Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4 Inch Miter Saw P553 review for DIY enthusiasts

Description

Compact and Lightweight Design

The RYOBI 18V ONE+ 7-1/4″ Miter Saw (P553) quickly stood out to me for its compact and lightweight design. Weighing just 19 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to transport, making it ideal for small projects like trimming baseboards or crafting custom picture frames. I appreciated how the portable and cordless feature meant I didn’t have to wrestle with extension cords or search for nearby outlets. Even in tighter spaces, its sleek design allowed me to maneuver comfortably. While carrying it around, I noticed the reinforced plastic and aluminum alloy handle felt sturdy, offering me a reliable grip. This is a saw built with convenience in mind, and it shows.

Performance and Cutting Power

Testing the cutting performance, I was impressed by the 24T carbide-tipped blade. It tackled wood with precision and left smooth edges that required little to no sanding afterward. The 45-degree cutting angle made miter and bevel cuts straightforward, and the 7.25-inch blade size was perfect for smaller woodwork projects. I paired it with a ONE+ 4 Ah Lithium+ battery, and it delivered close to the promised 900 cuts per charge. While I didn’t count every cut, it easily powered through multiple tasks without needing to recharge. That said, it’s worth noting that the battery and charger are not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you’re not already part of the RYOBI ONE+ ecosystem.

Key Benefits

• Cordless operation eliminates the need for outlets or extension cords.
• Lightweight build makes it easy to carry and store.
• Precise cuts with the 24-tooth carbide blade.
• 900 cuts per charge when paired with the right battery.

Areas for Improvement

• The dust bag included doesn’t capture all debris, leaving some cleanup behind.
• Battery and charger are sold separately, which can increase the overall cost.
• Its smaller size might not be suitable for large-scale projects or heavy-duty use.

Ease of Use and Adjustments

Adjusting the miter angle settings was a breeze. The detent stops felt intuitive, locking the saw into common angles like 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, and 45°. This feature saved so much time, especially when switching between different cuts. The work clamp securely held materials in place, which was a relief because I didn’t have to worry about pieces shifting mid-cut. However, I did notice that it struggled a bit with thicker or denser wood pieces. While it’s perfect for small to medium tasks, it’s not designed for heavy-duty lumber.

Battery Performance and Compatibility

As someone already invested in the RYOBI ONE+ tool lineup, I loved that this miter saw is compatible with the 225+ tools in the range. Using a shared battery system across multiple tools feels convenient and cost-effective. The 18-volt system provided plenty of power, although I did notice a slight dip in performance when the battery was nearing its end. For anyone new to the ecosystem, investing in a high-capacity battery upfront is worth considering, as it greatly impacts the saw’s usability.

Competitive Options

In comparing this miter saw to similar products like the DeWalt 20V MAX 7-1/4″ Miter Saw, a few differences stood out. While the DeWalt offers slightly more power and a larger battery life, it’s also heavier and less portable. On the other hand, the RYOBI’s compact design and affordability make it a better fit for casual DIYers or anyone working in tight spaces. The Makita XSL02Z cordless miter saw is another competitor, boasting excellent precision but at a significantly higher price point. For my needs, the RYOBI lightweight build and value positioned it as the better choice overall.

True Value

Considering its features and performance, this miter saw offers great value for its price, especially for those already using RYOBI ONE+ tools. The cost-effectiveness shines through with its portability, precision, and compatibility with an extensive tool lineup. While it may not be the best option for professional contractors tackling large-scale jobs, it’s an excellent tool for homeowners, hobbyists, and small project enthusiasts. I found it to be a budget-friendly and reliable addition to my workshop, with only a few minor setbacks.

Additional information