Rigid Sliding Miter Saw Defect

[CONKLE]

Attn. Ridgid Customer Support.

I am sorry to say that you have a very poor product on your hands, specifically the MS1290LZ AND MS1290LZ1 sliding compound miter saw. The problem with this saw is that the power head tracks to the right when traveling from the extreme forward position to the extreme rearward position. There is no adjustment or combination of adjustments that will resolve this problem.
Now, let me say that I am not basing this conclusion from the experience gained from one saw. I have owned my MS1290LZ for over a year and it has always done this, my uncle bought one about eleven months ago and his does it, a trim carpenter friend of mine has one and his does it, and I recently read that the new model MS1290LZ1 was an improved version of the MS1290LZ so I went to Home Depot today and bought one hoping that this problem would not be present in the new model, but surprise, same thing. I like every thing about this saw but it simply won’t cut straight, and a saw that won’t produce a straight cut is worthless, so it is going back to Home Depot first thing tomorrow to be exchanged for a Dewalt sliding miter saw.

I must also say that I typically love your tools. I own your 10" contractor table saw, 13" planer, 6" jointer, and several 18v cordless tools, and have had nothing but great results from them.
I am very disappointed with the poor quality and repeated defect present in the MS1290LZ and MS1290LZ1. I feel very cheated after spending over $550 on each saw, one that I can return for a refund and one that I have owned to long to return so I’m stuck with a $550 saw that will not produce a straight cut. Sure I could drive 50 miles to the nearest service center and wait a couple of weeks to maybe have them fix the problem and maybe not, but I would rather just get rid of it and never have to deal with this problem again, unless I can send you back your defective tool for a refund, but I doubt that you will do that.

May I suggest that you should pull this model from the stores and fix this side tracking problem so you don't ruin an otherwise great brand reputation with this poor excuse for a miter saw.

Thank you,

Kevin N. Conkle

[Disaster]

Are you saying there is no adjustment in the zero position? I hadn't looked at it but assumed all miter saws allowed fine tuning of the zero position.

I'm leaning toward the Makita. I like the direct drive, stiff, but smooth linear bearings and independent laser and flourescent light. Don't care for the short fence or the lack of detents in for the incline.

[CONKLE]

(Are you saying there is no adjustment in the zero position?)

Yes it does have zero adjustments. You can square the fence to the blade on both the horizontal and vertical planes and it has an adjustment to take out any play present in the sliding mechanism. Trust me I am not new to proper saw set up and fine adjustment.
I do not just slap a combination square on the blade and call it good. I use a machined plate in place of the blade and a large machinist square and dial indicator to true my saws.
With the power head at the rear position I can get the arbor with in .003 in. of being perpendicular to the fence, and at the midpoint of its forward travel it is still perpendicular but it has shifted a bit to the left, at its maximum point of forward travel it has shifted a bit more however it is still perpendicular to the fence. That’s what kills me, it stays square to the fence, but when you begin your cut with the power head in the forward position and push it to the rear position to make the cut, it tracks to the right about 1/16 in.

If this was the only example of this model that I experienced this problem with I would chalk it up to an isolated defect, but it’s the fourth saw of this model that I have personally witnessed doing this. The most recent was the new model MS1290LZ1 that I purchased at home depot on 12-02-06 and brought back to home depot on 12-03-06 to exchange for the DeWalt DW-718. The DeWalt cuts perfectly, but I don’t like it as much as the Ridgid. The Ridgid is a much more user friendly saw except for the fact that it will not produce a straight cut.

[Disaster]

Sounds like you are saying the blade isn't parallel to the rails which causes it to "pull." If that is the case, on page 17 of the manual. it says you can adjust the "gib" screws around the bearings to get alignment.

http://www.ridgid.com/CatalogDocs/EM_MS1290lz_sp6505_eng.pdf

If that isn't it I'm still not sure what thing you are talking about being out of adjustment.

