anxious and frustrated...my sad little story

Bummer. That sounds more like a job for Makers.

-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net

Sometimes just being able to talk about your problems is all the therapy that is needed, but in this case, I don’t think talking about it would be enough for me. Good luck with delivery #2.

-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.

Mark – I’ve had trouble getting parts from Rigid before. I eventually asked to speak to a supervisor and told them my sad story and I ended up getting my parts, express shipped, with a very nice hand written note expressing their apologies. If the second shipment is not right, I’d suggest the supervisor route for you.

Good luck. I know it’s gotta be hard looking at such a nice piece of equipment and not being able to use it.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

Mark,

Hang in there. I love my Ridgid saw and think it’s top notch for the money. Everything went together perfectly while assembling and the arbor & fence have been right on the spot since day one. That was about 2 years ago. I did chunk the stock blade and after trying a few out, found that the T3 Ridgid ATB (came back home) has outperformed everything under $50 I tried. It whispers, then you put some wood through and…it still whispers. Stayed sharp for a long time, too. You’ll get it running!

PS Go easy on the 16/4…it’s not THAT good

-- Jason, AL

Mark, I too have this saw. Once you get it up and running this will become a faint bad memory. The saw is wonderful. I got a Ridgid 50 tooth thin kerf blade, and I’d highly recommend that or something similar for you.

-- Maplewood, MN

Hello Mark;
—-I’m sorry to hear of your misfortune here, but believe that if you’ll hang in there….you’ll be very pleased with the outcome when you start making saw-dust.

I currently have the Rigid TS3650 , along with another cabinet saw and for every work I have put this one through, I have been pleased to the extreme. I had an experience when putting mine together some years ago where the rule sticker’s were out of dimension. After calling Rigid and asking for a new set of stickers, I got delivery within days….you can imagine my surprise when upon opening the box, no-stickers….but a complete new guide rail. I have always found the tech support at Rigid to be very friendly and knowledgeable and then also there is the Ridgid tool forum .

Another great feature is the Rigid Lifetime Service Agreement , just be sure and folow those instructions and mail//register your saw within the time frame. I not sure where you bought your saw at….maybe one of the ‘big box’ stores, but I would also suggest getting to know the rep for Rigid that does the tools there. In my experience these guys are extremely helpful and can also get you good deals and have great insight.

I look forward to seeing some of your wood projects that will be coming forth soon….and,

Thank you.
GODSPEED,
Frank

-- --frank, NH, http://frank.wordpress.com/

Thanks all. I know I’ll be happy with the saw if I can just get it set up :)

Frank: Yes, I did get it from Home Depot and I’ve already sent in the warranty registration. The Ridgid warranty is one reason i also opted for their router kit over the Dewalt. I also have a Ridgid compound miter saw and angle grinder. I’ve been very happy with the miter saw (I don’t use the grinder too often and the router kit is brand new).

It seems like many people are really happy with the quality of Ridgid products but they do seem to need to get a better handle on their packaging (and even replacement parts distribution). When I originally noticed the missing hardware, I had actually called another local Home Depot before Ridgid (I knew I had purchased the last one at “my” store). The tools guy there didn’t have any of the saws in stock but also mentioned that his parents had the same saw and that he was missing a few random pieces when trying to put theirs together. He told me it seems to be common with Ridgid but he doesn’t understand why. I guess being patient and waiting on parts is my trade-off for the lifetime warranty (gotta put a positive spin on things somehow).

Thanks for the blade recommendations too. I just got a gift card from my little brother for my birthday (it’s tomorrow by the way ;)

We have about 14” of freshly fallen snow so I think I’ll be spending some time in my basement today. Maybe I’ll try out my new router (though I only have two bits :/

-- - mark

I got a 3650 about 3/4 years ago and the instruction manual for assembly was clearly written by someone who never put one together. But common sense got me through the assembly.

It’s well worth wading through a few difficulties though. Great saw, and I’ve also got their planer and jointer.
Ridgid is consistently rated at the top of their price range in tool surveys, and in my opinion they’re the best value for the $$$. I’m thinking of going to the newer 3 knife planer. It’s a 4 poster and the replacement knives are cheaper for 3 than 2 knives for the older 13” planer. It’s $370 now and if I see a sale I’ll get one.

Got any more of that beer?

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

i agree with betsy. if this shipment isn’t good contact the supervisor. i sent a letter complaining to Lowe’s about a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY BAD experience i had there waiting almost an hour for a pickup that we called ahead for and they said they would have waiting for us. and in the end they didn’t even have half of my order. then i decided to look in the tool aisle and employees kept giving me crap about how i was gonna break the stuff and i couldn’t touch it and i didn’t know anything about tools. when i tried to talk to the manager he didn’t even look at me and as i explained to him my story he was just like “oh I’m sorry” like he didn’t care and walked away. they sent me back a letter apologizing and gave me a 50$ gift card.

The 3650 is in my book the best small saw out there. I rip 2 1/2” white oak all the time with mine, and it stands up like a big dog. Sorry you had problems with your package, but you will find Ridgid is a brand to stand by. Your experience is the exception rather than the rule. bbqking

-- bbqKing, Lawrenceville

Enjoy your new toy…

-- making sawdust....