Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
Only a handful of manufacturers currently make a cordless table saw that meets the latest UL standards for table size vs. blade diameter. The Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Cordless Table Saw is the latest entry, and it shows lots of promise.
Ryobi’s One+ HP brushless motor spins an 8 1/4-inch blade up to 4,500 RPMs and cuts with plenty of confidence. The table saw has the power for cutting trim boards, 2x material, and sheet goods. Compared to some of the earlier Ryobi table saws we’ve used in the past, this model has a sturdier build thanks to its steel frame.
As a compact table saw, there are some trade-offs you need to consider, though. The Ryobi PBLTS01 has a 12 1/2-inch rip capacity on the right side of the blade and about 7 1/4 inches to left. For those of you ripping sheet material from 13 – 24 inches, you won’t be able to use the fence as a guide.
Keep in mind the blade size, too. With the smaller 8 1/4-inch blade, your max cutting depth is 2 1/4 inches at 90° and 1 3/4 inches at 45°. Most 10-inch table saws can’t cut 4x material, but they typically do cut around 3 1/8 inches, so there’s a significant difference.
For those of you working with dado stacks, this isn’t designed to accept them.
However, if you understand those limitations, there’s a ton of cutting you can accomplish while remaining blissfully free of any cords. Well, maybe not an actual ton. But with the two 4.0Ah High-Performance batteries that come in the kit, you can expect to cut up to 240 linear feet.
Ryobi designed this table saw to transport easily. It weighs just under 33 pounds and is easy for one person to carry. Of course, you can always attach it to a stand and there are holes if you want to bolt it to a workbench.
Blade height adjustments are simple and work the same way nearly every other table saw’s does. Spin 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’s a very smooth operation and makes it easy to get a precise blade height.
Ryobi keeps things pretty simple when it comes to their bevel adjustments and you get the standard 0° – 45° bevel range. To make the adjustment, loosen the lever above the height adjustment wheel, slide the wheel until the indicator is at the angle you want, and tighten the lever back down.
Pro Tip: Even the best table saws need an initial calibration when you first get them. Be sure to go through that process and check to make sure the blade is still square each day you use it.
To set the fence on the Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Cordless Table Saw, make sure the clamp is in the open (upper) position. Use the hook on the back to catch the rear of the table and then tilt the front forward so the fence base is flush against the table and close the clamp by pushing it down.
Pro Tip: It’s possible to lock down this style of fence off-square to the blade. To avoid that, slide the fence to the measurement you’re looking for, and use your thumbs to push the front of the fence against the table while you close the clamp. That takes any pressure off the rear of the fence so it follows the front squarely.
Table saws are responsible for an incredible number of power tool injuries each year. Riving knives, blade guards, and anti-kickback pawls are a tremendous help in preventing them, and you should always use them. Unfortunately, they’re a pain to install… most of the time.
Ryobi integrated the two pieces into one, and it’s much easier to feel them slide into place. Start by making sure the riving knife is in the upper position by removing the throat plate, loosening the riving knife lever inside the cavity, pulling the riving knife up, and locking the lever back down.
On the blade guard/pawl assembly, locate the rear silver metal piece connecting the two sides, slide it into the rear slot on the riving knife, pivot the assembly forward until it rests on the riving knife, and push the rear lever down to lock it in place. We found it much easier to install and remove than on most other table saws.
This saw earns a few extra brownie points from me for having ample onboard accessory storage. Consequently, you don’t need to hunt around for your push stick or miter gauge. Now, while this isn’t a ground-breaking design point, it’s good to see that Ryobi is making it easy to stay organized while you’re on the job.
The push stick stows on the right side of the table with a molded friction-fit system. The fence uses clamps down and it stows conveniently underneath the table when the job is done. Ryobi includes blade wrenches that store right on the tool while the guard and anti-kickback pawls store on the left.
By the time you drop the blade down and store all the accessories, the saw’s footprint is only inches tall, inches deep, and inched wide.
You can pick up just the Ryobi PBLTS01B table saw for $339, or get the PBLTS01K kit with a pair of 4.0Ah High Performance batteries and charger for $399. $60 for those batteries is a steal, and we recommend going with the kit even if you have other 18V One+ batteries.
Both options include a push stick, blade guard assembly, anti-kickback pawls, an 8-1/4 inch carbide-tipped blade, rip fence, miter gauge, and blade wrenches. Ryobi backs it with a 3-year warranty.
Thanks to its HP Brushless upgrade, Ryobi’s cordless table saw has a lot of potential for serious DIYers and value-minded Pros looking for a way to cut the cord. As long as the limitations of its cutting capacity and table size are within the scope of your work, its sub-$400 price tag that includes batteries and a charger makes the Ryobi PBLT01 an excellent value.
Click here to explore the full Ryobi 18V lineup!
Having worked in the automotive and metalworking trades, Josh has even found himself core drilling commercial properties for purposes of surveying. His knowledge and love of tools are exceeded only by a greater love for his wife and family.
A fan of all things that can stretch him mentally, Josh quickly dives into new products, tools, and product testing with ample amounts of both enthusiasm and precision. We look forward to many years of growth alongside Josh as he settles into his role at Pro Tool Reviews.
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros