Ridgid sent over some news that they were coming out with a new cordless miter saw, model R48607B.
Given that the features, specs, and model number match up, it looks to me that Ridgid is basically relaunching the 18V brushless sliding miter saw they came out with 4-1/2 years ago, R48607K.
The Ridgid 18V cordless miter saw launched in kit format, R48607K, and it was discontinued rather quickly. Ridgid told us it was simply out of stock, but it has been years since the saw was actively available for sale.
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Now, they’re launching the R48607B cordless sliding miter saw.
Ridgid says this about the miter saw:
- Brushless Motor Technology delivers more runtime, power, and longer motor life
- Delivers 2X More Cuts per Charge (compared to a professional grade competitors saw)
- Built-in Dust Collection Port
I asked Ridgid (during weekend hours) if this is a new release or a relaunch, and if anything has changed. I’ll update the post when I hear back.
Update:
This is a reintroduction back into the market of that saw to meet the demand of some key users and build upon the expansion tools within the RIDGID platform.
And, I won’t blame you if you make faces at their 3 highlighted selling points. Built in dust collection port? What miter saws – corded or cordless – don’t have a dust collection port? True, brushless motor tech has runtime, power, longevity, and efficiency advantages, but that’s a generality that doesn’t really speak much about this particular tool.
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Finally, it delivers 2X more cuts per charge, *compared to a professional grade competitors saw. “Compared to a non-specific competing saw.”
But, the good news is that this saw really has a lot going for it.
Features & Specs
- Ridgid 18V cordless power tool system
- 7-1/4″ blade size
- Weighs 24 lbs
- Speed: TBA (older model: 3650 RPM)
- LED cut line indicator
- Dual bevel range
- 1-1/4″ vacuum port (a dust bag is also included)
Price: $379 for the bare tool
ETA: Feb 2021
Discussion
Ridgid and Home Depot first announced their new cordless miter saw in July 2016. It was available in stores, and then on clearance at some locations by Halloween of that year, presumably to make space for holiday season SKUs.
In April 2018, readers were asking if the saw discontinued, as they couldn’t find it available for purchase at their local stores or online. I was told that it wasn’t discontinued, but that it was only “temporarily out of stock online at Home Depot”. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it available for purchase since then.
The original launch price was $399 for the 1-battery kit. Several months after its launch, I noted seeing it priced at $349 online. Some readers were able to get it for $199 was they were cleared out of some stores. I believe I saw it sell for $299 online.
Now, the bare tool miter saw will be launching at $379.
Why was the kit discontinued? My thoughts are that a) it didn’t sell strongly enough to justify its shelf space or another production run for online-only availability, or perhaps b) it wasn’t profitable enough.
Why does it make sense to release the bare tool now, as opposed to simply bringing the kit back?
Does this have to do with the new Ryobi cordless miter saw that is launching soon? With this Ridgid saw, there are now “good” and “better” options, and perhaps Milwaukee is positioned as the “best.”
All these things are interesting for me to consider, but let’s get back to the point – Ridgid’s coming out with a [new?] bare tool brushless motor cordless miter saw. As was true for the kit, the bare tool has decent specs and features.
While it might seem hard to be excited about what looks to be a re-release of an older model that has since been discontinued, especially one that boasts more cuts per charge than “a competitor’s saw,” there has been a lot of demand and interest for the kit.
A lot of readers and customers were upset to see the kit discontinued, and so I’d expect there to be strong interest in this new bare tool right out of the gate.
See Also – Ryobi Cordless Miter Saw Preview:
See Also – July 2016 Preview:
Tim
Spendy for a Ridgid tool.
Pink porkchop
Maybe. But if it holds square, has good dust collection, and only has plastic where it needs it, it should be a better saw than the Dewalt. And since it’s ridgid it will be on sale.
Eugenio
Why should it be better than the Dewalt?
Big Richard
Because this is brushless (longer battery life, possibly more power) and also dual bevel. DeWalt’s otherwise great DCS361 is only a single bevel and “older” brushed motor technology.
Pink porkchop
Exactly. The dewalt is getting old. I have it and like it but it’s showing its age.
Larry Tollison
I’ve owned this saw since the first launch, best damn saw I’ve ever owned, well on the small cutting side, but y’all this thing runs forever, doesn’t get hot! Minus the stringers, treads, outside band,, and post, built an entire 12×20 deck. 2×10 outside band with 2×8 joist and 2×6 decking boards with wood balusters. Used 1.5 charged 5Ah battery. Its also my go to on 90% trim! Hope this helps!
