February 18, 2023. I received mine yesterday. Opened it up and installed it on my stand. It runs smooth throughout the travel. It looks like they have solved this issue or I got lucky.
On the other rail from the slide lock thumb screw there are two locking screws and nuts. You can adjust the slide resistance with these. My saw was hard to slide when I receive it as well. Adjusting these two gave me smooth movement with no play.
@@cfldriven This is how you set this. It is “set at the factory” but how much time do they really take getting this just right. Just loosen each one just a bit. Then slowly tighten one till it feels like just bit to much resistance, back it off a bit, then while holding the alien head from moving lock it down with the nut, this will lock down your setting. Do the same with the other one, just a bit too much resistance, back it off and lock in place. Note that you should not be able to rattle or have any torsional, vertical or horizontal play with this set correctly. This is an advanced but still user set up item.
@@martinbrenner2573 After two bad samples I never got another, but your guidance here is much appreciated as there might be others who are still having binding issues. Well done, thank you.
@@madkilla9 Yes, you need the proper Allen wrench and open end wrench. I am surprised that RYOBI doesn’t have a video posted on how to do it. My saw was very had to slide when I received it. I knew how smooth they are supposed to be because I have a Makita and a craftsman at work that are great. After correcting this adjustment the saw is exactly the way it should be.
Sorry that your miter wasn’t working properly. I however got mine recently, I unboxed it, set it up, charged up the battery and got to work. Everything on it functions, even the sliding part. I had some reservations because I watched your video prior to it arriving but luckily it works flawlessly in its performance. One thing that concerns me is the included blade. It’s seems ok for a few light cuts but when I need to cut 2x8 lumber and such I’ll be replacing the blade with a more HD type blade. Overall it is an awesome tool. No extension cords, generators, just this unit. Great tip on the battery with and without the two contact points too. Hopefully you got your problem solved. 👍🏽
Happy to hear you got one of the good ones. I have seen a few display models that didn't have the issue I experienced with my first two, so it seems the issue is resolved. I too saw many benefits to this saw, hope you have many successful projects with it. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Excellent video, it helped be understand everything about this saw 👍🏼. I just got one. HD had a sale that came with an extra 4a hp battery and charger for $229 so I could not pass it up. I did notice on mine at the full length it’s a bit rough but then it slides fine. In my case I’m not going to cut wide boards as often, so hopefully it won’t be an issue for me.
Since you locked it down and it worked without binding but then unlocked it and it binds at the start it sounds like the very small downward force is exceeding the design of the slider. That is without the battery too which will make the issue more pronounced. The solution I guess would be stiffer sliders bars which is a design solution only Ryobi can provide. Perhaps providing some weight on the end may help counter the initial force to overcome but that could also make it worse. Last would be to tie down the saw which will help with control of the issue. Thanks for the detailed video!
I never heard back from Ryobi after returning the two samples, but I have seen store display models that do not exhibit the issue. Thank you for sharing your insight on the binding issue.
Just got one of these from HD about a week ago, it was I kit with a 4ah battery and charger and a free Ryobi miter saw stand. It's still unopened it the box and after watching this video I'm having second thoughts on water or not I should open it up and check it out or just save me the time and trouble and just return it. As you have mentioned in other comments relating to this video that the one that you have tried at HD was very smooth without the sticking problem, it may be that the one at HD is broken in by having so many hands trying out the feel of the slider.
There is no breaking in for the slider, it either binds or it doesn't. I still think this is a great saw, despite getting two bad samples, and even better with the bundle, but I would open the saw and give it a go. You know instantly if you have an issue or not. Thank you for sharing your story.
@@cfldriven I have an update, I just opened my saw up today to check if the sliders stick as both of yours have done and the one I got is operating perfectly from back to front. As you had mentioned, maybe there was a bad batch in which you may have recieved both from. What Ryobi did forget though was the 4 locking nuts to attach the table extensions, however, they supplied the 4 bolts.
@@hwnfrd I just set up mine yesterday. Mine didn't have the loose locking nuts either they appear to already be integrated into the unit itself -- there is not even the open space to add/remove a nut. The instruction manual needs updating.