[CONKLE]

Sounds like you are saying the blade isn't parallel to the rails which causes it to "pull." If that is the case, on page 17 of the manual. it says you can adjust the "gib" screws around the bearings to get alignment.

http://www.ridgid.com/CatalogDocs/EM_MS1290lz_sp6505_eng.pdf

If that isn't it I'm still not sure what thing you are talking about being out of adjustment.

The gib adjustment will not remove the side tracking. Of the two rails, the lower left rail rides in a set of fixed bearings, the upper right rail rides on 4 plastic pads aka gibs. There are two on the bottom and two on the top of the rail. You can adjust them up or down not side to side. If you try to use the gibs to force the rail to rock forward or back they will bind the rail preventing the saw from sliding. I thought the gib adjustments were the answer also, but with no luck.

[Disaster]

Sounds like it is just for aligning the two bearing then. Too bad.

I just bought the Makita LS1214FL. A bit more than I wanted to spend but it consistently scores in the top of the reviews. Would've gone with the 10" but the 12" has a nicer/higher fence. On Amazon there was a $50 off coupon, plus $100 dollars credit toward a future purchase, plus $30 rebate, plus free 18V Makita drill kit. That gets the saw down to $450 and should be able to sell the 18V kit on Ebay for $100.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000GJS6X8.01._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_V64600737_.jpg

[Velosapien]

The 10" makita doesn't include the taller fance but it can be ordered as a seperate upgrade. I was just bevel cutting some 12" wide boards today on mine and the cuts were coming off flawlessly straight all across the length and in every angle. I highly recommend this saw to anyone who's looking for an excellent slider.

[Disaster]

The difference in price between the 10" and the 12" was $60 on Amazon. I recall Makita charging more than that for the "optional" higher fence on the 10" so I went for the 12." Also, the 12" comes with a larger table. I've read good things about both of them.

[Roadrunner]

Sounds like the sliding assembly may have the wrong geometry. If the rear bracket, the saw head and the rails do not form a perfect rectangle, then the rear bracket could be parallel, the blade perpindicular, but the rails would be somewhat skewed. That would allow the blade to travel remaining perpindicular to the fence while the whole head assembly would track left as it came to the user. When facing the saw, I would say that the end of the right rail is ever so slightly farther away from you than the left slide rail. If the saw is jig assembled and the jig that holds the rail is off, then that would explain the problem, or, if the holes in the rear joining bracket are not bored/cast perpindicular , the same deal.

[bigworm]

Well if anyone does know if this can be fixed. I just got the same saw a few weeks ago but haven't used it a whole lot yet (have to clean the garage better) I want to know so I have time to take it back it this is really a problem.

[CONKLE]

I have taken the saw to a service center and the prognosis is not great. The mechanic said that it appears to be a manufacturing flaw. Perhaps the geometry of the assembly gigs is bad, or perhaps there is a flaw in the casting of the end pieces that the rails are set in.
The only way to fix the problem in his opinion was if ridgid has new properly cast pieces.
He said not to lose hope because flaws like this are almost never present in 100% of a production run, and he feels that ridgid should be able to supply him with either properly cast parts or a new saw that is properly assembled.
We shall see!!!

[bigworm]

Well keep us updated. I would love to know for sure. I don't want to have a $550 CSMS that has cuts that are off when I need it to be 100%

[Roadrunner]

I have taken the saw to a service center and the prognosis is not great. The mechanic said that it appears to be a manufacturing flaw. Perhaps the geometry of the assembly gigs is bad, or perhaps there is a flaw in the casting of the end pieces that the rails are set in.
The only way to fix the problem in his opinion was if ridgid has new properly cast pieces.
He said not to lose hope because flaws like this are almost never present in 100% of a production run, and he feels that ridgid should be able to supply him with either properly cast parts or a new saw that is properly assembled.
We shall see!!!
I just took a stab at a probable cause, was the SC able to measure the geometry and confirm or deny?

[CONKLE]

He did not measure the geometry of the components while I was there, but he did try to square the fence to the blade and came up with the same results as I did.

[bigworm]

Any update?

