RIDGID 10" Portable Table Saw | R45101 Review

RIDGID 10" Job Site Table Saw

I'm very picky when it comes to table saws. I've had a Delta Unisaw for the better part of of 20 years, so all other saws have a pretty big hurdle to clear in my eyes. The only problem with the Unisaw is moving it from the shop to the job site - my chiropractor said I shouldn't lift anything over 400 pounds :)

That's just one of the reasons I was impressed with the RIDGID R45101 10" Contractor Saw. It incorporates many of the features of a cabinet saw into one neat, very transportable package. At less than 100 pounds, even my chiropractor wants one.

R45101 Video Review

We spent some time going over the features of the saw while in the shop. Take a look and then read on for more information below.

R45101 Features

• 15 Amp Motor
• 6' Cord
• 23.15" Tall
• Easy Set-Up TSUV
• Toolless Blade Guard
• Slide-Out Table Extension
• Priced at $499

Probably my favorite part of this saw (aside from the fact that it makes accurate cuts, of course) is the TSUV, which is a clever-sounding acronym for Table Saw Utility Vehicle. Sounds like something you could drive to work, doesn't it? This is the easiest and fastest stand I've ever used, bar none. It takes less than 5 seconds to set up or fold away.

Once in the upright position, the R45101 has plenty of built-in features that the engineers who designed it should be proud of. Starting with the storage area for the blade guard, anti-kickback pawls, and blade-change wrenches. BTW, despite what the Home Depot site says, this blade DOES require wrenches to change. Try as I may, I couldn't loosen the arbor nut with my fingers (j/k).

The power switch is conveniently located, easily operable, and has a lock-out key for safety. The blade adjustment controls are also easy to use. The adjustment wheel controls both blade height and bevel, and can be micro-adjusted. It takes a little fiddling to get the hang of the wheel, but from there on, it's smooth sailing.

On the right side of the R45101, you'll find some very convenient and smartly laid-out storage for the rip fence, miter gauge, and push stick. They all fit snugly and stayed securely in place during our use.

The 6' power cord wraps neatly at the back of the saw. That's also where the dust port is located. The only complaint I have about the dust port is the fact that if larger slices of wood fall into the cabinet, they tend to clog the port. It's easily cleaned out, though.

RIDGID Table Saw In Use

Once all the pieces and parts are in place, this saw was a pleasure to use. The rip fence is rock-solid. It didn't shift on me one time, even when cutting larger, heavy stock. So many portable saws that I've used in the past have a less-than-stable fence, but this one didn't disappoint.

The micro-adjustment dial also works well, but I still tend to use the side of my fist to gently "nudge" the fence into the perfect position. Old habits die hard.

Naturally, we encourage the use of appropriate safety measures at Tool Skool. You should read, understand, and follow all safety recommendations. That being said, the rithing knife, blade guard, and anti-kickback pawls are each installed, adjusted, and removed easily. In the course of 30 seconds, you can have all 3 safety devices installed or uninstalled. This is an especially nice feature of the saw - our hats off to the RIDGID engineers and designers.

On the job site, I used the saw to rip deck boards and 2x lumber, with near-perfect results. In the shop, we've cut plywood to size - again, the results were smooth and accurate, especially for a portable saw.

R45101 Table Saw Review

After putting this saw to the test in the field, as well as in the shop, we can safely say that it's a bargain - especially for the price. We found features that you normally wouldn't get in this price range. Plus, they were all thoughtfully executed.

I've seen the online reviews of motors burning out quickly, but our test unit has performed flawlessly. I could speculate that maybe dust collection wasn't employed on those burned-out units, when cutting MDF?  That dust will kill just about any motor if enough gets into it. As my shop teacher used to preach, "Clean, tight and bright." Blow the dust and debris off at the end of the day.

Dana Wilkerson, one of our reviewers here at TS, has had the previous-generation RIDGID table saw for several years. According to him, it's like a Timex watch. I have a sneaky feeling I'll have to keep a close eye on this one, or it'll end up in the back of his truck :)

Check price/availability @ Home Depot: CLICK HERE

For more information from RIDGID: CLICK HERE