@@JeanGuySpeton It seems that the unit you received has an upgrade that you had mentioned , my unit does have the slots where the lock nuts fit in. Maybe when they boxed the saw that I purchased they may have mistaken it for the upgraded model like the one you have.
I have one sitting in the box in my basement that I need to check before my 90 days are up but I've heard other reviewers say the same thing about the sliding action so it must be a design issue. I did notice in your video that there are what looks like what are two screws on the right hand bearing. I wonder if those can be adjusted for smoother action? Like I said, mine is still in the box and I'm too busy to fuss with it for at least a few days.
In talking to Ryobi they twice told me there were no user adjustments to be made. It would seem if the stiction was only at the beginning and not the entire length of the shaft the problem was more serious. I hope your saw has no issue.
The TSS121 corded 12" saw also has the same issue when unlocked & the spring pushes down on the rail's alignment. I keep the saw on a mobile table & the table moves with the start of a long cut. Can't believe there is nothing else on the web about this. I did see one video showing what linier bearings are though. Mine also has the sound of dry tight bearings - could be cheap light weight lubricant? I also haven't found out what the two adjustments are on the motor side bearings. Would be a good saw if the rails were not rough & binding. Please post if you find out something.
It a shame since I really liked the saw, but after two defective units, as determined by Ryobi phone tech, I was done. Ryobi never got back to me on the issue but they did pay for return shipping on both units. Recently I checked out another Ryobi saw at HD with linear bearings and it was like butter.
I'm Sure It's Gonna Be A Little Hard To Slide Because Of It Being New Anything New Is Gonna Be A Little Hard To Use But Once You Start Using It Mpre Then You'll Hardley Notice It. I Bought Me 4 Peice Set Of Husky Pliers & 2 Pair Of 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers. So What I Dit Was Apply A Little Of Red Lucas Grease & It Worked Good For Me. Give Some Red Lusac Grease A Shot.
Roger, thank for writing and sharing. While certain tools can be stiff at first, others like this saw require smoothness from the start. Ryobi actually determined both samples to be defective and took them back. I have seen store models without the defect so it may have been a bad batch.
I did not purchase a replacement for the Ryobi. Was hoping they would resolve the issue before buying, but haven't gotten around to getting one. For my needs, I don't make a living cutting wood, I would probably go with the Ryobi as I think it would be cost effective for the amount of use it would get.
I got the same model this past Thanksgiving and came across the same issue of the rough sliding, the only difference is mine happens in the middle part of the rod. After a couple of trying, I found out if I pressed the saw down really hard to slide, it will proceed more smoothly. However, I have no experience on miter saw before, so I am not sure if I am doing the right thing. Now kind of wondering if I need to return it.
Just got mine a week or so ago and it's doing the same thing. I've messed with all of the adjustment bolts for hours and still rough. I'm pretty disappointed. I've seen so many complaints about this issue that I'm going to return mine for the Dewalt 20v 7-1/4in (DCS361)
I really liked this unit except for the one thing that made it unacceptable, so yes I certainly would return it. Martin Brenner mentioned his solution to the problem in the comment below. Hope you enjoy the DeWalt.
@@cfldriven I liked it too but that slider ruined it for me. I actually read Martins solution after I bought it but still no luck. It's a shame because it's a nice saw for a great price. Some people said just keep using it and they will get better over time but I didn't want to take the chance and not be able to return it. Thank you for posting an honest video on this. This is the main reason I use TH-cam.👍
@@PatrickTobiassen I can't see this problem improving over time. I did find a floor model that worked perfectly fine, so I know they made a few good units. I'm holding off buying until I need one for a project and then will see what is available. I appreciate your feedback and thank you for sharing your experience.
Jess, I wish it was that easy. Even adding lube to the rails made no diff. I had two saws with the same problem that Ryobi diagnosed as defective. Recently tried one at the store and it was very smooth, so perhaps they have solved the problem.
It appears the slider bars slide through cheap plastic bushings. Most of the nicer sliding saws use linear bearings and slide beautifully with no binding issues. You get what you pay for. Ryobi should put bearings in this saw and maybe I would buy it because they make decent power tools. I'm going with Dewalt for a miter saw.
