Fluid Cutting Action

Street price: $300
Accuracy of cut: Good
Quality of cut: Fair

The Ridgid has good points but too many negatives. The dust port is among the largest and most effective, the table scales are easy to read, and the zero-clearance throat plate is almost as easy to replace as on the Makita. Also, the trigger has no safety lock, making it easier to use, and the cutting action is fluid, with the fastest and smoothest brake. However, the miter detents are not adjustable, and it was difficult to adjust the fence. Also, there was blade runout. Despite our best attempts to adjust the stops, we could not get the saw to cut accurate, gap-free miters in our miter test.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Festool DF 500 Q-Set Domino Joiner

This joinery machine revolutionized woodworking for so many. There is no easier way to get mortise and tenon joints—but it comes at a cost.

Buy at Amazon

Festool Rotex FEQ-Plus Random Orbital Sander

The Festool Rotex is a top-of-the-line choice. On its coarse setting, it removed stock nearly twice as quickly as the second-fastest model. But that speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to wrestle with it. It’s no huge task to control it with two hands, and its long body gives you plenty of room to find a sweet spot while holding it.

Buy at Amazon

Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander

With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.

Buy at Amazon