As a diy guy I can’t get into specifics but my Ridgid cuts like butter and lasts all day, for a diy guy works for me. I understand that this channel caters to all levels of craftsman. Good video dude.
I agree, I got the Ridgid saw as a free tool when HD was running a promo. At first I didn't think that I was use it much but it has been my go to saw for small to medium task. I replaced the blade with a Diablo and this little saw is quite impressive.
Rob, I appreciate the disclosure of why some tools sometimes do not appear in your video. This is a great point that makes the transparency crystal clear
Thanks for all your hard work TBB! I use 6.5 saw more often then a 7 1/4, and never use a rear handle. My criteria are, first sightlines, on one of my 4 battery platforms, rail compatibility, ergonomics. Speed, power, and price are at the bottom of my list. Obviously everyone has a different order. I use in order, tracksaw, mitersaw, tablesaw, omt, circular, and Sawzall is the least used. Thanks again crew!
I have the Makita 36v 7 1/4 rear handle, and also have the 6 1/2 and I honestly find myself using the 6 1/2” probably 75% of the time. It’s lighter, a little easier to control and I just find myself reaching for it more than the 7 1/4 which honesty surprised me because I’ve never used side handle saws before but I like it a lot more than I thought I would
Ive run framing crews for 15+ years and have owned every kind of saw available, the rear handle saws very rarely come out of the tool crib. Usually when we need to make an opposite bevel cut. Not one of the dozens of men I've ever employed preferred a rear handle or worm gear saw.
I used my Makita XSH03 as a framer/carpenter mainly in overhead one handed cuts on fascia and siding. IT IS WONDERFUL in all ways. My main tool line is DeWalt, the XSH03 is the ONLY Makita cordless I own
Does yours have an onboard hex key? I'm pretty sure they said it didn't have an onboard wrench and that took away from their feature score but mine has a hex key well it did at least and i intend to replace it soon. Anyways it's a great saw and while it may not be the best 6 1/2 saw out there it is far and away the best 61/2 I've used and I've tried a few.
@@adamellis4578 YES onboard hex key! and its still there! I do NOT like hex keys, chuck wrenches, and so forth. they better be captive with a cord/cable/chain or i will put one on if possible, and if its stored on board it better not fall the fukk out, i have a few older tools with missing things and i use engraver, or sharpie etc. and write "4mm allen" or whatever otherwise its hell
For a minute, I thought I was watching Project Farm review with the mechanical slide setup. Glad to see someone is starting to do honest review like Project Farm.
Incredible effort to eliminate all variables in your testing, well done! I personally use the Makita (which does have an on board hex key by the way) and have been more than satisfied with it as a diy user. All the saws seem up to the task and which one you go with probably has more to do with which system you've already invested in. Keep up the great videos!
@@RidgidRon Funny enough I just bought one today. Found one that came with 2 batteries (a 4.0 and 2.0Ah) and their drill driver for the EXACT same price as the saw kit with only one battery and a charger. I almost went the cheap route and bought a Bauer saw from harbor freight for a third of what I paid for the Ridgid, but I hated how it felt in my hands. Not only that but I'm hesitant to buy a saw from harbor freight in general. I have a Bauer drill and impact and they're just fine for budget tools but for safety reasons I feel more comfortable spending a little more for a good quality saw. I might become a Ridgid guy since I'm not too invested in one brand of batteries yet.
It's probably the oldest model in the competition and still showing incredibly well. For the number of times I heard the Makita praised during the video, I was shocked it didn't rank higher. The only thing I don't like about the saw is that it likes to roll away from you when you set it down.
I am a diy'er and very glad to have watched this great video. I own Makita, Ryobi, and Ridgid power tools and was planning to purchase a 6 1/2" cordless saw. Now, I am going to get the Ridgid one which is priced at $99 from $149. Thanks for this great and informative video!
Do you cut a lot of 2x4's with it? What type of blade, tooth count? Seriously considering Ridgid 6 1/2" saw. This test vid was cutting 3/4" plywood. Thanks!
I just finished my deck project with this Ridgid 6.5. It cut through composite decking no problem. Overall, I think this is a great circular saw for the DIY’er and for the money, it’s hard to beat. Having said that, I think I my dads Makita is just a better circular, more accurate. If you’re depending on a circular saw for income, I’d go Makita or Milwaukee, the Ridgid is just fine for my occasional projects. I do like the weight of the Ridgid, it’s really light and easy to use.
Been running that Makita saw for about 3 years now. Been having issues with the trigger lately causing it to not turn on. But it's an amazing saw that I used to rip 2x4 easily in a pinch.
Hey Rob and Tool Box Buzz! I'd like to mention that your tests are always appreciated! What I would like to see, is more commentary with specific tools as to how manufacturers can improve their tool based on the crews experience. For me as an individual contractor myself, it's really good content, and it helps me make better judgements for myself in the future for other platforms and newer tools in the future I would consider.
I swear by my 6.5 Dewalt. It's my go to saw 95% of the time until I have to pull out the big rear handle beast also Dewalt. Great video again guys, I appreciate all the work!
I already have a circular saw and I’m not going to buy a new one but I like watching these competitions Rob because it allows me to root for the home team. :-)
@@ConcordCarpenter It has on board storage for the hex key too, it's a hole in the body of the saw sort of behind the depth adjustment lever going all the way through sideways. Easy to miss, but it's there. At 7:27 you can see the left side of it, a hole in the teal part behind the blade/in front of the battery/under the handle. It holds it well, doesn't fall out.
This is true, will the rankings now be updated ? They gave it a (5 ) for no tool storage , which in fact it does have....on board tool storage. ( Hex wrench )
I stupidly skipped to the end of this video initially. However by watching properly and seeing your comparison. It helped me make a decision. I ended up going for Milwaukee as the cons you mentioned didn’t bother me. Plus I also like the other tools they sell so being apart of that platform makes a lot of sense
I have the makita and the metabo hpt both good saws I’d reach for the makita more often it’s been out a long time now I’ve had it years still cuts square the on board Allen key should be in the right above the depth adjustment lever Mine came with 1 . Great video very well done 👍🏻
You may not have all the fancy testing equipment but you do real world testing on stuff that we use everyday. I think your testing hold way more weight than the testing labs that design thier tests to be able to put the numbers they want on thier boxes.