The feedback I gotten on this video indicates Ryobi solved the problem. I can confirm the samples at the store no longer have this issue. I think either choice will give you good results.
Roger, one would think that but it is a bushing alignment issue which Ryobi eventually resolved. Adding grease would just gunk up things with saw dust. Thank you for sharing.
That could be the reason, although both units were shipped without any external damage to the container and Ryobi includes lot packing material to protect the saw during transit.
@@poonhandler86 I think the issue is with QC. Just surprised to have the same issue with two different samples. I reported it to Ryobi but never heard back as to the cause of the problem. I have since tried some display models and their sliders were smooth.
Hector the rails were already lubed and adding more didn't change its performance. The alignment seems to only change when the saw head is in the down cutting position, otherwise the slider is very smooth. Too bad since I really liked this saw. Thanks for commenting and watching.
Not just the slider. Dust extraction is non existent, very loud, no power, goes through the 5 amp battery in the kit quickly. The slide is flat out dangerous while using it. Had it for a week before I returned it and spent double on the 7 1/4 milwaukee
@@cfldriven yes that's exactly right. I was doing a small trim job to test it out and had a slightly precarious cut to make and the saw was sliding across the slippery floor as I was trying to push through the cut. It's the sort of cut you try not to make often and be as careful as possible, (finish trim piece for basically a return to the baseboard from the stairway runner trim, where it was cut short, is the best way to describe it) and you can make it work on a better operating saw (no flat surface to put on the fence on the last cut), but felt very dangerous on this one. Blew saw dust all throughout the lady's living room and left a pile of saw dust large enough to fill the dust pan just making some cuts on 1x6.
I also hate the switch for the light. I would be searching for it, and could never find it (I'm sure I'd get used to it) but I'd tap it multiple times and you have to be very deliberate about it, So I'd hit it and it wouldn't come on. Versus the milwaukee, you can just flick it with your finger and it comes on. This is my first Ryobi product, I own all Dewalt, which I consider good enough for contractor work, but not the best. Went to other batteries because dewalt does dumb stuff like not release a dual bevel miter saw. I'm not a trim carpenter so I need all the help I can get and flipping a 12 or 16ft piece of crown isn't reasonable when you're cutting in the customer's garage or basement.
@@JNatella Overall Ryobi makes good stuff for the non-pro, but this saw was a disappointment especially since it had so much potential. Thanks again for sharing your experience.
It is not a question of pushing down too hard, the rails actually bind at the start of the push. Shame I really liked the tool otherwise. Didn't want to return it but nothing I tried fixed the issue across two saws.
I can assure this slider has no magnets, not sure why it would. In trying out the same model in the store the slider worked as designed without any binding or stiction. Also don't forget that Ryobi tech support determined the units were defective.
I just received my saw today and didn’t open the box yet. I’m glad I watched your video first. A GREAT tutorial, thanks !👏👍
Congrats on the new purchase. Hope you get much enjoyment and many projects done. Thank you for the feedback.
February 18, 2023. I received mine yesterday. Opened it up and installed it on my stand. It runs smooth throughout the travel. It looks like they have solved this issue or I got lucky.
Congrats on getting a good working one. I think you'll enjoy working with it. Thank you for sharing your experience.
On the other rail from the slide lock thumb screw there are two locking screws and nuts. You can adjust the slide resistance with these. My saw was hard to slide when I receive it as well. Adjusting these two gave me smooth movement with no play.
I thought about doing that, but was told by Ryobi tech support there were no user adjustments to be made and the unit was declared defective.
@@cfldriven This is how you set this. It is “set at the factory” but how much time do they really take getting this just right. Just loosen each one just a bit. Then slowly tighten one till it feels like just bit to much resistance, back it off a bit, then while holding the alien head from moving lock it down with the nut, this will lock down your setting. Do the same with the other one, just a bit too much resistance, back it off and lock in place. Note that you should not be able to rattle or have any torsional, vertical or horizontal play with this set correctly. This is an advanced but still user set up item.
@@martinbrenner2573 After two bad samples I never got another, but your guidance here is much appreciated as there might be others who are still having binding issues. Well done, thank you.
