RIDGID R4512 Irontable Saw Review

RIDGID-R4512 It is difficult to find precise and versatile saw machines nowadays, because there are many subpar models available on the market. Quite a few of them are made using low quality material or are overpriced. I am writing this RIDGID R4512 irontable saw review is an attempt to provide you with my honest views about this gadget so that you can have sufficient information about its capabilities and specifications before purchasing this hybrid table saw.

This budget table saw is an excellent gadget, and will fulfill most of your requirements; however, I will not recommend it for heavy duty purposes. It is an excellent choice for do it yourself enthusiasts. However, this does not imply that this gadget cannot withstand deadlines and stress. It boasts of a powerful and smooth 15 amp motor, which gives the unit the power to cut through most types of wood sans hassle. The included wheeled base containing of two legs provides portability to the gadget. Tipping the scales at 117 pounds, this device runs on 120 Volts. The wheeled base pleasantly surprised me, as most hybrid table saws are heavy and immobile. Let us check out this saw in depth.

Pros

Cons

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Easy to use.
Portable.
Affordable.
3 years warranty.
Lifetime service agreement with tool registration.

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Quality of the wheels is not up to par.
Not as spacious as expected.
Available only in Orange color
Extremely short power cord

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What’s my take on this saw?

I typically check the functionality and the portability of the device and this gadget satisfied me on both counts. I was not so happy with the build quality of the wheels, which I feel, might be damaged with frequent usage. However, I did not mind that too much, as this gadget is primarily suitable for DIY enthusiasts. The tabletop is quite spacious but the manufacturers could have designed it more properly. The manufacturers should check the packaging as several purchasers have complained that the model they received had a crooked fence. A few tweaks and adjustments from the manufacturer’s end can easily improve this gadget.

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[su_tabs][su_tab title=”Basics” disabled=”no” anchor=”” url=”” target=”blank” class=””]Be prepared for a struggle when you first receive the machine. It is shipped in a huge box and the gross weight is approx 250 pounds (nearly double the weight of the machine). While the manual is good and descriptive, expect to spend around 4hours to set up and adjust the gadget. Although the description says that the unit runs on 120 Volts, you can easily convert it to run on 220 volts (refer to the manual for more information on this). The T-guide fence did not impress me. The onboard storage of the machine increases its versatility, providing sufficient storage space for a couple of my important tools. Costing less than $500, this gadget performed every task that I expected from a saw at this price range. It ships with an array of wrenches, a not so good 10″ combo blade (I suggest that you replace it immediately), and an admirable miter gauge.[/su_tab]

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As mentioned above, I was impressed with the portability of the machine, but had doubts about the longevity of the wheels. The manufacturer should have used better materials for its construction. Apart from DIY enthusiasts, professionals can use it too, though not to frequently, as this is not a heavy duty machine. I loved the adjustability of the machine: it allowed me to adjust everything according to my personal preference. Remember, you should not try to adjust the gadget if you do not possess a specific level of expertise. In such a scenario, hire a professional for the job.

The unit includes a belt driven motor. It should take you approximately 10 minutes to convert the machine from 110 Volts to 220 Volts once you have gone through the manual. I strongly suggest that you convert it to 220 Volts to get optimum performance if you have a 220 Volts power supply in your workshop. I was extremely pleased with the fence on the saw as it runs smoothly on the locks square and rails. Removing the blade safety device is often a pain; however, it was not the case with this machine. Even though the power switch works efficiently, it is not located in an easy to reach position.

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[su_tab title=”Maintenance” disabled=”no” anchor=”” url=”” target=”blank” class=””]The instruction manual and the user guide included with the machine explain in details how the user should maintain the saw. You should be able to complete the maintenance job easily after reading the details.[/su_tab]

[su_tab title=”Accessories” disabled=”no” anchor=”” url=”” target=”blank” class=””]This device ships with accessories like a set of wrenches, a god miter gauge, magnetic push stick, blade wrenches, hex keys, and a poor quality 10″ combo blade.[/su_tab][/su_tabs]

Who can use this saw?

This machine is ideal for do it yourself aficionados who want to use it for their home projects. Even professionals can use it, but they should remember that this is not a heavy duty machine and it does not have the ability to 8 hours daily on a regular basis. No doubt, hobbyists will be extremely pleased with the smoothness and accuracy of this saw. This is a great gadget considering its price and is ideal for hobbyists who are on a tight budget and are on the lookout for a hybrid table saw. This versatile unit easily tackles most projects like processing wood, roofing, and flooring, but do not depend on it for heavy duty projects.

What I did not like about this saw

The supplied 6 feet rigid power cord makes working with this gadget impossible unless one uses an extension power cord. There is no option to wind up the cord; hence it dangles on the ground… not a pleasant experience as one might trip on it. I had expected that moving the machine would be a piece of cake because of the included roller wheels. However, I was disappointed with the quality of the material used for the wheels. I doubt if they would last for more than a year. I cannot understand why the manufacturer compromised on the color quality of this saw… it is only available in Orange color. The included 10″ combo blade is useless and I had to purchase one separately in order to use the machine. The manufacturer should have also installed the power switch in a convenient location.

How this saw compares to others:

Ridgid R4512 vs Grizzly G0715P: If you are on a tight budget, look no further than the Ridgid as the Grizzly, at $745, is much more expensive, more so when one takes into account the additional $99 freight charges. On the one hand, the R4512 has better warranty (3 years), is large, has a better fence, is a proven device, and includes a built in mobile base. On the other hand, the G0715P offers only 1 year warranty, is unproven, and has a mediocre fence. Keeping these facts in mind, my vote goes to Rigid.

Ridgid R4512 vs Ridgid R4510: I generally dislike comparing two products by the same manufacturer. That being said I would like to enlighten readers about the difference between these two, table saw models. Both of them boast of the same power source, lousy cord length, bevel angle range, blade diameter, and arbor size. The superiority of the R4512 shows up in the ripping capacity of the blade, max dido width, max dido blade diameter, dust collection port, blade guard, built in accessory storage, and the number of accessories. Its fully enclosed cabinet reduces noise and contains dust. I would prefer the R4512 over the R4510 any day.

Ridgid R4512 vs Ridgid R4513: Once again, a comparison between two table saws from the same manufacturer. Both these models have identical power source, operating voltage, arbor size, blade diameter, and bevel angle range. The R4512 leads in ripping capacity, max dado width & diameter, and the number of included accessories. There is no way that I will opt for the R4513.

What do users say about Ridgid R4512:

First time users and do it yourself enthusiasts prefer this model because of its superiority, its pocket friendly price, and its portability. They confirm that this is the ideal saw for them as it can tackle any projects such as flooring, processing wood, and roofing. Professionals who do not have to undertake heavy duty projects also prefer this saw to others. They dislike the short and rigid power cord and the poor quality of the wheels, but agree that the R4512 is an awesome deal, considering its capabilities and budgetary price.

Final thoughts:

With a couple of tweaks, this saw can beat the competition hollow. I wish the manufacturers improved the quality of the material used to make the wheels, increased the length of the power cord, and included a better 10″ combo blade. I would not mind paying extra Dollars if they implement these changes.