I have heard both are good. I worry about the table suface on the Rigid. Its like a painted surface rather than the Cast ones.
so which do you like better?
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Replies
Bosch,
Because I just spent 500 bucks on it, don't even have it yet, but I better like it.
seriously though, I've used the ridgid it's ok. didn't impress me one way or another.
I was leary about the Ridgid as well when I purchased mine a couple years back. The price was right, $500 including a foldup rolling stand, so I gave it a shot. While I`ve had no problems with it thus far, from what I can gather, Ridgid was recently purchased by Ryobi. I won`t be buying any more Ridgid until the feedback of its newer equiptment is as positive as my own experiences with this older model.
At this point and time, I`d probably recomend the Bosch as I`ve never purchased a tool by them I didn`t love.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
Buy the Bosch it has more power, extension supports. as well as a good and sturdy saw stand. I also think it has a 15amp motor. I can't look because the saw is at my shop.
I have use the Ridged and found it to be under powered. In addition watch out for the Ridged fence lock, it can give you a nasty pinch in the web of you hand. ouch.
Tony Czuleger
Tonys Woodworking & development.
I have to agree with everyone here the Bosch seems to be a better saw but I still bought the Rigid and got the liftime warrenty when they were giving it. and the price for me to get the Bosch would have been 650.00 because I would have gotten the rigid stand instead of picking the saw up all the time as my trailer has a ramp . it rolls nice , and its true rigid is ryobi and the tools seem to be on a down hill ride but so far I like the rigid saw even though the Bosch was my first choice .
Dogboy
Seems all of you are scared of the Ryobi word..thats odd for me..I have had the AH-115 Planer/jointer..for 20 yrs. A 7' jointer bed is sweet trying to straighten a 16' er by yerslf..with a 12.5" planer attached using a common motor a small shop benefits from this thing immensly..I have done nothing more than change knives and tweak the feed roller chains in all of these yrs. I has milled miles of wood..inadverse conditions even..(front of a church in Chicago, on Lake Mich, in Feb..brrr)..
I also still have my second router ever.a Ryobi..about the same age, 3hp ( it says)..1/4,3/8,1/2..collets still smooth plung mechinism..one bearing is whining a bit till it warms up..other than that? Great router.
I've had the radialarm saw, made a slew of moulding on it and sold it..at no loss.
I had the chopsaw..sold it after the Delta came out 20lbs. lighter..
had the 12v drill longer than any other I have had..
still have a laminate trimmer..going strong.
Whats the deal here, am I alone? or did someone SAY something and y'all took it as gospel? I am not sure what the newer stuff is like but, it can't be all that bad.
View Image
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
Even the worst of tool companies can make a decent tool every now and then. You've been fortunate or wise enough to have chosen some of their home run hitters to play on your team. They'll never bring home a pennant though.
I figure that anyone who can balance a ball on the point of his head like you can, has a lot of luck going for him. maybe that's why
Did someone say something and everyone believed him? I'm fond of repeating that Friends don't let friends buy Ryobi. Watch out for the collet on that router. It'll start slipping next time you pick it up.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Hehehehehehehehehehehe!!!!!
Here fishy fishy....
About ten years ago I needed a router, and narrowed the choice down to the 3HP Ryobi, or the equivilent Bosch, which was more $. I hemmed and hawwed (sp??) but went cheap. And everytime I had to make the thing plunge, or change heights in any way, it was a struggle. Complete disassembly and cleaning would help for a bit, but it was never right. Note to self: "You knew which was better, but you bought a tool that was going to last 10-20 years, and tried to save $50 bucks. Never again"
So, a friend borrowed that tool often, and for long periods. Finally I decided he had done me favors in the past, I hated the router, and I went out and bought the current version of the Bosch. and gave him the Ryobi. The Bosch rocks.
So, I learned my lesson, todays' Ryobi is all about 'content' for the $, but Bosch adds quality.
I have the Bosch tablesaw, and interestingly I needed to do some sawing at home the other day. I used my big Delta. I like my little Bosch better in most ways.
I'll own it for years, and it would take a tidal wave to get me to buy the Rigid.Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
The amount of dollars spent makes some real junk a hellava deal in some folk's mind....
Here fishy fishy....
For many years (maybe 15-20 years ago) the Ryobi RE600 router was the gold standard, and the early RO sanders were good value; but, something happened along the way..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
I never had a problem with Ryobi till Home Depot made them there tool , ryobi used to be a decient tool co years ago. had good stuff, I feel comparable to Bosch, DeWalt, etc. but no longer . more like B & Ds firestorm line / strictly for the home owner do it yourselfer, not for money making grade, hard use. the same will happen to the new Riged line after awhile. Dogboy
ryobi used to be a decient tool I feel comparable to Bosch, DeWalt, etc
You believe yourself to be serious..... Right???Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
What me serious? what ever gave you that idea. ?
I cant beleave you think im serious about anything.
why ive never been serious about anything , like pollitics , religion or the American way of life .
How do you think I got the name Dogboy , you think I made it up just for the internet.