I think, every one has one brand to stick with for battery and compatible charging. And I am happy to use Dewalt because it has lot of variety of tools and I can use my batteries in all of them , just a personal preference and convenience, All are good brands.
I really wish the best battery platform was used for each brand (Milwaukee H.O., Dewalt flexvolt, Ryobi high performance, Ridgid Octane, Kobalt ultimate output, etc)
@FatherFirefighter -interesting point. We try to look if the tools come kitted, and also try to get them close in Ah. This would be a H2H with the tools BEST battery - I like it Ill bring to the team
@@ConcordCarpenter That's a fair point and overall it would only affect 1 or 2 categories in total. Just curious to see what performance gains there are to be had.
That Makita saw has an Allen wrench located between the battery and depth adjustment lever in Australian model, you can even see the hole where the short side is inserted at 15:00
18:39 -- I'm a Dewalt guy. But ultimately it's not about brand loyalty, it's about battery loyalty. My dad bought me a cordless Dewalt drill/driver kit 6 years ago for Christmas so that's the battery ecosystem I'm comfortable with. But since I wanted a corded circ saw, I had more flexibility since no battery required. Went with Milwaukee's corded worm because I know Dewalt cannot build a decent corded worm saw to save its life.
You guys always claim not to be professional tool reviewers and I can appreciate the modesty. But this channel has some of the most thorough testing and more informative than some other channels (not gonna say names)that do consider themselves tool reviewers. You guys do a great job it’s not like you’re a guy cutting lumber behind your Auto shop. Thanks for putting in the time . As a sidenote Milwaukee needs to step it up especially at their price point.
@@LvA1994 Yeah they’re due for a new one it pretty much set the standard when it came out. I still have it it’s a great saw and has plenty of power. I don’t understand why they’re still asking $250 for the tool only.
@@steffendetrick9403 I switched to the Bosch profactor 7 1/4 track compatible saw, which is a great saw. The Milwaukee 6 1/2 is still a great saw, just not up there with the best anymore.
I'm researching to determine what battery brand group I'm adding to my Ryobi arsenal.(Home Depot had a huge Ryobi tool display with an individual wearing a bright Ryobi Tshirt in store that day. I got the 9 piece Ryobi kit, instead of the 5 piece DeWalt kit.) That's how I got into wood working, as a hobby. As I get deeper into the hobby, it's becoming less of a hobby, and more of side business. I'm really attracted to the DeWalt and Milwaukee tool lines. Primarily for their innovations and battery technology and great selection of Both 12v & 18v lines within the brands. I'll probably end up being the guy with 5 or 6 different tool brands and batteries (but I'm still trying not to be that guy.) I've compared run/work time of both brands, and either is a significant improvement over my Ryobi stuff, and either brands typical output easily exceeds Ryobi. Being able to run all day(9-10hrs work time is really a good thing.) I hate getting up/away from the work/assembly area to get a fresh battery to finish the build. It means a lot when you're batching out 10 or 20 of the same thing.
Great comparison. Thanks for all the effort that went into making this video! I have the 6.5" DeWalt, and it's adequate but nothing special. Love the compact size and it has plenty of power. Right out of the box, I had to grind a little bit from the top side of the shoe to get it perfectly square. Also don't care for the low-rent stamped steel bevel and depth measurement indicators. I find that DeWalt tools tend to feel lower quality than many of their competitors, and their 6.5" circ saw is no different.
Very honest review, me and my mate worked together, I can feel his metabo is better than my Makita, well I don't say my saw isn't great but just slightly feel better with metabo
Hey, thanks for the Test! One Detail to the Metabo 66: I bought this saw to use it with the small tracks. BUT: you cant adjust the sliding / Play between the saw and the track. So i bought the Makita for free hand use und stick with my loved BL Makita Tracksaw. A great combo. Cheers from Berlin Stephan
Yep both the metabo 57 and 66 have slop on the track. I had to put a little slider tape for drawers on my 57 to take out the slop. The Makita however has a jig that's under $50 and made of plastic that does have adjustments and works fairly well
Very good testing! I have the DeWalt and fully agree that mainly the shoe is primitive in features and build quality. Some of these tools get a big jump in power with the right battery, like the DeWalt with 9ah flex and Milwaukee with 8.0 h.o.
Love the videos mate, personally I’ve got both the hikoki 36v (am in the UK it’s branded hikoki not metabo hpt) and the 18v makita. I find the blade on right hand side of the motor so annoying, but its much more powerful than my makita. But the makita is nicer to use
I have an old 18V black & decker, it will cut 1/4 plywood about 8 feet or so and then it's dead, and that was when it was brand new... Not nearly as useful as I wanted it to be. Going to have to replace it with something better. Thanks for the video, this will help.
That Rigid Sub Compact Saw is currently my go to. Just feels smooth and is super light yet powerful. I really like were Rigid is going and their top line line tools offer great value for money.
I have a 50 year old worm drive skil saw. Plus 3 - 3 1/4" Porter Cable/Rockwell trim saws. I'm 75 years old and they still do the job, no need to UPGRADE.
Im envious that you still muscle the old worm drive saw. My 40 year old worm drive Skilsaw also works. But my right arm with torn rotator cuff can be an issue at times. Small, light and powerful is good for me. Cordless makes work even easier. Ridgid saw will work well and compliments the other Ridgid tools and bats.
I think Flex blew this category out of the water with their inline drive 6.5" saw. It's incredible. I think its a newer offering so it makes sense that it wasnt included in this video that was made a year ago.
I'm a Milwaukee and Dewalt platform owner , but use the Milwaukee brushed 6-1/2 saws, two of them , and hoping to buy the Fuel brushless 6-1/2 model as well, I prefer 6-1/2 to 7-1/4 due to blade left line of sight. Edit; once you go cordless you won't go back to cords. I have a made in USA WORM drive corded 7-1/4 SKILSAW left sight blade but it is too heavy , so seldom used except when framing big jobs.
