Ridgid R4520 vs R4512 (The Differences Explained)

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We decided to create a comparison video between the Ridgid R4520 and R4512, two hybrid table saws available at Home Depot. Navigating through the details while shopping for a new saw was challenging, as information was scattered across forums and reviews. In this video, we've consolidated the updates for you.
We delve into the three significant changes introduced in the R4520 compared to the R4512, covering alterations in aesthetic design features, motor specifications, and fence design. Additionally, we touch on pricing updates.
As of the video creation, there's been a $100 price increase for the R4520 in the USA, while prices remain unchanged in Canada. We speculate whether the R4512 is no longer available in Canada, contributing to this difference.
We're curious to know if the R4512 is still accessible in the USA, as we couldn't locate it on any website. Share your insights in the comments below.
Thank you for tuning in. We trust this video was informative, and if you haven't already, please consider subscribing and hitting the like button.
Stay informed and enjoy your woodworking endeavors!.
Thanks
Paul
#DustyWorkbench #Woodworking #Woodworkingbusiness

[@ruelsmith]

The auxiliary fence should stop right where it does. If your running short pieces, your blade is low, and the furthest back it cuts is the center, which is right where the auxiliary fence stops. That prevents the pieces binding and being thrown by the back of the blade.

[@uhhhhNick]

adjust your wing extensions, the fence shouldnt hit a lip when you move it back and forth.

[@Turroc2077]

I just picked one of these up myself, one of the other big differences is the insert plate. The R4512 is only about 3mm at the mounting points and the R4520 is 12mm(ish, I haven’t measured) so it will be much easier to make your own zero clearance and dado inserts.

[@DustyWorkbench]

Thank you pointing that out. That information wasn't included anywhere. BTW you wrote R4512 both times but am assuming you meant the new R4520 has the 12mm mounts.

[@Turroc2077]

Dusty Workbench yes, typo... I edited my previous comment for clarification.

[@Voltechs]

For the switch, you pull up on the lever, there is a yellow tab under it. You pull the whole assembly up/out and that turns it on. Then press to stop.

[@DustyWorkbench]

Is that for the R4512? The pull up/out or is that your R4520? Appreciate the update. We bought our R4520 3 years ago so it may be time to do an updated video.

[@Lilmain98842]

Great video.

[@DustyWorkbench]

Thank you Kevin. Please come back anytime!

[@derekjarman1638]

Thanks for explaining the differences - was wondering what was changed. I am looking at one of these saws - how are the mitre slots on these saws? Are they even down the length of the table? The mitre slots on my Dewalt 7480 are crap - I can't get my Incra mitre gauge to slide evenly down the slot - it is loose in one spot and tight in another. Very frustrating.

[@DustyWorkbench]

Glad it was helpful. To be honest I haven't had much time to use my saw yet. Not for precise work anyway. I've been busy building a deck and new shed where I don't really need the precision for building furniture. The other issue is that we updated the power in our workshop so it's all disorganized so we've put building furniture on hold. I'm almost finished my backyard projects so we will be rearranging our shop and get back to building furniture soon. Now that said, after reading your comment I went back to the saw and tried out the mitre gauge that came with it. There is some play in from the mitre gauge in the track but feel that it is tolerable. The gauge that came with it isn't the highest quality so I'm thinking a new gauge like an Incra should do fine. We'll try and get a video out soon to show it in more detail.

[@gearguy1091]

I have a 2018 R4512. The power switch is under the red flap and you pull it out instead of push it in. That way when you hit the red flap pushes the the power button back in shutting the saw off.

[@DustyWorkbench]

Cool! The R4520 power switch works in a similar fashion. The green power switch you have to hold in for a few seconds for it to stay fully engaged. The green button is recessed so it would be hard to accidentally switch on, especially having to hold it in for a few seconds. The red flap works the same as the R4512 by pushing it inward. Sometimes I don't like that feature as I lean over the table and my tool belt or measuring tape on my belt will turn the saw off as I am cutting long pieces. I've learned to avoid leaning in that switch area. ;) Cheers Paul

[@jaystachowiak3540]

Do you know if the Bosch router table still fits in the extension wing? Thanks!

[@DustyWorkbench]

As far as I know the fence rails, top and wing areas have not changed between the R4512 and the R4520 tablesaws so the Bosch router table should fit in the same way. Cheers

[@donharris8808]

If you don't mind me asking what voltage are you running the saw off of and what amp breaker? Looking at getting this saw however only have 120v on 15amp breaker. Great vid btw, been looking for info on this model.

