Ridgid SubCompact Band Saw Offers Brushless Power and Streamlined Profile
Compact band saws play an important role for many electrical and plumbing Pros thanks to their ability to make quick, and effective cuts without a ton of vibration. A few years back, we tested Ridgid’s original compact cordless band saw, and it received high praise from our team for its versatile speed and easy maneuverability. Now, I’ve got my hands on the Ridgid 18V SubCompact Brushless Band Saw to see how it stacks up to the original version. Will it make the cut? Let’s find out!
Pros
- Excellent sightline while cutting
- Easy to maneuver
- Variable blade speed
- Tool-free blade changes
- Brushless motor
Cons
- No secondary pommel grip
Ridgid Subcompact Band Saw Performance
- No-Load Speed: 0-580 SFPM
- Cut Capacity: 2-1/2 in.
- Blade Length: 30-9/16 in.
- Blade Width: 1/2 in.
- Blade Type: Bi-metal, 8-10 TPI
Making The Cut
The Ridgid SubCompact band saw sports a brushless motor that spins the 30 9/16-inch blade up to 580 SFPM. This is an effective speed for cutting a wide range of materials, including metal, PVC, aluminum, and wood. Cutting PVC and thinner metals, I typically stick closer to the top-end speed, and then drop down to lower speeds when cutting thicker, harder steels.
During my testing, I made a series of cuts in #5 rebar stock, EMT, PVC, and even wood just for kicks. The saw delivered fast, smooth, and accurate cuts using the 8-10 TPI blade that comes with it. While the stock blade is fine for the majority of cuts you need to make, you can always swap it out if you deal with specialized applications.
The Ridgid R87040 has a max cut capacity of 2-1/2 inches. That’s more than enough for tackling most electrical and industrial MRO needs. Even our friends in the plumbing field could find it helpful on smaller cuts that don’t require the capacity of a heavier deep cut model.
Variable Speed Dial
Ridgid checks off most of the right boxes with the design of this subcompact band saw. We were definitely happy to see the variable speed dial. A lot of folks tend to cut at the fastest possible speed in every material, which isn’t always recommended. I prefer to dial in the speed based on what I’m cutting to get the most out of the blade life.
Ridgid Subcompact Band Saw Design Notes
- Weight: 6.75 lbs (bare tool), 7.7 lbs (with 2.0Ah Max Output battery)
- Length: 14.3 in.
Size and Weight
The Ridgid R87040 weighs in at 6.8 pounds as a bare tool, and 7.7 pounds with the recommended 2.0Ah Max Output battery. This saw measures 14.3 inches from tip to tail, which is slightly shorter than the brushed R8604.
Ergonomics
Compared to the previous model, there are quite a few changes to the overall look of this tool. First and foremost, the battery and motor shift to the back of the tool. In spite of this, the tool still has a really nice balanced feel, which makes it easy to maneuver.
Additionally, Ridgid ditched the secondary pommel grip to make the tool a little slimmer. If you’re used to using two hands every time you make a cut with a band saw, it’s a very different feel that takes some time to get used to.
The grip is draped in Ridgid’s textured Hex-Grip overmold, increasing the overall comfort and helping you maintain a firm hold on the tool.
Blade Changes
Swapping out blades is very straightforward. Simply unlatch the blade cover, rotate the tensioner lever, and carefully slip the old blade off the pulleys. The whole process only takes a minute, plus, it’s all tool-free!
Adjustable Shoe
Like most of the portable band saws I’ve tested, the Ridgid subcompact band saw features an adjustable shoe. You have two positions to choose from, but you need to use the onboard 2.5mm hex wrench and a couple of minutes to take the screws out and change spots. The process is a little clunky at first, but this is a minor issue when you look at the bigger picture.
Additional Features
- LED work light
- Ambidextrous trigger safety
- Folding rafter hook
- Compatible with all Ridgid 18V batteries
Quick Model Comparison: R8604 VS R87040
| R8604 (old) | R87040 (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Max No-Load Speed | 680 SFPM | 580 SFPM |
| Motor Type | Brushed | Brushless |
| Blade Length | 32-7/8 in. | 30-9/16 in. |
| Bare Weight | 7.9 lbs | 6.75 lbs |
| Price | $179 | $199 |
Ridgid Subcompact Band Saw Price
The Ridgid R87040 retails for $199 as a bare tool and is backed with Ridgid’s Lifetime Service Agreement. At the moment, there are no kit options available, so be sure to pick up a battery and charger if you’re not already on their 18V platform.
The Bottom Line
The Ridgid 18V SubCompact Band Saw offers some pretty solid upgrades over their original model. Its brushless motor provides plenty of power for cutting harder materials, and the streamlined ergonomic design allows greater access into tight spaces. I do wish that the shoe adjustment was tool-free, but it’s certainly not a dealbreaker. Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and capable band saw that won’t break the bank, the Ridgid R87040 is a safe bet.
Related Content
