New saws highlight Ridgid’s tool launch

Ridgid released several new tools in March, including a 10" granite top and 10" portable table saw. In May, the company plans to introduce a 15-gauge lithium-ion cordless finish nailer.

Jon Van Bergen, product manager for TTI, which is the original equipment manufacturer for Ridgid, says the idea behind the launch of the new saws was to revamp the product line and keep a competitive edge.

“It’s an opportunity to bring the granite material tabletop saw to a price point that previously nobody occupied. In order to get something comparable to what we’re offering with the granite table top, the entry level price usually starts at about $1,000,” he says, adding that the Ridgid version retails for $599.

Van Bergen says the primary benefit of the granite-top saw is the very low maintenance. It features a 1-1/4" thick granite table and extensions, which provides a no-rust, no-warp, vibration-reducing surface.

“It’s never going to rust like you might find with a cast-iron table top, and, over time, cast iron has a tendency to warm slightly, so you won’t have that problem with the granite either. It will always remain flat.”

The saw is an upgrade from a previous model and features a motor mounted inside the cabinet. “By bringing it inside, you reduce the belt length, which improves motor efficiency and gives more power for the same-sized motor,” says Van Bergen.

The saw also features a 1-1/2-hp induction motor, and maximum depth of cut of 3-1/8" at 90 degrees and 2-1/4" at 45 degrees. The rip capacity is 30" to the right of blade and 20" to the left.

The saw weighs 452 lbs. and is sold with a carbide-tipped blade and Herc-U-Lift mobile base.

The 10" portable table saw features a 15-amp motor, riving knife/spreader assembly, and double-duty hand wheel for height and bevel adjustments. The saw weighs 56 lbs. and sells for $299.

Ridgid’s 18-volt, 15-gauge nailer drives finish nails from 1-1/4" to 2-1/2" in length. Product manager Porter Whitmire says the goal was to produce a lightweight nailer.

“This cordless angled finish nailer is the most compact cordless nailer on the market,” he says “With a sleek design and lightweight style, the nailer powers through up to 500 nails per charge from its 1.5 amp/hour lithium-ion battery.”

The nailer features a contact or sequential fire mode selector and tool-free depth adjustment. It will sell for $299 with a battery, 20-minute charger and bag-style carrying case.

Contact: Ridgid, 400 Clark St., Elyria, OH 44035. Tel: 866-539-1710. www.ridgid.com

This article originally appeared in the April 2009 issue.