Ridgid Granite Table Cabinet Saw?

[Matthew Schenker]

Good Morning,
I don't know how I missed this before.  But the other day I was shopping at Home Depot, and as I passed by the tool section my eye detected something odd.  Got a little closer, and indeed...there is was.  A Ridgid cabinet saw with a granite table!  The cost: just $600.  Very interesting.

Has everyone seen these?  Does anyone here own one?  What are your thoughts on this?

I've been satisfied with the Ridgid products I have bought -- including a bench-top table saw -- so I'm very curious about this.

Here's a link for more information: http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R4511-Table-Saw/EN/index.htm

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[woodshopdemos]

Matthew,
  I had read about it but not seen it yet. I hadnt considered it but now may buy two. Their granite tops are cheaper than the kitchen quote I am getting. When I redo my kitchen I may be the first person with dual miter gages...I am sure my wife will find a special use.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

John,
I see an interesting concept here: let's call it the "integrated kitchen saw."  The blade rises up out of the counter top, or sinks below when you need a continual surface (granite insert provided for those times when the saw is not in use).

Imagine -- cutting meat, bread, whatever right next to the sink.

Here's the marketing copy, which can run simultaneously in Fine Woodworking and Gourmet (saves money on advertising!):
Impress your foody friends, and the carpenter next door.

Now we just need a photo...
The scene...A high-end kitchen, a bunch of well-dressed people standing around, wine glasses in hand (except for the carpenter who is wearing a T-shirt, holding a tape measure, and whose hair is full of sawdust), all watching a woman in an apron as she pushes a fillet mignon over the saw blade with a huge smile.

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[mwhafner]

Matthew,

I don't have any experience with the Ridgid model, but have a couple of friends with the Steel City Granite tops.  Both have had them since they first hit the streets, and have not had any issues so far.  My main concern would be warping, and so far that hasn't been an issue on theirs. 

Looks like a pretty good setup for the price. 

 

[woodshopdemos]

Matthew, very good, but misplaced creativity. You could have at least woven SawSTop ad theme into it "...also protects against nicked hot dogs."

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Good Afternoon,
I was in Home Depot again today (I've been in there a lot since I'm remodeling a bathroom), and took a closer look at the Ridgid Granite Table Saw.  I ran it through whatever paces I could without power.

It also has a splitter that rises and falls with the blade.  Not technically as good as a riving knife, but a very welcome improvement, something I had been hoping to see on Ridgid saws for a while.

All in all, from my general but still superficial look, this saw seems very interesting.

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[Rob Z]

I haven't seen that model on display at any of the HD's that I frequent.  For the price, it sure looks interesting.  My portable TS is a Ridgid, and it works well for what we need for it to do.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I've not looked at one but reading the web page I see it only has a 1.5 hp motor. That's a little wimpy but for the price what more can you expect. I hope it can fit a after market fence.

 

[mastercabman]

I've not looked at one but reading the web page I see it only has a 1.5 hp motor. That's a little wimpy but for the price what more can you expect. I hope it can fit a after market fence.

Yes,but it is a induction motor.For that,1.5 Hp is not too bad.I would worry about the granite,especially if it come from China.
Granite can crack pretty easy and i did get to see the saw at HD.Looks kind of thin(granite) to me.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Yes,but it is a induction motor.For that,1.5 Hp is not too bad.I would worry about the granite,especially if it come from China.
Granite can crack pretty easy and i did get to see the saw at HD.Looks kind of thin(granite) to me.

Interesting comments.  This is the first granite table saw I've seen "in person," so I don't have a comparison in mind.  But I was wondering about cracking or chipping issues.

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[Hergy]

This saw would more correctly be termed a hybrid rather than a full blown cabinet saw. The 1.5 hp is fairly consistent with the Delta, Steel City, etc. hybrids. They seem to range between 1.5 to 1.75 hp. I would think that one of the advantages would be better dust collection. A more compact base with no motor hanging out the back is also a plus. I saw the new Ridgid at HD the other day and after a cursory look I must say it was impressive. The $599 price tag also is not bad. I have an older Ridgid saw about 9 years old and it has been a very good performer and I paid about $500 for it  9 years ago. The only negative I have read about the granite top dealt with the miter slot. Seems that some yahoos found it good sport to pull the miter gage part way out of the slot and then push down raising the miter bar with lock washer attached, thus chipping the granite. My personal feeling is that under "normal use" the granite would be superior to the steel. It sure works for countertops. It's dead flat, doesn't warp or rust. After seeing the Ridgid I noticed an ad in one of the WW mags for the Steel City version. It is a dead ringer for the Ridgid including the fence. I wonder if perhaps Orion has something to do with the Ridgid Saw?