I'd be really interested to see this done again with 24 tooth blades. I see these used by framers especially on roofs when you don't wanna lug around a bigger saw.
Great testing and thanks for doing all the hard work. The concern I have is with the accuracy testing. Because you're only receiving one saw and because it comes from the manufacturer, they could have sent a perfectly adjusted saw (golden sample). I would hate to see one of us make a choice based on this and end up with a different result.
Eric, one of the silver linings of a global economy that we benefit from on these tests is that the marketing teams that we request these tools from are no where near geographically the warehouses that the tools are shipped out of. Long sentence but basically it would take a lot of effort on their part to line up a golden sample within our timeframe.
I use the Makita and I work with guys who use the Milwaukee and the Dewalt. My makita has lasted twice as long as the Milwaukee as it just died one day and the Dewalt is really starting to wear out but the Makita is still trucking.
Just a little update for you guys and maybe some food for thought on future testing. I got the Ridgid saw in this video based on these results and I've been a bit disappointed in the performance compared to my older Milwaukee 6-1/2 that was NOT a FUEL. I cut 4x8ft plywood for storm barrier boards on homes to fit the windows and doors. Many times i am cutting 3-4 sheets of 1/2in plywood. The Rigid 6-1/2 in this video has gotten jammed up just as much as my older Milwaukee Non-Fuel. I'm not sure if this has something to do with Milwaukee's better battery technology, but i would've expected a very noticeable difference with the Ridgid when cutting multiple sheets. The only real difference i notice on the Ridgid is the speed of the blade which does allow for faster cutting, but as far as the power and ability to resist binding, it does not seem much better, maybe 10-15% better. I am using a 4.0 and 6.0 Max Output battery on the Ridgid. On the Milwaukee I used a 6.0 & 8.0 High Output battery. Performance seems very similar on both with the RIgid being only slightly better because of its blade speed. Just thought I'd share my own real world testing, take it how you will. Keep up the good work
Those Milwaukee HO 6.0 and 8.0 make noticeable performance gains even on older tools. Having more advanced 21700 cells with higher discharge rates mean more watts available for the tool. Those Ridgid batteries are older 18650 cells; the 8Ah battery is the only one they offer with 21700 cells. I guess the old Milwaukee would perform significantly worse with an XC 5.0 pack, that's what I've notices on most other tools
I am working 5-6 days a week framing houses. I own the ridgid 6 1/2 subcompact circular saw. It gets the job done in an 8 hour day.. but I feel like the LED light drains the battery too quickly. I have four 4ah batteries and the get used up fairly quickly.
i usually use my 6.5, even framing... i only break out the 7.25 or 10.25 worm drives when i need a bunch of power and/or cutting depth... i have a 6 and a 9 AH flex volt battery i use for it and it makes it a beast... with smaller batteries its weak...
I have the Makita and it has a wrench for blade change…I paused the video to see if the hole and slot are there but no wrench…maybe it fell out or left in the box?
Good review Rob, I have a 12" compound mitre saw and 23 guage cordless pin nailer from Matabo , both superb tools, I use the Mitre saw exclusively for larger crown when I have to nest it, there's no better saw for this ( in my opinion)
If anyone is like me, performance and cost matter the most while efficiency of the purchase is a clost second. Efficiency meaning I already own or plan on buying at least 2 cordless tools of the brand so the batteries can be shared. Its just annoying buying one tool and the batteries aren't interchangeable. Thats why I love battery adapters.
i have that exact Makita saw. just FYI it does have blade change tool storage for the allen key. its in the handle between the depth adjustment lever and the base plate. therres a hole and retaining notch to place it in.
surprised you didn't mention the insane cutting depth of the metabo hpt saw. It's one of my most used saws due to it's light wieght and 7 1/4 like cutting capacity.
I forgot to add that in the video but the article has The 6-1/2-in deep cut circular saw capable of a 2-19/32-in cutting depth; making it one of the deepest cutting cordless circular saws on the market with a similar cut capacity as a 7-1/4-in saw, and that it is compatible with Metabo HPT's 18V or 36V(MultiVolt) although the cord is a huge brick
I have the bosch and my bevel adjustment lever did fall off and get lost. Looked down one day and noticed it was gone. Its still a great saw though and tight enough build to not change when cutting.
Excellent video. Really appreciate your testing and how to display the results and overall recommendations. I do think however you can stop with the "i am not a professional testing lab disclaimer" you appear as professional as any testing so take credit for it!
I've been beating that makita saw for 5 years, done so much framing, cutting through subfloor and nails, it may as well be brand new still. Makita tools are incredible, with a few exceptions ( mainly that pathetic brad nailer)
I've been hearing good things about the 40 volt brad nailer. If it would ever get released in the U.S. Of course that does mean a new battery platform, but I also want the 40 volt miter saw.
@@tls5870 they nake adapters to where you can run a milwaukee tool with a makita battery. I'm thinking about getting the milwaukee brad nailer and using my makita batteries. Makita can't seem to pull off a cordless nailer
I bought a Makita 03 right after they first came out. It has an Allen wrench on board. It is a tough little saw. I burned up my previous 01. But I have put that 03 through A LOT of wood over the years. The only thing I did to it modification wise is marked the blade guide for depth adjustment. They had it from the factory on the 01, and I became so used to looking at it, I totally missed it on the 03. Makita continues to deliver!
@@travisjazzbo3490 couldn't agree more! I'm fully invested in the Makita 18v line. The only thing I do wish is for them to update/upgrade the batteries. Seems like the last 4 or so 5 amp hour batteries I have gotten just don't compete with some of my older 4 amp hour ones. I know it'll never happen since introducing xgt. But a guy can dream...
