There are any number of good portable bench top table saws to choose from if you are in the market: DEWALT DW745 and DW744x, Bosch 4100-09, Makita 2705X, and the Ridgid R4510, just to name a few. In a field of good, solid saws, the R4510 stands out in a number of areas.
What do you get when you buy a Ridgid R4510?
* easy opening and closing gravity rise stand
* 15 amp heavy duty motor with soft start
* 25 inch rip capacity
* micro adjust fence, allowing for accurate, fine adjustments
* tool free blade guard assembly
* large bevel scale for increased accuracy
* "T" slot miter gauge
* carbide tipped blade
The R4510 isn't the lightest in a field of light saws. It weighs in at 117 pounds, including stand, while the DW745 weighs 45 pounds. One might think that this weight would be a negative when portability is a necessity, but most users find it a non-issue. In fact they say the weight makes it more solid when making cuts; there is very little movement when the saw is in use.
This saw has a very generous 25 inch rip. By comparison, the DW745 has 16 inches of rip. "No problem," you might say, "I'll just get an extension." The R4510 doesn't have an extension designed specifically for it, but again, the users don't seem to find this to be an issue. For a portable, it has a very generous table, able to meet virtually all the needs you might have for it.
The Ridgid is rated to 3 ½ " of material. This may not mean much unless you plan to cut a lot of 4X6 or 4X4. The R4510 can do this in a single pass. The Bosch 4100-09, for example, is rated to 3 1/8", so it would take two passes to cut the same material.
For a portable, the Ridgid's accuracy really shines. It sets up virtually "hands off" straight out of the box, but with a little tweaking, cuts down to 1/64" can be made with confidence. The fence is easy to adjust and it holds its adjustment through hard use.
The R4510 meets the demands of even the most discerning contractor who uses it day in and day out on job sites. Beyond that, many people who need the features of a contractor saw or cabinet saw but can't afford their high costs opt for the Ridgid without sacrificing much in the way of features and sacrificing nothing in the way of quality. The Ridgid R4510 is truly a standout table saw.
