18V Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit with SubCompact Brushless 3 in. Multi-Material Saw and Compact Band Saw (Tools Only)

I first thought the design was flawed as the battery was getting in the way. BUT after reading someone else's review, I found out the the entire guard can rotate in 4 different angles up to about 45° to make up for this! Instantly went from a 2* to 5* product! I also hope this helps others because this is a great tool!

The Ridgid 18v band saw is a handy little saw. We use it to cut sign posts at work, I had to swap out the original blade with a Makita blade. The blade that came with the saw didnt last through one cut of sign post. Other than the blade issue this saw seems to be of high quality, it is comfortable to use, has a handy rafter hoog and onboard storage. The blade is a snap to change and easy to adjust. Over all it has replaced the recip saw for out go to cutter

EXCELLENT FOR SPECIAL APPLICATIONS; MAKES FAST, CLEAN CUTS; WELL-DESIGNED; LIGHTWEIGHT; NO BATTERY; INSTRUCTIONS LACKING — The RIDGID 18-Volt Cordless 1/2 in. Portable Band Saw (Tool-Only) cuts wood, pipe, PVC, rebar, or anything less than 2 ½" wide faster, easier, and better than any other saw that I have. It is a special-purpose saw but it is great to have for these particular applications. I was most impressed with its ability to cut rebar. I have used a hacksaw or reciprocating saw in the past, but this saw makes it so fast - unbelievable. It did not have the vibration that a reciprocating saw has. It also allowed me to make some cuts in wood that would have been impossible or very difficult with my other saws. It is fast for making cuts in PVC and pipes. It is designed so that it is easy to hold and use. It has a bright LED light to illuminate the work area when the saw is turned on. The saw has 6 speeds which may be adjusted with an easy to reach dial. A shortcoming of the instructions is the lack of a table indicating a suggested speed setting for different materials. A hex wrench which stores in the saw is included to adjust the blade tracking screws. When cutting a 1½" diameter pole, I should have moved the work stop lower so that it was touching the pole when beginning the cut. The work stop is easily adjusted but only after using the saw did its purpose of the adjustment become apparent. Again a shortcoming of the instructions. The saw has a rafter hook but no case. The instructions were written for someone who has already used the saw rather than for a new user. They do not explain clearly how to install and adjust the saw blade. When you flip the saw over, it is not on a flat level surface. Maybe this is why it is somewhat difficult installing and adjusting the blade. However, the excellent RIGID support staff compensates for that. One of the two blank pages at the end of the manual might be better used for tips for the first time user. For some reason, RIDIG does not usually include a battery with its power tools which may limit some from purchasing its products. If registered within the first 90 days with proof of purchase, it does have an unusual lifetime warranty for parts and service. Once you overcome the shortcomings of the instructions, it is a productive tool to have. It is made in China.

The Ridgid portable (cordless) band saw is simple to operate and functions as described. Ridgid 18 volt batteries are used BUT NOT INCLUDED. (Neither is a charger.) The release to change blades is easy to use and easily locks into place. The tool has variable speed capability. A bi-metal band saw blade is included. In order to qualify for the warranty you must register the product with Ridgid.

This is a great saw, worked well for my needs. I have some old pipes in my basement that I needed to get rid of. Being that they were overhead having a light bandsaw really made it less tedious. The size and weight was perfect. I was able to cut through the pipe very easily. This saw has a variable speed dial that is easy to operate. This has an LED to light the workpiece and a rafter hook. I love the grip on this saw and other Ridgid tools, feel very comfortable in my hand. This lost a star from me simply because I would like to see a 2pt actuator process to turn it on, it is easy to grab it by the handle and the next thing you know it is running. This does have a lock but having that extra safety feature would be great. Even if it something that operate with your thimb, so you can maintain a one hand operation. Overall great tool.

FREE Parts, FREE Service FOR LIFE (must register the tool) I believe that says a ton about how much Ridgid believes in this tool. I can't remember the last time a company stood by their product to that extent. Great features include variable speed dial, 2 1/2 inch cut capacity, tool less blade change (as you never have the right tool when the blade needs changed right) and a nice feature is the LED light to illuminate the piece your working on. I especially liked the rubber grips as they are very comfortable and will reduce hand fatigue. Note: This package does not come with a battery or charger but any 18v Ridgid battery will fit in the tool.

