I think that Im done with Ryobi circular saws

[Badgerstate]

So, in the last year since we bought our house and I got into woodworking, Ive owned a few Ryobi circular saws. I already had a bunch of batteries because Id have Ryobi string trimmers and leaf blowers for years and because I had a Ryobi 36v mower (that took 2 batteries).
Ive had a few of the One+ and one that has corded. The 1st one that I bought was the vs gen of the brushless 7 1/4. It got returned because the shoe wasnt square to the blade. I returned that and got the One+ 6 1/2" brushed saw. That one got returned because it was too underpowered and slow (I literally made a few cuts through a 2x4 with it, cleaned up all that sawdust on it and returned it). After that I tried the 13 amp corded 7 1/4" saw. It was OK but it seemed like the shoe was a bit flimsy and the cuts were just inconsistent with it. I used it for a few months and sold it on FB marketplace.
About a month ago, I bought a Masterforce 15 amp 7 1/4" saw. Its a wonderful, proper saw with a magnesium upper guard, lower guard and shoe. Its also got a light, dust blower and blade brake. Its a pro saw, no joke.
The other day, I kind of got the itch for a cordless saw again and since I still have all those Ryobi batteries and they came out with a new HP saw that was supposed to be improved and its on sale for $99, I thought why not give it a shot. Nope, I got the saw home and I cant get the blade to align with the shoe. Adjust the screw all you want and its like theres just too much play in it. Sometimes it straight but then you rotate the blade and bit and its not anymore.
I also dont love the plastic lower blade guard and the fact that it still has a steel shoe. So, I think that Ive finally convinced myself that Ryobi simply doesnt make a great circular saw and has no intentions to do so.
Its funny actually, when I returned the 1st brushless saw last year, I left a negative review on Home Depot's website and Ryobi reached out to be about it. I spoke with the Ryobi rep about it, voiced my concerns and they seemed like they didnt understand what the problem with a steel shoe and plastic blade guard is.
So, I guess that I will be sticking with my Masterforce for now. I know, champagne problems.

 

[Firebrick43]

for the price of cheap tools you could have already purchased a milwaukee fuel or a dewalt 60v

 

[Packard V8]

I've only ever used the old blue plastic models which came in the 18-volt kits. They're like the battery-powered toys one buys a five-year-old for Christmas. Pull the trigger, the blade spins, but it doesn't cut anything and pretty soon the battery is dead.


jack vines

 

[RivennHewn]

But, now you’re stating the obvious

 

[quickfarms]

for the price of cheap tools you could have already purchased a milwaukee fuel or a dewalt 60v

Makita

 

[Badgerstate]

for the price of cheap tools you could have already purchased a milwaukee fuel or a dewalt 60v

True. The funny thing is that I started out with a Milwaukee M12 Fuel 5 3/8" saw. It was a nice little saw but you cant do everything with the M12 line, which is why I started looking elsewhere. Not to mention the small blade size of that saw pretty much limits you to just cutting 2x4s. I suppose that if I had to cut a 4x4, I maybe could have made 4 cuts and then did the rest with a hand saw. That M12 is an awesome little saw for smaller jobs though. It is kind of overpriced for what it is though.
I would have had to buy an M18 random orbit sander to fill out my tool lineup and I just didnt want to have mostly M12 tools and then have 1 M18 batteries that I seldom ever used. I also didnt want to go with a full M18 lineup because many of the M18 tools are quite expensive.

 

[Badgerstate]

Makita

Makita tools are too overpriced. Maikita seems to really like to cash in on the notion that many seem to have that Japanese means its worth a premium (even if all that tools are made in China nowadays).
Makita does make some great tools though. At my work we still have some of the old 12v Makita impact drivers that used the torpedo batteries. Then are quite as powerful as the Milwaukee M12 impact drivers that we also have but you cant seem to kill the Makitas.

 

[Badgerstate]

I've only ever used the old blue plastic models which came in the 18-volt kits. They're like the battery-powered toys one buys a five-year-old for Christmas. Pull the trigger, the blade spins, but it doesn't cut anything and pretty soon the battery is dead.


jack vines

Ryobi's drills, impact drivers and sanders are actually quite good. I just think that they need to break down and ditch the stamped steel shoe. Theres a reason why everyone else puts aluminum or magnesium shoes on all but the cheapest budget saws. I mean, if SBD can make a Craftsman circular saw with a magnesium shoe and it only costs $60, theres no reason why Ryobi cant do the same.
I think much of it is that TTI views Ryobi as their entry-level brand and wouldnt want to do anything that would step on Milwaukee's or Ridgid's toes.
Its fine, Ive just come to realize that not every tools that Ryobi makes is great. Ive come to realize with Ryobi that sometimes its hit or miss. Some of their tools are great tools that are dirt cheap and some of their tools are dirt cheap but the engineering isnt quite there.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

My corded CM from 2002 and new Makita works great for heavy DIY. Do not have any cordless circular saws.