Bruce
Running Ridgid cordless can be frustrating. You never really know if a tool will be around next week. I’ve got a Ridgid cordless planer that I’ll probably never be able to buy replacement blades for.
DG
Use Milwaukee planer blades for replacement
Adabhael
I got this guy on sale several years back and it has served me well, but I am not sure a 4 year old design at this price is going to do much in the market (even if it has a dust port!) For example, longer slides for increase crosscut to a 2×10 which would be a great upgrade.
I agree Ridgid can be a frustrating platform: alternatively cool innovation and stagnation or lack of availability. I believe cordless air compressor and MegaMax system were first of their kind, but neither enjoyed a follow up, refresh, or even much subsequent promotion.
Chris S
Considering this looks like it shares the same mold in many ways as the Milwaukee, my guess is that TTI didn’t want to undercut sales of the M18 model (higher profit margin).
Stuart
Milwaukee Tool people and TTI North America people don’t talk with each other.
Remember, Home Depot is the customer here. They’re the ones ordering tools for in-store or online sales.
And, just because the Milwaukee saw has a higher price, that doesn’t mean it has a higher profit margin. That, and I don’t think I’ve seen the Milwaukee in stores.
Chris S
Could you breakdown your first statement?
Are you saying that TTI has no influence over Milwaukee?
Higher profit margin was a guess, but a higher customer base probably plays a role in the decision of which brand takes precedence.
Home Depot also pushes Milwaukee far more heavily than Ridgid because there’s a lot more of Milwaukee to push.
Regarding the in store situation. A few stores around their ATL headquarters clearanced out the 10″ and put the 7-1/4″ in store (probably to test perception before rolling out to other stores). Those are now gone and the 10″ is back.
Tom D
Same thing around here – so I wonder if HD wants to stock a cheaper 7
Nathan
When I look at Ridgid cordless tools other than the multi-head device they made. The rest always looks like they are trying to balance not cutting into Milwaukee sales. While not being so cheap as to put people in Ryobi.
But question – doesn’t Craftsman now have a cordless mitre saw on sale. I wonder how this compares to that. Since I see Ridgid and Craftsman cordless is a simlar spot.
Store specific branding, knockoff of the corporate big dog, etc.
Pink porkchop
I returned the craftsman within two hours, would not cut a 2×4 without stalling.
krashtd
It’s a great saw, especially for the $149 clearance price I paid for the kit. It’s not $379 great as a bare tool though. $250 max. $350 if it was 10″.
Axle
I got mine for the $149 as well. I wish I would have boutgh 2 more. I had an issue with the trigger not working the first month but sent it in for repair and it fixed itself, very strange. I haven’t had an issue with it other than the stop guide/screw hanging up every once and a while. Great saw I just don’t have any other Rigid batteries, only DeWalt…
josh Morris
Its possibly less a rerelease and more of a milwaukee clone with slightly cheaper things in it and then color it orange
Stuart
In the post, I say that it appears unchanged compared to the previous release, and the model number is the same.
What have you seen to support the idea that it could be “more of a Milwaukee clone with slightly cheaper things in it”?
Tom D
It has a turny part and a spinny part. Clearly a Milwaukee knockoff!
GML
I would’ve bought this if it was available 6 months ago and the price was comparable to the Dewalt 7.25″ cordless miter saw. The biggest advantages are the dual bevel, brushless motor and LSA. That being said, the Dewalt has served me well.
David
It’s already available in Canada since December 2020 (re-released).
Mike
I’m gonna bet this, and the Ryobi saw, internally are virtually identical.
Stuart
Internally, Jim Parsons and Mike Tyson are virtually identical, but one of them packs a much bigger punch. =)
Tool Junkie
I was actually going to buy this saw 4 years ago, but couldn’t find one in the store or online. IMO is actually better than the Dewalt, as it bevels both ways.
As far as crosscuts, the Milwaukee only does 8″, too. The only 7 1/4″ that goes wider, I think is the Metabo/Hitachi (10″) but it was significantly more expensive.
For many tasks, it would be a great choice. Under 30#, throw it in the trunk, go to a friends house & build a deck or a fence. My Bosch GCM12″ is screwed down, as it’s around 70#.
Big Richard
Kobalt’s 24v 7 1/4″ also can crosscut 10″, and it is also brushless dual bevel. It is a great saw at $269 for the bare tool.
Jared
It’s not new, but it’s not bad either. More options for Ridgid users is nice.
I would be more attracted at a lower price point, but I might have taken the bait before I had so many choices in my saw arsenal.
