Only a handful of manufacturers currently produce cordless table saws that meet the latest UL standards for table size and blade diameter. The Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Cordless Table Saw is the latest product that shows a lot of potential.
Ryobi's One+ HP brushless motor spins the 8 1/4" blade at up to 4,500 RPM and cuts with confidence. The table saw has the ability to cut trim panels, 2x material and boards. Compared to some of the earlier Ryobi table saws we've used in the past, this model has a steel frame for stronger construction.
As a compact table saw, though, you have trade-offs. The Ryobi PBLTS01 blade has a tear capacity of 12 1/2 inches on the right side and about 7 1/4 inches on the left side. For those ripping off sheets from 13 to 24 inches, you won't be able to use the fence as a guide.
Also keep in mind the size of the blade. With the smaller 8 1/4" blade, your maximum cutting depth is 2 1/4" at 90° and 1 3/4" at 45°. Most 10" table saws can't cut 4x material, but they can usually cut around 3 1/8" so there's a noticeable difference.
For those who use the dado stack this is not designed to accept them.
However, if you understand the limitations, you can accomplish a great deal of cutting while maintaining the bliss of being free of any cords. Well, maybe not really a ton. But with the two 4.0Ah high-performance batteries in the kit, you can expect 240 linear feet less.
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Cordless Table Saw Features
weight
Ryobi designed this table saw for easy transport. It weighs less than 33 pounds and can be easily carried by one person. Of course, you can always attach it to a stand, and there are holes if you want to attach it to a bench.
Blade Height Adjustment
Blade height adjustment is simple and works the same way as almost every other table saw. Turn the wheel clockwise to raise it and counterclockwise to lower it. It takes a lot of turns to fully raise or lower the blade. The upside is that it operates very smoothly, making it easy to get precise blade heights.
Bevel and Cutting Capabilities
The Ryobi's bevel adjustment is very simple and you get a standard 0° – 45° bevel range. To adjust, loosen the lever above the height adjustment wheel, slide the wheel until the indicator is at your desired angle, then tighten the lever down.
Pro tip: Even the best table saws require an initial calibration when you first get them. Be sure to go through the process and check to make sure the blade is still square for your daily use.
the fence
To set a fence on the Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Cordless Table Saw, make sure the clamps are in the open (up) position. Use the hooks on the back to hook the back of the table, then tilt the front forward so the fence base is flush with the table, then push the clip down to close.
Pro tip: This type of fence can be locked out of the square of the blade. To avoid this, slide the fence to the size you're looking for, then use your thumb to push the front of the fence onto the table while the clips are closed. This removes any pressure from the rear of the fence, allowing it to follow the front completely.
Blade guard and anti-kickback pawl
Table saws cause a staggering number of power tool injuries each year. Ripping knives, blade guards, and anti-kickback claws go a long way toward preventing them, and you should always use them. Unfortunately, they're a pain to install… most of the time.
The Ryobi combines two parts into one, and it feels much easier to slide them into place. First make sure the riving knife is in the up position by removing the needle plate, release the riving bar in the cavity, pull the riving knife up, and lock the bar back.
On the blade guard/pawl assembly, locate the rear silver metal piece that connects the two sides, slide it into the back slot of the riving knife, turn the assembly forward until it stops on the riving knife, then push the rear lever down to lock it in place. We found it easier to install and remove than most other table saws.
Accessory storage
This saw gets a few extra points from me for having ample onboard accessory storage. So you don't need to hunt around for push rods or miter gauges. Now, while this isn't a groundbreaking design point, it's nice to see that the Ryobi makes it easy to stay organized while you work.
The putters are stored on the right side of the table with a molded friction fit system. The fence uses clips and can be conveniently stored under the table when work is done. Ryobi includes a blade wrench that can be stored on the right side of the tool, while the guard and anti-kickback pawl are stored on the left.
When you put down the saw blade and store all the accessories, the saw footprint is only a few inches high, a few inches deep, and a few inches wide.
Additional features
- 2.5 inches dust port
- Part of the 18V One system, includes over 260 tools and is compatible with all 18V One+ batteries (high performance batteries recommended)
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Cordless Table Saw Prices
You can pick up the Ryobi PBLTS01B table saw for just $339, or the PBLTS01K kit with a pair of 4.0Ah high-performance batteries and charger for $399. These batteries are a steal at $60, and we recommend this kit even if you have other 18V One+ batteries.
Both options include push rod, blade guard assembly, anti-kickback pawl, 8-1/4" carbide blade, rip fence, miter gauge, and blade wrench. Ryobi backs it with a 3-year warranty.
the bottom line
Thanks to its HP brushless upgrade, Ryobi's cordless table saw has a lot of potential for serious DIYers and value-conscious professionals looking to cut the cord. Its sub-$400 price tag (including battery and charger) makes the Ryobi PBLT01 an excellent value, as long as its cutting capabilities and table size constraints are within your workspace.
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Cordless Table Saw Specifications
- Model: Ryobi PBLTS01
- Blade Size: 8-1/4"
- Arbor: 5/8 inch
- 90° Depth of Cut: 2-1/4"
- 45° Depth of Cut: 1-3/4"
- Bevel Capability: 0° to 45°
- Speed (no load): 4,500 RPM
- Right blade tear capacity: 12 in.
- Warranty: 3-year limited
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