Ridgid Brushless 18V 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw

The Ridgid Brushless 18V 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw, model R8654B, brings some noteworthy features to the table, but my experience with it has been a mixed bag. As someone who appreciates the convenience and mobility of cordless tools, I was eager to see how this saw would perform in various settings, from DIY home projects to more demanding job site tasks. Here's a detailed look at my experience using this tool.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the saw feels robust and well-built. The heavy-duty aluminum base and the overall weight give it a reassuring heft, suggesting durability. The design is ergonomic, with a comfortable grip that feels secure in hand, even during extended use. The saw also includes a rafter hook, which is a thoughtful addition for those who need to hang the tool between uses.

One of the standout features is the LED light, which operates independently of the trigger. This is particularly useful in low-light conditions, providing a clear view of the cutting line. The dust chute and vacuum adaptor are also welcome additions, helping to keep the workspace clean, although connecting a vacuum can sometimes reintroduce the cord management issues this saw aims to eliminate.

Performance

The saw boasts a no-load speed of 5,600 RPM, and on paper, it promises 30% more power compared to its predecessor. I found that it performs admirably when cutting through standard materials like plywood and 2x4s, especially when paired with a high-capacity battery. The depth of cut at 2-11/16 inches and the bevel capacity of up to 56 degrees make it versatile enough for a range of cutting tasks.

However, the saw's performance isn't without its quirks. In some instances, particularly when cutting thicker or denser materials, the saw struggled. It would occasionally stall or stop mid-cut, even with a fully charged battery. This inconsistency can be frustrating, especially if you're in the middle of a critical project. I experimented with different blades and batteries, but the issue persisted intermittently.

Battery Compatibility

One critical point to note is the saw's compatibility with Ridgid's 18V batteries. While it works well with the 4.0 Ah and higher capacity batteries, it struggles with the lower capacity ones like the 1.5 Ah or 2.0 Ah. This limitation can be a dealbreaker for those who already own a set of lower capacity batteries and expect them to be interchangeable across all their Ridgid tools.

Usability and Features

Setting up the saw is straightforward, thanks to clear markings on the depth and bevel adjustments. The spindle lock button and included Allen key make blade changes quick and hassle-free. The electronic blade brake is another feature I appreciated; it stops the blade almost instantly after releasing the trigger, adding an extra layer of safety.

The saw also includes a dust chute and vacuum adaptor, which are useful for keeping the work area clean. However, using the vacuum adaptor can sometimes negate the benefits of a cordless tool, as the vacuum hose can get in the way and make the saw less maneuverable.

Durability and Reliability

Durability and reliability are where my experience with the Ridgid Brushless 18V Circular Saw gets a bit complicated. While the build quality feels solid, the actual performance can be hit or miss. On several occasions, the saw would stop working mid-cut or refuse to start, flashing its LED light as an error indicator. These issues often required me to reset the tool or swap out the battery, which disrupted my workflow.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Ergonomic Design: The saw is comfortable to use, with a well-designed grip and balanced weight.
• LED Light: The independently operating LED light is extremely useful in low-light conditions.
• Dust Management: The dust chute and vacuum adaptor help keep the workspace clean.
• Electronic Blade Brake: The blade stops almost instantly after releasing the trigger, enhancing safety.
• Versatility: The saw's depth of cut and bevel capacity make it suitable for a variety of tasks.

Cons

• Inconsistent Performance: The saw struggles with thicker or denser materials, sometimes stalling mid-cut.
• Battery Compatibility: The saw works best with higher capacity batteries, limiting its compatibility with lower capacity ones.
• Reliability Issues: Occasional starting problems and mid-cut stoppages can be frustrating and disrupt workflow.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend the Ridgid Brushless 18V 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw? It depends on your specific needs. If you're a DIY enthusiast working on home projects, this saw offers a lot of conveniences, such as cordless operation, ergonomic design, and useful features like the LED light and electronic blade brake. However, if you're a professional who needs a reliable, high-performance tool for demanding job site tasks, you might find this saw's inconsistent performance and reliability issues to be a significant drawback.

In summary, the Ridgid Brushless 18V Circular Saw has its strengths, but it also has some notable weaknesses that potential buyers should consider. If you can work around its limitations and primarily need it for lighter tasks, it could be a valuable addition to your tool arsenal. However, for more intensive applications, you might want to explore other options.