Is it really that easy? I’ve returned two of these already, but am willing to try a third
@@madkilla9 Yes, you need the proper Allen wrench and open end wrench. I am surprised that RYOBI doesn’t have a video posted on how to do it. My saw was very had to slide when I received it. I knew how smooth they are supposed to be because I have a Makita and a craftsman at work that are great. After correcting this adjustment the saw is exactly the way it should be.
Sorry that your miter wasn’t working properly. I however got mine recently, I unboxed it, set it up, charged up the battery and got to work. Everything on it functions, even the sliding part. I had some reservations because I watched your video prior to it arriving but luckily it works flawlessly in its performance. One thing that concerns me is the included blade. It’s seems ok for a few light cuts but when I need to cut 2x8 lumber and such I’ll be replacing the blade with a more HD type blade. Overall it is an awesome tool. No extension cords, generators, just this unit. Great tip on the battery with and without the two contact points too. Hopefully you got your problem solved. 👍🏽
Happy to hear you got one of the good ones. I have seen a few display models that didn't have the issue I experienced with my first two, so it seems the issue is resolved. I too saw many benefits to this saw, hope you have many successful projects with it. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Excellent video, it helped be understand everything about this saw 👍🏼. I just got one. HD had a sale that came with an extra 4a hp battery and charger for $229 so I could not pass it up. I did notice on mine at the full length it’s a bit rough but then it slides fine. In my case I’m not going to cut wide boards as often, so hopefully it won’t be an issue for me.
Butch, happy to hear the video was helpful and that you got the saw at a good price. Thank you for watching and sharing.
Since you locked it down and it worked without binding but then unlocked it and it binds at the start it sounds like the very small downward force is exceeding the design of the slider. That is without the battery too which will make the issue more pronounced.
The solution I guess would be stiffer sliders bars which is a design solution only Ryobi can provide. Perhaps providing some weight on the end may help counter the initial force to overcome but that could also make it worse.
Last would be to tie down the saw which will help with control of the issue.
Thanks for the detailed video!
I never heard back from Ryobi after returning the two samples, but I have seen store display models that do not exhibit the issue. Thank you for sharing your insight on the binding issue.
Just got one of these from HD about a week ago, it was I kit with a 4ah battery and charger and a free Ryobi miter saw stand. It's still unopened it the box and after watching this video I'm having second thoughts on water or not I should open it up and check it out or just save me the time and trouble and just return it. As you have mentioned in other comments relating to this video that the one that you have tried at HD was very smooth without the sticking problem, it may be that the one at HD is broken in by having so many hands trying out the feel of the slider.
There is no breaking in for the slider, it either binds or it doesn't. I still think this is a great saw, despite getting two bad samples, and even better with the bundle, but I would open the saw and give it a go. You know instantly if you have an issue or not. Thank you for sharing your story.
@@cfldriven I have an update, I just opened my saw up today to check if the sliders stick as both of yours have done and the one I got is operating perfectly from back to front. As you had mentioned, maybe there was a bad batch in which you may have recieved both from. What Ryobi did forget though was the 4 locking nuts to attach the table extensions, however, they supplied the 4 bolts.
@@hwnfrd Congrats on the working slider, I think you will really enjoy using this saw. Not sure but the nuts might be M8.
@@hwnfrd I just set up mine yesterday. Mine didn't have the loose locking nuts either they appear to already be integrated into the unit itself -- there is not even the open space to add/remove a nut. The instruction manual needs updating.
@@JeanGuySpeton It seems that the unit you received has an upgrade that you had mentioned , my unit does have the slots where the lock nuts fit in. Maybe when they boxed the saw that I purchased they may have mistaken it for the upgraded model like the one you have.
I have one sitting in the box in my basement that I need to check before my 90 days are up but I've heard other reviewers say the same thing about the sliding action so it must be a design issue. I did notice in your video that there are what looks like what are two screws on the right hand bearing. I wonder if those can be adjusted for smoother action? Like I said, mine is still in the box and I'm too busy to fuss with it for at least a few days.
