So I am bandying about the idea of a buying a 14" bandsaw. Among the options I came across was the RIDGID MODEL R474. There are a handful of (favorable) reviews out on the internet and the Ridgid site does list it. However, Home Depot lists it as unavailable.
So I sent the following email question to the Ridgid customer service.
"I see lots of recent reviews for this band saw but no place to buy. Does it even exist for sale anywhere? Thanks"
And here comes the reply.
"You will need to check with Home Depot, possibly their customer service desk and have them do what is called a "remote SKU search" of their distribution data base to see if they can locate one. Home Depot handles all of the aspects of the retail distribution for the line of RIDGID products, which includes pricing, and on-line and in-store level item availability within their distribution system.
Best regards,"
(Name left off by me)
So I replied back:
"Thanks for the reply. But to clarify… is Ridgid still making this band saw?"
And another return from Ridgid came today.
"Production related information is not available to provide to the general public. As indicated, if a particular item cannot be found in the Home Depot distribution system, then it is not available. "
So I don't get it. They can't tell me if they are making a product or not? It's not like I'm asking for some Top Secret trade information.
I don't get it. Anybody have any insight on this?
The saw is being produced for a retailer exclusively. Those responses are scripted by the retailer not the manufacturer.
Nearly all large retailers have "exclusive" brands that are produced for their stores. These brands provide higher margins because the consumer can not price shop. The retailer dictates the price point and the terms of the deal. Ridgid will not tell you anything, HD wants everything directed back to them.
Just took a screenshot of the "where to buy" link off of Rigid's webpage for this saw. If it was being ordered solely by HD then there won't be anymore. The scripted answers are definitely that, and their support is likely farmed out. They won't have a clue whether it's made anymore. Another reason I'm likely finished buying Rigid tools. Sad because I have a cordless drill/impact set that's really nice.
The bigger question would be, "Why would anyone want to find a source for a product line that is so inferior to every other choice on the market?"
Buy one from Harbor Freight and paint it orange. Bout the same thing.
I have this bandsaw, but I would suggest a Grizzly over it, just for the aspect of cheaper replacement parts and accessories. And I would suspect better customer service. ALSO btw this saw was originally sold by Steel City but their supplier had to stop producing it because of copyright or patent issues.
I thought this bandsaw and Grizzly of the same size were about the same price. Grizzly might be a tad more with shipping. But a riser block kit is half the price for one that fits a grizzly. The riser block for the Ridgid saw and grizzly i think are interchangeable, but the blade guards and the guide post are unique to Ridgid and you pay a premium for it. The Ridgid riser block kit comes with the guards and guide post for their older bandsaw so that is also a reason is costs more too.
I have the Grizzly 555 series bandsaw. They are currently offering free shipping on them (Link) as well as some of their other bandsaws. When I purchased it, there was also a discount that was applied since I purchased the riser block at the same time. I've had it for several years and am happy with it.
I have this saw, I bought it used for $200 in good condition. It's OK, but not fantastic. There are a number of things to cut the vibration on the saw, which I've done - and it helped a lot. It still vibrate a little bit, but not bad.
I see this an an entry-level band saw. I like it as an all-purpose type of cutting tool. If I did fine work, I'd go with something of higher quality (and more money).
The worse thing that can happen to a company producing goods of any quality is for large retailer to come in and force a re-engineer their products to a price point. I had the opportunity to tour the Ridge Tool Company in my early college years and the place was booming, now everything is out sourced and the work force is a fraction of what it used to be.
I bought a Rigid Contractor table saw at a show (refurb) several years ago. The saw is not the best but being on wheels, suits my requirements for my current shop. As for accuracy, it has been spot on.
I quit Rigid and Home Depot totally about 8 years ago for that very reason. If HD is your only supplier, then train them! If HD is your only supplier, then stock them! If HD is your only supplier, then I'll buy other tools elsewhere, and take my additional business with me.
Mini-rant, done!!
Just an FYI. Home Depot has discontinued this product. From what I have found out from a source it is really a piece of junk. It may have gotten some good reviews but what I understand is the alignment of the drive and the carrier requires constant tweaking but when you get it right it does not stay that way for long. Don't know of a better option but I do know that cheaper is actually that. I think you need to look a little higher up the chain.
So tell me Clint. Do you have a ********************ly outlook on everything?
Of course it's our business. We are the customer, without customers they are nothing. Without customers they'd go out of business.
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