Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw

When I first got my hands on the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw, I was immediately struck by its robust build and thoughtful design. As someone who's used various circular saws over the years, I can confidently say this tool offers a compelling mix of power, precision, and convenience.

One of the standout features is the brushless motor, which promises faster cutting performance and an extended lifespan. I put this saw through its paces by cutting through 2x4 pine wood and pressure-treated 2x6 boards. In both cases, the saw delivered smooth, clean cuts with impressive speed. What really surprised me was the battery efficiency. Using an 18V ONE+ 6Ah battery, I was able to get over 325 cuts per charge, a feat that significantly reduces downtime during extended projects.

Adjustability is another area where this circular saw excels. With a 0-56° bevel capacity and an adjustable depth, it provides a level of versatility that can tackle a variety of cutting tasks. I found the bevel adjustments to be particularly user-friendly, allowing for quick shifts between different angles without the need for extensive recalibration. The depth adjustments are just as straightforward, making it easy to set up cuts for materials of varying thicknesses.

Durability is always a concern with power tools, and Ryobi has addressed this with a die-cast upper guard that adds a layer of protection without sacrificing weight. The saw feels solid in hand, and its rubberized grip handles provide excellent control and comfort, even during prolonged use. I also appreciate the rubberized motor cover, which allows the saw to lay flat without slipping or sliding when placed down—a small but thoughtful touch.

Dust control is often an overlooked aspect of circular saws, but it's essential for maintaining a clean work environment. The integrated vacuum dust adapter works well with my Rigid shop vac, effectively minimizing the sawdust that typically clutters the workspace. While it doesn't capture every particle, it does a commendable job of keeping the area cleaner than most other saws I've used.

However, no tool is perfect, and the Ryobi circular saw has a couple of drawbacks. One issue I encountered was the guide alignment. Over time, and with frequent use, the guide can become slightly misaligned, requiring manual adjustments to maintain parallelism with the blade. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it can be an inconvenience, especially for those who rely heavily on guide rail systems for precise cuts. Another minor issue is the blade wobble. While this wasn't a problem for the majority of my cuts, I did notice a slight wobble in some instances, which could affect the accuracy of long rip cuts.

Speaking of blades, it's worth noting that this saw performs best with sharp blades. The thin kerf blade that comes standard is efficient and saves battery life, but you'll find yourself needing to replace or sharpen blades more frequently compared to corded versions. This is a small trade-off for the convenience of cordless operation, but it's something to keep in mind.

In terms of ergonomics, the saw is reasonably lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to maneuver and control. The sightline to the blade is clear, aided by an LED light that illuminates the cutting area—a feature that proved incredibly useful in low-light conditions. The overall user experience is further enhanced by the ease of setup and intuitive controls, making this saw accessible even for those new to circular saws.

For those concerned about battery life, I found the performance to be more than adequate. During one project, I ripped and crosscut four sheets of 3/4" plywood, and the battery still had 50% charge remaining. The ONE+ system also means that you can swap batteries between different Ryobi tools, adding a layer of convenience for those already invested in the ecosystem.

One aspect I particularly appreciate is Ryobi's commitment to maintaining compatibility across their 18V ONE+ line. This saw is compatible with their 18V ONE+ 6 Gal. Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum and 18V ONE+ 3 Gal. Project Wet/Dry Vacuum, making it easier to integrate into an existing tool setup. This backward compatibility is a significant advantage, ensuring that you won't be left with obsolete equipment as new models are released.

Overall, my experience with the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw has been overwhelmingly positive. It combines power, precision, and versatility in a package that's both user-friendly and durable. While it has a few minor quirks, they are far outweighed by its numerous strengths.

I would highly recommend this circular saw to both DIY enthusiasts and professionals looking for a reliable, high-performance tool. Its combination of battery efficiency, cutting power, and user-friendly features make it a standout option in the crowded field of cordless circular saws. Whether you're building a deck, cutting plywood for a furniture project, or tackling smaller carpentry tasks, this Ryobi saw is more than up to the challenge.