Ridgid 18V Brushless Cordless Track Saw w/ 1x 6.0 Ah Max Output Battery

scott.st

Oct 19, 2023 3:01 PM

81 Comments

Joined Oct 2013

scott.stOct 19, 2023 3:01 PM

81 Comments

Am I the only one using a simple guide with my circular saw? Its accurate every time. I assume this track saw is a bit more stable and accurate but for ripping basic plywood does it matter?

Like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9an9cAFHdXA

Adebesi

Oct 19, 2023 3:12 PM

671 Comments

Joined Feb 2007

AdebesiOct 19, 2023 3:12 PM

671 Comments

Quote from scott.st

:

Am I the only one using a simple guide with my circular saw? Its accurate every time. I assume this track saw is a bit more stable and accurate but for ripping basic plywood does it matter?

Like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9an9cAFHdXA

Track saws are luxuries, not necessities. Biggest improvement for me is dust collection. Circular saws are miserable in the garage - I'd always cut on the driveway to deal with the dust. A track saw hooked up to a good vac has shockingly low dust and can be used in a closed garage.

As for the cutting itself, you could probably replicate most of what a track saw can do with a circular saw (at least for straight cuts). I'll say that putting a 45 on a strip of hardwood is sooooo much easier and safer with a track clamped to the piece as opposed to a circular saw riding a guide.

1

jeff34270

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Oct 19, 2023 3:21 PM

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Joined Jun 2012

jeff34270

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Oct 19, 2023 3:21 PM

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Quote from scott.st

:

Am I the only one using a simple guide with my circular saw? Its accurate every time. I assume this track saw is a bit more stable and accurate but for ripping basic plywood does it matter?

Like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9an9cAFHdXA

Otherwise known as a poor man's track saw, that circular saw guide is a good option for making reasonably accurate cuts and I have them for every circular saw that I own, but an actual track saw is way easier to use and more precise.

1

Hkxyz

Oct 19, 2023 3:29 PM

869 Comments

Joined Jan 2009

HkxyzOct 19, 2023 3:29 PM

869 Comments

Saw doesn't work on other tracks just fyi

3

ChiefAlchemist

Oct 19, 2023 3:52 PM

3K Comments

Joined Sep 2008

ChiefAlchemistOct 19, 2023 3:52 PM

3K Comments

Quote from Adebesi

:

Keep in mind that the Ridgid uses proprietary tracks and won't work on the more common style (used by Festool, Makita, Milwaukee, etc.) This is a huge downside in my opinion, as those tracks also have accessories that won't work on the Ridgid track. You can also get cheaper tracks from manufacturers like PowerTec.

I was excited about this saw when it was announced, as I'm heavily in their battery system for lights, fans, and tools. But the track issue (and the saw being overpriced initially) led me down another path. As I always use dust collection with my track saw, it didn't matter to me whether it was corded or battery. So I went with a corded option that's compatible with the common tracks.

It seems this is a good saw at a good price if it fits your use case and the downsides don't apply to you.

So I could use PowerTec tracks with my standard Ridgid circular saw, is that it?

1

JustWrong

Oct 19, 2023 3:59 PM

937 Comments

Joined Mar 2010

JustWrongOct 19, 2023 3:59 PM

937 Comments

Quote from Adebesi

:

Track saws are luxuries, not necessities. Biggest improvement for me is dust collection. Circular saws are miserable in the garage - I'd always cut on the driveway to deal with the dust. A track saw hooked up to a good vac has shockingly low dust and can be used in a closed garage.

As for the cutting itself, you could probably replicate most of what a track saw can do with a circular saw (at least for straight cuts). I'll say that putting a 45 on a strip of hardwood is sooooo much easier and safer with a track clamped to the piece as opposed to a circular saw riding a guide.

dust collection is the only reason I would get the track saw. There is aftermarket cutting shroud but the total cost would be very similar to the track saw except you can get bigger diameter saw.

