Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium Starter Kit with Free HP Compact Brushless 6-1/2" Circular Saw

Embarking on a new woodworking project often brings a familiar mix of excitement and trepidation. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium Starter Kit, which includes the HP Compact Brushless 6-1/2" Circular Saw. Given that this saw is part of the extensive ONE+ system, compatible with over 300 tools, it seemed like a promising addition to my workshop. Here’s a detailed look at how it performed under various conditions.

Initial Impressions and Setup

The starter kit comes with two 4Ah batteries, one 2Ah battery, and a charger. Having multiple batteries on hand is a significant advantage, ensuring that I always have a backup ready to go. The charger is straightforward to use, and the integrated LEDs on the batteries provide a clear indication of remaining charge, which is a handy feature during extended work sessions.

The circular saw itself is compact and lightweight, weighing in at a mere 5.7 pounds without the battery. The build quality feels robust, thanks in part to the aluminum base. Setting up the saw was a breeze. The onboard Allen wrench made blade installation quick and stress-free. This model also includes a vacuum dust adaptor, though I found the attachment screw a bit unconventional as it uses a T-10 star type head rather than a Phillips, but it's a minor inconvenience rather than a deal-breaker.

Performance and Usability

I tested the saw on a variety of materials, starting with 2x4 lumber, melamine, and plywood. The 6-1/2 inch blade with a 5/8 inch arbor size performed admirably. The saw operates at 4,900 RPM, which is quite impressive for a cordless model. It handled 2x lumber with ease, offering clean cuts without burns or binding, particularly when using a high-quality blade.

The adjustable depth gauge can cut up to 2-1/4 inches at 0° and 1-9/16 inches at 45°, which proved sufficient for most of my tasks. The bevel adjustment is user-friendly, allowing cuts from 0 to 50 degrees, offering more versatility than the standard 45-degree limit seen in many saws.

One of the standout features is the LED light that illuminates the cutting line, a small yet incredibly useful addition that enhances accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions. The saw also has a "lock-off" safety button that must be depressed before the trigger, which adds a layer of safety during use.

Battery Life and Power

Battery life is always a concern with cordless tools, but I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the 4Ah batteries. Ryobi claims up to 350 cuts per charge, and while this might be an optimal figure, I found that the saw performed consistently well across long sessions without needing frequent recharges. Using the 4Ah battery, I completed a series of cuts on pressure-treated 2x4s and even some 2x12s without the saw significantly slowing down or overheating.

For smaller projects or lighter materials, the 2Ah battery is a viable option, though it naturally offers a shorter runtime. Given the rapid charging time and the availability of multiple batteries, I never found myself in a situation where I was waiting for a battery to charge.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The saw's ergonomic design is another high point. It's well-balanced, and the textured grip provides a secure hold, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. The compact design makes it easy to maneuver and ideal for tight spaces where a larger saw might be cumbersome.

While the saw stopped almost immediately upon releasing the trigger, thanks to the electric brake, its soft start feature prevented any jarring motions. This combination of features made the saw feel both safe and smooth to operate.

Areas of Improvement

Despite its many strengths, there are a few areas where the saw could be improved. For one, the blade that comes with the saw is decent but upgrading to a high-quality blade yielded much better results. Another minor gripe is the positioning of the variable speed dial, which is located on top of the handle. While it’s accessible, it’s not the most convenient placement.

A more significant issue was the alignment of the base plate. On my unit, the base plate wasn’t perfectly parallel to the blade, which caused some minor binding when using a guide for straight cuts. This required some manual adjustments, a task I’d rather not have to perform on a brand-new tool.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Compact Brushless Circular Saw is a robust and versatile tool that performs admirably across a range of tasks. Its lightweight, powerful motor, and thoughtful design features make it a valuable addition to any DIY enthusiast’s or professional’s toolkit. The compatibility with the extensive ONE+ battery system adds to its appeal, providing flexibility and convenience.

Despite some minor issues with the base plate alignment and the standard blade quality, the saw’s performance, ease of use, and battery life far outweigh these drawbacks. If you’re already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ system or looking for a reliable, high-performance cordless saw, I would highly recommend this model. Its balance of power, portability, and convenience makes it a standout choice for both small and medium-scale projects.