And dont forget ! opinions are like #### holes everyones got one.
dogboy woof woof
Marty, I've got Ryobi tools I got when we lived in South Africa 220 Volt. I need to use a transformer to run them. You better believe that they are serious tools.
The ones made today? I don't know. I can use that belt sander all day for a week getting through timber and never a whimper. Same with the plane.
Mine were sold to me as Ryobi cases and Makita innards.Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
Those tools must be something....
WTB that the manufacturers are just catering to the common market"s wants and demands. I want tuff accurate and long lasting with a lot of trouble free performance. I don't have any use for a liability... The tools I have meet all of this criteria and then some.... A lot of it is 20 to 30 years old even after living a dismal life.
I've used some of newer Ryobie that's here in the States and it just may be tailored for the weekend DIY'er but it is not for me. After a year or two it just seems to die and fall out of the running with a lot of heavy use.
I also remember when Hitachi, Ryobie and Makita gang busted into the States. IMO their methods that they used during this time they earned major permenant black marks against themselves.... Forever.
I have no use for those companies or their tools....
Then there is the outfits that are bean counter controlled.... Another rant and thread combo...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
I'm confused as well with the bad rap I see about Ryobi tools. I have two of their 14.4v drills, a 14.4v circular saw and the corner sander and they work great.
My buddy has the 18v combo pack and we use it (and my stuff) to build corrals up in the mountains (about 40 miles east of BFE). We've never had any problems.
True, they probably aren't as durable as Milwaukee, Porter Cable, Bosch, et al, but I'm sold on their price/performance.
Edited 3/23/2004 7:36 pm ET by Dave
I have had the Ridgid for about 4 years now and it is an alright saw. Gets a little hard to adjust the height and angle once in a while - a good cleaning fixes that though. All in all a pretty decent saw. Really like the rolling stand.
That said - I think the Bosch is a real nice saw as well. Saw one with the stand for $399 at Menards the other day and almost had to walk out with it. I think I would like the outfeed supports you can put on the Bosch. Think I would still have to mount it to a Ridgid stand though.
I think my vote would be for the Bosch saw on a Ridgid stand.
Wonder how it would work to mount a table saw to the Ridgid Miter saw stand and use the work support rollers for infeed and outfeed supports.
DeWalt ...
best fence ...
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE! I have the Dewalt too and that fence is awesome. I've saved more time with that one feature than all the others added up. Have a table I built with a hole nearly the size of the base where I put a bin to catch dust and debris. Stays pretty clean when you put an abs elbow on the exhaust port to feed into the bin too. Great piece of equipment!!!
whith that fence ... I have to say the quality of the work created with the saw has increased ... before ... and it looked good .. but half a hair off would make for near perfect ... looking good it was ...
but with a little ... tiny.. twist of that knob ... than clamp her back down ...
running half a hair off anything is that much easier ....
Got mine right after they first came out ... was on tool cribs list to get one of the very first reconditioned available .... what's than been? Maybe 5 yrs?
Still works great ....
Still the most popular on the job site when I roll it out.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
I agree with the tweak factor on that fence. I had occasion to use the Rigid when my saw was on a different jobsite. Couldn't see why it cost more than $150.00 with its lack of power, semi reasonable fence (too spoiled by my dw), and it just didn't 'feel' as solid.
I haven't used the Bosch yet but wouldn't mind a tryout. My only change to the dw would be a screw type angle mechanism for the blade. My last bath job was much time spent milling with that saw and I was wishing I had two; one for ripping, one for my stack dado. Cabinet grade in the field is what this saw does for me. I'd spend the money again on old yeller.
I agree .. I hate cranking that motor up and down ...
shouldn't take 2 hands ... one to keep from lifting the damn thing off the stand while cranking up!
I just put my Trojan stand for the DW together today ...
think I'm gonna like it ... I now have wheels ... and my extra set of horses back.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
You might consider the Makita 2703 w/Rousseau stand - it's a knock-out combo. The Mak is not w/o its limitations but for portability, power and depth of cut, it's worth a look. Right now, Makita is throwing in a 5" random orbit sander w/purchase of this saw.
Regards
Somebody help!
I'm about to upgrade my saw and I'm leaning toward the Bosch.....my question is that 99% of the time it'll be sitting in the shop. A cabinet saw is not an option. Would I be better off with a belt driven contractor saw? I've seen Grizzly and Jet in that price range but I haven't seen any comparisions. Has FHB, Wood, or one of the other mags. done a contractor saw comparison?
Thanks,
John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
http://www.lazarobuilders.com
Funny you should ask.
The other day I was using my Delta Contractors saw for the first time in 6 months. I have the Bosch which I use daily in the field.
The Delta takes up more space, and the table surface is a bit larger. And it is a little more powerful. But, the fence (the higher end Delta fence) while longer, is a pain to mount and dismount. Plus it needs maintenance to keep the surface from rusting.
But, the Bosch isn't far behind in power, the fence is adequate in length, square and a pure joy to mount and dismount.