T-SHIZZLE

Oct 19, 2023 4:41 PM

174 Comments

Joined Jan 2005

T-SHIZZLEOct 19, 2023 4:41 PM

174 Comments

reminder to everyone about different battery systems. There is a surprising number of battery adapters on ebay between $10 and $20 converting to and from ridgid, milwaukee, makita, dewalt, ryobi, etc and even using 18v & 20V so relatively easy to use whatever battery system you already have in this saw. I have a LOT of Ridgid batts and use them in Ryobi and Milwaukee equipment regularly.

2

violian

Oct 19, 2023 4:55 PM

2K Comments

Joined Dec 2015

violianOct 19, 2023 4:55 PM

2K Comments

Quote from Adebesi

:

Track saws are luxuries, not necessities. Biggest improvement for me is dust collection. Circular saws are miserable in the garage - I'd always cut on the driveway to deal with the dust. A track saw hooked up to a good vac has shockingly low dust and can be used in a closed garage.

As for the cutting itself, you could probably replicate most of what a track saw can do with a circular saw (at least for straight cuts). I'll say that putting a 45 on a strip of hardwood is sooooo much easier and safer with a track clamped to the piece as opposed to a circular saw riding a guide.

Maybe it was a "luxury" just ~3 years ago. In the last 3 years, there's a plethora of much more affordable track saws. The WEN track saw is a prime example. You can get the corded version + 110-inch track for ~$160 out the door. My 36V Metabo circular saw for instance was $120 without any tracks or batteries.

1

Caleo

Oct 19, 2023 5:10 PM

6.7K Comments

Joined Dec 2004

CaleoOct 19, 2023 5:10 PM

6.7K Comments

Quote from IncompletePerfect

:

And they still put the blade on the right to be considerate of left-handed people!

Sorry righties... You're stuck with climbing on top of sheet goods, reaching and twisting, or [worst case scenario] using the Kreg.

It's a track saw. It runs on a track. It's not hard to use your left hand (if you have to) to just push it along the track and make a cut.

Quote from scott.st

:

Am I the only one using a simple guide with my circular saw? Its accurate every time. I assume this track saw is a bit more stable and accurate but for ripping basic plywood does it matter?

Like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9an9cAFHdXA

As someone who has used a straight edge + circular saw to break down plywood for cabinets/furniture in the past, trust me... a track saw makes way higher quality, laser-straight, furniture-grade cuts every time.

Whether you actually need this precision/repeatability is up to you. If all you're doing is breaking down OSB sheathing for walls/floors, or similar, track saw is kind of overkill.

Last edited by Caleo October 19, 2023 at 10:12 AM.

4

SplendidHome1945

Oct 19, 2023 5:21 PM

1.7K Comments

Joined Aug 2020

SplendidHome1945Oct 19, 2023 5:21 PM

1.7K Comments

Quote from T-SHIZZLE

:

reminder to everyone about different battery systems. There is a surprising number of battery adapters on ebay between $10 and $20 converting to and from ridgid, milwaukee, makita, dewalt, ryobi, etc and even using 18v & 20V so relatively easy to use whatever battery system you already have in this saw. I have a LOT of Ridgid batts and use them in Ryobi and Milwaukee equipment regularly.

is that safe?

1

jeff34270

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Oct 19, 2023 5:27 PM

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Joined Jun 2012

jeff34270

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Oct 19, 2023 5:27 PM

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Quote from SplendidHome1945

:

is that safe?

As long as you don't discharge your batteries too much, battery adapters are fine. But they typically don't allow for the best communication between tool and battery so you might lose some power/efficiency and run the risk of bricking the battery if your particular set-up has no low voltage cut-off.

