any other blade. Did you test with a blade other than the stock one? "Good, not great" and "Basic" seems to be the path Ridgid has chosen lately. Which as a Ridgid owner is getting quite tiring. Rehashed designs, cheaper plastics, products with known issues (18v RO sander and Brushless oscillating tool come to mind) being ignored and relaunched with a new model number. Other colors are starting to look better than orange.
14:35 Ridgid doesn't do "warranties", which has a specific legal definition, that comes with specific obligations. They call it a "lifetime service agreement", and I'm certain that is intentional. I'm not saying it isn't good, but: I'd advise people to look into the details before assuming it will work like a warranty usually does.
The problem, IMO, is Home Depot and not the Ridgid division of TTI. Ridgid @ TTI would surely love to be putting more/better tools out on the market. But for the most part, in the U.S. they are limited by what Home Depot is willing to allocate floor & shelf space to, in their stores. The other TTI lines (Ryobi, Milwaukee) don't have this problem, because they are not exclusive to Home Depot.
How was the cut? Also dust collection which in my opinion a major selling point is dismal! I think this review was done from a construction standpoint. I would like on done from a fine wood working point of view.
For woodworking g the dust collection is good not great. I had it hooked up to a old 2 hp grizzled on a long duct. It was better at collecting dust when connected to my Festool vac The gut was decent but not great - put a better blade on it and it’ll cut fine
More than half of my ridgid tools have let me down in one way or another. I think it's a qc problem with their electronics. I have a pretty expansive collection that I don't plan on adding to, ever.
I cannot stand these companies making proprietary tracks. One of the most bone headed shortsighted cash grab moves in the track saw market. If you want users to buy and use your track, then you need to make a quality product that they want to buy and use. Between the track size, limited power, incompatibility with other tracks, no scoring. Just seems like they barely missed the mark for an absolute gem of a mid range track saw. And I honestly feel like if didn't come with the small and proprietary tracks it would be a hell of a buy. Almost hurts to see tool companies make bad design decisions like this. Its also even more baffling when you look at all the good features they improved on like the battery placement, not using a janky plunge method, solid on board storage, easily serviceable wear pads. Hopefully they'll come to their senses on version 2 of this saw.
It’s a marketing decision for Ridgid. The saw is cheep and comes with awkward sized tracks. Selling the accessory tracks is part of the profit. To make it universal, they’d have to get more profit from the saw itself…. And if they put a higher price point on the saw, it’s quality doesn’t make sense to the consumer
Ridgid’s reasoning about the track is 10000% bs. What a disappointment. I would never recommend someone buy for that reason alone. The fact that they are roughly the 25th track saw to the market and very late to the game, without real improvements is laughable. If that’s really their reasoning they should learn how to calibrate and marry the saw to the track. Foolish. I literally know zero people who would say that proprietary track design is better than the inventor (Festool). Hilarious. At least they got the riving knife right (Ryobi screwed that one up) Thanks for the review.
You probably have never used Ridgid’s Lifetime Service Guarantee, last time I took a tool in it was $35’ish up front and took 3 months to get the tool back, I bought a Dewalt to have a tool to use while Ridgid was fixing my other tool
no but a better blade would be good. I’ve always said you can take a basic saw and put a premium blade on it and you will get pretty decent cuts unless the blade is wobbling so you’re right that a better blade would improve the cut quality and possibly some of the power. It will powerful battery would also give it a little boost, but not a lot, and that’s been proven across all the tool companies.
6 ah is sufficient for a saw to be powerful, it's the motor that lacks the umph, I have the Milwaukee on 6 ah high output, doesn't bog down at all on hardwoods
The fact that it's not compatible with other tracks and that it's underpowered is extremely disappointing. I've been waiting for THIS saw for years and I"m going to be forced to go off brand.
Of course a strange sized blade. I love Ridgid but this would require me to invest a full collection of blades. I'll wait for a larger size and corded model.
The track is only a problem for the guys who have too many track saws. If this is the only track saw in the shop, it does not make a bit of difference. More important is the battery platform. My supply of Ridgid battery's never runs low because Ridgid always replaces the old ones for free.@@RyanBissell
I will never understand why these reviewers always say it's underpowered when compared to a 40 volt saw. You some kind of flipping genius? 22 more volts would tend to add power would it not? What I hear is reviewers that aren't sponsored by ridgid, so they MUST throw shade at every opportunity
It's an interesting alternative but being confined to battery alone makes it a no go. If it had a mains line adaptor then it would be better. I had a Fessy ts55 and the mak versions. I ended up selling them both because shite happens. I bought the Wen tracksaw. It's still sitting in the box at the moment. The interesting thing with it is, it takes a 8" blade. I can buy diablo blades to fit it. I get more depth of cut. I didn't buy the Wen rails but I got the Powercraft(?) ones along with their clamps. One I go to use it, if I find it's pants, I'll go back to the pricey ones.
Hey thanks for let me know that rigid has a new track Saw 😄 nice finally rigid step up its game! This a new tool I will love get hands on it test it out see how it definitely works! It's nice get stuff for what you pay for nice! Way go rigid 🎉!!😊 I think rigid let you that there not done making tool they want stay in this platform it's nice! I think rigid it's much better Ryobi the geen tools I think they belong in mars!! Let the aliens keep that platform it's sucks Ryobi it definitely belongs in the trash 🗑️!!
Not even a close comparison...much more metal than Ryobi, better riving knife, lock down to track lacking in Ryobi, etc. Find a comparison between the two and you'll realize how wrong you are.
I’m not a big fan of Dewalt tracksaw I think Dewalt makes amazing tools and I think they really messed up on the plunge mechanism on their saw and I think they’re track is horrible
@@ConcordCarpenter Not good buddy don’t use that kind of kit on there range. But a just on power in general don’t think there is anybody near them. Millwaukee pos getting close. Makita for me is still in the dark ages.
Track saw? It’s a joke right? Anyone who can’t cut a straight line with a circular saw following a line made by a pencil needs to stay away from tools to begin with. No doubt the same person who buys a Ford F-150 and runs to TSC and parks a chrome toolbox in the back of their their 4 foot bed. Then when they need 8’ boards and plywood to play with in their garage to test their new “track saw”😂 they realize they have to go back into their home improvement store and buy some tiedowns because all the wood keeps falling out of the back of their 4’ truck bed. 😂😂😂
