Ridgid R4512 question

hmmm, well I just got a call saying the Bosch is ready to pick up so it sounds like Bosch it is.

From what I can tell, it’s a pretty capable saw from that genre. Unfortunately, I know little more than that. Good luck!

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

The Bosch and the Dewalt are the top rated two in the benchtop line. I used to have the Dewalt for a short time before I got my Delta. I looked at both of them and they both seemed like pretty good saws but the Dewalt seemed to have a sturdier base and I liked the rack and pinnion fence on the Dewalt. Either one will be a good benchtop saw though.

Buy the saw that fits your space, I wouldn’t want to cut it down

or alter it because it take resale value away.

-- Bob Kenosha Wi.

I’m going to attempt a call into Ridgid and ask the question.
Logic (hahaha) tells me that if aftermarket fences can be fitted to the R4512 then I should be able to find either a replacement rail or a shorter rail. But the realist in me tells me that it’ll be a futile search.

I’ll post up my answer from Ridgid when I get it.

Thanks all

Hello,
I have a Ridgid R4512 and wanted to do the exact thing you are suggesting. I have a very small amount of space for a shop in my basement. I put it between a post that supports the house and my furnace, with barely enough room to squeeze around it. Unfortunately, the holes on the long portion of the fence don’t match up with the holes on the saw and the wings to attach it. I think it would be possible to drill your own holes. It is only aluminum. If you did a good, neat job with them, it probably wouln’t affect resale value very much. It would still be perfectly usable. The other problem is that the long portion doesn’t reach the full length of the saw and the wings. Pretty close though. I’m working on a full review and am going to suggest this to Ridgid. If you have any other suggestions for improvements, please let me know.

You can see my journey with the R4512 here: http://furnitude.blogspot.com/search/label/Ridgid%20R4512

I’ll be interested to see what Ridgid says. Enjoy!

-- Mitch, http://furnitude.blogspot.com

Mitch, I just read that trying to find my answer! Thanks for the insight!

It seems like an easy fix for Ridgid, they would simply have to re-engineer the mounting of the rails so that only the short rails could be attached to the existing holes.
I am more than happy to be their test pilot…

There should be no reason that you can’t do that with the R4512…both aluminum and cast iron drill nicely. The R4512 will be quieter, has more space to operate in front of the blade, has more torque, is heavier and more stable, should hold up better over time, and will be more feasible to repair or upgrade in the future. The Bosch will definitely be easier to move from site to site.

FWIW, a mobile base can be added to just about any saw. The Ridgid lift system is nice, but it’s only a minor selling point IMHO.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

Thank you Scott, after your and other’s responses I’m going to wait for the Ridgid and cancel the Bosch.

Here is the curious reply from Ridgid:

We have not mounted just the short rails. The rails would mount to the saw. However, you would have very limited use of the rip fence.

Tim

I asked for clarification from Ridgid and heard exactly what I was hoping:
The bolts will go through the cast iron top then the rails will slide on the square bolt head. There should be no drilling.

Tim

On a similar note I stopped by Menard’s over lunch and their MasterCraft store branded saw looks exactly like the R4512 and Sears 22183 except for the colors (Green and Gray) and the extruded rails are squared off instead of round. I’m also 99% sure that the MasterCraft drill presses are made by JET, it’s a clone of the 707300 and has a three year warranty.

Good luck with your saw build, have fun ridgid’s are great saws

-- Bob Kenosha Wi.

I don’t think you can go wrong with the ridgid 4512. It should easily adapt to your needs. More importantly, though is service after the sale. I have a Ridgid 4511 which I recently found out was on the recall list because of arbor problems. The recall offered free on site service. I contacted Ridgid customer service and they have bent over backwards to send a repair tech down to service my saw in my shop. It’s taken a week and 2 calls to Ridgid to get a tech to travel the 60 or so miles down here, but the tech called me yesterday and said I should expect him between 8:30 and 9:00 this morning. I understand that Ridgid has agreed to pay their service center extra because of the time and distance involved.
You’ve got to love a company that will stand by there product like that.

-- Don, North Carolina,http://www.ncdon.com " A sharp blade & a tuned saw= happiness"

update to my earlier post, 2 guys from Bryant electric, Norfolk, Va arrived at 7:45 this am, Changed my arbor. trued my saw and left. Truely great service. Don

-- Don, North Carolina,http://www.ncdon.com " A sharp blade & a tuned saw= happiness"

Thanks for the update ncdon. That is one of the reasons why I lean toward Ridgid on many of my tool purchases. I have seen many stories like this where they stand behind their product. I don’t buy on warranties alone, but it never fails to impress me when I see so many positive stories when they are used. Hope you love the saw.

David

-- There is little that is simple when it comes to making a simple box.

How to unload 280lbs by yourself.