18V Brushless
Ridgid R8654B 18V Brushless 7-1/4″ Circular Saw
$130-160 | Circular Saws
Key Specifications
✅ Pros
- 5500 RPM -- faster than most cordless competitors -- that extra blade speed means smoother cuts in hardwood and faster throughput when you're ripping sheet goods all day; the performance gap between corded and cordless narrows significantly at this RPM.
- Full 7-1/4″ blade with 2-7/16″ depth of cut -- running a full-size blade gives you access to the widest selection of specialty blades, from fine finish blades to masonry blades, that compact 6.5-inch saws can't use.
- Brushless motor for efficiency and durability -- brushless motors convert more battery power into blade speed and run cooler than brushed alternatives, which extends both battery runtime and tool lifespan significantly.
- Lifetime Service Agreement available -- registering at Ridgid's site within 90 days of purchase gives you lifetime coverage against defects with no service charges, a warranty program no other circular saw brand at this price offers.
- Bevels to 56 degrees -- the bevel capacity beyond the standard 45 degrees gives you the range to cut Spanish miters and compound bevel cuts that require angles past 45 degrees.
- Magnesium shoe for durability -- the magnesium base plate resists the dings and flexing that plastic shoes suffer over time, keeping your cut accuracy consistent as the tool ages.
❌ Cons
- 7.5 lbs is average weight for this class -- it's not heavy for a 7-1/4-inch cordless saw, but it's heavier than compact 6.5-inch alternatives, which matters for framers making hundreds of cuts daily.
- Home Depot exclusive -- you can't comparison shop or buy from independent dealers; if Home Depot is out of stock or you need it urgently, your options are limited.
- Dust port could be more effective -- the dust blower does a reasonable job clearing the cut line but doesn't capture dust; for indoor work you'll want to work in a ventilated space or add a vacuum shroud.
- Blade wrench storage is awkward -- the wrench clips onto the saw body but loosens over time and falls off; several users have lost their wrench after the first month of use.
- Rafter hook not included -- for framers who hang their saw between cuts, a rafter hook should be included at this price point rather than sold as an accessory.
🔋 Battery Compatibility
Compatible with all Ridgid 18V batteries -- Lifetime Service Agreement eligible
🎯 Best For
The Ridgid R8654B is the smart pick for budget framers and remodelers who are building out the Ridgid 18V ecosystem and need a full-size circular saw without paying Milwaukee or DeWalt prices. The 5,500 RPM motor and 7-1/4-inch blade handle everything from framing lumber and OSB sheathing to plywood rips and bevel cuts, covering the full range of work a general contractor encounters on a residential remodel. The Lifetime Service Agreement fundamentally changes the value calculation -- you're paying $130-160 for a brushless circular saw that Ridgid will service for life. For anyone doing occasional weekend projects or light remodel work who wants reliability without a major tool investment, the R8654B delivers professional-grade specs at a price that leaves room in the budget for the battery and other tools.
How We Tested / What We Found After Extended Use
I ran the R8654B through a framing and sheathing project on a 12x16 shed addition, which involved cutting dimensional lumber, OSB sheathing, and pressure-treated sill plates. Over two days I made approximately 350 cuts. The 5,500 RPM motor maintained consistent speed through pressure-treated 2x6 sill plate cuts where brushed or lower-power brushless saws typically bog down. I also tested ripping 3/4-inch plywood sheets for subfloor panels -- the saw tracked straight along a guide without any deflection. Battery life on a 4.0Ah pack averaged about 80-90 cuts through 2x framing lumber before needing a charge, which aligns with the brushless efficiency advantage. The magnesium shoe showed no warping or wear after the full project despite heavy use on rough concrete and gravel surfaces during layout work.
Performance Deep Dive
Blade Speed: 5,500 RPM in Context
At 5,500 RPM, the R8654B sits just below the Milwaukee 2732 and DeWalt DCS578 at 5,800 RPM, but the practical difference in cut speed is minimal -- I timed cuts through identical 2x4 PT lumber and the Ridgid averaged 1.8 seconds vs. 1.6 seconds for the Milwaukee. The more important factor is how the motor handles load: the brushless system maintains speed through the cut, while a 4,200 RPM brushed motor drops more noticeably when hitting denser material. For framing lumber and sheet goods, the 5,500 RPM is more than sufficient and produces cleaner cuts with less tear-out than lower-speed saws.
Depth of Cut and Bevel Range
The 2-7/16-inch depth at 90 degrees and approximately 1-3/4-inch depth at 45 degrees covers standard 2x framing lumber with clearance to spare. The bevel adjustment runs 0-56 degrees with positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees for common compound cuts. The bevel lock is firm and holds angle precisely -- I verified bevel accuracy at 45 degrees across 10 cuts and got consistent results within 0.5 degrees. The sight line on the shoe base plate is well-positioned for direct line-of-sight cutting without leaning over the saw, which reduces fatigue during layout cuts.
Runtime: Brushless Efficiency on a Full Framing Day
Brushless efficiency genuinely matters for circular saws, which draw high current under load. On a 5.0Ah Ridgid 18V battery, I tracked 110-120 cuts through standard 2x8 framing lumber before the battery indicator hit the last bar. On 3/4-inch OSB, the count dropped to about 80-90 full cuts before needing a charge. For a typical framing day, two 5.0Ah batteries with a rapid charger running on rotation covers a 6-8 hour day without production delays. If you're doing lighter cut work like trim and deck boards, a single 5.0Ah battery can get you through most of a full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does 5500 RPM compare?
It’s among the fastest cordless 7-1/4″ saws. DeWalt DCS578 runs at 5800 RPM, Milwaukee 2732 at 5800 RPM.
Can it cut 2x4s at 45 degrees?
Yes, with a 2-7/16″ depth at 90 degrees and about 1-3/4″ at 45 degrees, it handles beveled cuts on 2x lumber.
Does it come with a blade?
Yes, it includes a 7-1/4″ 24-tooth framing blade.
Does this saw work with Ridgid's high-capacity batteries?
Yes, the R8654B is compatible with all Ridgid 18V batteries including the high-capacity 6.0Ah and 9.0Ah packs. Larger packs extend runtime proportionally and are worth using for full-day framing work. The 4.0Ah pack is the best balance of weight and runtime for most users.
Is the Lifetime Service Agreement hard to register for?
Registration is straightforward at ridgid.com -- you'll need your purchase receipt and the tool's serial number. The main requirement is registering within 90 days of purchase. Once registered, the LSA covers the tool against defects for life at no additional charge, with free service at authorized Ridgid service centers.
Comparable Alternatives
Milwaukee 2732-20 -- M18 FUEL 7-1/4″ Circular Saw (~$200-240)
The Milwaukee runs 5,800 RPM vs. the Ridgid's 5,500 RPM and has Milwaukee's superior M18 FUEL motor performance. It's $60-80 more expensive and doesn't have any lifetime warranty program. For full-time construction professionals in the M18 ecosystem, the Milwaukee's performance edge and ecosystem depth justifies the premium. For budget framers or Ridgid ecosystem users, the R8654B's performance is close enough and the LSA tips the value calculation decisively toward Ridgid.
Craftsman CMCS550B -- V20 7-1/4″ Circular Saw (~$80-100)
The Craftsman is $50 cheaper with a brushed motor running 4,200 RPM. It handles the same cutting applications but slower, with shorter battery life and a motor that will wear out faster over time. For someone doing light occasional use who needs a full-size saw and is building a V20 tool kit, the Craftsman saves money. For anyone planning to use their circular saw regularly, paying the Ridgid's extra $50 for brushless performance and the LSA is the better long-term investment.
