18v. Gen 5 Rigid 7¼" circular saw

[Cooler]

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-Vo.../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.

[Roly]

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-Vo.../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

[Cooler]

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.

[Roly]

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

[Cooler]

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.

[Roly]

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

[Foggy]

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.

[DieselDennis]

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.

[bennybmn]

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.

[Cian]

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.