Ridgid 12" Compound Miter Saw

[rjmhotrod]

Just curious. I bought this saw (CS1250LZ) today from Home Depot because I'm working on yet another light carpentry project here at the house. I've been wanting a miter saw for quite some time now and today's purchase was kind of impulse. I liked the features (12" miter, includes leg stand, laser guide, work clamp) and the price was decent but not a steal ($289). I'm having second thoughts about the brand Ridgid and their customer service record. Thinking maybe I should have bought a Hitachi, DeWalt, Delta or Milwaukee. Anybody out there using Ridgid power tools and feel like making a comment on their reliability thus far? Please indicate how long you've owned your tool(s).

 

[Dimitrios]

I think Ridgid has made great improvements in product features and quality over the years. I'm a bit biased as well, as I work for Emerson, who also owns Ridgid.

If I were to go with anything else (not that I own a miter saw or anything), I'd go with Delta.

Where was the Ridgid made? USA?

I bought a Ryobi cordless drill a few years ago and while nice, I wish I dropped the money for a Dewalt - at least something made in the 'States and a better rep and larger torque motor.

 

[rjmhotrod]

I think Ridgid has made great improvements in product features and quality over the years. I'm a bit biased as well, as I work for Emerson, who also owns Ridgid.

If I were to go with anything else (not that I own a miter saw or anything), I'd go with Delta.

Where was the Ridgid made? USA?

I bought a Ryobi cordless drill a few years ago and while nice, I wish I dropped the money for a Dewalt - at least something made in the 'States and a better rep and larger torque motor.

The Ridgid line of tools, IIRC, are made in Germany and Taiwan. I might be wrong on that, but I'm 99.9% sure they're not made in the states. At any rate, I know I can go online and by something from Amazon or any number of other online retailers for less money, but there's just something about having it now, especially when you're in the middle of the project. I haven't even opened the box yet, so I am seriously considering returning it if I find a better deal (price and features) that I can pick up locally. That's the problem - I normally research the crap out of something like this before I buy it and I just bought this on a whim today. Not to mention my wife wasn't thrilled when I brought it home either - and rightfully so.

 

[JunkPunch]

There are VERY few power tools still made in the US. Some Delta tools (like the Unisaw) still are, but that will probably change before too long.

Ridgid stationary tools used to use Emerson motors, back when Ridgid tools were gray. Now all Ridgid tools are made by OWT (One World Technologies) in Taiwain.

 

[rjmhotrod]

There are VERY few power tools still made in the US. Some Delta tools (like the Unisaw) still are, but that will probably change before too long.

Ridgid stationary tools used to use Emerson motors, back when Ridgid tools were gray. Now all Ridgid tools are made by OWT (One World Technologies) in Taiwain.

OWT makes tools for Ryobi, Ridgid, Craftsman and another name brand I think. Seems like I read this somewhere recently.

 

[JunkPunch]

OWT makes tools for Ryobi, Ridgid, Craftsman and another name brand I think. Seems like I read this somewhere recently.

Yep. I think they make decent stuff for the price. I think it's every bit as good as the low-end Delta stuff (ShopMaster). I love the "regular" Delta stuff and have a ton of it. Although that may change soon now that they were bought by Black and Decker (B&D owns DeWalt, Delta and Porter-Cable now). But B&D has owned DeWalt for a while and DeWalt is still great stuff.

 

[Dimitrios]

I'll validate that with some internal contacts at Emerson Professional Tools tomorrow.

Emerson bought Ridgid a few years ago, so there's been some changes as to where products have been offshored and produced.

 

[rjmhotrod]

I decided to keep the saw. It seems to cut well, but the laser is useless in the middle of the day. You can't see it under bright sunshine. Plus, the laser doesn't line up exactly with your cut line. It's about 2mm off to the left. But after a couple of cuts you get used to it. Part of the reason I decided to keep this saw is because it came with a free stand. But after using it awhile yesterday, I think I like the saw better without the stand.