 

[alinc100]

Not sure how you could beat this deal right now at HD: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-1...e-7-1-4-in-Circular-Saw-Kit-XSR01PT/301282463

When you add it to your cart it becomes $249, you can then add an additional free tool and lower the cost per tool even further. I'll add a disclaimer ,as I already own several circular saws,corded and cordless I do not own this ,nor have used this saw.

 

[Bert_]

I really have no complaints about a corded circular saw. I bought one of the skill all magnesium circular saws a couple years ago.

I don't buy cordless tools unless it's almost a daily user.

 

[MarvinBerry]

I worked as a pro carpenter years ago... still moonlight for family & friends.

All cordless saws, and cheap saws basically ****. Accuracy... and more so... safety really matters here.

Good cordless is ok for a handful of cuts but if framing a deck? Plug me in. Or have a huge stash of batteries.

How much is a pro quality corded saw these days? 100 maybe $150? Get a DeWalt Makita, Milwaukee etc and it'll basically outlast you.

 

[Firebrick43]

I worked as a pro carpenter years ago... still moonlight for family & friends.

All cordless saws, and cheap saws basically ****. Accuracy... and more so... safety really matters here.

Good cordless is ok for a handful of cuts but if framing a deck? Plug me in. Or have a huge stash of batteries.

How much is a pro quality corded saw these days? 100 maybe $150? Get a DeWalt Makita, Milwaukee etc and it'll basically outlast you.

Have you used the Fuel 7-1/4"? I used to think the same thing till I tried one. Once I bought mine I never used my skill 77 again and eventually sold it. Power is equal(no problem cutting 3 sheets of 5/8 osb stacked at a time), run time with a 9amp hr battery good, and cut view/accuracy good as well

 

[dnschmidt]

Another post by a cheapskate bitching about substandard tools. Will they ever end?

 

[Badgerstate]

Not sure how you could beat this deal right now at HD: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-1...e-7-1-4-in-Circular-Saw-Kit-XSR01PT/301282463

When you add it to your cart it becomes $249, you can then add an additional free tool and lower the cost per tool even further. I'll add a disclaimer ,as I already own several circular saws,corded and cordless I do not own this ,nor have used this saw.

That isnt bad if someone wanted to get into Makita.

 

[Badgerstate]

Another post by a cheapskate bitching about substandard tools. Will they ever end?

Its not so much about being cheap as it was that I already had a bunch of Ryobi batteries. Thanks for playing though.

 

[Badgerstate]

I worked as a pro carpenter years ago... still moonlight for family & friends.

All cordless saws, and cheap saws basically ****. Accuracy... and more so... safety really matters here.

Good cordless is ok for a handful of cuts but if framing a deck? Plug me in. Or have a huge stash of batteries.

How much is a pro quality corded saw these days? 100 maybe $150? Get a DeWalt Makita, Milwaukee etc and it'll basically outlast you.

Im with you. I fully expect my Masterforce saw to outlast me and it only cost me $100. Thats my main issue with Ryobi, their cordless saws, especially the brushless ones are not cheap saws, yet they put a cheap steel shoe on them.
Like I said, when you can go out and buy a Craftsman with magnesium guards and a shoe for $59, something is very wrong in Ryobi land.

 

[CJM8515]

Ill take my corded makita Ive had for 10 years over a cordless ryobi. Unless you want to buy a better brand, go corded.

 

[MarvinBerry]

Have you used the Fuel 7-1/4"? I used to think the same thing till I tried one. Once I bought mine I never used my skill 77 again and eventually sold it. Power is equal(no problem cutting 3 sheets of 5/8 osb stacked at a time), run time with a 9amp hr battery good, and cut view/accuracy good as well

No... I'm not on the fuel platform.

Last time I used a cordless circular was a handful... maybe 5 years ago. Friends dewalt I think 18 volt? Kitchen & bath remodel. Was blowing through batteries. Saws cut fine just didn't have any staying power.

Would get an hour or two tops before a noticeable drop. Also might've been 1.5 or 2amp batts... like whatever came in the kits.

 

[M635_Guy]

No... I'm not on the fuel platform.

