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+-- Thread: 18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw (/showthread.php?tid=7342724)
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18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw - Cooler - 09-26-2018
I just got my new Rigid battery powered circular saw. I had to order it on line as none of the local stores carried it.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18-Volt-GEN5X-Cordless-7-1-4-in-Circular-Saw-Tool-Only-with-Blade-and-Blade-Wrench-R8652B/206947568
It seems nicely made and cost effective: $120.00 for the saw and $99.00 for two large capacity batteries.
It cuts well. I made 14 cross cuts on 2" x 8" pressure treated lumber and still had juice left.
Note: There is no indication when the battery is low. It just stops cutting. So two batteries are definitely required.
One major gripe, and it is probably because of the lawyers: There is a thumb safety that has to be pressed before pulling the trigger (kinda like a 1911 Colt 45). I find it annoying to remember to press that button and awkward to press too.
Nice: The on-board Allen key holder (and key).
No case or bag however. A bag would be nice. I will try Harbor Freight.
In summary: A nice saw, not too heavy even with the over-sized batteries. I still have my corded Milwaukee, but it is seeing much less use.
RE: 18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw - Roly - 09-26-2018
(09-26-2018, 12:42 PM)Cooler Wrote: I just got my new Rigid battery powered circular saw. I had to order it on line as none of the local stores carried it.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18-Volt-GEN5X-Cordless-7-1-4-in-Circular-Saw-Tool-Only-with-Blade-and-Blade-Wrench-R8652B/206947568
It seems nicely made and cost effective: $120.00 for the saw and $99.00 for two large capacity batteries.
It cuts well. I made 14 cross cuts on 2" x 8" pressure treated lumber and still had juice left.
Note: There is no indication when the battery is low. It just stops cutting. So two batteries are definitely required.
One major gripe, and it is probably because of the lawyers: There is a thumb safety that has to be pressed before pulling the trigger (kinda like a 1911 Colt 45). I find it annoying to remember to press that button and awkward to press too.
Nice: The on-board Allen key holder (and key).
No case or bag however. A bag would be nice. I will try Harbor Freight.
In summary: A nice saw, not too heavy even with the over-sized batteries. I still have my corded Milwaukee, but it is seeing much less use.
Arn't there about 4 lights on the front of the battery that show the charge ? May be hard to see on the saw. Roly
RE: 18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw - Cooler - 09-26-2018
(09-26-2018, 01:38 PM)Roly Wrote: Arn't there about 4 lights on the front of the battery that show the charge ? May be hard to see on the saw. Roly
I never even looked. I will check tonight.
My Rigid drill is the same. I will check on that too.
RE: 18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw - Roly - 09-26-2018
(09-26-2018, 03:16 PM)Cooler Wrote: I never even looked. I will check tonight.
My Rigid drill is the same. I will check on that too.
On mine press the orange button next to the lights. Roly
RE: 18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw - Cooler - 09-27-2018
(09-26-2018, 04:05 PM)Roly Wrote: On mine press the orange button next to the lights. Roly
Thanks.
Do you find the thumb safety annoying? Maybe I'll get used to is.
RE: 18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw - Roly - 09-27-2018
(09-27-2018, 08:04 AM)Cooler Wrote: Thanks.
Do you find the thumb safety annoying? Maybe I'll get used to is.
I don't have that model saw but yes the thumb safety is annoying but I understand the need for people not used to a commercial type saw. Roly
RE: 18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw - Foggy - 09-27-2018
I recall an instance when a small boy picked up a circular saw when the carpenter set it down and turned away. The safety switch prevented any bloodshed. In this case it was good that the safety switch was awkward.
RE: 18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw - DieselDennis - 09-27-2018
Did the circular saw the small boy picked up not have a functioning blade guard?
Blade is on the wrong side of the saw. Works good for left handed folks.
RE: 18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw - bennybmn - 09-27-2018
I agree the safety is awkward. And I don't use it enough to really get used to it. But man I've come to appreciate cordless tools more these days. Wrapping up extension cords gets old fast! I used it to cut a bunch of Trex to length at my buddy's place this spring, and I got a plywood blade for it for breaking down sheets.
RE: 18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw - Cian - 10-01-2018
IMO, the Rigid portables are very underrated. They are nice tools and have served me well over the years. I especially like the fact that I can use the LiOn batteries in the older NiMH tools. FWIW, Rigid and Milwaukee are owned by the same company.