@@workisfun...2438 I never heard that before. That's interesting. Here are some other facts about the old Makita 18V system even Makita People don't know. 1) Makita is one of the oldest systems in terms of that style of battery everyone else ended up copying. They haven't changed since 2005 while others have forced their customers to change batteries and get new tools since then once or twice 2) Makita is fanatical - and the first to go about shutting down the power to the tool if the tool overheats, the battery overheats, or prevents total discharge. This prolongs the life of the battery 3) Makita is one of the first to go with fast charges, doing it right by having fans blow on the battery during the charging process to keep them cool, as excessive heat wears down batteries. Even DW, who had a fan on their high-speed chargers when they finally came out, didn't cool the battery, but just the charger... Makita was way advanced and not appreciated. 4) Makita has had its electronics always sealed in its battery protecting it from moisture since the inception of those intelligent electronics. Took many years for others to catch up and do that right. Videos are online showing Makita tools being used underwater - 18V 5) Many other companies' chargers don't work well if used to charge batteries with a generator as it prematurely kills their batteries. Makita works well under these conditions with the intelligence in the charger to handle the dirty current so the batteries last These are the types of things that Makita is about. If they marketed like Red and Yellow in this country, it would be crazy. I admire how Japanese do business, however. Quality is the name of the game
I have the Metabo HPT (although mine is branded Hitachi and has the depth gauge in MM not inches) and the original Makita LTX model from 2005, the BSS610 (Made in Japan!) brushed circular saw. I find that the Metabo HPT will thermal throttle itself if it gets too hot, which is probably a good thing but very annoying when you're working outdoors in the hot summer. It's one of the reason why I still lean towards the near 20 year old Makita even though I believe it only cuts at 3900rpm.
The metabo 66 has a mini track that can be mounted to it that can be angled. Basically replaces the need for a mitersaw/speed square in a lot of situations
Would've made a lot more sense to let a right handed guy do the line of sight test since the vast majority of people are right handed and the blade left configuration of most 6.5 circ saws is a benefit for most tradesmen. Very impressed with the rigid and metabo 57 though. Surprised that dewalt and milwaukee weren't higher on the rankings.
@@ConcordCarpenter Yes, that's what I'm getting at. Should've got someone who was right handed instead of someone who's left handed because right handed users are predominant and right handed users get more advantage from blade left circular saws.
I have the Ridgid. It is quick but I would trade some speed for a dust port that actually works. Seems that most of the dust comes straight out the left side of the blade. But I'm locked in with their battery platform so I kinda stuck.
I have Makita tools but I'm switching over to Bauer because I'm not working commercial anymore & these things are so cheap they're 1/3 the price & have been treating me VERY well 🤷 yes name brand is way better but i just don't need it. Bauer has been coming out with more & more 🆒 tools, it's a pretty nice tool line nowadays.
Just the kind of videos I was looking for. Couple questions though. I have a bosch drill thats it for now. Is there any brands that do have compatible batteries with each other? And if not which brand from all your different tests do you think is best all around? I like the idea of being able to just swap a battery out when needed.
As a diy guy I can’t get into specifics but my Ridgid cuts like butter and lasts all day, for a diy guy works for me. I understand that this channel caters to all levels of craftsman. Good video dude.
Thx
I agree, I got the Ridgid saw as a free tool when HD was running a promo. At first I didn't think that I was use it much but it has been my go to saw for small to medium task. I replaced the blade with a Diablo and this little saw is quite impressive.
Rob, I appreciate the disclosure of why some tools sometimes do not appear in your video. This is a great point that makes the transparency crystal clear
Thanks for all your hard work TBB!
I use 6.5 saw more often then a 7 1/4, and never use a rear handle.
My criteria are, first sightlines, on one of my 4 battery platforms, rail compatibility, ergonomics.
Speed, power, and price are at the bottom of my list.
Obviously everyone has a different order.
I use in order, tracksaw, mitersaw, tablesaw, omt, circular, and Sawzall is the least used.
Thanks again crew!
I do love my Makita and I've been using it for years now. But hats off to all of them.
I have the Makita 36v 7 1/4 rear handle, and also have the 6 1/2 and I honestly find myself using the 6 1/2” probably 75% of the time. It’s lighter, a little easier to control and I just find myself reaching for it more than the 7 1/4 which honesty surprised me because I’ve never used side handle saws before but I like it a lot more than I thought I would
Ive run framing crews for 15+ years and have owned every kind of saw available, the rear handle saws very rarely come out of the tool crib. Usually when we need to make an opposite bevel cut. Not one of the dozens of men I've ever employed preferred a rear handle or worm gear saw.
ended up using my 6 1/4” makita so much more than the 7 1/4” hypoid rear handle that I took it back. love their saws though.
I used my Makita XSH03 as a framer/carpenter mainly in overhead one handed cuts on fascia and siding. IT IS WONDERFUL in all ways. My main tool line is DeWalt, the XSH03 is the ONLY Makita cordless I own
Does yours have an onboard hex key? I'm pretty sure they said it didn't have an onboard wrench and that took away from their feature score but mine has a hex key well it did at least and i intend to replace it soon.
Anyways it's a great saw and while it may not be the best 6 1/2 saw out there it is far and away the best 61/2 I've used and I've tried a few.
@@adamellis4578 YES onboard hex key! and its still there! I do NOT like hex keys, chuck wrenches, and so forth. they better be captive with a cord/cable/chain or i will put one on if possible, and if its stored on board it better not fall the fukk out, i have a few older tools with missing things and i use engraver, or sharpie etc. and write "4mm allen" or whatever otherwise its hell
@@mos8541 Ive the 680 and the key is below handle at back and locks in
For a minute, I thought I was watching Project Farm review with the mechanical slide setup. Glad to see someone is starting to do honest review like Project Farm.
Project farm setups tend to be more crude
These Guys have been doing this 10 plus years check the data
Incredible effort to eliminate all variables in your testing, well done! I personally use the Makita (which does have an on board hex key by the way) and have been more than satisfied with it as a diy user. All the saws seem up to the task and which one you go with probably has more to do with which system you've already invested in. Keep up the great videos!
I have been eyeing the 6 1/2 ridgid cordless saw-You have just reinforced the reason I need it. Thank you for the information. Ridgid Ron
Well I got one now..Ridgid 6 1/2 circular saw Ridgid Ron
@@RidgidRon Funny enough I just bought one today. Found one that came with 2 batteries (a 4.0 and 2.0Ah) and their drill driver for the EXACT same price as the saw kit with only one battery and a charger.