Last time I used a cordless circular was a handful... maybe 5 years ago. Friends dewalt I think 18 volt? Kitchen & bath remodel. Was blowing through batteries. Saws cut fine just didn't have any staying power.

Would get an hour or two tops before a noticeable drop. Also might've been 1.5 or 2amp batts... like whatever came in the kits.

I think you'd find something very different with the latest-gen of M18 Fuel saws and the higher-output cells that are now available (not just to Milwaukee of course). 500+ cuts on an 8.0Ah (750 on the 12, but that's more than I'll ever do). Powers through everything I've put it through so far - saw some testing where they were running it through boards with mulitple nails across the cut and it didn't blink (felt sorry for the blade though - lol).

I don't think any circular saw is going to do well with a 2Ah battery...

 

[dnschmidt]

I worked as a pro carpenter years ago... still moonlight for family & friends.

All cordless saws, and cheap saws basically ****. Accuracy... and more so... safety really matters here.

Good cordless is ok for a handful of cuts but if framing a deck? Plug me in. Or have a huge stash of batteries.

How much is a pro quality corded saw these days? 100 maybe $150? Get a DeWalt Makita, Milwaukee etc and it'll basically outlast you.

What nonsense. You need to watch a couple of YouTube videos where Kyle (can't remember his last name) and one other guy build giant pole buildings using solely battery powered tools (and a shitload of JGL and Kubota heavy equipment). The name of the channel I believe is Rural Renovators. Back in the days of N-m-hydride batteries your statement was true. No longer is that the case. With their new MX battery platform Milwaukee even sells a Jack Hammer.

 

[Badgerstate]

I think you'd find something very different with the latest-gen of M18 Fuel saws and the higher-output cells that are now available (not just to Milwaukee of course). 500+ cuts on an 8.0Ah (750 on the 12, but that's more than I'll ever do). Powers through everything I've put it through so far - saw some testing where they were running it through boards with mulitple nails across the cut and it didn't blink (felt sorry for the blade though - lol).

I don't think any circular saw is going to do well with a 2Ah battery...

The only problem is that is youre looking at spending about $500 for the saw and the battery. For the average DIYer, thats just not realistic when you could just get a nice corded saw that does everything that Milwaukee does, does it just as well and costs 1/5 as much.
Unless you are working in construction and need cordless because you are framing and dont have access to power without a generator, it just doesnt make sense.

 

[Badgerstate]

What nonsense. You need to watch a couple of YouTube videos where Kyle (can't remember his last name) and one other guy build giant pole buildings using solely battery powered tools (and a shitload of JGL and Kubota heavy equipment). The name of the channel I believe is Rural Renovators. Back in the days of N-m-hydride batteries your statement was true. No longer is that the case. With their new MX battery platform Milwaukee even sells a Jack Hammer.

Again though, if you are a DIYer, is having all your tools be M18 Fuel even realistic from a budget standpoint? For most people who have kids, car payments, a mortgage and a spouse to keep happy; how are they really going to spend $3K to fill out their tool collection?
Thats why I got into the M12 line at first. The tools are great quality but still pretty affordable. The only problem with the M12 line is that you have some limitations in terms of power and capacity and theres no sander, so youd need to either go corded or go with a 2nd battery platform.
Thats what, at the time, I sold all of my M12 tools and just went with Ryobi. I already had a couple batteries because when we rented, I took care of the yard and used a reel mower and a cheap little Ryobi string trimmer. I bought a Ryobi 36v mower that came with 2 4ah batteries, bought a Ryobi leaf blower that came with another 2ah battery and I was pretty deep in the Ryobi line at that point.

 

[IndyGarage]

Look at used tools. I bought my first Makita set of 18V which included a grinder, Circular saw, drill, impact and a few batteries for about $220 on Craigslist if I recall correctly. They weren't shiny and new and the impact was mostly worn out, but they all worked.

Every one of those tools would run circles around the equivalent Ryobi tools. Nothing wrong with them, but they are the cheapest consumer **** made for the IKEA assembly crowd.

 

[RedneckWelder]

No... I'm not on the fuel platform.

Last time I used a cordless circular was a handful... maybe 5 years ago. Friends dewalt I think 18 volt? Kitchen & bath remodel. Was blowing through batteries. Saws cut fine just didn't have any staying power.

Would get an hour or two tops before a noticeable drop. Also might've been 1.5 or 2amp batts... like whatever came in the kits.

In my opinion battery power tools never were suitable for heavy use (other than stuff like drills and impact drivers, and even then you still swapped batteries a lot) until the newer brushless and big battery, newer stuff came on the market.

