Has anyone else seen or used the Rigid job site table saw? I just read the new JLC review of their 12″ slider and it dawned on me that I have never heard anyone talk of their table saw.
I bought this saw last summer while doing a buttload of exterior trim. I absolutely LOVE that saw. It as a very beefy and accurate fence that stays true even at the hands of my framers. The table is aluminum but is comfortably large enough for ripping sheet goods! It has a built in sliding table extension which brings the rip capacity out to 24″. Mine also came with the job site wheeled stand. With the saw mounted, it ‘s legs and large wheels collapse under the saw making it easy to wheel around rough terrain like a dolly or wheelbarrow. Believe it or not I actually left the factory blade on it until it was dull and sent it out for sharpening… a first for me regarding factory installed blades. It also has onboard cord storage, wrench, and blade storage. The miter slots are a full sized (3/8 x 3/4?) making it compatible with my shop featherboards and accessories. The miter gauge seemed decent enough to me, although, admittedly I don’t use them enough to really know. In addition it has a 2″ dust collection port.
While framing and trimming a farmer’s porch, I recall ripping pressure treated 2x stock at a steady pace without ever bogging the beast down. This saw a built job site solid, yet it was refined enough to build a sweet set of maple cabinets for my father in law to be.
I normally refrain from buying my tools at HD, yet everytime I walked by this saw it caught my eye and I had to play with it. When it came time to invest in a new saw I went back to have another look and they happened to have a reconditioned one for $375. Around $500 new I think. Rigid tools have a lifetime warranty and my reconditioned saw was no exception. I own a bunch of various saws and I can honestly saw that this is my absolute favorite saw. That’s alot coming from a framer! My earlier perception was that Rigid is for plumbers, but this saw is truly a beaut. I would have to strongly recommend to anyone looking for a job site table saw to take a good look at this before making any purchases.
Replies
I looked long and hard at the Rigid, I really liked the portability. In the end I broke down and bought a Bosch, mostly because I didn't know Rigids track record. Sounds like it worked out for you, I still might buy one.
I do not have this saw but have their TS3612 contractor's saw. I do not believe you can go wrong with them! Visit the Ridgid forums and you will find many great discussions on the products. I think you will find frank comments that point out the occasional wart. Some say we are a protective lot but I really don't think so. Value wise I believe they are right up there and the customer service from Ridgid is tops. The agreement between HD and Ridgid to be the sole outlet does bother some but my experience has been good. They are Emerson who has been building quality tools and motors for a very long time.
http://www.ridgid.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi
I know there are many pro's who are using this saw who will share their experiences.
Bob
Im with you....I bought one about a year ago and I love it. I was very concerned buying from HD, especially considering it was a brand I was unfamiliar with. I bought it new....came with the stand for under $500. I was kicking between it, the Dewalt (I`d used but never loved), the Bosch (love their tools, unfamiliar with table saw) and even considered Makita (still have an 8 1/4"). By the time I added the Roussea (sp?) rolling stand to the others, I was closing in on $700. I decided to give Ridgid a shot for the money. I havent been dissapointed yet. I`m still not convinced that the extending rip measure is going to hold up....but so far no probs!
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
I bought the Ridgid table saw about three years ago I think. I know it was before they threw the stand in for free. I have enjoyed the saw relatively problem free. Only problem I had was that the blade tended to creep down very slowely as I used it. One day the Ridgid rep was in the store and wanted to tell me what a great saw it was - told him I had one and explained the problem - he asked if I had it with me - I explained that it was over a year old and well used, but yeah it was in my van - he had me go get it and gave me a full refund on the spot. I looked at the others for a week or two and ended up going in and buying another Ridgid - have not had a problem with the new one.
" Believe it or not I actually left the factory blade on it until it was dull and sent it out for sharpening... a first for me regarding factory installed blades."
I am going to have to report this to the Consumer Protection Agency. It is a safety hazard. They are not allowed to ship a saw with a blade that will cut anything harder than warm butter.
"Rigid tools have a lifetime warranty and my reconditioned saw was no exception."
Yes, BUT, that is only for manufacturing defects. For example they don't have to fix it if you where running on a 100ft #16 extension cord, using a worn blade, and burn out the motor.
Or after 10 years the bearings are worn out.
But HD/Rigid does have a good history of customer satisfaction.
Only thing wrong with table saw there is no built in screw driver to take off the plate to change the blade . The chop saw has one built in . ridged tools are great otherwise.