Replies

1. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jul 16, 2006 05:10pm | #1

   Good morning Steve. I purchased the Ridgid several years ago after several weeks of physically looking and comparing to Jet, Delta, Grizzly, etc. etc. I was not overly impressed with the old Rigid 1500, but when they introduced the 1550, it caught my eye in a big way. 

   Pros:....... I love the ease of opening the top and speed switching is a snap. I love the size of the foot-print and the way they set it up, doesn't require anchoring into the floor as stability is built-in. I love the shape of the table and all the flat space that can be used for easy clamping without clamps sliding on a slippery slope. The flat top, bottom and slots make it very easy to add a custom made top with custom fence also.

   I love the way you can switch the drive handle from right to left with ease. Although I'm a righty, someone had all things considered and recognized there are those that are lefties. The depth of the stroke is more than adequate and the run-out is extremely acceptable. The grade of chuck is excellent and doesn't require up-grading to a more expensive one. I love the little rotating tool trey and chuck holder. Love that TEFC motor.

   Cons:.......... It has a 15" and not 17" throat. That give you 2" less throat capacity. If you think that is deterrent, you can pay several hundred more for a more popular brand.. Or if you feel that 2" difference is really in-significant in cases with wood projects that are drilled on a DP, you will be correct 98% of the time, IMO. The few times I have had that come into play, I pre-drilled before glue-up.

   And no, I don't work for Ridgid or HD. I sport a Jet BS, Delta por-to planer, Penn State DC, Sun-hill jointer, Hitachi sliding compound miter and a TS that I bough in a yard sale and with the help of a mechanical engineer and the Delta Airlines machine shop got some heavy modification and became a cab saw. I also sport por-to tools from PC, Milwaukee, Bosch, etc. etc.

   I've always contended that every tool company has hit and misses.. IMO, this one is a Hit!

   So..... did I mention I love my 1550? ha.. ha...  ha..ha..ha..

   Good luck mapmaker...

   SARGE.. g-47

   
   

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   Edited 7/16/2006 10:17 am ET by SARGEgrinder47

1. 
   mapmaker | Jul 19, 2006 01:00pm | #3

   Thanks the feedback Sarge and Lamadriver.  I did purchase the Ridgid at HD yesterday ($300 including taxes).  That was considerably better than $450 or $500 from one of the other big names.  The model I bought is the 15501.  Not sure what the difference is between the 15500 and the 15501 but it must be small.

   It went together like its supposed to.  Nothing missing, everything fits great, and I only made one adjustment to the instructions: It was just me, putting it together, so I couldn't lift up the head and place it on the column as per the instructions. I put it together (minus the table) while it was horizontal on the floor.  Then, after everything was secure, I just lifted up the head and swung it up on its base.  Then put the table on.

   This tool was a needed addition to my little shop and I can't wait to drill some holes.  I'm kinda new to this woodworking thing and I still get that warm fuzzy feeling when I get a new toy to work with   :o)

   Again, thanks for you help Sarge and Lamadriver.....see ya around.

   Mapmaker 

2. 
   lamadriver | Jul 17, 2006 07:33am | #2

   One good reason to look at Rigid is their recent addition of lifetime warranty on all rigid products or so I have been led to believe from their statements.