I bought this cordless saw because I already have several batteries and wanted to use it for a custom master bedroom closet project. It cut through 3/4" ply pretty good but there is a lot of tear out with the blade it comes with. Make sure to cut with the good side down when using this saw to prevent tear out on the good sides. I was able to use my Kreg saw guide to cut down the sheets of plywood, also. I propped the sheets up on scrap 2x4's and cut them on the ground. The saw sailed through each cut as long as I positioned the 2x4's so that the blade wouldn't hit them, but it would wear the battery out right away if I didn't do that. Unfortunately for me I did not research the blade needed for this saw (5 1/2"). It seems the supply for blades is not that good for 5 ... MoreI bought this cordless saw because I already have several batteries and wanted to use it for a custom master bedroom closet project. It cut through 3/4" ply pretty good but there is a lot of tear out with the blade it comes with. Make sure to cut with the good side down when using this saw to prevent tear out on the good sides. I was able to use my Kreg saw guide to cut down the sheets of plywood, also. I propped the sheets up on scrap 2x4's and cut them on the ground. The saw sailed through each cut as long as I positioned the 2x4's so that the blade wouldn't hit them, but it would wear the battery out right away if I didn't do that. Unfortunately for me I did not research the blade needed for this saw (5 1/2"). It seems the supply for blades is not that good for 5 1/2" blades. I liked this saw but now wished I had gotten the one with a little more power that was slightly more expensive. I do like that it is lightweight. Overall, I like the saw and it did the job I bought it for.

I was looking for a small saw to handle various tasks, and already had Ryobi batteries, so I grabbed this one. So far it has handled everything I have thrown at it. Very convenient, and with the 2 amp battery, it lasted quite a while before needing a recharge. The only downside so far is that it does not have a vacuum attachment, but I knew that when I bought it. I think the next size up has one. Pretty pleased with this purchase.

Lot of action in this little saw! Value for money!

This tool is one little beast. I was already nervous starting out cutting the wood but this tool made it seem like a very easy job. It has a very ergonomic design that just fits inside your hands and Ryobi has taken care of the center of gravity as well. I have tried it on plywood, I have tried it on 2x2, 2x4s...they are all a breeze. This tool made me fall in love with woodworking. Thinking about starting a youtube channel just for this new developed interest.Oh did i talk about the price point? it has the same functionality as the other brands but at the fraction of the cost. I made a garage shelf using just the Ryobi Drill and Circular Saw. Amazing value. Amazing product.

Terrible Customer Service

I recently sold my Dewalt and Milwaukee tools to convert to Ryobi. I was attracted by all the batteries on one tool platform and the variety of home owner tools available.Yesterday I purchased the 9 piece tool set and all of the tools work except for the Ryobi 5 1/2 circular saw. It starts to smoke as soon as it turns on and I smell burning.I called Ryobi customer service and had to wait on hold for hours and they refused to warranty the tool even though it was brand new out of the box. I am hoping someone from warranty or customer service will contact me to make this right and not make me regret my decision to switch tool brands.

Unreliable saw

I used this saw three times for small cuts. On the third time using the saw, the motor started smoking. You could see sparks in the motor housing. Also, it smelled like burned plastic. Other Ryobi tools seem to have stood the test of time. This one is terrible. Read the one and two star reviews. Lots of other customers have had this same problem.