I almost went the cheap route and bought a Bauer saw from harbor freight for a third of what I paid for the Ridgid, but I hated how it felt in my hands. Not only that but I'm hesitant to buy a saw from harbor freight in general. I have a Bauer drill and impact and they're just fine for budget tools but for safety reasons I feel more comfortable spending a little more for a good quality saw.
I might become a Ridgid guy since I'm not too invested in one brand of batteries yet.
@@RidgidRon - Cool so now that you've had the saw for over a year, what do you think of it?
I like how Tool Box review does their tests, very comprehensive, and methodical, like Project Farm TH-camr , he is also very good.
Your a legend dropping the most thoroughly designed head to heads
I've used the Makita for years now..its one of my go-to tools..love the ergonomic ..the power could be greater but the rest is great.
Tried and true
It's probably the oldest model in the competition and still showing incredibly well. For the number of times I heard the Makita praised during the video, I was shocked it didn't rank higher. The only thing I don't like about the saw is that it likes to roll away from you when you set it down.
@@MNCasaPro Yes😆 if only i got a 💵 for everytime that saw rolled/fell/tumbel away😆
I am a diy'er and very glad to have watched this great video. I own Makita, Ryobi, and Ridgid power tools and was planning to purchase a 6 1/2" cordless saw. Now, I am going to get the Ridgid one which is priced at $99 from $149. Thanks for this great and informative video!
Got the AEG/Ridgid saw it's a beast 6 months of use and still going hard💪
Do you cut a lot of 2x4's with it? What type of blade, tooth count? Seriously considering Ridgid 6 1/2" saw. This test vid was cutting 3/4" plywood. Thanks!
@@ridemfast7625 mainly cut 2x4s with it, use it everyday as a carpenter, I use a diablo 24 tooth framing blade which is brilliant.
I just finished my deck project with this Ridgid 6.5. It cut through composite decking no problem. Overall, I think this is a great circular saw for the DIY’er and for the money, it’s hard to beat. Having said that, I think I my dads Makita is just a better circular, more accurate. If you’re depending on a circular saw for income, I’d go Makita or Milwaukee, the Ridgid is just fine for my occasional projects. I do like the weight of the Ridgid, it’s really light and easy to use.
Been running that Makita saw for about 3 years now. Been having issues with the trigger lately causing it to not turn on. But it's an amazing saw that I used to rip 2x4 easily in a pinch.
Hey Rob and Tool Box Buzz! I'd like to mention that your tests are always appreciated! What I would like to see, is more commentary with specific tools as to how manufacturers can improve their tool based on the crews experience. For me as an individual contractor myself, it's really good content, and it helps me make better judgements for myself in the future for other platforms and newer tools in the future I would consider.
I like your head to head videos. It’s like Christmas all over again
I swear by my 6.5 Dewalt. It's my go to saw 95% of the time until I have to pull out the big rear handle beast also Dewalt. Great video again guys, I appreciate all the work!
Rob, I just want to tell you that I appreciate your time and professionalism with the work you do!!
Another fantastic tool test! Amazing detail as always! Thank you Rob and TBB crew! 👍
Thx Mike
I already have a circular saw and I’m not going to buy a new one but I like watching these competitions Rob because it allows me to root for the home team. :-)
Yeah, I'm with Ridgid! Awesome! Excellent reviews 👍
Hi! 2 quick points about the Makita.
1 - it does come with a hex wrench ;
2 - it is track compatible with an adapter Makita offers.
Noted- great comment thanks!!
@@ConcordCarpenter It has on board storage for the hex key too, it's a hole in the body of the saw sort of behind the depth adjustment lever going all the way through sideways. Easy to miss, but it's there. At 7:27 you can see the left side of it, a hole in the teal part behind the blade/in front of the battery/under the handle. It holds it well, doesn't fall out.
just bought a makita a few months ago. it has a hex wrench on board
This is true, will the rankings now be updated ? They gave it a (5 ) for no tool storage , which in fact it does have....on board tool storage. ( Hex wrench )
Yup both mine have on board hex
Same same I have one I got about a year ago and it has hex on it as well. I think mines is the exact same one as in this video
Both of mine (same model) have the hex key in the saw as well. Bottom of the body just in front of the battery mount
Me too
I loved that you explained y some of the saws aren't there because I've always wondered that in all the head to head videos.
Thx
Great video. One thing i love about the metabo HPT is the depth of the blade is as good or better than most 7-1/4" saws.
I stupidly skipped to the end of this video initially. However by watching properly and seeing your comparison. It helped me make a decision. I ended up going for Milwaukee as the cons you mentioned didn’t bother me. Plus I also like the other tools they sell so being apart of that platform makes a lot of sense
I have the makita and the metabo hpt both good saws I’d reach for the makita more often it’s been out a long time now I’ve had it years still cuts square the on board Allen key should be in the right above the depth adjustment lever Mine came with 1 . Great video very well done 👍🏻
Right on
Thanks for taking the time with the testing and vid. I was considering the Ridgid but you convinced me to buy one.
Thanks for the Clarification on the process of getting the tools for testing! Always enjoy these videos 👍🏻
Best comparison that could ever be made as first use 👍👍👍👍👍
You may not have all the fancy testing equipment but you do real world testing on stuff that we use everyday. I think your testing hold way more weight than the testing labs that design thier tests to be able to put the numbers they want on thier boxes.
Thanks
I think, every one has one brand to stick with for battery and compatible charging. And I am happy to use Dewalt because it has lot of variety of tools and I can use my batteries in all of them , just a personal preference and convenience, All are good brands.
I really wish the best battery platform was used for each brand (Milwaukee H.O., Dewalt flexvolt, Ryobi high performance, Ridgid Octane, Kobalt ultimate output, etc)
@FatherFirefighter -interesting point. We try to look if the tools come kitted, and also try to get them close in Ah. This would be a H2H with the tools BEST battery - I like it Ill bring to the team
@@ConcordCarpenter That's a fair point and overall it would only affect 1 or 2 categories in total. Just curious to see what performance gains there are to be had.
Ridgid came out with a video and the new ridgid batteries outperform the discontinued octane lineup.
