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RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP 6-1/2″ TRACK SAW PTS01K

RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP BRUSHLESS 6-1/2" TRACK SAW

3/5

Manufacturer: Ryobi
Model number: PTS01K
Price: 399.00
Power source: 18 Volt
Motor size: 4300 RPM

Ryobi 18V Track Saw

The Ryobi 18v track saw features a brushless motor, a 6-1/2” blade and when equipped with a 4.o Ah battery, it has a runtime of 65 crosscuts of cutting per charge by crosscutting ½” OSB plywood. The Ryobi track saw will provide users on the Ryobi battery platform the ability to make precise, accurate, and efficient cuts without the need for a table saw.

Ryobi 18V Track Saw | Specifications

• Blade size: 6-1/2 in.
• Arbor: 5/8 in.
• Track: 2 x 27.5 in (included)
• Cut capacity w/track (90°): 1-15/16 in.
• Cut capacity w/track (45°): 1-7/16 in.
• 90° cut capacity (no track): 2-1/8 in.
• 45° cut capacity (no track): 1-9/16 in.
• Bevel capacity: -1° to 48°
• Track adjust and anti-tip adjustments
• Adjustable depth control knob
• Speed: 4,300 RPM
• Dust Port: 1-1/4 and 1-7/8 in.
• Warranty: 3-year limited

First Impression | Track Saw and Track

The first thing I noticed was the packaging. It was short, and I was expecting a long track. After opening the package, I realized that there were two 27.5” tracks, and when combined made a 55-inch track. I’m assuming Ryobi did this for packaging, transport, and store display reasons. My thoughts are that most folk will assemble the track and leave assembled at 55-inches.

The fit and finish on this saw screams DIY, there is a ton of plastic used in the construction of this saw, and even the base plate is plastic. Upon further inspection, the tool seems durable, but the saws adjustment knobs are not as robust as I’d prefer to see. The plunge mechanism is smooth and easy to use, and the track is solid and very well made.

The saw does not come with a variable speed motor and puts out 4300 RPMs, which is a bit lower than most of the track saws on the market.

Ryobi 18V Track Saw Features

The Ryobi has comparable features to other higher-end saws, like track tension/adjusters and an anti-tip mechanism. The depth lock knob is clear and straightforward but does not slide easily.

The blade and riving knife can be removed easily, with an onboard Allen wrench. A second, onboard Allen wrench handles the track connection screws.

The Ryobi Tracks

The Ryobi track has robust, well-made track sections, that feature heavy-gauge aluminum construction and are very stiff with little give. The track saw kit comes with 2 separate 27.5 inch tracks to equal a 55-inch track. Two connectors approximately 12″ long connect the two tracks. The connecting rods and corresponding slots have enough play that the track can be aligned perfectly by the user, instead of relying on it being true from the factory.

I found it best to use a level to connect the two tracks. Once everything was tightened up, the saw slid over the seam with no issue. The Ryobi 18v track saw, and the track are NOT compatible with other saws or tracks.

IMPORTANT NOTE: prior to using the saw for cutting you first must make a sacrificial cut to remove the excess rubber off track. This makes it so the track lines up with the saw blade.

Using the Ryobi 18V Track Saw

In use, the saw had plenty of power for the ¾” Birch plywood I was cutting. The Ryobi 18v track saw has a depth of cut capacity on the track of 1-15/16” when set at 90° and 1-7/16 in. when set at a 45° bevel. The bevel capacity can be adjusted from -1° to 48°.

The depth of cut, anti-tip, track adjustment, and -1 bevel degree lever is plastic and as a result, is not smooth to operate. This is certainly one area Ryobi could improve on.

I connected the saws dust port to my shop vacuum and it collected dust well but could benefit from a swivel to avoid the hose getting caught on the track. The port fits hose diameters from 1-1/4 and 1-7/8 in.

Price

If you’re already using Ryobi tools and have batteries, the saw + track kit is a screaming bargain at $329. There’s no way you can get a track saw, and track at that price point.

1. The Ryobi PTS01B includes: 6-1/2″ track saw, 40T carbide-tipped blade, (2) 27.5-in. tracks, (2) track connection bars, riving knife, track clamp, blade wrench, track wrench, PTS01B (TOOL-ONLY): MSRP: $329
2. The Ryobi PTS01K includes: 6-1/2″ track saw, 40T carbide-tipped blade, (2) 27.5-in. tracks, (2) track connection bars, riving knife, track clamp, blade wrench, track wrench, 18V 4Ah HP battery, charger, (KIT) MSRP: $399
3. A 2-track kit costs $79.00

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi 18v track saw is a good entry point track saw with an outstanding track. Its positioned perfectly for DIY folks on the Ryobi battery platform or for someone wanting to make more accurate cuts, without a table saw.

This saw is not in the same class as many of the pro-grade saws on the market, but its price sure got our attention, and it’s going to give users the accuracy of a table saw in a handheld form.

In my opinion, this saw is going to appeal to many DIY and hobbyists for a few reasons; first, it takes up less space than a table saw, is way safer, and is easier to use. Lastly, it’s the perfect solution for someone who’s afraid to use a table saw or has never touched one before.

Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP 6-1/2″ CORDLESS TRACK SAW Video Review

4 Comments

1. Oleg K

   September 3, 2022 at 12:14 am

   I like ryobi and buy their vacuums, area lights but I’d never purchase something as important as a track saw from them, not unless I want the world to know that I’m keen on wasting time in my garage and approach construction as a DIY’er and not a professional. I wonder if there is a single seasoned framer who uses ryobi tools exclusively, haven’t seen one yet.

   Reply
   1. Todd Fratzel

      September 7, 2022 at 3:33 pm

      Oleg – They are not marketing to PRO’s. This is being marketed to DIY’s, and maybe a PRO that seldom uses the tool.

      Reply
2. Hollis Taylor

   December 21, 2022 at 8:10 am

   Do you feel like the included track is long enough? Or will some/many projects require buying extra track?

   Reply
   1. Todd Fratzel

      December 21, 2022 at 5:43 pm

      Hollis – Really depends on the type of projects you typically do. It’s long enough to cross cut 48″ sheet goods and that’s a pretty good range of products. But you can add on as you need more length

      Reply

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