Ridgid 18V Cordless Track Saw Review

Take The Cordless Plunge With Ridgid’s 18V Cordless Track Saw

The Ridgid 18V cordless track saw responds to a request from Ridgid users that have been pining for one ever since Ryobi successfully launched its version in 2022. Now that it’s here, was it worth the wait? We got our hands on one to find out!

Ridgid 18V Cordless Track Saw Performance

Like most track saws, Ridgid sticks with a 6 1/2-inch blade diameter. Its brushless motor pairs best with a Max Output battery and kicks the blade up to 5000 RPM to help you achieve clean cuts. We recommend going with the 6.0Ah Max Output battery. The 8.0Ah pack is another solid bet.

Of course, you can use any Ridgid 18V battery, but the Max Output packs give you the best performance and the higher capacity packs keep the runtime at better levels. For reference, you can expect about 370 linear feet of cutting on a 6.0Ah Max Output battery.

Unlike we saw on Milwaukee’s model, there’s no variable speed selection for Ridgid’s R48630.

The trigger safety is a design that’s different from what you may expect. Instead of using an ambidextrous push-in or push-down switch to the side of the handle, it’s a button that sits on top. Simply slide it forward to release the trigger and plunge action.

The plunging action is a smooth experience and as the blade extends, a riving knife descends, helping prevent material from pinching against the blade or causing kickbacks.

When you’re using a rail, there’s an adjustable cam mechanism to help you dial in a precise cut with a smooth track glide. We used the rails that Ridgid includes in the package and got an accurate fit and the smooth gliding action you need for quality woodworking projects.

Ridgid 18V Cordless Track Saw Design

Weight

Weight isn’t a huge concern for track saws. Even though you have to carry them to the cutting location, a bit of weight actually helps. Still, Ridgid turns to magnesium to keep the weight lower. Without a battery, the weighs 8.9 pounds. With the 6.0Ah Max Output battery we used, you’re looking at 10.5 pounds.

Dust Port

Ridgid’s dust port is interesting in that it has detents to click into as it rotates. When you have a hose attached, it holds its position well.

Ridgid doesn’t include a dust collection bag, so plan on using a vacuum unless you’re cutting outside. You can use a 1 7/8-inch or 1-1/4-inch hose without needing adapters.

Blade Height

You can cut up to 2 1/4 inches deep with the Ridgid 18V cordless track saw. With a track, your max cut is a little less at 2 1/8 inches. 45° cuts top out at 1 5/8 inches or 1 1/2 inches if you’re using a track.

Adjusting the depth is very easy. Press the button on the orange depth gauge stop, slide it to the depth you want for your cut, and then release the button. When you make your plunge, it will stop where you set the indicator.

Note that there are two depth scales. The orange scale is for cutting without a rail and the white scale is for when you’re cutting with one.

Thanks to a reverse contrast color scheme, the markings for both depth and bevel angle are very easy to see.

Bevel Adjustments

The bevel range is from – 1° to 47° and most importantly, there are stops at 22.5° and 45°. To adjust the bevel, you need to loosen the orange knobs on the front and back of the saw first. You can feel the 22.5° stop as you come across it. A switch at the front set the final stop at either 45° or 47°.

Blade Changes

The blade change is a multi-step process that’s pretty easy once you’ve done it a time or two. First, flip the lever under the secondary handle up and plunge the saw forward until it locks in the down position. There’s an icon with a lock and a wrench to remind you which position to have it in for blade changes.

In addition to giving you access to the blade, that lever position also locks out the trigger so there’s no possibility you can accidentally activate the saw. Still, it’s always a good idea to remove the battery before you start messing with the blade.

Now that you have access to the arbor, grab the blade wrench (it and the rail wrench store at the back of the saw), press the spindle lock button (behind the blade change lever switch), and loosen the arbor nut.

Add the blade you want to use and reverse the process to finish up. Ridgid includes a 40T general-purpose blade to get you started.

Additional Highlights

Blade view via window on the guard
Anti-tip rail lock

Specifications

Model: Ridgid R48630
Power Source: Ridgid 18V battery (Max Output highly recommended)
Blade Diameter: 6 1/2 inches
No-Load Speed: 5000 RPM
Max Cutting Depth: 2 1/4 inches
Weight: 8.9 pounds bare

Ridgid 18V Cordless Track Saw Price

The R48630 is available as a bare tool for $399. Well, “bare” is a bit of a misnomer in this case. With the saw, you also get two 27.5-inch tracks (55 inches total), connectors for the tracks, a track clamp, a blade wrench, a rail wrench, and a 40T blade.

As usual, Ridgid has a 3-year warranty on the tool that upgrades to a lifetime service agreement when you register your purchase within 90 days.

Buy at Home Depot

Ridgid Track Saw Guide Rails

Even though Ridgid includes the two 27.5-inch rails, you might want a different length or a single piece or another set of what you already have. The saw doesn’t fit other brands’ tracks, so you’ll need to stick with what Ridgd offers. Here’s what’s available:

60-inch guide rail: $99.00
2 x 27.5-inch guide rails (55 inches total): $89.00
2 x rail clamps: $45.00

Ridgid Track Saw Blades

At the time we’re writing, Ridgid’s circular saw blade selection primarily focuses on framing blades. For the track saw, Milwaukee makes some excellent blades that we recommend when it’s time to replace the stock blade or if you need something other than a 40T.

The Bottom Line

Ridgid’s entry into the cordless track saw class is a big success in our eyes. The performance is where it needs to be and by not having some of the bells and whistles that Milwaukee and Festool do, Ridgid is able to keep the price down and offer a higher value by including tracks with your purchase. While the additional features on high-end saws are nice to have, we don’t believe most users will miss them once they start using Ridgid’s track saw.