In talking to Ryobi they twice told me there were no user adjustments to be made. It would seem if the stiction was only at the beginning and not the entire length of the shaft the problem was more serious. I hope your saw has no issue.
The TSS121 corded 12" saw also has the same issue when unlocked & the spring pushes down on the rail's alignment. I keep the saw on a mobile table & the table moves with the start of a long cut. Can't believe there is nothing else on the web about this. I did see one video showing what linier bearings are though. Mine also has the sound of dry tight bearings - could be cheap light weight lubricant? I also haven't found out what the two adjustments are on the motor side bearings. Would be a good saw if the rails were not rough & binding. Please post if you find out something.
It a shame since I really liked the saw, but after two defective units, as determined by Ryobi phone tech, I was done. Ryobi never got back to me on the issue but they did pay for return shipping on both units. Recently I checked out another Ryobi saw at HD with linear bearings and it was like butter.
I'm Sure It's Gonna Be A Little Hard To Slide Because Of It Being New
Anything New Is Gonna Be A Little Hard To Use But Once You Start Using It Mpre Then You'll
Hardley Notice It. I Bought Me
4 Peice Set Of Husky Pliers
& 2 Pair Of 6 Inch Needlenose
Pliers. So What I Dit Was Apply
A Little Of Red Lucas Grease
& It Worked Good For Me.
Give Some Red Lusac Grease
A Shot.
Roger, thank for writing and sharing. While certain tools can be stiff at first, others like this saw require smoothness from the start. Ryobi actually determined both samples to be defective and took them back. I have seen store models without the defect so it may have been a bad batch.
What saw did you buy after you returned the Ryobi ??? And are you happy with your new saw ? I'm debating whether to buy the Ryobi or the Metabo..
I did not purchase a replacement for the Ryobi. Was hoping they would resolve the issue before buying, but haven't gotten around to getting one. For my needs, I don't make a living cutting wood, I would probably go with the Ryobi as I think it would be cost effective for the amount of use it would get.
I got the same model this past Thanksgiving and came across the same issue of the rough sliding, the only difference is mine happens in the middle part of the rod. After a couple of trying, I found out if I pressed the saw down really hard to slide, it will proceed more smoothly. However, I have no experience on miter saw before, so I am not sure if I am doing the right thing. Now kind of wondering if I need to return it.
Will try Mr. Brenner's method to see if the issue can be solved.
@@yunfengbai3279 Let us know if Mr Brenner's technique works. The slide should be smooth with an easy glide all along the track.
@@cfldriven Come back to report that it indeed works! You can pull the trigger again as the deal is not over yet😀
@@yunfengbai3279 Thank you for reporting back, I will add Mr Brenner tip to the description with special thanks to you for trying it.
Just got mine a week or so ago and it's doing the same thing. I've messed with all of the adjustment bolts for hours and still rough. I'm pretty disappointed. I've seen so many complaints about this issue that I'm going to return mine for the Dewalt 20v 7-1/4in (DCS361)
I really liked this unit except for the one thing that made it unacceptable, so yes I certainly would return it. Martin Brenner mentioned his solution to the problem in the comment below. Hope you enjoy the DeWalt.
@@cfldriven I liked it too but that slider ruined it for me. I actually read Martins solution after I bought it but still no luck. It's a shame because it's a nice saw for a great price. Some people said just keep using it and they will get better over time but I didn't want to take the chance and not be able to return it. Thank you for posting an honest video on this. This is the main reason I use TH-cam.👍
@@PatrickTobiassen I can't see this problem improving over time. I did find a floor model that worked perfectly fine, so I know they made a few good units. I'm holding off buying until I need one for a project and then will see what is available. I appreciate your feedback and thank you for sharing your experience.
It'll be fine once you start cutting, vibration helps with the sliding
Ryobi requested the return of the two samples as being defective. I have since come across samples that did not have the slider issue.
Thank you sir appreciate your complete tutorial
Hopefully you got one with a good slider.
@@cfldriven haven't tested based on ur video I will be unboxing
@@nandishcs Share with us what you find.
it looks like there might be a knob by the slider to adjust resistance
Jess, I wish it was that easy. Even adding lube to the rails made no diff. I had two saws with the same problem that Ryobi diagnosed as defective. Recently tried one at the store and it was very smooth, so perhaps they have solved the problem.
