Ridgid Fiber Cement Saw Review
Ridgid Model R3401 5″ Fiber Cement Saw with AirGuard Technology
Over the last 6 months we’ve been testing the Ridgid 5″ Fiber Cement Saw with AirGuard Technology on a commercial building project. The project including installing roughly 10,000 sq. feet of fiber cement panel siding. The project required very detailed cuts around windows, doors, and flashing details. The following is my review of this fiber cement saw.
Features
- Best in Industry for cutting HardiePlank®, HardieBacker®, Fiberock® & DuRock® boards and James Hardie fiber cement siding
- AirGuard™ Technology Dust Collecting System captures up to 90% of HARDIE® Board dust. Up to 95% efficient on other materials: slate, granite, marble, tile, & ceramic
- Fuego™ – Fastest.Lightest.Most Compact in the Industry
- Powerful 8 Amp motor in a compact design – for cutting through fiber cement board quickly and easily
- Lightweight Magnesium Upper/Lower Guard & Base – for less user fatigue during extended use
- Spindle Lock – for easy and quick blade changes
- Tool-less Bevel – for making up to 45° cuts
- Overmold Grip – for maximum user comfort
- Dust Sealed Gear Box Design – for optimal performance in dusty environments
- Lighted Plug – to easily identify live tools
- Includes a premium 5 inch Fiber Cement Diablo® Blade $29.97 Value
- Backed by RIDGID® Lifetime Service Agreement – FREE parts, FREE service for LIFE
Specifications
- Motor: 120 V AC, 8 Amp
- No Load Speed: 9,250 RPM
- Blade Diameter: 5 in.
- Arbor Size: 5/8 in.
- Cutting Capacities: 1-3/16 in. @ 90°
- 1-1/16 in. @ 45°
- Weight: 7.4 lbs.
- Includes: R3400 Fiber Cement Saw with blade wrench, 5 in. Diablo® fiber cement blade, 8 ft. hose, bucket filter, bucket clamp, and operator’s manual
How The R3401 Performed
The crew has been using this saw for 6 months and it’s still working great. We’ve literally cut hundreds of feet of fiber cement with it and never had a single problem. Once again the folks at Ridgid have designed and manufactured a really tough, powerful tool that’s built to withstand the rigors of commercial construction.
Prior to using this saw we’ve always used circular saws with all kinds of different blade types for cutting fiber cement. The results were always the same; extremely dusty operation and a costly affair with all the blades we used up. I’m happy to report that those days are over now that we’ve been using the Ridgid R3401 Fiber Cement Saw.
Not only does the saw cut through fiber cement wonderfully but it cured both of the previous issues we were having while cutting cement siding.
First of all the AirGuard technology works really well. In a nutshell the saw has fans built into it that help push the dust through the dust collection hose and into a 5 gallon bucket. Basically this means that there is no need for a vacuum in order to collect the dust. Ridgid claims a 90% collection rate which I had no way of proving but I’d say it’s at least 75% or more. The bottom line is the dust collection system works quite well.
By using smaller 5″ blades the saw seems to be able to cut the material more efficiently and create less wear and tear on the blades (compared to when we used to cut with 7-1/4″ blades on a circular saw). We’ve only used two blades on the entire project which I thought was really great.
Final Thoughts
If you cut fiber cement siding for a living I highly recommend you check this saw out. It’s very powerful, easy to use, accurate and best of all helps significantly reduce harmful cement dust. Priced at just $169 I think it’s a great value. You can buy this saw from The Home Depot in a store or Online Here
8 Amp 5 in. Fiber Cement Circular Saw R3401.
About the author
Todd Fratzel
Todd Fratzel is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz, and the President of Front Steps Media, LLC, a web based media company focused on the Home Improvement and Construction Industry.He is also the Principal Engineer for United Construction Corp., located in Newport, NH. In his capacity at United he oversees the Residential and Commercial Building Division along with all Design-Build projects.He is also the editor of Home Construction & Improvement.
7 Comments
Leave a comment
Disclosure
Product reviews on this site contain our opinion of a product or service. We will always strive for objectivity and transparency in our reviews. Our goal is to provide readers with honest, objective information based on our own experiences. We never have and never will accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Many of the products that we review are provided to us for free by a manufacturer or retailer. In some cases, we also have advertising or affiliate relationships with manufacturers and retailers of products and services we review. For additional information please visit our additional disclosure policies.
I used this saw when put fiber cement siding on my own house. Worked great. The only thing I wish it had was the non-marring composite shoe like the 6 1/2″ Ridgid framing saw. I just covered the shoe with painters tape.
That’s an interesting idea. I have a feeling the thought is most cement products are painted afterwards. Although there are lots of pre-finished products on the market now.
Yeah we were using the Color Plus pre-painted stuff from James Hardie. They wanted to get some exposure so it was donated.
I’m sure the metal shoe wears better than a composite would. Did you notice any visible wear after going through that much material?
Not at all, the saw still runs like new. We cut all kinds of material with it.
I am looking to buy this tool but cannot find anyone who sells it. I know your review is 12 years old however, does Ridgid still have them? Unable to find it at Home Depot or any other dealer in the US or Canada. Can you give any advice? Thank you Linda Fletcher.
I am looking for replacement parts. In particular the connector from the machine to the vacuum attachment.
Try theses guys – Ive had great luck https://www.ereplacementparts.com