[@DustyWorkbench]

Hi Don, The R4520 can only run on 120v, you can't change it to 220v like the R4512. It's a 13amp motor and I have it plugged in to a circuit with a 20 amp breaker. So far it has not tripped the breaker with the 20 amp. I have a planer that is 120v at around 13 amps as well and it trips the breaker practically every time. It seems like the saw has a better power controller as you have to hold the switch for a 2-3 seconds for the motor to gradually get up to speed and stay on. I take it as part of a safety measure so you don't accidently start the saw as you walk by and hit the start button but also for the reason of having a softer start. I hope that helps. Happy you checked out my video and liked it. I know I have along way to go to improve. I hope you subscribed to watch us improve. ;) Cheers Paul

[@DustyWorkbench]

Hi Don, here is an amendment to my previous response. I went back to the shop and tried the saw on my 15 amp breaker circuit and it started no problem. Switched on/off several times no problem. I know my planer would have tripped the breaker after 1 or 2 tries. I then ran some wood through with no problem. Then turned on some other items on the same circuit (drill press, sander, lights, air filtration), it started but the lights did flicker considerably more. Did the on/off teast and ran wood through still worked. Then tried the shop vac, all the other stuff again with the saw and the breaker did trip. Tested again just shop vac (5hp peak shopvac) and saw it worked but really struggled to start each time. So in conclusion, it works fine with 15amp breaker on its own or with lighter duty tools on but would recommend the your shopvac or dust collection be on another circuit. Cheers Paul

[@donharris8808]

@@DustyWorkbench Wow, can't tell you how much I appreciate this info! Thank you Sir, subbed! :-)

[@artconnolly9519]

I have a 4512 and it has a break which works great

[@optimizelogicrepair2784]

Me too. I can confirm the brake as well.

[@DustyWorkbench]

Interesting. I heard that the R4512 did not have a break. Maybe later models? Before they switched over to the R4520 model? I look into it further and update the info. Thanks for letting me know.

[@optimizelogicrepair2784]

@@DustyWorkbench it's very subtle compared to higher priced saws. But when I turn it off, after a few seconds it stops spinning pretty quick. I could be wrong as I have never actually seen the brake

[@khoabui1984]

Do you have any comments about the noise / vibration and how easy it is to align / tune up the saw?

[@DustyWorkbench]

At this point, I haven't had a chance to take the time to do fine tuning. as I didn't have projects requiring high level of accuracy. Compared to my previous saw (mobile table saw) overall this saw is a 90% improvement. It is much quieter than my other saw with the blade that came in the box. I plan to get a better blade and then align and tune it up, so I should be having a video on that in the near future to help those planning on buying this saw. As for sound and vibration, I will have to see how I can compare it to other hybrid saws in its class. Stay tuned!

[@craigo9101]

Hey Khoa.....I have the R4512. It looks like the same frame, table and accessories except for slight differences and it is extremely smooth running accurate and easy to tweak to get everything aligned. Love the R4512

[@craigo9101]

Hey khoa.....I've never aligned a fence on a table saw before I bought the rigid. It was easy to put together, align the fence and as far as noise.... very quiet and extremely smooth running. I dont think you'll be disappointed buying this. I looked at the delta saw they sell at lowes and the grizzly. Bought this one and happy I did. Good luck

[@elindred]

The 4512 is known to have two major issues: - the fence does not lock square and true, with a difference of up to a few hundredths of an inch front to back - blade alignment changes as you raise/lower the blade Could you make a video addressing each of these? I think that would be very valuable information. Thanks.

[@DustyWorkbench]

I'll keep that in mind once I get around to fine tuning the saw.

[@chadyost444]

My local store had 5 on clearance for 600. So now here i am

[@DustyWorkbench]

Welcome to the club ;)

[@wordworking_awv]

I have the R4520, and had an issue with the belt losing tension and coming off when raising or lowering the blade. This was within the 90 day days of purchase so I returned it to HD and was given a new one (with very little hassle), still the new saw had the same issue, turns out this is a common issue with the saw.

[@DustyWorkbench]

Yes, I'm hearing more people are having that issue. I'll have to take a closer look at ours to figure out why that is.

[@melissamattie878]

Are there cast iron extention wings for the r4520?

[@DustyWorkbench]

Not that we are aware of. I've seen someone use cast iron wings from another type of saw. The type and model escapes me at this time. Others have made there own wings out of hardwood or mdf.

[@mrklean0292]

I believe SawStop's cast iron extentions will work. I have been eyballing them for some time now on Rockler's website.

[@sccwoodwork6655]

Good luck on the fence. 😂 I got the r4512 love everything about it. But the fence is horrible. Over 5 years fighting I throw away old fence and upgrade to the Vega fence. With all the complaints about the fence I thought they would change the fence system on newer models.

[@DustyWorkbench]

Agree the fence is kinda wonky. I still use it as I don't need it for any fine tuned cutting at this point. Mainly using to cut wood down to a manageable size to put in the laser or CNC so perfection isn't required at the saw cutting level anymore for us. At one point I was going to upgrade but then we switched our focus on smaller projects.

