RIDGID Circular Saws are a great addition to your power tools when stepping into a new project, whether it’s big or small. Circular saws are feasible for masonry, steel, wood, or ceramic cutting projects. Keep reading to find the best RIDGID circular saw.
They come in varieties of power, cut angles, dust-bags, and options for cords or cordless. It’s a good idea to review your options for the next purchase for what’s comfortable for not just your grip but the overall project.
Are you looking for some general information on circular saws or other tools? Check out our complete resource guides on Miter Saws, Table Saws, Chainsaws, Band Saws and Circular Saws. These guides have all the information you need. You will be able to find history, the different types of the tool, top brand sold, and more!
RIDGID Circular Saw 18V Cordless
The hassle of dragging your circular saw – and its cord – through a project can get annoying and messy. RIDGID’s Cordless circular saw provides a lot of great features that could answer some of these problems.
What we like:
- The biggest benefit of this saw would be its portability.
- Additionally, users have complimented on the various cross-cuts attainable by this portable saw and a deep cut depth at 2.44”.
What we don’t like:
- Unfortunately, it has downfalls, as all products do. As it is battery-driven, you need to make sure you have a good charger nearby for a long project. It arguably is best to run on RIDGID’s 6.0 Ah to make the saw last the longer projects.
Users have also complained that it doesn’t have the power to push through a project but remember battery power is key for power tools.
The details:
| RIDGID 18V Octane 7 ¼” Circular Saw | |
| MODEL NUMBER | RIDGID R865 series |
| BLADE SIZE (TOOL-ONLY) | 7.25” |
| MAXIMUM CUT DEPTH AT 90 | 2.44” |
| VOLTS | 18V |
| NO LOAD SPEED | 5600 RPM |
| BEVEL CAPACITY | 0 to 56 |
| DEPTH ADJUSTMENT | YES |
| GRIP LIGHT | YES |
| WEIGHT | 8.5 lbs |
RIDGID Circular Saw 15 AMP 10 ft Cord
In comparison to the cordless circular, the RIDGID circular saw with the 10ft cord is the classic 15-amp circular saw.
What we like:
- This circular saw is good for its compatible grip and power.
- It’s valued for its easy maneuverability due to the weight distribution and good cut dept.
- It comes with a long cord (10ft) which makes it more feasible to work around the shop.
What we don’t like:
- There have been complaints on the spindle lock that makes the blade removal inconvenient.
- The saw is also on the heavier side at 11 pounds, that makes it a bit more difficult for long projects.
The details:
| RIDGID 7 ¼” 15-amp Circular Saw | |
| MODEL NUMBER | RIDGID R3205 |
| BLADE SIZE (TOOL-ONLY) | 7.25” |
| MAXIMUM CUT DEPTH AT 0 (45 51.5) | 2-3/8” (1-3/4” 1-5/8”) |
| NO LOAD SPEED | 5800 RPM |
| BEVEL CAPACITY | 0 to 56 |
| DEPTH ADJUSTMENT | YES |
| WEIGHT | 11 lbs. |
| CORD LENGTH | 10 ft. |
RIDGID Compact Circular Saw 12 AMP
Just like the name, RIDGID R3204 is a compact saw delivered at 12 amp for quick and powerful cuts.
What we like:
- It’s lightweight at 7.75 pounds.
- This saw comes with powerful 12 amps that deliver quick cutting speed at 6100 RPM.
- It’s magnesium-based for durability.
- It has a front and a rear kerf indicator that help with precision.
What we don’t like:
- There have been difficulties with adjusting the depth.
- The guard tends to stick.
- Some users have complained that the baseplate is not parallel to the saw blade.
The details:
| RIDGID 6 ½” 12 amp Circular Saw | |
| MODEL NUMBER | RIDGID R3204 |
| BLADE SIZE (TOOL-ONLY) | 6.5” |
| Cut depth at 45 | 1.625” |
| NO LOAD SPEED | 6200 RPM |
| BEVEL CAPACITY | 0 to 50 |
| DEPTH ADJUSTMENT | YES |
| WEIGHT | 7.75 lbs. |
| CORD LENGTH | NA. |
RIDGID Circular Saw Education and Buying Guide
The best part of purchasing the right circular saw is the variety of options for different projects. Consider the few items on the checklist and consider what will be a priority for your project.
Buying a Circular Saw
- Safety is first! Make sure there is a good blade guard for the blades. This is important for storing or simply when not in use.
- Look at the footplate for stability during cuts.
- Depth ability and options.
- Bevel adjustments.
- Find compatible blade types: steel blades, carbide-tipped, tile-cutting, etc.
Cordless vs. Corded electricity
The feasibility of taking your circular saw indoors or outdoors makes a huge difference in the efficiency of the overall project.
With workshops or projects that have limited power supply, the portable features (with power) are a great plus. For long-hour projects, a corded power tool is beneficial.
Even though we’ve favored the cordless saws above, it is more about your project and what best fits your projects.
Corded saws are more powerful. With more power, it could benefit maneuverability and provide higher load speeds. The corded circular saws have been traditionally longer-lasting in comparison to cordless power tools. It lasts longer in projects and overall drainage in power.
Most corded circular saws come with reasonably long cords. If a power supply isn’t a concern, take advantage of the powerful saws.
The cordless would be handy in areas with limited power, such as a project in its early stages with limited electricity. It’ll eliminate the challenge of carrying a power supply and the long extension cords (also finding a compatible extension cord and power supply).
Additionally, the cordless power tools help in the early stages when everything is hectic in the workshop. There will be less clutter and fewer safety hazards (including accidentally cutting cords).
RIDGID Circular Saw Parts
As mentioned above, one of the great features of RIDGID’s cordless circular saw is the portability feature. To make it easier for RIDGID fans, it is compatible with their 18-volt lithium-ion battery packs (4.0 Ah and 5.0 Ah). The saw doesn’t usually come with a battery, so if you don’t have one, remember to pick one up.
Of course, in addition to the tool, you can pick up the blade and blade wrench that is best compatible with your circular saw and your project. Again, they come in ceramic, steel, carbide, tile, and masonry cutting options.
RIDGID Circular Saw Dust Collection
With a few modifications to the dust collection, it could also leave the workspace a little cleaner with less clutter.
As great as the smell is and the joy of cutting wood can give you, it certainly leaves a mess. Whether it’s on the floor, table, hands, or face, the tiny particles somehow get there one way or another!
There are Dust bag options that RIDGID provides to help with that. It is mainly an option to catch excess sawdust and keep things under control.
If you want to get creative, there are nifty ideas for the circular saw to attach an efficient dust collector. Watch this video to try out the modification yourself. It could take away some of the freedom of the cordless saw, but it could be a good inspiration for your own modification.
RIDGID
RIDGID is an American company known for its powerful products. They range from powerful corded tools to cordless tools for lights, nailers, drills, compressors, and saws.
The best advice for buying a circular saw is to consider your project. Find a compatible blade to best fit the type of project and consider the power that you need to fit the size and perhaps the stage of your project.
Are you looking for more guides on circular saws? Check out some of our most popular guides, Best Circular Saw Blades – Buyer’s Guide, Lowe’s Circular Saw Buying Guide, ROTORAZER Compact Circular Saw Review, and Best Cordless Circular Saw: Which Saw Should You Buy?
These come in power types, cut angles, dust-bags, and cord or cordless options. It’s a good idea to check your next purchase options for what’s comfortable not just for your grip but for the overall project.