I used to regard cordless as mostly a joke until I used the first M18 lithium battery tools and was impressed by the run time and power of them compared to the nicad tools of the time. Fast forward to the brushless Fuel and similar DeWalt and Makita lines and holy **** the difference is insane.

 

[M635_Guy]

The only problem is that is youre looking at spending about $500 for the saw and the battery. For the average DIYer, thats just not realistic when you could just get a nice corded saw that does everything that Milwaukee does, does it just as well and costs 1/5 as much.
Unless you are working in construction and need cordless because you are framing and dont have access to power without a generator, it just doesnt make sense.

Wut? I didn't pay nearly that much for it. My M18 rear-handled saw was $279 with a free 8.0Ah battery...

I already had a Makita Hypoid, which is a great circular saw... except for the cord. And it's more like half the cost of the Milwaukee.

Again though, if you are a DIYer, is having all your tools be M18 Fuel even realistic from a budget standpoint? For most people who have kids, car payments, a mortgage and a spouse to keep happy; how are they really going to spend $3K to fill out their tool collection?
Thats why I got into the M12 line at first. The tools are great quality but still pretty affordable. The only problem with the M12 line is that you have some limitations in terms of power and capacity and theres no sander, so youd need to either go corded or go with a 2nd battery platform.
Thats what, at the time, I sold all of my M12 tools and just went with Ryobi. I already had a couple batteries because when we rented, I took care of the yard and used a reel mower and a cheap little Ryobi string trimmer. I bought a Ryobi 36v mower that came with 2 4ah batteries, bought a Ryobi leaf blower that came with another 2ah battery and I was pretty deep in the Ryobi line at that point.

Dude - I don't know WTF you're talking about. I'm a DIY'er that has all Milwaukee power tools (non-yard tools anyway), have a lot of them and I'm not close to $3K. I doubt I'm at $2K, even with all of my stuff being FUEL (with the exception of the brushless M18 drill). That's across M12 and M18. Having 2 batteries has been fine, especially since I have chargers that work with both, and as much as I respect Ryobi for their price-to-value ratio and the stability of their battery, I wouldn't for a nanosecond consider giving up my Milwaukee stuff for Ryobi.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

About a month ago, I bought a Masterforce 15 amp 7 1/4" saw.

News flash … if you think Masterforce is a quality saw ... I can sell you part ownership in the Brooklyn Bridge.

 

[RAS61]

If price is an issue you could buy a used saw from a homeowner that didn't abuse it for a fraction of the price of new. I prefer a corded C-Saw since I don't use it often, and there's scores of good used ones out there for $50 or less. You also get a saw made in the USA, Japan or Swiss/Germany instead of China if that's important

 

[Bucko]

I've only ever used the old blue plastic models which came in the 18-volt kits. They're like the battery-powered toys one buys a five-year-old for Christmas. Pull the trigger, the blade spins, but it doesn't cut anything and pretty soon the battery is dead.


jack vines

I've got that same saw from a combo set. It has become my thrash saw along with the reciprocating saw (actually using the reciprocating saw the moment to cut palm fronds). The batteries are on their last legs and with most my tools being either Dewalt or Porter-Cable I ordered a $13 battery adapter to use the Dewalt 20v in the ryobi 18v tools.

 

[Coach James]

My Ryobi cordless circular saw is my go to for most plywood and dimensional lumber, usually with 1.5AmpHr batteries. Over the last two weeks I used it to make 2 shelving units and 2 work benches out of 30+ 2 x 4's, several 2 x 6's, 2 sheets of 3/8" and 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood. The ply was all ripped into 2 foot wide sections using a 2 x 4 as a cutting guide. Ended up with straight cuts and no problems.

I might be just lucky as all of my Ryobi cordless stuff has performed well, but I know other guys say it gave them too many problems.

Coach

 

[American Locomotive]

Makita tools are too overpriced. Maikita seems to really like to cash in on the notion that many seem to have that Japanese means its worth a premium (even if all that tools are made in China nowadays).
Makita does make some great tools though. At my work we still have some of the old 12v Makita impact drivers that used the torpedo batteries. Then are quite as powerful as the Milwaukee M12 impact drivers that we also have but you cant seem to kill the Makitas.

Overpriced compared to what? Their pricing isn't any different than any other premium electric tool.

 

[dante2]

About 5 years ago I needed a circular saw for a project and sent the wife to HD. I told her to get a Skil or something similar being a cheap SOB. She brought home a Makita with the magnesium shoe. At first I was not excited about how much it cost but after using it the first time I was sold. It doesn't get much use now but if I have to cut sheet goods I grab it before I will use the table saw. Anybody asks I always recommend a quality saw and stay away from the cheap stuff.

