Ridgid has teased of something that is “on track to release 2023.” The sole image is of a Ridgid-branded guide rail that often accompanies track saws.
So, by simple deduction, it seems that Ridgid is going to launch a cordless track saw.
Or, maybe it will be a corded track saw, but I doubt it; how many AC/corded power tools have major tool brands launched in recent years?
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I wonder – is Ridgid set to launch an 18V cordless track saw, or will it be a dual-battery track saw?
Ryobi launched an 18V cordless track saw in mid-2022, and Milwaukee Tool is just now launching their highly-anticipated new M18 cordless track saw.
Reminder: TTI develops and manufactures cordless power tools for both Ryobi and Ridgid, for sale exclusively at Home Depot.
Makita, one of Home Depot’s flagship cordless power tool brands, has offered track saws for years. Has Home Depot ever featured them in stores? For that matter, I don’t believe I have seen the Ryobi at any Home Depot stores since it launched last year.
There are 4 main types of track saws:
i) Regular circular saws with clamp-on cutting guides, accessory shoes, or other tracking implements.
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ii) Value-priced track saws – such as by Ryobi and Kreg.
iii) Premium track saws, such as by Makita and Festool.
iv) Specialty track saws, such as by Mafell and Festool.
With Ryobi offering a value-priced cordless track saw, and Milwaukee offering a premium solution supported by a system of accessories, where will Ridgid fit in?
Will the Ridgid cordless – or corded – track saw be an online-only product like the Ryobi, or will it be sold in stores?
Searching Home Depot’s site for “Ryobi guide rail” or similar keywords doesn’t turn up much. I also can’t seem to find any consumable parts or accessories, such as replacement anti-splinter strips.
As a long-time track saw user, I have purchased additional guide rail sizes over the years, as well as replacement anti-splinter strips. I’ve purchased things like clamps, and also 3rd party accessories.
Cross-compatibility is nice, but can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Track saws are best supported by an ecosystem of add-ons, accessories, and replacement products.
Milwaukee seems to know this – they’re launching their new cordless track saw with guide rails, a case, saw blades, track connectors, clamps, and replacement anti-splinter and non-slip strips.
Will Ridgid’s potential track saw be a standalone product like Ryobi’s, or part of a system like Milwaukee’s?
Maybe Ridgid and Ryobi will share a common track style and accessories? That would be a good idea. Or will the Ridgid be compatible with Milwaukee tracks and accessories?
I started off excited about Ridgid’s teaser announcement, but now I’m not so sure. We’ll see.
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Frank D
I have been considering a track saw, bud did not want to get into a new platform. This would instantly make it to the top of the short list, as long as there’s suitable tracks for 4 ft and 8ft cuts. And, it doesn’t require buying a charger and battery. Got plenty of those.
kent_skinner
Cross your fingers and hope they use the Makita/Festool tracks. There are some good, inexpensive compatible tracks available – 2/3 the price of Makita and 1/2 of Festool..
Bonnie
Yeah, I’ve got some Powertech Makita-compatible tracks and a cheapo Wen tracksaw which works really nicely, and I like knowing I can upgrade to a Makita saw down the line.
Plain+grainy
I looked at a Makita a while back. At that time Makita didn’t have a riving knife. Not sure about their new models. I opted for a brand with a riving knife.
kent_skinner
I’m mostly dealing with sheetgood, so a riving knife wasn’t that important to me. But if it’s important, it limits the options.
Fyrfytr998
If they are smart, they will make sure the track is Festool/Makita compatible. That’s who most the accessories get made for.
Doresoom
That’s one of the biggest flaws with the Ryobi track saw. They went with a proprietary track, have poor availability of extra track lengths for purchase, only included one clamp, and made it impossible to buy a second clamp that is also a proprietary size from every other track saw clamp out there.
Bart
Always good to see another track saw not made by Festool.
MoogleMan3
It’s not like festool has the market flooded…
fred
When I bought my Festool corded – they were the only serious game in town. Now there are plenty of alternatives in both corded and cordless variants. Some of what are being called “track saws” are just glorified circular saws bundled with a guide rail. As Stuart points out, plunge features, anti-splinter strips and other system-accessories are what make the better ones shine. While the field is not exactly saturated, there are many of alternatives (low to high end) fo Festool from which to select.