E.g. I’ve got a corded 12″ Ridgid double bevel miter saw with folding/wheeled stand and a variety of cordless saws when super precision isn’t required (e.g. circular, reciprocating, chain, jig and OMT). I can’t imagine many scenarios where I would need the precision of a miter saw and also couldn’t use a cord. Where that need might pop up, I probably wouldn’t $400’s-worth need it.
B. Harris
FWIW, on the Ridgid Facebook group this saw is known as “the Unicorn” — lots of people looking for it, paying ridiculous amounts on Marketplace, Craigslist, etc.
Tom D
Any reasons why? I can see a tool being a Great deal at a price point – but overpaying for this seems counterproductive. Other brands exist.
Kent
But if you are 100% into a battery platform, like I am, if it’s available for it then you want it. Before this past years release of the updated ridgid cordless caulking gun 10 year old calming guns were selling on eBay for 200$+ because if you can get a ridgid one to work with your tools then you gotta get it.
Pete Coz
Did they modify it so it can cut all the way to the fence this time? If not for that I never would have gotten rid of this saw.
Kirk
I just recently figured out friday that it’s the blade guard that stops the saw & blade from seating all the way down unless you push down hard. The rubber rollers on the guard are too small or worn down & bottom out to sink blade . I own this original saw & use almost every day (got @ depot for $199) and thought it was the fence placement like others or that it could use a 7 1/2 inch blade instead of 7 1/4″ but I could not find one. I also removed the washers and extra stops on the saws slide rails to let it cross cut out farther
Roger
The old model has a cut depth issue where it would leave a 3/32″ still joining the board. Sometimes ended up in a tear on the work piece. That is caused by dust getting on the rails and building up in the guides. The rubber dust scoop also tore at one of the mounting ears.
It also had a 5Ah battery issue. Mine died and ended up scrapping the battery. One (maybe 2) cell caused the entire battery to fail.
However, I paid the $199 for it. The lowest price I saw it for was $179.
Evadman
Usually if one cell fails, it will cause the other in parallel to drain and fail too, even if it was initially fine. The other cells are generally okay. I use this fact to rebuild batteries all the time. I get ‘dead’ dealt batteries from friends, and swap out the 1 or 2 dead cells from other packs, and it comes back to life. Just takes about a hour to do, but you need some specialized tools.
Kent
I have dozens of “dead” batteries and would love to learn how to do this. What kind of specialized tools are we talking about.
Kirk
I was going to try removing the depth stop knob that is loose on my saw. It gets in the way sometimes
Kirk
I was going to try removing the depth stop knob that is loose on my saw. It gets in the way sometines
Ecotek
I bought this when it was released for $399 as a kit with the 5ah battery. Weve used it nearly daily on our job site for almost 5 years. We also have a 12″ corded Ridgid slider that almost never gets used. The combination of light weight, small size, cordless convenience means everyone always goes for the cordless first. It does everything well. It works great and the same battery is still in use. In 2016, at $399 it seemed a bit spendy, but it has earned its keep, and then some. However, as much as I like it, at $379 bare tool, that seems optimistic. $299 all day. People who paid $199 absolutely stole it.
Kirk
No this is not a milwaukee knock off, I am using the ridgid miter saw right now, that is the same model that was out 5 YEARS before milwaukee, I gotta hand it to milwaukee, they take other companies innovation, wait 3 to 5 years and make a slightly better tool but by then we’ve already bought into another tool platform, the ridgid saw is a beast and to save $400 for the same results from the milwaukee( I got the kit for $199) I did have to exchange it originally, the first saw I picked up the motor was making grinding sounds.
Scott
One thing to consider is that this tool is for sale right now at Home Depot in Canada for $379 bare tool. With the current exchange rate, Home Depot Canada’s prices are roughly 15%-20% higher than the US prices. That being said, we could see this bare tool in the $300-$325 range in the US.
Mike Snell
So, when will it be released in the US. I heard by March, and it is now Mid April and not available.
Kirk
Now available at depot $379 for the kit. https://forum.toolsinaction.com/topic/17718-ridgid-18v-sliding-miter-saw/?do=findComment&comment=213572
Brada
I started running ridgid since 2006. Still run the original saws from the first line. I now have every single ridgid tool in the 18v line ever made. I’ve since broke 2 tools that were easily replaced by the LSA no questions asked. They just run… I also work for home depot for 15 years. Seen many tools come in and out. I see more milwaukee tools come in broken the most. Too many reasons to name. Bottom line ridgid just works. LSA or not.