Ridgid 10 in. Professional Cast Iron Table Saw

Purchasing a new table saw can be a significant investment, whether you're a professional woodworker or a weekend warrior. The Ridgid 10 in. Professional Cast Iron Table Saw (model R4520) comes with high expectations, given its 13 Amp motor, impressive rip capacity, and a host of additional features. I recently had the opportunity to put this saw through its paces in my workshop, and while it has some commendable qualities, it also possesses a few notable shortcomings.

Setup and Assembly

First things first: assembling the Ridgid table saw was a mixed bag. The instructions were clear and logical, which is always a positive start. However, the assembly process was not without its hurdles. The saw is heavy, tipping the scales at a weight that necessitates an extra pair of hands for safe and efficient assembly. Moreover, I found a piece of packing foam lodged between the motor and the plate, which was not mentioned in the assembly instructions. Removing it was tricky and somewhat frustrating.

Once assembled, the saw looked robust and promising. The milled and polished cast iron table, complemented by steel extensions, provided a sense of sturdiness and durability right off the bat.

Performance and Features

Using this table saw, I was particularly impressed with its cutting power and smooth operation. The 13 Amp induction motor produces ample power, sufficient for most woodworking projects, including cutting through dense hardwoods with ease. The blade speed of 3450 RPM was more than adequate for clean and precise cuts.

One of the standout features is the integrated dust collection port. Connecting a vacuum was straightforward, and it significantly reduced the amount of sawdust accumulating on my workshop floor. The dust collection system isn't flawless, but it makes a noticeable difference compared to saws without such a feature.

The push pedal caster set is another welcome addition. It makes repositioning this hefty machine relatively effortless, a crucial factor in smaller workshops where space is at a premium.

Fence and Adjustments

The fence system on this table saw is one of its most significant drawbacks. Despite the robust build, the fence tends to lose its squareness with startling frequency. Even after spending considerable time adjusting it meticulously, it often shifted or misaligned during use, leading to frustrating inaccuracies. This issue undermined some of the saw's other positive attributes and made it difficult to rely on for precision cuts.

Adjusting the blade and riving knife also proved to be a bit cumbersome. The blade alignment out of the box was far from perfect, requiring a fair amount of tinkering to get it right. Furthermore, the riving knife's adjustment mechanism felt less intuitive and more time-consuming than it should be.

Durability and Maintenance

After extended use, the saw showed signs of a few durability issues. The drive belt, for instance, split right down the middle on one occasion, requiring a replacement that was not readily available. Such problems can significantly hamper productivity, especially if the saw is a critical piece of equipment in your workflow.

While the cast iron trunnions and overall build of the saw suggest longevity, the reality is that it demands quite a bit of maintenance to keep it functioning optimally. Regularly checking and tightening the belt, re-aligning the blade, and ensuring the fence remains square are tasks that became routine.

Customer Support and Warranty

Ridgid's lifetime service agreement is one of the selling points of this saw, promising free parts and service for life. However, my experience with customer support was less than stellar. Getting replacement parts and timely service proved to be a hassle, diminishing the value of the warranty. The support team seemed overwhelmed and less responsive, making it difficult to address issues promptly.

Pros and Cons Recap

Pros:

• Powerful 13 Amp motor
• Smooth and precise cuts, especially with a high-quality blade
• Integrated dust collection port
• Push pedal caster set for easy repositioning
• Sturdy cast iron table and trunnions

Cons:

• Fence system often loses squareness
• Blade and riving knife adjustments are cumbersome
• Durability issues with the drive belt
• Subpar customer support and warranty service
• Requires frequent maintenance and adjustments

Final Recommendation

After thoroughly using the Ridgid 10 in. Professional Cast Iron Table Saw, I have mixed feelings about recommending it. On one hand, it offers excellent cutting power, a sturdy build, and useful features like the dust collection port and caster set. These attributes make it a valuable tool for many woodworking tasks.

However, the persistent issues with the fence system, the need for frequent adjustments, and the lackluster customer support significantly detract from the overall experience. For hobbyists and weekend warriors who don't mind a bit of tinkering, this saw could still be a worthwhile investment, particularly given its relatively affordable price point.

But for professionals or anyone who values reliability and precision above all else, the ongoing maintenance and adjustment issues might prove too frustrating. In that case, it may be worth considering other options on the market, even if it means spending a bit more upfront for a more reliable and user-friendly table saw.