Those are the inky videos not being made.
Dewalt 60v with a 15.0 amp
Makita 40v with a 8.0 amp
The new milwaukee 7 1/4 forge 12.0!!!!!!
Wanted to see the in-line saw, flex some haters. Thanks for the vid
That Makita saw has an Allen wrench located between the battery and depth adjustment lever in Australian model, you can even see the hole where the short side is inserted at 15:00
18:39 -- I'm a Dewalt guy. But ultimately it's not about brand loyalty, it's about battery loyalty.
My dad bought me a cordless Dewalt drill/driver kit 6 years ago for Christmas so that's the battery ecosystem I'm comfortable with. But since I wanted a corded circ saw, I had more flexibility since no battery required. Went with Milwaukee's corded worm because I know Dewalt cannot build a decent corded worm saw to save its life.
Keep up the good work with these invaluable reviews!
Thanks for spending time doing this. Must of taken ages! Great channel!
You guys always claim not to be professional tool reviewers and I can appreciate the modesty. But this channel has some of the most thorough testing and more informative than some other channels (not gonna say names)that do consider themselves tool reviewers. You guys do a great job it’s not like you’re a guy cutting lumber behind your Auto shop. Thanks for putting in the time . As a sidenote Milwaukee needs to step it up especially at their price point.
Thanks
The milwaukee is an older design. Came out in 2013, so it's a bit outdated. Main reason why I got a different brand of circular saw.
@@LvA1994 Yeah they’re due for a new one it pretty much set the standard when it came out. I still have it it’s a great saw and has plenty of power. I don’t understand why they’re still asking $250 for the tool only.
@@steffendetrick9403 I switched to the Bosch profactor 7 1/4 track compatible saw, which is a great saw. The Milwaukee 6 1/2 is still a great saw, just not up there with the best anymore.
I'm researching to determine what battery brand group I'm adding to my Ryobi arsenal.(Home Depot had a huge Ryobi tool display with an individual wearing a bright Ryobi Tshirt in store that day. I got the 9 piece Ryobi kit, instead of the 5 piece DeWalt kit.) That's how I got into wood working, as a hobby. As I get deeper into the hobby, it's becoming less of a hobby, and more of side business. I'm really attracted to the DeWalt and Milwaukee tool lines. Primarily for their innovations and battery technology and great selection of Both 12v & 18v lines within the brands. I'll probably end up being the guy with 5 or 6 different tool brands and batteries (but I'm still trying not to be that guy.) I've compared run/work time of both brands, and either is a significant improvement over my Ryobi stuff, and either brands typical output easily exceeds Ryobi. Being able to run all day(9-10hrs work time is really a good thing.) I hate getting up/away from the work/assembly area to get a fresh battery to finish the build. It means a lot when you're batching out 10 or 20 of the same thing.
Great video, I'm looking at picking up that ridgid saw.
Great comparison. Thanks for all the effort that went into making this video! I have the 6.5" DeWalt, and it's adequate but nothing special. Love the compact size and it has plenty of power. Right out of the box, I had to grind a little bit from the top side of the shoe to get it perfectly square. Also don't care for the low-rent stamped steel bevel and depth measurement indicators. I find that DeWalt tools tend to feel lower quality than many of their competitors, and their 6.5" circ saw is no different.
I watched another test on the Dewalt 565 and it excelled at everything.
You guys are the bench mark for tool testing, keep it up
Very honest review, me and my mate worked together, I can feel his metabo is better than my Makita, well I don't say my saw isn't great but just slightly feel better with metabo
Thanks for sharing
Hey, thanks for the Test!
One Detail to the Metabo 66:
I bought this saw to use it with the small tracks.
BUT: you cant adjust the sliding / Play between the saw and the track.
So i bought the Makita for free hand use und stick with my loved BL Makita Tracksaw.
A great combo.
Cheers from Berlin
Stephan
Yep both the metabo 57 and 66 have slop on the track. I had to put a little slider tape for drawers on my 57 to take out the slop. The Makita however has a jig that's under $50 and made of plastic that does have adjustments and works fairly well
Very good testing! I have the DeWalt and fully agree that mainly the shoe is primitive in features and build quality. Some of these tools get a big jump in power with the right battery, like the DeWalt with 9ah flex and Milwaukee with 8.0 h.o.
Love the videos mate, personally I’ve got both the hikoki 36v (am in the UK it’s branded hikoki not metabo hpt) and the 18v makita. I find the blade on right hand side of the motor so annoying, but its much more powerful than my makita. But the makita is nicer to use
Thanks Rob, loving this series😎🛠️😎🛠️😎
Thanks Rob I was very interested in seeing these two metabos. There's not too much information on them
Awesome production.
I have an old 18V black & decker, it will cut 1/4 plywood about 8 feet or so and then it's dead, and that was when it was brand new... Not nearly as useful as I wanted it to be. Going to have to replace it with something better. Thanks for the video, this will help.
the Rigid is an amazing deal right now R8656, on sale $159 with 4.0 battery and charger.
I am just glad I dont rely on your tests for my tool purchases. Hey it's just a tool. They all work fine for me.
That Rigid Sub Compact Saw is currently my go to. Just feels smooth and is super light yet powerful. I really like were Rigid is going and their top line line tools offer great value for money.
I have a 50 year old worm drive skil saw. Plus 3 - 3 1/4" Porter Cable/Rockwell trim saws. I'm 75 years old and they still do the job, no need to UPGRADE.
I remember the Rockwell
Im envious that you still muscle the old worm drive saw. My 40 year old worm drive Skilsaw also works. But my right arm with torn rotator cuff can be an issue at times. Small, light and powerful is good for me. Cordless makes work even easier. Ridgid saw will work well and compliments the other Ridgid tools and bats.
Love your head to head tests. Battery platform and costs dictate our purchases in a lot of cases
I think Flex blew this category out of the water with their inline drive 6.5" saw. It's incredible. I think its a newer offering so it makes sense that it wasnt included in this video that was made a year ago.
I love my Makita 6 1/2 and my 7 1/4. Just the smoothest and best. & surprised yours did not have its Allen key. It’s usually in the back.
