Work(shop) in Progress #6: New Table Saw : Unpacking and Assembly of Ridgid R4511

That’s a nice looking saw.

They sure did a good job of packing it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a steel frame like that.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Dang that’s a pretty saw! Serious tool envy here. So have you figured out what you are going to do with that steel frame? There has to be a tool stand or something that will come of it.

Look forward to you continued description of how this works for you.

-- Gary, South Central Wisconsin. So much to learn, so little time!

Looks like a nice saw, I have a TS3650 and really like it that there are improvements made to your saw that I would like to see on the 3650.
Improvements:
1. The power cord, switch, actually actually comes out front and left like it should.
2. The dust collection system looks excellent.
3. The blade adjustment wheels are bigger and easier to get to.
The thing I would not want is the “granite” table top.
I really like the Herc-U-Lift on mine and yours.

-- Only the Shadow knows....................

Thanks for the comments.

Gary – I know that Steel City ships their saws this way – in a steel frame.

That, the Granite Top, and the fact that almost the entire saw looks identical to the Steel City 35920 makes me think they are made on the same assembly line in the same factory, I think the only differences are the cabinet itself (steelcity being full cabinet, and Ridgid being 3/4 with the herc-u-lift) construction and color. actually the granite top on both machines looks slightly different (mainly the T-slot miter slot that is missing on the SC, and the finish seems a bit nicer on the ridgid as well) .

John – I’m not sure I’m a big fan of the Granite top myself, but thats what this saw comes with – I did ask for a cast iron option but it’s not gonna happen anytime soon if ever at all. I like the fact that it won’t rust – it is an issue where I’m at due to humidity in summer, and rain/snow blows in the winter – not too big of an issue, but it’s there, although I can live with it (heck , my bandsaw and drill press are still cast iron, so I’m not completely avoiding the overhead here). PS- all the rave reviews of the TS3650 and 3660 made a huge impact on my decision to go with this one (I think the motor is the same 1.5HP motor).

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

That looks like a pretty nice saw. I can’t believe the whole thing was in that box!

I am looking forward to seeing the projects that you build on that one!

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

purp,
i’m sitting here slobbering all over myself. pretty saw. good luck with it…..
mike

-- mrsawdust, pittsburgh,pa.

mrsawdust – you CAN actually slobber all over this saw – no rust ! finally some good use of that granite top.. lol. Thanks for the comment.

Todd, I guess now it’s all up to me to actually make stuff – no more excuses huh? it’s funny, when I was writing this blog, and looking at the series of pictures, I couldn’t believe all that came out of the box either.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

The saw looks awesome and I like everything about it exept it looks like in the picture that the fence is kind of small. Maybe its just the picture though, but it looks like you might have a deflection problem with it. I guess I could also just be used to my Biessmeyer and the look of it. Still an awesome saw none the less.

-- Jed,Ala,jmwoodworks057.com

New saw, nice. Now to use it huh? BTW.. I asked at home depot once why the sudden in your face “can I help you” every time I pass someone in an isle with an orange apron. The answer from a regular worker there was; new management. From the top the ruling came.. more customer friendly. They used to have a reputation of “you can do it yourself, and we’ll help”. They sort of got away from that. Anyway, nice to see. Dunno if it will save them but nice to see. They’re closing some HD’s around this area. Lowe’s is building.

-- The smell of wood, coffee in the cup, the wife let's me do my thing, the lake is peaceful. http://web.me.com/deceiver6/Deceiver/Craftsman_on_the_lake/Craftsman_on_the_lake.html

This looks like a really nice saw and you did a good job of detailing the installation process. After you use it awhile why don’t you post a review of it?

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Congrats… I saw this saw in the recent FW, then yesterday while picking up materials at HD, saw it in person… looks really nice, I was particularly impressed with the quality of the fence (all relative, of course…) and for the money, looks like a really nice tool.

I’m glad that someone I “know” has one now… I was thinking that this might be the best fit for me, and I’m looking forward to hearing what you think about it once you’ve had a chance to put it through it’s paces.

-- Ryno

nice new saw Purp. I have to say I have never been a fan of Rigid tools but I recently borrowed a friends Rigid planer and I really like it allot. It works great…. leaves a mirror smooth finish, the knives are a breeze to flip/change and its only $300 bucks! The saw looks great I really like the way they package it..I have never seen a metal frame like that for shipping. I personally like the granite tops but I don’t own one..would be nice to hear from somebody that has used a tool that has a granite top for a while and hear their feedback on it. The mobile base on that thing looks really nice and for a guy that has limited space (like you and me) a good mobile base is critical. The trunnions are cabinet mounted so that should make Woodchuck happy. The only criticism I have is the fence looks a little cheesy. I would have to see it in person and play around with it but for me thats the make-it or break it part of a saw..it has to have a good quality biesmeyer style fence..or I just wont buy it. But overall it looks like a great saw for the money..I will have to mosey over to the big orange box and take a look at it! Thanks for the review.

