Tool Box Buzz

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 7-1/4″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Model PBT01B)

Ryobi Cordless 7 1/4" Miter Saw

4/5

Manufacturer: Ryobi
Model number: PBT01B
Power source: Cordless
Motor size: 18V (Li-Ion)
Weight: 25 lbs (bare tool)

When I got the chance to test out another of the Ryobi ONE+ 18V tools it was an easy yes. After all, I’ve had good luck over the past with with the ONE+ 18V line-up and the Ryobi Cordless 7 1/4″ Miter Saw (PBT01B) was no different. I used it to complete a floor molding job as well as cut some 2×4’s for rough framing. I’d usually use my circular saw but saw another chance to put the PBT01B to the test. Below are some key takeaways and a couple recommendations.

Specifications & Features | Ryobi Cordless 7 1/4″ Miter Saw (PBT01B)

Specifications:

• Blade Size: 7 1/4 inch
• Motor Type: 18V Brushless
• RPM Range: 0-3600
• Bevel Angle: 0-45°, Left Tilt
• Miter Stops: 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45° (L/R, 10 total)
• Max Cut: 2 x 10″ (nominal)
• Dust Port: 1 1/4″ O.D.
• Weight: 25 lbs (bare tool)

Features:

• Brushless motor for less maintenance and longer battery life
• Includes a 40-tooth Carbide-tipped blade, blade wrench, dust bag
• Up to 800 cuts per charge (9.0 Ah HP Battery)
• Integrated left or right adjustable work clamp
• Dual-side carrying handles
• Machined cast in miter scale

Power & Performance

The PBT01B Miter Saw had respectable power for an 18V cordless saw. I was pleased especially since I absolutely prioritize weight and function over power for a 7 1/4″ miter saw. Some PROs want every saw to take on the toughest LVL, but it’s important to ask if the tool fits the task. I wanted the PBT01B Miter saw for a lightweight and portable jobsite saw that was capable of precisely tackling 90% of the tasks I need a saw for: cutting trim and molding, for precision fitting of framing, or quickly cutting floor panels and planks. If I need a bigger saw I’ve got my 12″ miter saw on standby. But who wants to lug that up to the 3rd floor on a jobsite? Not me!

The bevel, miter, and sliding components performed flawlessly for the couple days the saw lived on the jobsite. I found that the miter stops were especially useful and more than accurate enough for finish trim. The bevel action worked smoothly but the position indicator marker was made of plastic and secured by a single Phillips head screw. On one occasion I accidently bumped the indicator marker and knocked it out of alignment. I will say that it located in a somewhat protected position on the back of the saw head, but this saw is meant to be portable. And the chance of bumping saw components is much greater when loading, unloading, or carrying the saw around.

The PBT01B sports very good battery life. It is listed at 900 cuts on a single 9Ah battery and that seemed on par with my experience. I loaded a 4Ah battery into the saw and estimated that i did around 200 cuts and used 2 of the 4 battery bars. Again, I didn’t use this tool for every job but used it enough to know that the batteries held up well.

Ergonomics & Overall Design

I really liked the ergonomics of the Ryobi PBT01B. And it helps that I’m right handed. If you are left handed (or have looked at any miter saws) then you are familiar with the right side mounted operating design. I don’t knock Ryobi at all for this as it’s the industry standard, but the location and design of the 2-step safety switch make this saw very tough for left handed users to operate.

At 25 lbs, this saw was a breeze to carry. I also appreciate the side-mounted handles. While top mounted handles are a plus because they allow you to single-handedly carry a miter saw, they also make it difficult to walk without kicking the saw. I was ok with this trade off, but wouldn’t have minded having a top-mounted carry handle as well. And some owners may grabb the lowering arm guide or dual-sliding guides to “top-carry” the saw. This will greatly increases the chance of breaking critical components.

I found the fence very easy to adjust and well paired with the saw cut height. Again, experienced users may think the fence is low (at 1 1/2″) compared to any larger miter saws they might be familiar with. But with a limited vertical cutting capacity of 2 1/2″, I found the fence height to be more than adequate. The bigger issue was trying to cut standard 4″ trim in the vertical position. It hits the saw motor housing. And while the operator can adjust the bevel to make a 45 degree corner cut (for example), that takes up precious time.

The last ergonomic feature I liked was the ease of blade changing. the saw includes a detent button just to the left of the trigger handle assembly for single-tool blade changes (Allen wrench included). The button was large enough to easily press. It was also located in a comfortable position, which is not something I can say for other miter saws I’ve used.

Safety Features

As I previously mentioned, the PBT01B has a 2-part safe trigger design. This is another industry standard feature. In order to operate the saw, you must pull back a small level before pulling the trigger. The lever is placed for on the right-handed thumb side of the trigger handle assembly. It worked well and the large, hand-formed trigger was easy to press and hold.

The PBT01B is also designed with an integrated and automatic electronic blade brake. It worked well and ensured the blade stopped in approx. 3 seconds or less throughout the test period. This is again an industry standard and one that exists for good reason. I had no complaints about the design or operation of this feature.

Next up is the adjustable hold down clamp. It has a diamond etcher design to secure in the receiving hole. It is easy to remove and switch to the other side. But the overall quality didn’t make me think it will hold up over time. It is made of lightweight aluminum and the handle at the top is made of plastic. I tilted the post backwards while tightening to get it to catch and was able to apply an adequate amount of pressure. But it feels like the embedded nut in the plastic handle isn’t the most durable design.

The last safety feature to highlight is the dust collection port, as inhaling dust over a prolonged period is terrible on your lungs. The Ryobi PBT01B did not have great dust collection. First, the port is designed to fit a smaller shop vac (1 1/4″). This makes sense since a portable shop is usually used with a highly portable vacuum. But the height above the cutting surface and the small flared opening, combined with the smaller vacuum, help the dust collection back.

Final Thoughts | Ryobi Cordless 7 1/4″ Miter Saw (PBT01B)

Overall I really liked the Ryobi Cordless 7 1/4″ Miter Saw (model PBT01B). While the overall design is not durable enough to make this saw a jobsite staple, it wasn’t designed that way. For the proficient homeowner or weekend warrior this saw is more than enough. It offers a solid mix of good performance, great battery life, comfortable ergonomics in an affordable plug-and-play package. If you are in the market for a miter saw for light use, you should absolutely look at the PBT01B Miter saw before making a purchasing decision. And if you already own other Ryobi ONE+ 18V tools then this purchase is a no brainer.

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