It appears the slider bars slide through cheap plastic bushings. Most of the nicer sliding saws use linear bearings and slide beautifully with no binding issues. You get what you pay for. Ryobi should put bearings in this saw and maybe I would buy it because they make decent power tools. I'm going with Dewalt for a miter saw.
The feedback I gotten on this video indicates Ryobi solved the problem. I can confirm the samples at the store no longer have this issue. I think either choice will give you good results.
I think adding a ballast on the end opposite of the grip would fix the sliding problem. Seems like an engineering defect.
Looks like Ryobi figured out a solution as the ones at the store now work correctly.
Check To See If The Right Ajustment Screw Is Loosened
Good idea to check but both of these units were defective.
It Soundslike To Me It Might
Needs A Little Grease. But I
Think After You Use It A While It'l
Get Broke In.
Roger, one would think that but it is a bushing alignment issue which Ryobi eventually resolved. Adding grease would just gunk up things with saw dust. Thank you for sharing.
Lots of blow out on top of that board
No good on furniture, fine for everything else.
Unfortunately it appears someone has dropped the unit
That could be the reason, although both units were shipped without any external damage to the container and Ryobi includes lot packing material to protect the saw during transit.
@cfldriven do u think this may be a result of stacking to many units an simply squeezed over time because I don't believe it was designed this way
@@poonhandler86 I think the issue is with QC. Just surprised to have the same issue with two different samples. I reported it to Ryobi but never heard back as to the cause of the problem. I have since tried some display models and their sliders were smooth.
Maybe some lithium white grease will help it slide better
Hector the rails were already lubed and adding more didn't change its performance. The alignment seems to only change when the saw head is in the down cutting position, otherwise the slider is very smooth. Too bad since I really liked this saw. Thanks for commenting and watching.
@@cfldriven u never know could of been some cheap lube
@fartpooboxohyeah8611 😂😂😂 good one
Not just the slider. Dust extraction is non existent, very loud, no power, goes through the 5 amp battery in the kit quickly. The slide is flat out dangerous while using it. Had it for a week before I returned it and spent double on the 7 1/4 milwaukee
Thank you for sharing your experience. Did you find the slider dangerous because it was binding? Ryobi lost a sale for lack of better quality control.
@@cfldriven yes that's exactly right. I was doing a small trim job to test it out and had a slightly precarious cut to make and the saw was sliding across the slippery floor as I was trying to push through the cut. It's the sort of cut you try not to make often and be as careful as possible, (finish trim piece for basically a return to the baseboard from the stairway runner trim, where it was cut short, is the best way to describe it) and you can make it work on a better operating saw (no flat surface to put on the fence on the last cut), but felt very dangerous on this one. Blew saw dust all throughout the lady's living room and left a pile of saw dust large enough to fill the dust pan just making some cuts on 1x6.
I also hate the switch for the light. I would be searching for it, and could never find it (I'm sure I'd get used to it) but I'd tap it multiple times and you have to be very deliberate about it, So I'd hit it and it wouldn't come on. Versus the milwaukee, you can just flick it with your finger and it comes on.
This is my first Ryobi product, I own all Dewalt, which I consider good enough for contractor work, but not the best. Went to other batteries because dewalt does dumb stuff like not release a dual bevel miter saw. I'm not a trim carpenter so I need all the help I can get and flipping a 12 or 16ft piece of crown isn't reasonable when you're cutting in the customer's garage or basement.
@@JNatella Overall Ryobi makes good stuff for the non-pro, but this saw was a disappointment especially since it had so much potential. Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Then dont push down so hard.
It is not a question of pushing down too hard, the rails actually bind at the start of the push. Shame I really liked the tool otherwise. Didn't want to return it but nothing I tried fixed the issue across two saws.
The observation you made about the slider ... Please check if the end of travel is magnetic 🧲
I can assure this slider has no magnets, not sure why it would. In trying out the same model in the store the slider worked as designed without any binding or stiction. Also don't forget that Ryobi tech support determined the units were defective.