[CONKLE]

Any update?

service center said "it does'nt look good".
he said ridgid is not being very helpful. :mad:

[CONKLE]

LOOKING AROUND FOR ANY INFO ON FIXING THIS SAW I FOUND THIS.
NOW I KNOW RYOBI IS THE CHEAP VERSION OF RIDGID BUT THIS SURE LOOKS EXACTALLY LIKE THE RIDGID SAW. I GUESS THE RIDGID SLIDING MITER SAW IS JUST THE CHEAP VERSION OF RIDGID.
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9784/ryobi9smallmp4.jpg

[CONKLE]

Any update?

OK, WELL, NO HELP FROM RIDGID...THE TECK AT THE SERVICE CENTER SAID THE PEOPLE THAT HE TALKED TO AT RIDGID SOUNDED LIKE THEY WERE READING HIM THE TROUBLE SHOOTING PAGE FROM THE MANUAL AND WHEN NONE OF THE SCRIPTED FIXES WORKED THEY WERE OF NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE.

3 NEW OUT OF THE BOX SAWS LATER, AND SAME RESULTS FROM ALL OF THEM.

WENT TO HOME DEPOT AS A LAST DITCH EFFERT, TO PLEAD MY CASE AND THE STORE MANAGER WHO WAS, TO MY SUPPRISE, KIND ENOUGH TO TAKE MY RIDGID BACK FOR FULL STORE CREDIT.:)

I COULD NOT BELEIVE THAT HE DID IT, BUT HE DID IT JUST THE SAME!
MUCH THANKS TO THE DEPOT.

I USED THE CREDIT TO BUY THE MAKITA DUAL SLIDE MITER SAW AND WHAT A DREAM SAW THAT IS. THE DIFFERENCE IS NIGHT AND DAY, HECK, YOU DONT EVEN REAOLIZE THE SAW HAS MADE A CUT, IT IS THAT SMOOTH, AND AS FAR A ACCURACY GOES, IT’S SPOT-ON PERFECT!

AS FAR AS RIDGID TOOLS GO, I HOPE THIS IS AN ISOLATED FLAW IN THE MANUFACTURING AND IS NOT A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME FROM RIDGID.
IE..POOR QUALITY MASS-PRODUCTION.

AGAIN BIG THANKS TO THE DEPOT FOR TURNING MY NIGHTMARE INTO A SWEET DREAM.

[Woussko]

Conkle

I'm happy for you that Home Depot made right and that now you have one of the Makita models. Please post what model you do have now. From what I've both seen and heard they are the real miter saws to own and use. I'm seriously thinking of getting one soon myself. Please sometime do yourself a nice favor and get a premium quality blade such as the Forest "Chop Master" or "Miter Master" and you really will be in dream land.

[Disaster]

I got it for less money than the Ridgid...after a bunch of rebates and instant savings through Amazon.

There is a $50 dollar instant off coupon for purchases over $300 (DECOFFER.)

Than there was a $100 dollar Amazon cash back toward future purchases rebate for any purchase Makita tool purchase over $500 (always buying stuff on Amazon so I know I'll use that.)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_3971982_2/103-1965293-2453419?ie=UTF8&docId=1000033711

Add another $30 dollar rebate from Makita.

Finally, there was a free 18V Makita drill set rebate. Figure, if I don't keep it I can probably sell the drill set on Ebay for $100 or so. So...all told there was about $280 dollars off the price of the Makita. You should be eligible for the Makita free drill set. Here is a link to it.

http://www.makita.com/assets_promo/fall06/Mitersaw_MIR.pdf

[CONKLE]

JUST GOT THE 12" MODEL LS1214FL WITH THE LASER AND LIGHT FROM AMAZON DELIVERED FROM UPS.
THE ONE I GOT THE OTHER DAY FROM THE DEPOT WAS THE 10" MODEL LS1013FL WITH LASER AND LIGHT.
I HAVE A BUNCH OF MONEY IN 12" BLADES (GOOD GERMAN MADE AMANA INDUSTRIAL 100 TOOTH BLADES) SO I WENT WITH THE 12", AND I FIGURE I WILL SELL THE 10".

ANY ONE IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW 10" MAKITA LS1013FL AT A GOOD PRICE?