[@madmonk9396]

Is the 4520 switch a digital switch, meaning that if you have it turned on and you lose power (as in it gets unplugged), does it remain off? The 4512 switch will remain on after being unplugged and the saw could suddenly turn back on after a power outage. The digital switch would be safer.

[@DustyWorkbench]

Yes, it is a digital or believe they call it a magnetic 🧲 switch. As you mentioned, if power goes off while using it, it won't start up again when power is restored. It's definitely a good safety feature. We also learned that you need a good power cord/extension. Otherwise, you can have start-up or running issues. Happy woodworking.

[@derekpeterson8005]

I understand the trunnion was upgraded as well?

[@DustyWorkbench]

I'm not sure if it would be considered an upgrade. Some people have reported the R4520 trunnion cracking and the steel track/slider piece that allows the knife to go up and down is weaker than the R4512. Luckily Home Depot /Ridgid has sent out new parts or allowed them to replace the saw without any hassle other than having to pack up the saw and bring it back to the store.

[@derekpeterson8005]

@@DustyWorkbench Thanks for replying

[@craigo9101]

The difference in price is not between the currency of the 2 countries. The $749 price is if the saw is available at the store. The $649 price is the price you pay if you have it shipped to the store plus $100 shipping. So in the end its $749. Now there are ways to get a discount (at least in the states). Military discount is one of them. Good luck. BTW I bought the R4512.....absolutely love this saw

[@DustyWorkbench]

Good to know. I guess your pricing structure is different than in Canada. I bought the saw that was available in store for $649 + Taxes for curbside pick-up at the beginning of Covid19 restrictions. It is currently out of stock in our store but can have "Express delivery/ next 48 hrs" to my home for an extra fee of $75 so the total would be $724 + Taxes (13%) = $818.12

[@nwadam45]

Its to due with the trade war with China the US is having. The price is $649 in store or online in Canada or roughly $509 USD

[@joshwise7815]

Shipping to store is free

[@craigo9101]

@@joshwise7815 uhhhhh no its not

[@curtisjohnese2484]

They don’t make the 4512 anymore. I just bought the 4520 Saturday from Home Depot In Monroe Louisiana for $749 but they did have 3 -4512 saws there for the same price. The 4512 has been discontinued though.

[@DustyWorkbench]

Hey, Thanks for the update. The pricing is really interesting. First of all, one would think they would offer the older R4512 model at a clearance price. Secondly, the price for the R4520 in my area (Ottawa, Canada) is $649 +Taxes (13%)= $733.37. I hope you enjoy your saw. It is a huge improvement from the contractor type saws I've been accustomed to using.

[@benjaminnichols6558]

Just picked up a new 4520 for $320 today. Seems like I made a good buy.

[@curtisjohnese2484]

@@benjaminnichols6558 yeah you did if it was new. That would be a great deal.

[@Andy-England-1967]

Throat plate is thicker on the 4520 also

[@DustyWorkbench]

Yes, thank you. I did find that out later within the R4512/R4520 Facebook group.

[@mercedeservicecente]

Can you use it with dado blades?

[@DustyWorkbench]

Yes it can accept dado blades but you will need to make or buy an insert plate to accommodate the width of the dado blades.

[@Griitz]

@@DustyWorkbench what throat plate did you buy for your dado blades? I'm having the hardest time finding one that fits, seems the throat is slightly longer than on the 4512?

[@DustyWorkbench]

@@Griitz So far it doesn't appear that a dado throat plate is available for the R4520. I haven't had the need for one yet but I've heard others that have made their own. There are some people that 3D print them for sale for about $30 on this FaceBook Group --> facebook.com/groups/1534112726822123/user/1117290590

[@Griitz]

@@DustyWorkbench Thanks for the quick reply I appreciate it! no wonder i can't seem to find one ha

[@robertslater644]

I have a 4512 and it has the same on and off switch

[@DustyWorkbench]

Interesting. The magnetic switch is a new feature for the R4520. Did you buy the R4512 recently? I wonder if they were changing over to the magnetic switch before changing model number!?

[@pleappleappleap]

Wait a sec... Isn't this a cast iron table, where the R4512 is granite?

[@DustyWorkbench]

Hahaha...

[@sphlouge]

It told me absolutely nothing!!

[@DustyWorkbench]

Hello @sphlouge, thank you for sharing your feedback. I appreciate your comment and apologize if the video didn't provide the information you were looking for. I understand the importance of delivering clear and informative content. If you have specific questions or if there's a particular aspect of the Ridgid R4520 vs R4512 that you'd like more details on, please feel free to let me know. I'm here to help and can provide additional information or address any concerns you may have. Your input is valuable, and I'm committed to improving the content for a better viewer experience. Thank you for watching, and I look forward to any further comments or questions you may have.