[Rewarded Review] Compact, but powerful circular saw

This review is for the PCL500B 5-½” Circular Saw. I had contemplated buying Ryobi’s High Power, Brushless, cordless PBLCS300 7.5” Circular Saw which was on sale at my local Home Depot Store, but I don’t do that much cutting any more. This compact, circular saw is a better fit for my lifestyle. It cuts 2X lumber, and I don’t foresee needing it for anything larger. I needed a cordless saw to cut a 4’x10’ sheet into two 2’x10’sheets so they would fit inside my PacHybrid Van. The saw is very compact and fairly lightweight so it is easy to carry and to store. I still have my old, corded, larger worm-drive saw for serious work, but I really enjoy the freedom of using newer, cordless tools. I never use the old worm-drive anymore. The larger Ryobi Circular Saw has a place ... MoreThis review is for the PCL500B 5-½” Circular Saw. I had contemplated buying Ryobi’s High Power, Brushless, cordless PBLCS300 7.5” Circular Saw which was on sale at my local Home Depot Store, but I don’t do that much cutting any more. This compact, circular saw is a better fit for my lifestyle. It cuts 2X lumber, and I don’t foresee needing it for anything larger. I needed a cordless saw to cut a 4’x10’ sheet into two 2’x10’sheets so they would fit inside my PacHybrid Van. The saw is very compact and fairly lightweight so it is easy to carry and to store. I still have my old, corded, larger worm-drive saw for serious work, but I really enjoy the freedom of using newer, cordless tools. I never use the old worm-drive anymore. The larger Ryobi Circular Saw has a place to attach a dust control system which I find very useful for my stationary tools (table saw, compound miter saw, planer, etc.) ; however, I selected this saw for its portability. I won’t be dragging a vacuum with me when I use it, so I ordered this little saw even though it doesn’t have a dust collection port. The box included a Ryobi 18T, 5-½” blade with a 10mm arbor. My local Home Depot stocks blades that fit this saw from 3 other manufacturers with 18T, 30T, 50T or 100T so I am confident that I won’t have any problem finding more blades. Oh and there are slots for an edge guide, but I haven’t found the p/n for the correct one. Both the Home Depot and the Ryobi web-sites have listings for an 18V ONE+ PB505B 5-½” Circular Saw, but my saw saws PCL500B on the box and PCL500 on the saw body. There are a couple videos demonstrating this saw on YouTube, just search for “ PCL500B”.

[Rewarded Review] Handy 5 1/2 - inch saw that'll get plenty of use

RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 5-1/2 in. Circular Saw (Tool Only) is one that'll work well for DIY'ers, powerful in a lightweight easily controllable smaller size. It's a safer saw for many situations. This is for tasks that I've used before with my heavier 7 ¼ – inch saw that's now not necessary. For those that haven't used a smaller blade saw, it's a different feel. It's better suited for small tasks that the big saw can be more of a problem. The five and half inch diameter blade can handle up to two by lumber and easily cuts sheet goods. Everything within this dimension is no problem. The saw blade has a 1 9/16th - inch straight depth of cut.The RYOBI saw's light weight is a big plus for me, using it one handed, if needed. I pared it up with the smaller 2Amp battery ... MoreRYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 5-1/2 in. Circular Saw (Tool Only) is one that'll work well for DIY'ers, powerful in a lightweight easily controllable smaller size. It's a safer saw for many situations. This is for tasks that I've used before with my heavier 7 ¼ – inch saw that's now not necessary. For those that haven't used a smaller blade saw, it's a different feel. It's better suited for small tasks that the big saw can be more of a problem. The five and half inch diameter blade can handle up to two by lumber and easily cuts sheet goods. Everything within this dimension is no problem. The saw blade has a 1 9/16th - inch straight depth of cut.The RYOBI saw's light weight is a big plus for me, using it one handed, if needed. I pared it up with the smaller 2Amp battery (not included) that added little weight to it. It's a lot closer in ability to my smaller 4 1/2-inch circular saw I also love to use. This motor is more powerful, not any louder, but seems to cut faster when deep in thick boards, doesn't bog down. It doesn't come with dust collection or an edge guide, but both are optional attachments per the user manual. It does come with a saw blade. The saw doesn't have a stop break on the blade when the trigger's released. Finally, I'm left handed, the saw's layout is easier to line up the the cut line another plus; although, works right-handed, too.For DIY work and professionals, this may be a better solution, especially beginners. It does straight, plunge and bevel cuts up to 50- degrees. For those whose work is within its depth of cut capability, it is a good choice to consider as a first circular saw. For others, it is a good second saw to have around, and you'll find using it is habit forming.