Glad that it DOES come with one
@@ConcordCarpenter you gave it a 5 rating for NOT having one, in fact it does...
I'm a Milwaukee and Dewalt platform owner , but use the Milwaukee brushed 6-1/2 saws, two of them , and hoping to buy the Fuel brushless 6-1/2 model as well, I prefer 6-1/2 to 7-1/4 due to blade left line of sight.
Edit; once you go cordless you won't go back to cords. I have a made in USA WORM drive corded 7-1/4 SKILSAW left sight blade but it is too heavy , so seldom used except when framing big jobs.
I'd be really interested to see this done again with 24 tooth blades. I see these used by framers especially on roofs when you don't wanna lug around a bigger saw.
Great vid. Makita is always the best. Woohoo
Thanks for the video, just a note on Ridgid R8656B weight based on their website is 7.5 lb.
Great testing and thanks for doing all the hard work. The concern I have is with the accuracy testing. Because you're only receiving one saw and because it comes from the manufacturer, they could have sent a perfectly adjusted saw (golden sample). I would hate to see one of us make a choice based on this and end up with a different result.
I find it hard to believe that a tool company would violate their integrity and reputation- imagine if that ever got out
Eric, one of the silver linings of a global economy that we benefit from on these tests is that the marketing teams that we request these tools from are no where near geographically the warehouses that the tools are shipped out of. Long sentence but basically it would take a lot of effort on their part to line up a golden sample within our timeframe.
@@Jeffrey_Williams do we know for sure that these are random samples shipped from a warehouse? If so that's ideal.
@@matsudakodo they come in retail packaging so we’re pretty confident. Accuracy is a very small portion of the whole test anyway.
The new series tool of metabo with the new battery is from another level..of course all the saw there is great..
nothing to add, but want to support the algorithm.
so here it is. Good job fellas.
I use the Makita and I work with guys who use the Milwaukee and the Dewalt. My makita has lasted twice as long as the Milwaukee as it just died one day and the Dewalt is really starting to wear out but the Makita is still trucking.
I've committed myself to Dewalt and Milwaukee only and I'm a diy/amateur handy at best so those 2 will do for my needs and experience.
Your video is a lot of fun and entertaining and educational thank you very much
Thx
Just a little update for you guys and maybe some food for thought on future testing. I got the Ridgid saw in this video based on these results and I've been a bit disappointed in the performance compared to my older Milwaukee 6-1/2 that was NOT a FUEL.
I cut 4x8ft plywood for storm barrier boards on homes to fit the windows and doors. Many times i am cutting 3-4 sheets of 1/2in plywood. The Rigid 6-1/2 in this video has gotten jammed up just as much as my older Milwaukee Non-Fuel. I'm not sure if this has something to do with Milwaukee's better battery technology, but i would've expected a very noticeable difference with the Ridgid when cutting multiple sheets. The only real difference i notice on the Ridgid is the speed of the blade which does allow for faster cutting, but as far as the power and ability to resist binding, it does not seem much better, maybe 10-15% better. I am using a 4.0 and 6.0 Max Output battery on the Ridgid. On the Milwaukee I used a 6.0 & 8.0 High Output battery.
Performance seems very similar on both with the RIgid being only slightly better because of its blade speed. Just thought I'd share my own real world testing, take it how you will. Keep up the good work
Those Milwaukee HO 6.0 and 8.0 make noticeable performance gains even on older tools. Having more advanced 21700 cells with higher discharge rates mean more watts available for the tool.
Those Ridgid batteries are older 18650 cells; the 8Ah battery is the only one they offer with 21700 cells.
I guess the old Milwaukee would perform significantly worse with an XC 5.0 pack, that's what I've notices on most other tools
I am working 5-6 days a week framing houses. I own the ridgid 6 1/2 subcompact circular saw. It gets the job done in an 8 hour day.. but I feel like the LED light drains the battery too quickly. I have four 4ah batteries and the get used up fairly quickly.
Circular saws work better and last longer with 6ah or higher batteries. Ridgid fan as well!
i usually use my 6.5, even framing... i only break out the 7.25 or 10.25 worm drives when i need a bunch of power and/or cutting depth... i have a 6 and a 9 AH flex volt battery i use for it and it makes it a beast... with smaller batteries its weak...
I have the Makita and it has a wrench for blade change…I paused the video to see if the hole and slot are there but no wrench…maybe it fell out or left in the box?
Possibly
Good review Rob, I have a 12" compound mitre saw and 23 guage cordless pin nailer from Matabo , both superb tools, I use the Mitre saw exclusively for larger crown when I have to nest it, there's no better saw for this ( in my opinion)
If anyone is like me, performance and cost matter the most while efficiency of the purchase is a clost second. Efficiency meaning I already own or plan on buying at least 2 cordless tools of the brand so the batteries can be shared. Its just annoying buying one tool and the batteries aren't interchangeable. Thats why I love battery adapters.
i have that exact Makita saw. just FYI it does have blade change tool storage for the allen key. its in the handle between the depth adjustment lever and the base plate. therres a hole and retaining notch to place it in.
Thanks, leaning toward the Ridgid instead of Dewalt for a replacement
Excellent video, thank you. Going to try to score the Ridgid on sale sometime!
Great video great technical aspects of the tools at hand great stats explained I like my boss CCS 180
Thanks 👍
Right on
Thanks for the test ,I wish the Skil blade right would have been included, but it's not your fault .
surprised you didn't mention the insane cutting depth of the metabo hpt saw. It's one of my most used saws due to it's light wieght and 7 1/4 like cutting capacity.
Yeah and Flex tried saying it was the deepest in their marketing when it is not
We have one set up for a track saw and it works great
I forgot to add that in the video but the article has The 6-1/2-in deep cut circular saw
capable of a 2-19/32-in cutting depth; making it one of the deepest cutting cordless circular saws on the market with a similar cut capacity as a 7-1/4-in saw, and that it is compatible with Metabo HPT's 18V or 36V(MultiVolt) although the cord is a huge brick
@@baseballdude8491 there basically identical in cutting depth.Only difference is the flex is 1400 rpm faster.