Ridgid 18v Compact Bandsaw Received product a week ago. Product arrived with no damage. Upon opening and removing from box I was amazed at the weight in the saw. Instructions were easy to follow. I was able to install blade first time, no problem. I put 4amp battery on saw. Saw weighted 10lbs which was very workable for me. The first day I used some scrap pieces of 1x6 cedar boards. I chose cedar as it cuts easier than a hardwood board such as oak. I used clamps to hold boards on my work bench for test cuts. It took a while to get the feel of how to make cuts, both straight and curved. I worked with saw for several hours until I felt comfortable the outcome. The next day, I planned a couple of 1x6 cedar boards to cut on. I used clamps again today to hold boards in place while cutting. I used stencils of numbers to make my first tests. The first test cuts were ok but by the time I got to the third test cutting I was pleased with outcome. I then used stencil to cut letters. Letters proved to be a little more difficult but by 2nd board I was pleased with results. One day 3 I felt comfortable enough to try a larger project that had planed all ready. I was going to use my floor model bandsaw for this, but I felt that I could do cuts to my satisfaction with portable bandsaw. This project called for 2x6x12 cedar boards. I cut blanks for project with my Ridgid table saw. I then drew curves on to boards. I increased the speed of blade to handle the additional load that would-be put-on saw. Took my time and let saw do the work. Took me app 3hrs to make the necessary cuts. The 2-and-a-half-inch throat kept it from binding up during the cuts. Smooth cuts that were required came out exceptionally good. Very little sanding of the curves was required to get a smooth finish. Overall, very pleased with the performance of the saw. Well built and if you follow instructions and practice before starting a project you will find this a great addition to wood working tools. I strongly recommend. 5-star rating. The Ridgid products I have, and use are, shop vac, table saw, drill driver, torque driver, multi-tool with 4 attachments, tripod clamping stand and a couple of rolling miters saw stands. All lifetime guarantees. All well-built. Recommended products to my friend many times and several have purchased tools.

I purchased this tool with a single project in mind. We were planning to install Vinyl plank flooring in our “Primary Bedroom” but naturally I wanted to try it out first. After buying a 3’’ cutting disc assortment, I tested this on door trim, #5 Rebar (⅝’’ Diameter), ½’’ PVC pipe, 7/16’’ OSB plywood and ⅛’’ Masonite Hardboard using a Ridgid 6 aH Octane battery with great success! The standard door trim was too thick to cut all the through, but it was still a clean cut. I was able to cut through the rebar with little wear and tear to the cutting disc and no stalling from the Sub-Compact, brushless motor. However, I did need to bend the rebar at the cut in order to finish cutting all the way through. Once I bent it down, I was easily able to cut the remaining ⅛’’. Cutting the rebar still made a good amount of sparks, but they are forced away from your body. The wood and plastic blade I used to cut through the OSB plywood had no issues, slow downs and did so with ease. The dust was kicked forward of the tool which kept the cutting surface free and clean of the debris. Overall, I would recommend this tool for anyone who already owns Ridgid Tools and needs to make minor cuts. Are you going to build an entire house with this tool…. No. But will you be able to complete the punch out task, do a quick remodel, avoid making an excessive trip to the saw cut station… Absolutely! Because this tool is cordless, you aren’t tied down by a cord. You can easily fit it into your tool box without adding to much bulk or weight. This will make quick jobs even faster with just as accurate cuts! Because Ridgid offers 100% compatibility on all their batteries, you do not have to worry about buying a special battery if you already own one. I will have to hand it to Ridgid on this tool, this is a tool that I didn’t know I needed until I used it.

This little saw really surprised me and in a good way. Even though it’s small and I did have doubts at first it’s had plenty of power and actually came in much more handier than I originally thought. On a flooring job I used it to cut straight lines on some tile to transition floorings and it worked out great. I did a dry cut and it went smooth and did the job. It also works really good for those flimsy plywood’s and other 1/4 inch sheets. I was able to just cut on the ground with no problems. On metal i just cut some thin metal paneling which went good as well. Obviously this saw won’t replace a true circular saw but I definitely found uses for it and more to come. It’s pretty lightweight and made well. It’s very easy to use and the blades it came with are pretty good quality. Definitely suggest use the octane batteries and run time will go far beyond expectations. I like the shoe of it or base plate because it really does help to cut straight lines. I do home remodeling so this compact saw is right up my alley. It has plenty of power but I definitely don’t say it’s like a circular saw. Definitely would recommend it. One giant thing I really liked about this is I used it to cut acrylic sheets with ease.

A compact saw with big ambitions it easily cuts a wide range of materials with the included cutting wheels – see video. It makes a mess too so safety gear is essential. The tool is nose heavy which helps in keeping the cutting wheel in contact with the workpiece. It is compatible with all Ridgid 18 volt batteries and does drain the batteries quite quickly. Clean cuts are easily achieved on flat materials but I need a bit more practice on cylindrical materials for sure. It made short work of neatly cutting 1/8 inch by two inch flat bar steel and glazed tile. A worthy inclusion to any toolbox.