-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"

PurpLev,
How did you buy this saw from Home Depot (online or in the store)? All of the Home Depots around me only carry the Rigid job site saws and I can never find anyone in the store to ask how to order the TS3650 or the R4511. I’ve also never found these saws listed on HomeDepot.com when I search for them. Any guidance would be very much appreciated! Thanks for the review.

WOooOW Purplev! Thats a pretty machine!........Congartulations, I wish you hours of happy woodworking!!!

-- Francisco Luna, San Francisco Bay Area.

Thanks all for the comments. So far I’ve just completed aligning table, fence, and blade, and ran some test cuts – it works great. It did pass the nickel test, but not the dime test – I still have to replace the factory belt with a better quality one so that might help out some.

Brad – like yourself, I was never a fan of Ridgid – but apparently they did something write with their table saws (woodworking models at least) and their planers/jointers… (I heard bad reviews on their bandsaw though). I know what you mean about the fence- and that was the one thing that originally had disappointed me when I went to check out the steelcity version of this saw – it IS a slimmer, thinner, smaller fence then the Bissmeiyer/Industrial fences (and this one is a 2 piece as opposed to a 1 piece rail) BUT it does seem to be working pretty well, rides smoothly (1 finger) along the table. after I aligned it, there is mininal runout with a marginal low spot in the middle though – I will add a phenolic/UHWM faces to this fence later on, so that will take care of that (shimming comes to mind). if you compare the Steelcity model that comes with this fence, and the one that comes with the Bissmeyer type – it’s a $350 difference. I think I can live with this fence for the time being – mind you, this is still a top notch fence – no aluminum or plastic parts here, it’s just a smaller version of the bissmeyer system.

I’m not sure the trunnion being cabinet mounted will make woodchuck happy, but I know if I’ll call this a cabinet saw- that he’ll be chiming in ;o) (I ain’t gonna call it that though… so don’t hold your breath)

Will – I did some calling around, most local stores didn’t carry this one, and would not know anything about it unless I used the SKU (750 663… I already know it by heart). only 1 store had 2 of those, and even when I stopped by – the buy at the tool isle didn’t have a clue about this saw – it was still in the box on a top shelf in a different isle. my suggestion is to make a list of all HD in your area+ call them, and ask to check if this SKU is in stock – if their computer shows ‘1’ have them go and check to see where it’s at (could be already sold but not updated). this saw DOES NOT show on HD.com , nor does the 3660 … for some reason.

full reviews WILL be coming up as I gain more experience with the saw. so far it is super easy to align. the Fence DOES seem to be holding up to good performance, locks steady and is smooth to operate. blade controls are easy and smooth as well (large wheels and good locks). the table top does seem to have marginal valleys, but they do not seem to be in the way of performance. (although it’s kinda funny, since the granite was supposed to be this ‘perfect’ surface).... more will come.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

Thats like when my wife bought me the Rigid spindle sander..she asked the guy working the tool department and it was like a red light went off..” hey Joe this here lady wants to buy one of them there spidley sanders..he must do some mighty fancy wood wurkin” Its too bad.. they might sell a few more of those table saws if they had one out in the isle so guys like us could play around with it a little.
As far as the fence goes as long as you can square it to the blade, it locks up good and tight with no deflection, and is accurate then it will be cool…especially if you face it with some UHMW.
I’m not surprised that the granite isn’t perfectly flat…I am still on the fence with the granite..I hear it chips fairly easy, and nothing magnetic like feather boards and such will work…although I have that problem with my aluminum table on my BOSCH…

-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"

Congrats on the new saw! Glad to see you have operational. I talked with Steel city while ordering a couple of riving knives for my saw and they said they are coming out with the same model saw as the RIDGID R45111 saw for around $649.

-- Tim: Remember, if it doesn't say Binford, someone else made it.

Thank you for the step by step with pics, that was very useful.

thanks

-- Hope Never fails

Brad- I think it was the same guy at HD…(wow, thats a big saw, you must be doing some serius work) hahaha. I had actually moved away from the Bosch saw – I found the aluminum table top to be a PITA, and not because it’s non-magnetic. I do agree with you regarding the Granite – I’m not 100% sold on the idea as well, but thats what I’ve got, and I’ll make the best with it – I did hear that the top can be chipped during installation. and I can see it’s weak spots, but as far as normal operations – I’m not sure these spots will see much abuse – so far so good. The Fence DOES ride smoothly and lock firmly, UHMW will ‘fix’ it completely of all it’s downsides.