@@LARULES100 and $150 more expensive
@@baseballdude8491 but it comes with battery fast charger and a bag.
I have the bosch and my bevel adjustment lever did fall off and get lost. Looked down one day and noticed it was gone. Its still a great saw though and tight enough build to not change when cutting.
95 decibel = hearing damage at 1 hour
103 decibel = hearing damage in about 12 minutes.
Average battery runtime: 17 minutes
Moral of the story: wear hearing protection
Huh?
Excellent video. Really appreciate your testing and how to display the results and overall recommendations. I do think however you can stop with the "i am not a professional testing lab disclaimer" you appear as professional as any testing so take credit for it!
Great review.
I'm gonna buy all my tools through Acme Tools from here on out since they have the sense to support your guys' testing. No more Amazon.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed
VERY Helpful . . . . . Thanks !
I would love to see the new Bosch profactor gks 18v 25gc. That CS 180 model is from 2009 🤣🤣
Borsh is gross. They are more into their esg score than real tools.
I've been beating that makita saw for 5 years, done so much framing, cutting through subfloor and nails, it may as well be brand new still. Makita tools are incredible, with a few exceptions ( mainly that pathetic brad nailer)
I've been hearing good things about the 40 volt brad nailer. If it would ever get released in the U.S. Of course that does mean a new battery platform, but I also want the 40 volt miter saw.
@@tls5870 they nake adapters to where you can run a milwaukee tool with a makita battery. I'm thinking about getting the milwaukee brad nailer and using my makita batteries. Makita can't seem to pull off a cordless nailer
Rob,
How come so many 7 1/4" saws are blade-right and we only see blade-left when we get to 6 1/2" ?
I bought a Makita 03 right after they first came out. It has an Allen wrench on board. It is a tough little saw. I burned up my previous 01. But I have put that 03 through A LOT of wood over the years. The only thing I did to it modification wise is marked the blade guide for depth adjustment. They had it from the factory on the 01, and I became so used to looking at it, I totally missed it on the 03. Makita continues to deliver!
They still have it but it's on the back side of the saw and it's difficult to see compared to the old one
@@evictioncarpentry2628 oh I know, that's my point of the modification. God bless! I'm a contractor too BTW.
Overall value, quality, breadth of tool line, true one battery system, service, history... Hard to beat Makita
@@travisjazzbo3490 couldn't agree more! I'm fully invested in the Makita 18v line. The only thing I do wish is for them to update/upgrade the batteries. Seems like the last 4 or so 5 amp hour batteries I have gotten just don't compete with some of my older 4 amp hour ones. I know it'll never happen since introducing xgt. But a guy can dream...
@@workisfun...2438 I never heard that before. That's interesting. Here are some other facts about the old Makita 18V system even Makita People don't know.
1) Makita is one of the oldest systems in terms of that style of battery everyone else ended up copying. They haven't changed since 2005 while others have forced their customers to change batteries and get new tools since then once or twice
2) Makita is fanatical - and the first to go about shutting down the power to the tool if the tool overheats, the battery overheats, or prevents total discharge. This prolongs the life of the battery
3) Makita is one of the first to go with fast charges, doing it right by having fans blow on the battery during the charging process to keep them cool, as excessive heat wears down batteries. Even DW, who had a fan on their high-speed chargers when they finally came out, didn't cool the battery, but just the charger... Makita was way advanced and not appreciated.
4) Makita has had its electronics always sealed in its battery protecting it from moisture since the inception of those intelligent electronics. Took many years for others to catch up and do that right. Videos are online showing Makita tools being used underwater - 18V
5) Many other companies' chargers don't work well if used to charge batteries with a generator as it prematurely kills their batteries. Makita works well under these conditions with the intelligence in the charger to handle the dirty current so the batteries last
These are the types of things that Makita is about. If they marketed like Red and Yellow in this country, it would be crazy. I admire how Japanese do business, however. Quality is the name of the game
I have the Metabo HPT (although mine is branded Hitachi and has the depth gauge in MM not inches) and the original Makita LTX model from 2005, the BSS610 (Made in Japan!) brushed circular saw. I find that the Metabo HPT will thermal throttle itself if it gets too hot, which is probably a good thing but very annoying when you're working outdoors in the hot summer. It's one of the reason why I still lean towards the near 20 year old Makita even though I believe it only cuts at 3900rpm.
The metabo 66 has a mini track that can be mounted to it that can be angled. Basically replaces the need for a mitersaw/speed square in a lot of situations
yes it does - accessory. We should have mentioned it.
Makita #1 rolex Of cordless tools.
Would've made a lot more sense to let a right handed guy do the line of sight test since the vast majority of people are right handed and the blade left configuration of most 6.5 circ saws is a benefit for most tradesmen. Very impressed with the rigid and metabo 57 though. Surprised that dewalt and milwaukee weren't higher on the rankings.
Ethan is left handed
@@ConcordCarpenter Yes, that's what I'm getting at. Should've got someone who was right handed instead of someone who's left handed because right handed users are predominant and right handed users get more advantage from blade left circular saws.
I have the Ridgid. It is quick but I would trade some speed for a dust port that actually works. Seems that most of the dust comes straight out the left side of the blade. But I'm locked in with their battery platform so I kinda stuck.
try taking the dust port off the tool
@@erichhartman2692 I did. Thanks
Im gonna stick with ridgid since I’ve been invested in the battery platform for over five years, but thank you for confirming my confirmation bias 😂
Update, I left mine out in the rain and it died. Ridgid mailed me a brand new one for free
I have Makita tools but I'm switching over to Bauer because I'm not working commercial anymore & these things are so cheap they're 1/3 the price & have been treating me VERY well 🤷 yes name brand is way better but i just don't need it. Bauer has been coming out with more & more 🆒 tools, it's a pretty nice tool line nowadays.
Great work! Sure beats 99% of reviews of a guy randomly doing a few crosscuts.
Just the kind of videos I was looking for. Couple questions though. I have a bosch drill thats it for now. Is there any brands that do have compatible batteries with each other? And if not which brand from all your different tests do you think is best all around? I like the idea of being able to just swap a battery out when needed.