Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4" Sliding Compound Miter Saw

As someone who frequently engages in DIY projects and various home improvement tasks, I always seek tools that offer both quality and convenience. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4" Sliding Compound Miter Saw (PBT01B) recently caught my eye, and I decided to give it a whirl. After spending ample time testing it on several projects, ranging from small trim work to more substantial carpentry tasks, I feel ready to provide an in-depth review.

Design and Build

First impressions matter, and the Ryobi miter saw certainly looks the part. It's compact and lightweight, making it highly portable. Weighing in at a manageable size, it’s easy to transport around the house or between job sites. The integrated carry handles further enhance this portability. Setting it up was straightforward, taking only a few minutes before I was ready to make my first cut.

Performance and Features

One of the standout features of the Ryobi miter saw is its best-in-class cross-cut capacity for nominal 2" x 10" lumber. The sliding mechanism is smooth and allows for clean, precise cuts. The saw has ten precision miter detents that ensure accuracy and ease of use when setting your angles. I found these detents to be very accurate, which saved me a lot of time during my projects.

The adjustable bevel from 0° to 45° left is another feature I appreciated. It provides the flexibility needed for various cutting tasks, from simple crosscuts to more intricate bevel cuts. While the saw only offers a single bevel, it’s sufficient for most DIY and light professional tasks. However, for those who frequently need dual bevels, this could be a limitation.

Battery Life

Powered by an 18V battery, I was curious about how long the saw could run before needing a recharge. To my pleasant surprise, the Ryobi miter saw can make up to 800 cuts on a single charge with a 4.0Ah battery. I put this claim to the test during a bathroom renovation project, and it did not disappoint. The battery life is impressive, effectively eliminating the need for constant recharging and making it ideal for extended use.

Cutting Experience

The saw comes with a stock blade that is adequate for general use. However, I opted to upgrade to a finer 40T Milwaukee finishing blade for more delicate tasks like baseboards and molding. The precision and quality of the cuts were outstanding, comparable to some higher-end models I’ve used. The saw handled everything from softwood to pressure-treated lumber with ease.

However, it’s important to note that the saw struggles with hardwoods and materials with dense knots. For general woodworking and DIY tasks, this saw is more than capable, but it’s not designed for heavy-duty professional use.

Dust Collection and Noise

Dust collection is always a concern with miter saws, and the Ryobi has a built-in dust collection system with an included dust bag. While it helps to minimize the mess, it’s not perfect. During my projects, I found that using an external shop-vac improved the dust collection significantly. Noise levels are quite reasonable, and the saw operates quietly compared to other miter saws I’ve used.

Portability and Convenience

One of the biggest selling points of this miter saw is its cordless design. Not having to deal with extension cords or finding power outlets is a game-changer, especially for outdoor projects or work in remote locations. The lightweight design makes it easy to move around, and its compact size means it doesn’t take up much space in my workshop.

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

While this saw excels in many areas, it does have its limitations. The absence of a laser guide or work light is a notable omission. These features are standard on many other miter saws and would significantly enhance the user experience. Additionally, the table is relatively small, making it challenging to balance larger workpieces. The fence is also shorter than I’d like, which can make squaring up heavier boards a bit tricky.

The saw is not brushless, which means it may not be as efficient or long-lasting as some of Ryobi’s other tools. Given Ryobi’s history of releasing brushless versions later, I wouldn’t be surprised to see an upgraded model in the future.

Warranty and Durability

The Ryobi miter saw comes with a 3-year warranty, which provides some peace of mind. However, the build quality, particularly the plastic components, feels a bit flimsy. I’ve read about some users experiencing issues with parts breaking relatively easily, so it’s something to keep in mind if you plan to use the saw heavily.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4" Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a solid performer for its price range. It offers a great balance of portability, battery life, and cutting capacity, making it an excellent option for DIY enthusiasts and light professional use. The smooth sliding mechanism, accurate miter detents, and adjustable bevel make it versatile enough for a wide range of projects.

Would I recommend this saw? Absolutely, especially if you’re looking for a portable, cordless miter saw that delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks. While it may not replace a larger, more powerful miter saw for heavy-duty work, it’s a fantastic addition to any toolkit for smaller projects and general use. Its value for money and convenience make it a worthwhile investment.