[Woussko]

Amana blades are nice, but be sure it is either a 0 or -5 degree hook angle. If not it will grab what you're cutting and create a dangerous condition for you. I think you did well going for the 12" model. They can cut larger pieces than a 10" and as long as you don't mind a few pounds, I say go for it. I like that you got one with the work light. I personally don't trust the laser to be dead on, but being able to see the blade and the line on the wood sure helps. After you've had it some time, please post how you like your new miter saw. I would considder your 10" one, but getting it here safe and sound would get a bit costly. I bet someone local to you will want it.

[CONKLE]

As far as the blades go, i only use the atb-r w/ -5deg hook or c-tcg w/ -5deg hook, and yes the laser is useless for 99.99% of the cutting that i do.
As far as shipping goes fedex to north carolina is under $25 for 68lb shipping weight.

[richinflorida]

What a shame. I bought the MS1290 @ HD 2 weeks ago. When I got home, I found out about this problem on the net. Never even opened the saw. Checked it out on a saw @ HD and couldn't believe it. It doesn't slide straight; it's about 1/8" off. This morning, I called Ridgid to see what they had to say about it. On hold 20 minutes when this woman with a mouthfull of marbles told me I needed to speak to a tech. Waited on hold 10 more minutes and hung up the phone. Decision made. Took the saw back to HD with receipt in hand. I'm not paying $500(I'll even pay more!) for a miter saw that doesn't cut dead on. I understand that the saw is made in Taiwan and Ridgid puts it's tag on it. I understand defects and issues occur in manufacturing goods. What really bothers me is Ridgid's attitude and lack of response about such a problem. As a new plumber, I own some fine Ridgid tools that I have no problem with. Ridgid should be very careful about their reputation and quality because as forums point out, news travels quickly on the web. When I see one or two people complain about a product 20 people praise, I realize some people are never satisfied. But, when several people all complain about the same thing and nothing is done about it; I spend my money elsewhere.

[Pogster]

Its a shame you didn't at least try it out. I just bought mine a couple of weeks ago as well and no 'defects' in mine. These forums can be useful but they do have a megaphone effect which tend to blow any problems way out of proportion as to how wide spread the problem really is.

[biglou13]

I'm thinking of buying the Rigid 12" Slider. AS this thread seems to be 2 yrs old and your reply of 3 days ago was to a post 8 months old.

I hoping that the casting problem has been resolved and you have newer model.

Which model did you purchase?

Thanks,

Louis

[Pogster]

Sorry for not replying sooner. Yes it was a reply to an old post. My point was at least try the saw out before you go on the internet and complain about your purchase.

Mine is the LZ1. I was aware of the alignment issue some saws had before I purchased but have long known a few bad apples don''t spoil the whole barrel and that the internet has a tendency to blow issues way out of proportion.

[Alphacowboy]

The LZ1 is now as well as the LZ an "old model". I noticed today a whole new crate of 12" sliders that came in when I was at HD. They were LZA models.... :confused:

[Trainman]

Has anyone added the ExactLine Laser option to the earlier MS1290LZ Compound Miter Slide Saw? I've read the posts re: allignment issues and wonder if I'm as "hack" finish carpenter or if my saw came without issues? I did have an issue where the saw blade snagged a short trim piece, slamming it into the plastic table insert, which broke. I'm thinking of having a machinist friend make a replacement pair of aluminum so that is NEVER an issue again. Thoughts from the woodworking gurus?

[garager]

Has anyone added the ExactLine Laser option to the earlier MS1290LZ Compound Miter Slide Saw? I've read the posts re: allignment issues and wonder if I'm as "hack" finish carpenter or if my saw came without issues? I did have an issue where the saw blade snagged a short trim piece, slamming it into the plastic table insert, which broke. I'm thinking of having a machinist friend make a replacement pair of aluminum so that is NEVER an issue again. Thoughts from the woodworking gurus?

This has happened to mine also, so I made a wood insert, very similar to the way the guys do with the table saws in here. I would never go metal for an insert, even if its aluminum. Thin laminated piece of wood will do the trick for you.