 

[PoorUB]

The only battery tools I own is a Rigid drill and impact driver set I bought ten years ago. I have been fairly impressed with them, still on the original batteries. I use them at least once a week.

I have three routers, a couple pistol drills, a HF SDS hammer drill, (which has surprised me!), a Ryobi corded circular saw that has been a great saw, but it is 30 years old, back when Ryobi made TOOLS, a Rigid mulit-tool, and I am sure there is something I forgot, but I don't believe in battery tools for the homeowner.
My point is most of us don't used the tools often enough to deal with batteries. Plus for less money you can buy a better quality corded tool than the battery powered counter part. Most of my corded tools are over 30 years old and still doing well. Talk to me about your battery tools in 30 years.
I wouldn't touch Ryobi battery tools, cheap homeowner stuff IMO. I like my Rigid battery tools, but I probably wouldn't buy them again. I would spend the extra on Milwaukee, but again the cost is prohibitive for homeowner use.

 

[dnschmidt]

Again though, if you are a DIYer, is having all your tools be M18 Fuel even realistic from a budget standpoint? For most people who have kids, car payments, a mortgage and a spouse to keep happy; how are they really going to spend $3K to fill out their tool collection?
Thats why I got into the M12 line at first. The tools are great quality but still pretty affordable. The only problem with the M12 line is that you have some limitations in terms of power and capacity and theres no sander, so youd need to either go corded or go with a 2nd battery platform.
Thats what, at the time, I sold all of my M12 tools and just went with Ryobi. I already had a couple batteries because when we rented, I took care of the yard and used a reel mower and a cheap little Ryobi string trimmer. I bought a Ryobi 36v mower that came with 2 4ah batteries, bought a Ryobi leaf blower that came with another 2ah battery and I was pretty deep in the Ryobi line at that point.

3K, you're kidding right? I've added all of my Milwaukee M18 stuff up and it's closer to 20K and that might not even cover the 30 or so M18 batteries I've got and I'm not even counting all the M12 stuff which is likely another 6-7 K.

 

[dr_clyde]

Priorities, am I right?

Motorcyle, side by side, boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, tractor, classic car, killer home theater, nice watch, all of these and more most guys here wouldn’t blink at. But recommend a few grand in nice tools and all of a sudden that’s too much to spend on a hobby??

Frankly, I don’t understand why people buy house brand ANYTHING. Just buy a good one from day 1 and be done with it. But if you can’t afford the boat AND the tools, you’ve got choices to make.

I bought a Skil mag77 worm drive saw for my corded and if I need a cordless, I’d just get a Milwaukee.

 

[M635_Guy]

3K, you're kidding right? I've added all of my Milwaukee M18 stuff up and it's closer to 20K and that might not even cover the 30 or so M18 batteries I've got and I'm not even counting all the M12 stuff which is likely another 6-7 K.

20K what? Pesos?

 

[dnschmidt]

20K what? Pesos?

U. S. American dollars. Don't believe me? Ask Fedwrench. He's been to my home.

 

[M635_Guy]

U. S. American dollars. Don't believe me? Ask Fedwrench. He's been to my home.

LoL - I think it's safe to say you're in the deep end of the pool my friend. But thank you for making me feel slightly saner with what I think of as an over-investment in Milwaukee tools (just added it up to roughly $2K, which is well-beyond what most DIY'ers would do or even consider IMHO. )

 

[budget76]

I've been quite satisfied with my refurb Ryobi 7 1/4 18v circ saw, not the new fuel one, for my uses. But I bought it cheap knowing it'd be limited and the convenience would overcome the underpoweredness. Used it for some deck work, random shop projects, etc. I am not using it to do precision work or get perfect 90*s on cuts so maybe that's why I'm happy. Love the convenience, I often grab it to cut the 2-3" branches down into fire pit length. Infinitely easier than using a chainsaw since I can use the circ one handed and hold the branch with the other.

For heavy duty cuts the corded vintage heavy worm drive comes out, but I don't have the forearms to handle it regularly. Not sure what it weighs, but it's got to be 15-20lbs

 

[PoorUB]

3K, you're kidding right? I've added all of my Milwaukee M18 stuff up and it's closer to 20K and that might not even cover the 30 or so M18 batteries I've got and I'm not even counting all the M12 stuff which is likely another 6-7 K.

Do you have a construction company to justify all this, or do you just need to attend a class?

"Hi, i am dnschimdt and I have a tool addiction!"