Tim – if you’ll follow my recent blogs and posts, I actually came to the Ridgid saw FROM researching the Steel City version which I found was somewhat disappointing – same saw as the Ridgid, at a higher cost, and from the looks of it (although I’m sure it’s coming from the same factory and assembly line) the Ridgid has a nicer finish and touch to it.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

Hi Purplev,

Congratulations on the new saw. I’m sure you will be spitting out really fine projects soon. (it’s in your blood, you know!)

Now you just need a good infeed and outfeed system to make it simple to cut heavy sheet goods, or rough lumber, while working alone.

I know a guy that makes the finest ones in the world! You will be surprised at the ease of use, added accuracy, and productivity you will get.

http://www.ezee-feed.com

Sorry, I just had to add that.

I’m looking forward to your opinion of the granite top. I’m still undecided about them.

Have fun with your new toys!.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Thanks Lee, I hear good things about that system- and that guy…whoever that may be ;) – now , if you can get me a bigger garage, I might be able to fit that in there.

As far as Granite Top – I think cast and granite are the same, both are good, with each of them have a thorn – one being rust, and the other being chips – I guess it all boils down to what you’d rather cry about. The top IS glass smooth though, it’s awesome.

So far the saw performs great! much better then my previous portable Bosch (which was an excellent saw). this one is a bit more annoying to setup (more screws, more time) but how often do you need to go there?

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

PurpLev or anyone on here who can help!! I have a quick question for you experts, I just bought a r4511 based on the reviews on here and upon assembling it found that my saw was shipped with what seems to be an incorrectly machined right table extension. The extension for the right side has the bevel on the back instead of the front. but since the bolt holes that slide onto the studs that hold it to the center piece are only machined on one side I can’t flip it around. I guess the only thing left to do is return it to home depot I just wandered if there is something I am missing. I have tried to attach some pictures so you can see what I am talking about. Can you think of anything I may have done wrong, or did I really just get this unlucky? Feel free to delete this post if you want also; I am new to blogs and am unsure what is acceptable as far as posting.

Front side:

From the side difference in color of Granite real noticeable:

From the back with the bevel where it’s not supposed to be!:

By the way I love this site & sorry to hijack your blog!

no worries. looks like you got 2 LEFT extension wings.

I would call HD, make sure they have another R4511 in stock, go there with the wrong wing, and have them open the one they have in stock for an even exchange of the part alone – no need to haul the entire saw back and forth. talk to them first, so that you don’t just haul the wing for nothing.

and Welcome aboard!

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

Hey Purp. I just picked up my R4511 today and am reading all of your entries to help ease the assembly process. Thanks for taking the time to put all of this info out there!

Just something to toss out there. I took apart the box in the back of my truck. I was lightening the load since I was going to have to unload it myself (with help, I’m not that stupid). But, not the point. You mentioned the steel protection box that was inside the box and designed to protect the saw. I love the extra protection of my investment but thought of a great use for the frame.

The frame is in two pieces, one a perimeter frame around the base, and the other covering the sides and top. If you take the frame that came off the top and turn it over it forms a frame “cup”. I’m going to bolt it to the ceiling of my shop and store wood in it. I guess I could bolt it to the wall but I have precious little wall space. It’s perfect for that function as long as it is anchored correctly and you don’t overload it.

Just an idea to increase storage space.

-- Behind the Bark is a lot of Heartwood----Charles, Centennial, CO

This an older post but still interesting. I hope this saw is working out for you Sharon.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Charles, I’m glad it was helpful. your use of the steel crate on the ceiling is a terrific idea! it’s lightweight, but strong, and is easily accessible.

Thanks Jim – it is a great saw. the more I use it, the more I’m glad I made that choice. I do get to points where I feel I could use a 3hp saw… but no showstoppers, and for my needs, I’m very much satisfied with this one.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

I just picked up my R4511 and started to assemble it and I have to agree the instructions are not clear and some of the worst I have seen. It may have seemed worse as I previously had put together a Kregg router table and their instructions were very clear.—I should have read your blog first as I tried to put the dust collector in after the lift was on and had to start over.

Hey, PurpLev

First, thanks for sharing.

I am new to the forum and am much impressed by your posts and your handiwork.

