Ryobi 7-1/4 in. Compound Sliding Miter Saw

If you're looking for a miter saw that combines portability with a range of practical features, the Ryobi 7-1/4 in. Compound Sliding Miter Saw (model TSS702C) might catch your eye. As someone who has spent a fair amount of time tinkering with tools, I decided to put this saw to the test on a few home projects to see how it really measures up.

Design and Build Quality

First off, the Ryobi miter saw is remarkably lightweight for a compound sliding miter saw, clocking in at just 25 pounds. This made it incredibly easy to move around my workspace and even store away when not in use. The compact design is a significant advantage if you're working in a constrained space or need to transport the tool frequently.

The horizontal 'D' handle is ergonomically designed, offering a comfortable grip even during extended use. The overall build feels solid, with a diecast metal body that doesn't come across as flimsy. However, I did notice that some of the plastic components, particularly around the dust port, seemed a bit fragile. Indeed, I managed to break the dust port during one of my setups, although replacements were inexpensive and easy to find.

Setup and Adjustments

Setting up the saw was straightforward. The manual is well-written and provides clear instructions, making the initial assembly a breeze. Right out of the box, the saw required minimal adjustments. The LED cutline indicator was perfectly aligned, casting a shadow of the blade on the workpiece to show exactly where the cut would be made. This feature turned out to be more reliable than traditional laser guides, which can often fall out of alignment.

One hiccup I encountered was with the blade change. The factory had torqued the blade-holding nut so tightly that it proved exceptionally challenging to loosen. This issue seems to be a common grievance, and it’s something to be mindful of if you plan on swapping out blades frequently.

Performance and Features

The Ryobi miter saw sports a 10 Amp motor that delivers a maximum speed of 5,350 RPM. This is more than sufficient for most DIY tasks and smaller woodworking projects. I tested the saw on various wood types, from 1x lumber to 2x10 planks, and it performed admirably. The cuts were clean and precise, and the motor showed no signs of strain even during prolonged use.

The sliding mechanism is smooth and allows for wider cuts than a non-sliding saw would. This proved incredibly useful when working with broader pieces of wood. The saw also features adjustable bevels from 0° to 45° to the left, and miter stops at common angles (0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45° both left and right), making it versatile for a range of cuts.

However, consistency in maintaining square cuts was a bit of an issue. The fence seemed to drift out of alignment after a few uses, requiring frequent recalibration. This was frustrating, especially when precision is critical for the project at hand. Additionally, the saw's table alignment isn't user-adjustable, which can be problematic if the table isn't perfectly flat right out of the box.

Dust Collection and Portability

One of the more disappointing aspects was the dust collection. The 1-1/4 inch dust port did a poor job of containing sawdust, and the dust bag filled up quickly and didn't capture much of the debris. This meant I had to frequently clean up my workspace, which was a minor but consistent inconvenience.

Despite its shortcomings in dust collection, the saw’s portability is a significant plus. I often found myself needing to move the saw around different parts of my workshop, and its lightweight nature made this a non-issue. For anyone with limited space or who needs to transport their tools regularly, this feature is a game-changer.

Durability and Warranty

I've had this miter saw for several months, and it has held up well for the most part. That said, the LED cutline indicator stopped working after about six months, which was a letdown. The electric blade brake also failed, causing the blade to spin freely for up to 15 seconds after releasing the trigger, rather than stopping quickly.

The saw comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty, which is reassuring. However, getting warranty repairs can be a lengthy process, and some parts may be on backorder, adding to the wait time. This could be a deal-breaker if you rely heavily on the saw and can't afford to be without it for extended periods.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend the Ryobi 7-1/4 in. Compound Sliding Miter Saw? The answer is a qualified yes. For DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists who need a lightweight, portable miter saw with a good range of features, it offers excellent value for its price. Its compact size and ease of use make it a great choice for smaller projects and those with limited workspace.

However, if you require a miter saw for more professional or heavy-duty use, you might want to look elsewhere. The issues with maintaining square cuts, the difficulty in changing blades, and the inconsistent durability of some components could be problematic for more demanding tasks.

Overall, the Ryobi miter saw is a solid tool for its intended audience, but it does have its limitations. Consider your specific needs and workspace before making a decision.