More recently, I’ve bought Makitas (both 2x18V and 40V ones) as gifts. The recipients seem to like them. If Ridgid does indeed introduce their tracksaw, I see it as being aimed more at those that are already invested in the Ridgid battery platform or newbies looking to buy into a line of competitively priced cordless tools. I don’t see that it will become a competitor for Festool. If I were buying for myself today, It would probably be a Makita cordless.
Mike McFalls
Tracksaws as gifts, Can I get on your Christmas shopping list? lol
fred
Only if you marry one of my grandchildren – and in most countries that would be illegal based on age.
Raymond Beaton
Rigid has o e of if not THE best warranty in the biz. When you factor that into the equation with the price point and a few other variables – dollar for dollar Rigid takes the cake!
Bonnie
These days most brands have one or more models. Makita, DeWalt, and Grizzly for years now, Milwaukee and Ryobi as recent entrants. Bosch has one as well but I don’t know how old it is. Even Kreg and Wen have track saws.
TimL
I have been contemplating grizzly with a new blade. Was so close to ordering dewalt last fall.
Mpa2point0
Those are two of the worst track saws available, you dodged a bullet.
Matt
https://www.truetracsaw.com
Stout milled American Made tracks and more!
I would go this way, use the tool you have vs having to be trapped with any certain brand.
Stuart
Circular saws bolted to sleds that ride on guide rails falls in the first category I mentioned.
fred
The one Matt links to – is a bit better than my old homemade one. It has that replaceable sacrificial edge and a captive sled. For years, I used homemade guides. I had 2 lengths – one 5 foot and one 10 foot. They were made from a hard maple 1×6 (with trued straight edges both sides) glued and screwed down to a piece of masonite. I used it with a Rockwell-Porter Cable – 4-1/2 inch worm gear saw. The saw was used to cut the masonite on both sides of the maple resulting in a edges that could be laid on the cutline of the plywood that I was breaking down. I tried using what they called carpet tape (semi sticky) to keep it from moving – but usually clamped it down. The Festool (with plunge action, dust collection, lighter rail and aftermarket accessories) that I replaced it with was way more convenient and versatile.
martin leclerc
And in Canada we are still waiting for the new table saw.
LK
It’s hard to buy into the idea that Milwaukee/Ridgid/Ryobi aren’t sharing R&D/production when all of TTI’s brands release a long-awaited fringe carpentry tool within the same year.
Stuart
Ryobi & Ridgid are like siblings under the same roof – as far as cordless power tools at Home Depot are concerned – and Milwaukee is the distant relative that is only connected by blood.
Coincidental timing points towards shared production or factory optimizations, but the products, parts, and materials used are often uniquely different enough to make streamlining very unlikely.
Ridgid/Ryobi R&D does NOT take place at Milwaukee Tool’s HQ or by Milwaukee Tool engineers and product managers, and the same is true about Milwaukee products not being developed at or by the TTI NA teams behind Ridgid and Ryobi products.
eddie sky
I am without a table saw. I’m on the “fence” – pun, about a SawStop since I would opt for the 3HP/1Phase version. In the meantime, I use foam on the floor, and put sheets or boards to rip on them, and use my Makita Tracksaw (corded). For miters and such, I have 12″ Hitachi (now Metabo) dual Mitersaw. The only things I needed to rip down were 2×2 to 1×1 for projects and the tracksaw did ok until the last section. Having a neighbor’s tablesaw available, allowed me to make those last cuts without problems, along with using his 25″ planer/moulder.
Tracksaws, imho, allow for rip sheet goods without fear of kickback, stalls, maneuvering large sheets. Longer setup though. I like how smaller rails like the attached Festool design, along a quick straight rip.
mattd
Stuart: Just an FYI I figured I would comment here because this is a ridgid thread. homedepot is closing down it’s repair program and will no longer be a service center for brands like ridgid, ryobi, milwaukee or any other brands. moving forward if you need service for the lifetime service agreement you will have to deal directly with ridgid or find a local repair center that is certified to do tti warranty work.
Cascunchi
AEG has or had a corded tracksaw available in deffirent European countries. The track seems to be propietary. Is ridgid rebranding this saw for the US?
Stuart
I’d say the chances are 50:50.