The Bosch is way smaller, although it extends to a great size, larger in the outfeed direction. The surface is easy to clean, and can't rust. And it includes a vac port, tho that needs work. The adjustments for blade angle and height are way faster and easier.
Overall, I think it's a real winner. Quality of the work is just fine. Well designed, engineered and made. Even the switch makes more sense.
I wish I had two! I could use the extra space......Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
You may have me convinced. I was thinking that a belt drive saw would be quieter and I know that the Delta, Jet, etc. are built more solid. The Bosch has an awful lot of plastic and cast aluminum. I've got a Powermatic 66 at the office but I wanted a smaller saw for home. But to get a Delta or Jet the way I want it (cast not stamped table extensions) would cost about 3-400 over the Bosch and I really didn't want to spend the money (or DW didn't want me to).
If you say that you prefer the Bosch, I guess I'll have to go on your word.
Thanks,John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
http://www.lazarobuilders.com
John, we've met. I wouldn't #### you. I have the bosch. Like it alot. Portable when it needs to be. The plastic bottom does scare me, but it has held up. Not a saw you throw in the back of the truck. Use a little care, it'll last. The dust bag is worthless (at least w/a thick blade). I don't have the extensions, but I've seen them to be fairly decent. I swapped a Freud blade on it, very smooth cuts. The thinner blades seem to wander. Folding stand is sturdy and easy to move. 20 amp circuit I think would be advised. The mitre guage is a bit flimsy. True the fence if necessary, it stays set.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Of course me met at Doud's place.....I couldn't forget the Great Calvin.
OK, I'm convinced....I'll buy the Bosch. Right now $499 at Amazon with all the extensions, folding stand, free shipping, and $25 rebate comes to a grand total of $474.
Thanks to everyone for the input.John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
http://www.lazarobuilders.com
Man John, doesn't take much to impress the #### outta you.
When I use the saw in a house, I took cardboard and made up a bottom between the base the the stand. Hole in the middle let some drop through and provided cooling incoming air. The vac sucked all the airborne dust right up. Used the auto switch fein with off delay.
I think you made a good purchase. If I remember to look up the freud blade I have on it I'll let you know. Smooth cut.
There's an onboard place for the fence. Don't pick the saw up with it on that resting place. It doesn't hold it tight, it'll slip right off. Transport with it up top and locked. Periodic cleaning and lube of the crank up geared shaft keeps that moving smoothly.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Calvin makes good points.
20 amps for sure. (just good practice, I use it all the time switched with a Fein Vacuum, on a 15 amp with no problems, but it hasn't been asked to cut timbers on that outlet)
It will cut some thick/heavy or wet stuff, but the blade is the secret of course. No new news there!
The mitre gauge is a disappointment.
It's not that noisy...I didn't even think of that.
And the base could be an issue, mine is on the folding stand, but you could easily fabricate some thing to stiffen the base up a bit (and contain dust).
Finally, the way the table extends is, I think, better than the rest of the markets solutions.
I think that $ for $, it's a winner. (And you're right, the Delta contractors saw with the non stamped extentions runs significantly more money)Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
I know that the dust bag is worthless....how well does it work hooked up to a vac?
Right now I just let it hit the floor and clean up later. If the vac works, I'll give it a try.John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
http://www.lazarobuilders.com
The vac works really well....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
I never considered the noise either. It's quiet. The first time you start it up you'll think something is wrong because of the soft start. The miter is a disappointment and the plastic base lends to watching.
Amazing power and the controls are simple to use.Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
Marty, you lost your color.
And john, Bosch has some nice t-shirts.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
What color was that? I thought we were talking about the 4000 here. No other portables matter...
I don't even have a T shirt. I'm sure if you asked Bosch about me thety would say "WHO?"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
Your tag line marty, no color no more.
People see me coming, they hide their laundry. "Your name here" is my motto, as long as you're a quality product. Pity FHB doesn't have any shirts. Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
I must be fading away.......Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
I started using a Bosch 4000 in August. I've been comparing it to my Powermatic 66, and even though that's totally unfair, the little Bosch is holding its own. One upgrade I did was to install a Forrest Woodworker II blade. It's a $120 blade, but with it the Bosch will produce cuts superior to jointed stock.
I'm pleased -- bought the Bosch figuring it was a jobsite toy sufficient to do a little ripping on. It's much better than that. I cut panels using my Festool saw and a rail, so the little Bosch is about all the table saw I need.
That is so funny, cuz I could have written those EXACT words myself!
I too figured it would be "good enough", and I too have the Festool.
Aint that Festool the coolest!? Expensive, but way cheaper than a panel saw set up, and much better. What a cut!
So glad I did it. I was actually talked into it by Tom Silva. He couldn't shut up about it!Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
I've run the Bosch for a couple years now and can't find a flaw. It's dead-on accurate, the plastic doesn't break in cold weather, and has enough power to rip 80' of 1-3/4 LVL with no trouble.
Hook a shop-vac up to it and the dust collection even works pretty well.
DRC