2

SplendidHome1945

Oct 19, 2023 5:46 PM

1.7K Comments

Joined Aug 2020

SplendidHome1945Oct 19, 2023 5:46 PM

1.7K Comments

Quote from jeff34270

:

As long as you don't discharge your batteries too much, battery adapters are fine. But they typically don't allow for the best communication between tool and battery so you might lose some power/efficiency and run the risk of bricking the battery if your particular set-up has no low voltage cut-off.

i'll pass on that. last thing i need is a thermal runaway in the garage

2

1

jeff34270

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Oct 19, 2023 6:16 PM

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jeff34270

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Oct 19, 2023 6:16 PM

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Quote from SplendidHome1945

:

i'll pass on that. last thing i need is a thermal runaway in the garage

I don't think thermal runaway would be much of a concern when using adapters. The risk would be in draining a battery beyond what could be safely recharged. (As long as you are using the charger made for the battery, don't use adapters there.)

AD211

Oct 19, 2023 6:38 PM

536 Comments

Joined Dec 2015

AD211Oct 19, 2023 6:38 PM

536 Comments

Are we sure this won't be cheaper over the next few months, either these two or the bare tool (with 1 track)? It's a dangerous mindset to have, as sometimes, things don't go back down after a steady stream of markdowns, but I'm curious what the veteran tool SDers think.

Edit: Can you build high quality furniture/cabinets with this, or do you have to go Milwaukee/Festool/Makita?

Last edited by AD211 October 19, 2023 at 12:41 PM.

3

T-SHIZZLE

Oct 19, 2023 8:03 PM

174 Comments

Joined Jan 2005

T-SHIZZLEOct 19, 2023 8:03 PM

174 Comments

Quote from jeff34270

:

I don't think thermal runaway would be much of a concern when using adapters. The risk would be in draining a battery beyond what could be safely recharged. (As long as you are using the charger made for the battery, don't use adapters there.)

I have used a variety of these adapters for two+ years. I typically leave the adapter on the tool however I ALWAYS remove the battery from the tool when I am done with it. Combine that with the Ridgid LSA LIFETIME for batteries and it seems like a pretty good strategy. You can also find these adapters on Amazon and read the reviews. I think each Adapter I have purchased included specific instructions to remove the battery after use to prevent low voltage damage and that you can't use the adapter to charge the battery. I have especially found it useful to have the adapters on hand when a tool I need doesn't have a charged battery - I can use the adapter to get it running.

1

Product Description:	RIDGID introduces the R48630B 18V Brushless 6-1/2 in. Track Saw. RIDGID’s brushless motor technology delivers maximum performance and longer runtime. With up to 5,000 RPM of corded cutting performance, this track saw is designed for making controlled and accurate cuts with the included tracks. The RIDGID 18V Brushless 6-1/2 in. Track Saw cuts up to 370 linear ft. per charge with the AC840060 6.0Ah MAX Output Battery for cordless convenience. This saw can make -1° and 47° bevel cuts and has a 2-1/8 in. depth of cut at 90° on the track. The built-in retractable riving knife allows the track saw to make plunge cuts effortlessly. For ease of use, this saw includes an easy-to-read depth scale, anti-tip adjustment knobs, and a cut window. To ensure a clean worksurface, it utilizes a swivel dust port for superior dust collection. The included tracks feature a rubber cut strip for precise cutting. For extended cuts, combine with the AC60TS 60 in. Track Saw Guide Rail also included with this kit. As always, this RIDGID 18V Brushless 6-1/2 in. Track Saw is 100% compatible with all RIDGID 18V batteries. Best of all, this tool is eligible for the Industry’s Best Lifetime Service Agreement, simply register within 90 days of purchase for FREE Parts, FREE Service, FOR LIFE. The RIDGID 18V Brushless 6-1/2 in. Track Saw includes the R48630B Track Saw, 6-1/2 in. Blade, (2) 27.5 in. Tracks, (1) 60 in. Track, (4) Connector Bars, Riving Knife, Track Clamp, Blade Wrench, and Track Wrench.
Product SKU:	325457350_325457350
UPC:	648846092515

Ridgid 18V Brushless Cordless Track Saw w/ 1x 6.0 Ah Max Output Battery

$349

$578

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