March 16, 2021

Ridgid r4512 vs r4520: Is The Newer Better Than the Older [UPDATED]

Are you comparing the Ridgid r4512 vs r4520? You should know that the R4520 is the newer version of the two. Some features you should look out for are power, size, versatility, and precision. The R4512 offers the same power and speed as the R4520. But itโ€™s not just this tiny difference that separates the two. This post will give a detailed analysis of the two table saws. You should also be aware that the Ridgid r4520 is discontinued. This means that they wonโ€™t be making new ones.

Overview of the Ridgid r4512

Ridgid r4512 has a 13 Amp motor that produces 3450 rotations per minute. The table of cast iron reduces vibration. The rip fence system has front and back clamping that has extra glides. These glides give you accuracy when cutting. Smooth adjustments are allowed along the rail.ย 

The machine has built-in slots for fence installation, making working on large workpieces easier. The tool is excellent in woodwork, carpentry, and construction. That makes it a versatile tool using 3.8 horsepower. The table saw can be used by both beginners and professionals. It is ideal for users running on a tight budget. It performs better on light-duty projects.ย 

The wheeled base is one of the unique features of the table saw. The cast iron construction makes the machine durable, stable, and balanced. The cutting power is impressive and brings out the potential in beginners. The storage makes the machine convenient. It is highly affordable. The cast iron table is easy to move. You press the paddle below, and the casters come out.ย 

Pros

  • Well balanced
  • Ease of use
  • Adjustable
  • User-friendly
  • Portable
  • Reduces vibrations
  • Versatile

Cons

  • The built-quality of the wheels could have been reliable
  • Ideal for light-duty tasksย 

Key Features of the Ridgid r4512

Rip fence

The rip fence is aluminium and has front and back clamping. The fence is solid, which makes your activities accurate. It is smooth when running on the rails and the blocks square.

Blade guard

The blade guard is transparent. That makes it easy to observe all the actions on the machine. Your fingers are safe from the blade.ย 

Table

The table contains cast iron. It is flat on the surface and comes with extensions. It is spacious, which makes it accommodate large workpieces. The measurements are 20 inches x 27 inches in height, and the width is 37 inches.ย 

Miter gauge

The die-cast miter gauge comes with a T-slot measured ยพ inch x 3/8 inch. That brings accuracy when cutting. The purpose of the T-slots to hold the fence faces and accessories.ย 

Dust collection

It has a 4inch dust port that is compatible with multiple vacuum cleaners. You can even use a standard collection bag. A bag is convenient as it is faster and more effective. It manages dust and debris.ย 

Storage

There is built-in storage that makes the machine versatile. Space is used for the tools that you use. They have to stay closer to you and not take more time working.

Safety features

The transparent plastic blade guard makes you look closely at every action. That reduces risks and injuries. The riving knife can be operated without using any tool. The plastic push stick avoids kickbacks.

Blade

The 10-inch carbide-tipped blade makes the table saw. The blade is not efficient when it comes to rough material. However, it is replaceable, and that does not come with implications. Instead, it improves the quality of the machine. The table saw is compatible with a dado blade up to 13?16inch wide.

Ridgid r4520 review and Overview

Ridgid r4520 has a 13 Amp motor and a 10-inch blade. The frame is made of cast iron. The motor is cooled by an inbuilt fan that has a blade brake. The power drives the machine to deal with dense materials with ease. The 30-inch rip capacity is exceptional. That is what makes the machine powerful enough to rip sheet material.ย 

The 13 Amp motor and the 10-inch carbide-tipped blade make the table saw. The package includes a push stick, push pedal caster set, assembly hardware, 10-inch carbide blade, miter gauge, rip fence, manual and blade guard assembly. The blade has a speed of 3450 rotations per minute. The rip capacity to the left is 15 inches, and 30 inches to the right.ย 

45 degrees. The s tup is easy. The on button is difficult to push in when it is still new. The table saw has a fence system that allows you to lock it from the back a d the front. It has a blade guard that protects you from harm. The table saw can tilt from 0 to 45 degrees. The machine is adjustable when it com s to height. That helps the user take a comfortable posture when operating the machine. Chances are low that you will have fatigue.ย 

Pros

  • Durable
  • Powerful
  • For professional use
  • Magnetic safety switch
  • Electric brakes
  • Locking mechanism
  • Adjustable

Cons

  • It has alignment issues
  • The On/Off button could be more responsiveย 

Key Features of the Ridgid r4520

Table

The table of cast iron and steel extensions. That makes it super flat and gives you additional accuracy.ย 

Dust collection

The table saw has a dust collection port that is easy to connect to different vacuums. That helps you maintain a cleaner work environment. That is safe for the user since you can hardly in ale sawdust. Sawdust causes ch st diseases. Prevention is better than cure.

Push pedal caster set

Changing positions in a single action using the foot pedal is easy. The push pedal casters are used to adjust the height of the machine. They are easy to operate. You push down the foot pedals to raise the workbench off the floor.

Trunnions

The trunnions contain cast iron. That makes it last longer. The trunnions help in adjusting the angles of the blade. That is how it contributes to maintaining accuracy. The blade must be aligned with the rip fence and miter slot. It is und r the table. You need to loosen the trunnions and shift them to one side for a perfect alignment.ย 

Fence

The rip fence has built-in T-channels. It installs accessories. However, the sacrificial fences are not included.ย 

Storage

The storage accommodates a rip fence, miter gauge and a blade guard.

Similarities

  • They have safety features such as a safety switch, guard blade, and push stick.
  • They operate on 120 volts.
  • They are portable
  • They have great fence systems.
  • The 13Amp motor that produces 3450 rotations per minute is common to b th products. They have the same power and speed.
  • The tables are made of cast iron.

Differences

Lower Guide

The R4512 does not have a lower guide, whereas the R45200 has a lower guide for smaller wood stock.ย 

Motor

When using the R4512, you can change between 20V and 240V. It is a flexible machine that you can adjust depending on the speed and power you expect. It does not come with an electric brake.ย 

In contrast, the R4520 is only 120V. It also comes with an electric brake. In this case, you can avoid kickbacks and contact between your skin a d the blade. Chances are meager that you will h ve injuries. An electric blade can stop a blade in seconds.ย 

Inset plate

The dimensions of the two products differ slightly. The R4512 table saw is 15 1/8โ€ณ x 3 ยพโ€ x 1/8โ€ณ, whereas the Ridgid R4520 is 16 1/8โ€ณ x 3 ยพโ€™ x ยฝโ€. The height of the R4520 is adjustable and comes with locking mechanism. You are safe since you can lock your machine, so the blade stops functioning.ย 

Power switch

The Ridgid R4512 has a standard On/Off safety switch, whereas the R4520 has a magnetic safety switch.

Cost

The R4512 is more affordable than the R4520. There is a big difference in cost although it is below 100. The R4520 comes at a steeper price because it is the improv d version of the two. It comes with more features than the r4512.

Final Verdict on the Ridgid r4512 vs r4520

The two table saws are quite similar. The difference is that the Ridgid r4520 table saw is an improved version of the older R4512. Therefore, it has a magnetic safety switch, an electric brake, and an adjustable height, which the R4512 does not have.

If you are on a tight budget and not focused on demanding projects, the r4512 is the ideal machine. Of course, this is not the latest edition, but it has practical and functional features that make it a versatile device. t is very lightweight and has extra storage space. It is safe and has a good construction that makes it durable. Should it be the older Ridgid table saw or, the newer one for you?

David D. Hughes

Leave a Reply