Ryobi 5-1/2" Circular Saw

As someone who has spent a fair share of time in the workshop, I’ve had the opportunity to test out a variety of circular saws. Recently, I got my hands on the Ryobi 5-1/2" Circular Saw (PCL500B), and I was eager to see how it would perform. With its compact size and cordless convenience, it seemed like a promising addition to my collection of tools. Here's my in-depth review based on my hands-on experience.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about the Ryobi 5-1/2" Circular Saw was its lightweight design. Weighing in at just a few pounds, it’s easy to maneuver, which is a huge plus for those who might not have the upper body strength to handle heavier saws comfortably. Despite its lightweight build, the saw feels sturdy and well-constructed. The handle is ergonomically designed, providing a comfortable grip that reduces fatigue during extended use.

Performance

Cutting Power

The Ryobi Circular Saw operates at a high speed of 4,700 RPM, making it capable of tackling a variety of cutting tasks. I tested it on several types of wood, including 2x4s and plywood, and found that it performed admirably. The saw made clean, smooth cuts with ease, which is exactly what you want from a circular saw.

One of the standout features is its 0-50° bevel capacity, which adds versatility to the types of cuts you can make. Adjusting the bevel angle is straightforward, and I appreciated the clear markings that made it easy to set the exact angle I needed.

Battery Life

Ryobi claims that this saw can make over 215 cuts per charge, and while I didn’t count every single cut, I can confirm that the battery life is impressive. During my testing, I was able to complete several projects without needing to recharge. The saw uses Ryobi’s ONE+ 18V battery system, which is compatible with a wide range of other Ryobi tools. This interchangeability is a significant advantage, especially if you already own other Ryobi products.

However, it's worth noting that the battery performance can vary depending on the type of wood you're cutting and the intensity of the work. For heavy-duty or prolonged tasks, you might find that having a spare battery on hand is beneficial.

Usability

Ease of Use

One of the most appealing aspects of this Ryobi saw is how user-friendly it is. Blade changes are a breeze thanks to the spindle lock feature and the on-board wrench storage. No more hunting for the right wrench when it’s time to swap out blades.

The saw also has a decent maximum cutting depth of 1-11/16" at 0 degrees and 1-3/16" at a 45-degree bevel, which is sufficient for most DIY projects and light construction work. I found it particularly useful for smaller cuts and precision work where a larger, more cumbersome saw would be overkill.

Portability

Being cordless, this saw adds a level of convenience that’s hard to beat. I was able to take it to various job sites and even used it for some outdoor projects without worrying about finding a power outlet. The compact size means it’s also easy to store and transport, which is a huge plus if you’re working in tight spaces or need to move it around frequently.

Downsides

While I was mostly impressed with the Ryobi Circular Saw, there are a few areas where it fell short. The main issue I encountered was related to blade availability. Finding 5-1/2" blades, especially specialized ones like masonry or metal cutting blades, can be a bit of a challenge. This limited blade availability might be a deal-breaker for some, especially if you need the saw for more than just basic wood cutting.

Another point of concern is the saw’s power when it comes to more demanding tasks. While it’s perfect for light to medium-duty work, I did notice it bogging down a bit when cutting through thicker or harder materials. This isn’t surprising given its compact size and cordless nature, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning on using it for heavy-duty projects.

Durability and Reliability

So far, the Ryobi Circular Saw has held up well under regular use. The materials and build quality suggest that it can withstand the rigors of DIY projects and light professional work. However, as with any tool, proper maintenance is key to ensuring longevity. Keeping the blade sharp and the battery charged will go a long way in maintaining its performance.

Final Thoughts

After putting the Ryobi 5-1/2" Circular Saw through its paces, I can confidently say that it’s a solid tool for anyone who needs a reliable, portable saw for light to medium-duty tasks. Its ease of use, impressive battery life, and versatility make it a great addition to any toolkit, especially for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists.

Would I recommend the Ryobi 5-1/2" Circular Saw? Absolutely, but with a few caveats. If you’re looking for a saw for heavy-duty or specialized cutting tasks, you might want to look elsewhere due to its limited blade availability and power constraints. However, for general woodworking and small projects, it’s hard to beat the convenience and performance offered by this handy little saw. The compatibility with Ryobi’s ONE+ battery system is an added bonus that enhances its overall value.