RIDGID R45101 10” Jobsite Table Saw Review
RIDGID 15-Amp 10 in. Heavy-Duty Portable Table Saw with Stand
Ridgid R45101 Table Saw
Manufacturer: Ridgid
Model number: R45101
Price: $499
Power source: 115 V
Weight: 98 lb
So, does this RIDGID portable jobsite table saw win second place? It very well might, as it incorporates a lot of the features I’ve come to rely on in my cabinet saw into a transportable contractor saw. And I don’t have to ask for permission from my doctor before I move it!
Features of the RIDGID R4510 10” Table Saw
- 15 amp motor / up to 4,400 RPM
- 10” inch blade
- Tool-free blade guard system
- Micro just rip fence: has 12 inches to the left and 25 inches to the right for cutting wide materials
- Cut depth: Maximum 2 ¼ inches at 45 degrees and 3 ½ inches at 90 degrees
(You’ll also see this saw listed as model #R4510. I checked with RIDGID, it’s the same saw.)
Video Overview of the RIDGID R45101 Portable Jobsite Table Saw:
Take a look at the video and then we’ll look at the saw in more depth:
Of course I want the saw to make accurate cuts, and this saw does, but aside from that, my favorite feature is the TSUV. I had no idea what that was either, but stands for Table Saw Utility Vehicle. I considered taking it out off-roading, but instead I took it to the jobsite and realized that this particular feature is the key to this saw being so portable. I’ve worked with numerous contractor saws, but none that have had a stand that sets up this fast or easy. In less than 5 seconds I was set up and ready to cut.
The TSUV stand is very easy to use.
Tour the saw:
So now that the saw’s set up, let’s talk about some of the well-designed built-in features. If you choose to take your blade guard off for some applications, this saw has convenient on-board sRtorage for the “modular blade guard system” which consists of the blade guard, anti-kickback pawls, and blade-change wrenches.
The blade guard assembly and the wrenches store neatly out of the way.
The power switch on a table saw is very important to me. A lot of times I’m wrangling larger pieces of material and nobody wants to fumble around to find or use the switch. This one is easy to use, right where you’d expect it to be, and it features a lock-out key for added safety. I also was pleased with the ease of use on the blade adjustment controls. The adjustment wheel is micro-adjustable and it controls both blade height and bevel. I did have to fiddle with the wheel a bit to get used to it, but once you do it’s a piece of cake.
The power switch and knob controlling blade height and bevel are easy to access.
Accessory storage on a portable saw like the R45101 can sometimes be tricky, but RIDGID has got this under control. The rip fence, miter gauge, and push stick all tuck away and stay put securely when the saw is being used.
Miter gauge storage
A small detail, but one that always seems to be an issue when I’m moving tools from one jobsite to another, is the power cord storage. The 6’ cord wraps neatly around the back of the saw, which is also where the dust port is located. I do have one complaint about the dust port and that is it gets clogged easily when larger slices of wood find their way into the cabinet. But it also cleans easily, so in the scheme of things, it’s not that big of a complaint.
Power cord storage
Saw in Use:
I really did enjoy using this saw. There were no issues with the rip fence shifting, even when cutting larger, heavy stock. This is a vast improvement over portable saws I’ve used in the past.
The fence is rock solid in my opinion.
And the “loving tap” I give the fence with the side of my fist when using the micro-adjustment dial is probably just an old habit.
I still bump it, but the micro-adjustment dial is easy enough to use.
One of the problems with many of the table saws on the market is that if you remove the safety devices: the riving knife, blade guard, and anti-kickback prawns, they rarely go back on the saw because of the difficulty of installation. Obviously, we advise you to follow all safety precautions and recommendations from the manufacturer, but if you do find yourself in a position to remove said devices, in about 30 seconds you can have all 3 installed or uninstalled. So there is no need to leave them off permanently. Nice job RIDGID engineers!
Riving knife adjustment mechanism
The blade guard and anti-kickback pawls are easily installed or uninstalled with the push of a button.
I used this saw on a deck install to rip deck boards and 2x lumber. I found the results to be near-perfect. As far as shop applications, I’ve cut plywood to size and again found the results to be accurate and the cuts to be smooth.
RIDGID R45101 Table Saw Final Thoughts
Overall, after testing the table saw both on the job site and in the shop, I think this saw is a lot of bang for the buck. You’ll find features that normally come with a higher price tag, and they were all thoughtfully executed.
I got clean cuts even when using the stock blade.
I always see what negative comments are made in user reviews online to see if these flaws happen in my testing, or if I can make them happen. I did read a couple of comments about the motor burning out quickly, but the test unit that I received showed no indication of that so far. Maybe dust collection was not used in those cases, I don’t know.
I do know this: a contractor that I regularly work with has owned the previous generation to this RIDGID saw for years. He was quite impressed with the upgrades and the performance of this saw even though he still likes and uses its predecessor. I might have to keep my eye on this saw, or one day I may see his truck pulling out of my driveway with a big orange tool strapped in the bed.
About the author
Brad Staggs
Trained as a carpenter, Brad has been around tools and the construction industry most of his life. He combined his career goal of having a TV show with his knowledge of how-to, when he was selected to host DIY Home Repair & Remodeling. In addition, he has been the featured Home Improvement Expert on several HGTV programs. He created DIY Cool Tools as a sales tool for the network and was co-Executive Producer of DIY Tools & Techniques.His combined knowledge of tools, home improvement, and broadcasting are evident in his current role of Contributing Writer & Video Producer for ToolSkool.com. He co-created the website with his business partner, Beth Knott. After years of producing content for others, they decided to build something that could highlight their individual skills.
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I have the Rigid tABLE saw 2nd motor burned up 2 day great saw body and features . Bad motors.
Hi, my name is Richard Rodriguez, I saw this model at Home Depot and in the specs. states it expands 26-1/2″ and in your video, you state it expands only to 22 1/2″.
I was getting ready to purchase it because of the 26″ since I need to cut a 24″ width. Also, there is no mention about dado cut capability, Please enlighten me. Thank you
The current specs online say it will rip 25 inch to the right.
I know this is a long shot, but would anyone happen to have a rip fence for this model? I bought one as is and forgot to look to see if there was a rip fence and now I am stuck clamping a 2×4 to make cuts; inaccurate to say the least. I would be willing to pay handsomely for it!!
I have one that I can sell
Send a note to rigid. They will give you the part number for the specific saw model you have.
I got one of these as a gift however it was missing a few parts or more than a few how can I get replacement parts.
Just bought a good looking used one, no manual, excellent Video Mel
I have the 45101 and loved it. However, I have lost the riving knife in a move to new house. I haven’t been able to locate a replacement riving knife on web.
Does anyone have a suggestion.
Peace,
Gonna be tough….have you tried to see if another version will fit it?
I have a email into Ridgid’s customer support.