This Might be THE Best Track Saw for the Price
Like a lot of woodworkers who have been around woodworking for years, I am a huge fan of everything Festool, and they have what’s known as the best track saw available, but what if you can’t spend that much money?
Whether you’re just starting out, or maybe ready to add a track saw to your workshop… This new Ridgid Track Saw might just be what you’re looking for!
I think Ridgid is going to grab a lot of attention and new customers because of what might soon become the best track saws, particularly in this price range.
Ridgid Cordless Track Saw
Model: R48630
This new Ridgid Track saw is turning heads, and after seeing it in action, I know why. It’s a brushless 18v system that can handle most of your needs, and it’s under $400!
Price: Around $399
Availability: Projected On or about July 24, 2023
This Ridgid Cordless Track Saw comes with two 27.5” tracks (connecting to make a 52″ track) or you can use just one track to crosscut narrower material (even 2x6s), and being smaller it is easier to balance the track.
You can also purchase an optional 60″ track for ONLY $99, and connect all three to have one 115 in. track that can EASILY handle cutting 8-foot sheets of plywood or longer slabs!
You could get the saw, standard tracks, AND the 60” optional track for under $500! Yeah, that’s a good deal.
In my opinion, it outperforms the Ryobi, Wen, and Kreg at this price point and I won’t hesitate to recommend it. If you’ve looked at the Ryobi, I will definitely tell you to go with this new Ridgid track saw. Period.
Key Features
Out of the box the blade was set at exactly 90 degrees, and that accuracy carried through all test cuts.
Now that doesn’t make it one of the best track saws, but when I see a manufacturer ship a product that shows accuracy out of the box, I can only hope that attention to detail carries through their entire production process.
The track’s bottom rubber material is very good, won’t slip, and is something you will like. As always, your very first cut should be done overhanging so it can trim the rubber splinter guard edge to be in perfect alignment with the blade.
I DO suggest (as with any stock blades) upgrading it, but that is something that I typically do with any new stock blade. Here is a better track saw blade.
Cutting 45-degree angles was performed easily for test cuts in 2x material, which came out exactly 45 degrees, dead on. This leaves about 2-1/8 of the material on the beveled cut.
This track saw can also lock into the track with a thumb slide click-tab built into the base to prevent accidental lifting or tipping. Angled or bevel cuts are exactly where this feature prevents tipping or lifting. That feature isn’t something you see often, even on some of the best track saws.
From what I saw through testing, it seems extremely well built, and in the box is the saw, 2 ea 27.5 in. tracks, connecting hardware, blade, and a track clamp.
Quick and accurate plunge depth adjustment is something a “best track saw” should always have, and this new Ridgid delivers. It’s as easy as a button push with your thumb and finding either one of the detents or any height you want. The detents are very positive and easy to hit.
Performance and Power
Personally, I would like to see Ridgid provide an option for an 8ah high-output battery for a bit more juice and run time but just know the 6ah works just fine.
With a speed of 5000 RPM and an 18v 6ah high-output battery, the Ridgid R48630 cordless will probably become one of the best track saws that’s cordless, provides great performance and included features, has a track system that’s very sturdy and accurate, and cutting height adjustments that are both fast and concise.
The 6-1/2 inch blade allows up to a 1-3/4 inch plunge cut, and you may only notice a “slight” lagging when cutting hardwoods (like 1-3/4 inch walnut) but normally runs with complete authority throughout all cutting.
Portability and Assembly
First, being cordless is a real benefit when portability is needed, or if you just want one less thing attached while working in your shop – but remember, you might still have a dust collection hose attached (hopefully you have a dust collection system).
The only assembly required is joining the two pieces of track to make one 52” track, as it comes in two pieces, each being 27.5 inches. But rest assured knowing the track joining hardware is very solid, accurate, and fast.
I recommend when you join them, do it with them butted up alongside a straightedge and it will be very solid and accurate. Keep in mind that having TWO 27.5 tracks also makes it much easier to travel to and from job sites, or put into a car, which might be a bonus.
Drawbacks
I really don’t have many “drawbacks”, just a few things I “wish” they’d do, like:
- Could possibly make the standard tracks 30” (instead of 27.5″)
- Have the dust port easily accept the Festool dust collector hose (without an adapter)
- Offer an 8ah high-output batter (or higher)
Here’s my Review of the 5 best hybrid table saws under $1000 for 2023 if you’re also looking for one! And after you’re done ripping your new door panels, we have a review on the best soft close hinges here!
Happy Ripping!
