I'm trying to decide between two circular saws I've got: the Ridgid R32051, which is brand new in the box, and the Ryobi CSB135L, which is factory refurbished. I'm new to woodworking and building up my tool collection. The Ryobi has a laser feature that I find useful, but I've heard the Ridgid may be more powerful. Given my situation, which saw do you think I should keep?
4 Answers
If it were me, I’d ditch both and invest in a battery-powered saw. I’m a fan of Dewalt myself, but Milwaukee is also a solid choice. Cordless gives you flexibility without being tethered to a power outlet.
Between the two, I’d lean towards keeping the Ridgid. Its base plate is a lot sturdier, which helps a ton for making accurate cuts. The Ryobi's laser is nice, but honestly, for serious carpentry, it's much better to just scribe your lines and follow them. The laser’s really more for rough work than precision.
I can see why people love cordless, but if you're working in a garage or a workshop with power available, stick to corded tools like the Ridgid. They generally offer more power and torque and tend to last longer. Just remember to choose the one that fits your needs best!
Honestly, it kind of depends on what you're planning to use it for. If you're mainly working in a shop setting, you might be better off with a plunge saw instead of a circular saw, especially since they work well with tracks. But if you need a circular saw for versatility, I’d suggest looking at cordless options if you can, especially since those are more practical for different angles and environments. Brands like Makita are worth considering, even if they’re a bit pricier.
Thanks for the insight! Out of the two I mentioned, which one would you personally choose?