I just got a call from HD informing me that my 4511 has arrived. On Friday I will leave to go pick it up in St. John’s (an 800 Mile round trip) and return with it in a few days. Shipping would cost nearly as much as the saw, so driving is my only option. Besides I get to visit my two kids who live in in SJ, so no biggie.

The choice came down to a Delta 36-717 or the 4511. From all I’ve heard and read they are somewhat comparable, but the Delta would have cost me 1000 bucks more – I kid you not! – Probably because of the Biesmeyer fence and the fact that I live on an island about 8 hours from the mainland, and no Delta TS dealer nearby. HD also took $125 off the price, so they practically forced me to buy it!

Because of some previous posts discussing the matter, I will not take the SUV as my wife suggests, but my pickup. The R4511 forums I have been reading contain some very useful comments and I thank all posters for that.

I will rely heavily on your pics and explanations when assembly time comes, and again, I thank you for them.

Regards….

-- You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture; just get people to stop reading them. -- Ray Bradbury

manitoba that sounds like a “dope” moment … no biggy, just annoying, glad you had things worked out.

Danzor – thanks for the kind words, and you’re welcome. sounds like you’ve got some serious logistics issues to deal with on the island. glad to see you’re taking initiative and acting … 800 miles – YIKES! but compared to $600, plus you get to visit your kids – priceless. you’ll really enjoy the saw, I think although it’s in the same class as the delta- it’s years ahead in what it has to offer (literally), better build in mobile base, better safety devices (riving knife). the only thing that will require some tweaking is the fence – but it’s workable. good luck, and enjoy your new saw.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

Hi all,

I just ordered the R4511 and have to go get it with my pick-up truck. Anyone knows the dimensions of the package ?

I want to make sure it sits in my Tacoma.

Thanks!

Hi, Francforet

Dimensions are:
Item Depth 38.75 In.
tem Height 30.095 In.
Item Weight 479.24 Lbs.
Item Width 30.095 In.

Pallet looks to be about 48×40 but this is just a guess. PurpLev may be able to tell you.

Matt

-- You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture; just get people to stop reading them. -- Ray Bradbury

Thanks Dadzor!

Just picked up the saw myself… fit in my Ford Ranger with tons of room, so the Toyota won’t have a problem. Unfortunately the saw is being discontinued… apparently because it’s weight cost too much to ship. I bought mine for $450 (included a 10% off coupon) I’m a little worried about the warranty on a discontinued saw, but seems like Ridgid has had several saws of late discontinued. I’m waiting on it to get light so I can start assembling the saw. Wish me luck… I appreciate the great threads on assembly, Thanks guys!!

-- There is a fine line between eroticism and nausea...

Purp,
I have the Ridgid 3650 and thought I had the best saw for the money until I saw your post. “Shezabeaudymate!” Thanks also for your descriptive and informative blog about the entire process. It appears that you have even less room in your shop/studio/garage then I do and that’s saying something! Now, I wonder how I can get rid of my 3650 and get one of those new granite top babies….........hummmm

I have some suggestions for the router top you plan to install on the Ridgid. I did one on mine and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. Give me a shout out if you haven’t built it yet and I’ll share my experiences with you.

You mentioned that you owned a Ridgid joiner and that the Ridgid joiner knives were easy to install. I purchased one used and need a little help installing the knives. I lost 1” of my index finger on a joiner 40 years ago and I’m still a bit squimish about the thing so I want to do it right. Any sugggestions?

-- Life is short...we should hurry to do good.

congrats on the purchase iamwelty!

reymundo42 – I think it was someone else that mentioned they have the ridgid jointer. however you could probably go onto ridgid website and get the user manual for that machine, or post a question about it here on the forums – I’m sure you’ll get plenty of good replies. (posting it here inside a blog about a workshop and a table saw is a bit hidden from those who might be able to help). sorry to hear about your index finger. but with proper safety practicing you should be good to go.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

I would like to take the chance and say thanks for this. I recently purchased this saw and your tutorial really helped in the assembly process.

you are most welcome, I’m glad this was useful, which makes posting it all worthwhile.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

In part because of your review and this post, I bought the 4511 last night and got it most of the way together with ease. I really appreciate you taking the time to document the process and help others. It’s what makes this site so great.

Have you thought about changing out the front and rear rails and the fence tube?

-- Premium firewood created daily.

glad I could have helped. it really is a good value for the money, and a good performer while staying in 110v.

have I thought about changing the rails? – YES

But I haven’t done much more than thinking about it. the materials are not super expensive, and are to a certain degree available, but I just haven’t yet had the need to do that upgrade. for the time being, the 2 rail setup works for me.

if you come up with any questions, feel free to post them, or PM me.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.