RIDGID R4512 Review – Great Iron Table Saw For The Price

Any woodworker who’s serious about his business needs a table saw in his workshop. One that truly stands out is the R4512 from RIDGID. I’ve tested it in several projects, and if you want to know how it performed, then read our RIDGID Table Saw R4512 review.

This dependable table saw performs well enough to satisfy a professional, but it appeals to the novice too. It is compact yet stable, perfect for a smaller workshop. It’s also fairly lightweight and somewhat portable, although mobility isn’t its greatest feature.

Like most table saws, the R4512 comes equipped with a series of accessories designed to improve the user experience.

Furthermore, it is backed by a solid manufacturer’s guarantee. All of these features combined with a price that won’t break the bank explain the tool’s popularity.

If you’re now curious to learn more and want to find out if this is the right table saw for you, check out its features, flaws, and advantages below.

RIDGID Table Saw R4512 Features

Design and Build

The RIDGID R4512 is a robust and compact machine designed with the amateur woodworker in mind. It can withstand light-duty professional use too, but the overall power of this saw is insufficient for high-volume, heavy-duty demands.

Nonetheless, the tool has an impressive design. The most notable design feature is undoubtedly the wheeled base. For a compact table saw, this is a big plus.

Moving the table saw from one place to another is easy, although the rather small wheels might challenge your patience. If you do not have to move the saw across a job site, this feature is quite nice and adds real value.

The base of the saw is made of cast iron, a great choice considering the reduced dimensions of the stand. Despite being heavy, the material adds stability and balance to the assembly, two features you will need when cutting stock.

Moving upward, we find a generous tabletop area with a T-glide fence. There is plenty of space to handle large workpieces, whether to the left or to the right, for a maximum rip capacity of 30 inches.

Another thing I like is the onboard storage. A neat addition to an already versatile machine, this offers a massive amount of free space to hold your blades, wrenches, and other workshop tools.

Overall, the table saw has a robust construction, a stable base, and a great balance on most floors.

Power

Undoubtedly, the most important thing about a table saw is its power, and the RIDGID R4512 has plenty.

This machine is powered by a reliable 13-amp motor capable of outputting 3.8 horsepower; this power tool spins up to 3.450 revolutions per minute. This speed is sufficient for most materials, including softer wood.

Moreover, given the speed is adjustable, you will even have the ability to cut much more than wood. Set the blade at a slower speed, and you’ll be able to cut plywood, soft metals, and plastics too.

However, keep in mind that this table saw was not constructed for heavy-duty work; therefore, I truly recommend limiting your use as much as possible.

That said, you will still love the performance of this table saw on most types of stock. Remember though, you might struggle if you want to cut engineered wood such as MDF or melamine.

Cutting Capacity

Perhaps the greatest feature of the RIDGID R4512 is the generous cutting capacity.

Starting with the cutting depth capacity, the saw handles stock with a thickness of up to 3.25 inches at 90°. As you would expect from a quality table saw, the blade has a 45° bevel capacity, and in this configuration, it can cut at a depth of 2.25 inches.

Regarding the maximum rip cut capacity, you can extend yourself up to 15 inches to the left and 30 inches to the right.

This is more than you could expect from most amateur table saws. In fact, this machine is perfect for professionals and experienced hobbyists, although it can also satisfy a true novice.

Dust Management

Another feature that wowed me is the exceptional dust management this table saw has. The R4512 comes with a 4-inch universal dust port compatible with most vacuum cleaners.

You can either connect it to a standard collection bag or to a vacuum for more effective and faster management of dust and debris.

Safety

This table saw was not built for professional use, but this doesn’t mean the manufacturer compromised on safety. On the contrary, the R4512 comes equipped with standard safety equipment designed to minimize hazards and risks.

Among the most important features is the transparent blade guard, which not only keeps you safe but allows you actually to see what you’re doing.

The anti-kickback system is another effective feature, increasing your safety even more.

Slightly disappointing is the on/off button, which is located within easy reach but is smaller than one would expect. Finding it in emergency situations isn’t hard, but a larger button would have made things easier, without a doubt.

That said, I was overall happy with the safety features this machine comes with. Yes, they are all basic, but they are functional, and in the end, more than one would expect in this price range.

What We Like:

• Portable table saw comes with a sturdy base with integrated wheels.
• Robust cast iron construction adds balance and stability.
• Attractive price range. The R4512 is one of the cheapest table saws on the market.
• Extendable tabletop accommodates large workpieces.

What We Didn’t Like:

• Unsuitable for professional use. Although powerful, it won’t withstand high-volume demands.
• The overall quality of the wheels is lower than expected.
• Changing the blade is time-consuming.

Additional Features

Like all power tools on the market, the RIDGID R4512 comes with multiple additional features that can improve your user experience. Among all, the ones that most impressed me are:

• Accessories: This table saw comes equipped with a host of accessories, including an all-purpose carbon 10-inch blade and wrenches.
• Smooth adjustments: One of the greatest features is the front and back clamping aluminum fence with extra-large glides. The fence is designed specifically to allow for a precise and smooth adjustment along the rail.
• Customizable: The R4512 acts as more than a table saw. It is compatible with a wide range of attachments and accessories, such as auxiliary fence support for large pieces, T-slots for various accessories, and the ability to attach extension tables for routers and other specialty tools.
• Comfortable to use: Another great feature is the ease of use. The machine comes with a large over-mold handle designed to provide a secure grip.
• Miter gauge: Despite not being designed for professionals, this table saw is designed for precision. It comes with a die-cast miter gauge with positive stops designed to increase cut accuracy regardless of your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

The RIDGID R4512 is not the most impressive table saw on the market, but is one of the most convenient for more than one reason. It comes at an exceptional price point, and for its cost, it truly offers more than one would expect.

With careful assembly and precise alignment of the blade with the fence, achieving accurate cuts is a breeze. The table saw is also easily adjustable and compatible with a wide range of attachments and accessories that boost its versatility.

Portable up to an extent, the unit comes with convenient wheels. They are small and rather annoying, yet they still do their job if you have the patience.

On the other hand, the machine is perfectly balanced, it has a robust construction, and delivers sufficient power to satisfy most amateur demands.

Ideal for novices, hobbyists, and low-demand professionals, the RIDGID R4512 won;t break the bank and will undoubtedly live up to your expectations.