[Rewarded Review] Handy Well Made Saw

RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 5-1/2 in. Circular Saw (Tool Only) is a good value when owing RYOBi batteries and chargers. The saw is light weight, plugging in a 4 or 6 amp/hr. battery makes the saw feel more substantial by adding weight, yet does not cause the saw to become bulky resting close to the motor projection. The saw performed well for my test cuts through 3/4-inch hard wood and 1.5 in thick solid oak scraps from my shop, closed for the season and Christmas. The motor did not slow through any of the cuts and the thin carbide tipped blade cut smoothly and without effort. The blade guard spring actually offered the greatest resistance. This small light weight saw is really handy for small jobs around the home and yard not having to run extension cords out to repair ... MoreRYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 5-1/2 in. Circular Saw (Tool Only) is a good value when owing RYOBi batteries and chargers. The saw is light weight, plugging in a 4 or 6 amp/hr. battery makes the saw feel more substantial by adding weight, yet does not cause the saw to become bulky resting close to the motor projection. The saw performed well for my test cuts through 3/4-inch hard wood and 1.5 in thick solid oak scraps from my shop, closed for the season and Christmas. The motor did not slow through any of the cuts and the thin carbide tipped blade cut smoothly and without effort. The blade guard spring actually offered the greatest resistance. This small light weight saw is really handy for small jobs around the home and yard not having to run extension cords out to repair fences, cut down sheets of plywood, OSB sheets, trimming 2x4’s and shelving when not having or needing a miter saw. RYOBI offers two accessories, not included, for this saw, an edge guide with edge guide lock knob and a vacuum adapter. My advice is to clamp a straight piece of wood or metal to the work piece and use that as an edge guide. It will be more stable and offer a straighter and smoother cut.

[Rewarded Review] Small, lightweight and makes the cut

Opening the box reveals a multi-language manual, a 5.5 inch, 18 teeth, tungsten carbide blade and a small all plastic circular saw with a metal base. There is no LED light, laser sight, carrying case, or accessories. Both the trigger and aux handle have a gray molded on grip. To engage the trigger, one must press the safety interlock located on either side of the handle. In use I found it difficult to do with one hand, requiring letting go of the aux handle to engage it. The metal base can tilt up to 50 degree for a bevel cut, while the blade depth can be adjusted from the back. A nice feature is a scale on the blade guard that helps set the correct blade depth without need for a ruler. A built-in blade wrench makes installing and removing the blade easy. This along ... MoreOpening the box reveals a multi-language manual, a 5.5 inch, 18 teeth, tungsten carbide blade and a small all plastic circular saw with a metal base. There is no LED light, laser sight, carrying case, or accessories. Both the trigger and aux handle have a gray molded on grip. To engage the trigger, one must press the safety interlock located on either side of the handle. In use I found it difficult to do with one hand, requiring letting go of the aux handle to engage it. The metal base can tilt up to 50 degree for a bevel cut, while the blade depth can be adjusted from the back. A nice feature is a scale on the blade guard that helps set the correct blade depth without need for a ruler. A built-in blade wrench makes installing and removing the blade easy. This along with the momentary spindle lock aids in safely working with the blade. The front of the base is marked with measurements along with a bevel and zero-degree guide. As this is a tool only product you must supply a Ryobi 18-volt battery. I used a 4Ah battery from my Ryobi mover.In use there is almost no torque sensation as the motor smoothly comes up to speed. With a max depth cut of 1-11/16 this can easily cut 2x4 boards. I did several cuts into hickory and pine and while the cutting was noisy, the saw and blade had no issues. Measuring about 7 “ x 12”, it is light and easy to maneuver. Be forewarned this is not a pro tool, by which I mean something a trades person would use all day long, this is meant for light duty with light materials, perfect for most DIY projects. Take it beyond its designed limits and you’ll smoke the motor. About the only this I wish this saw had was electric brake as the saw takes about 3 seconds to come to a stop.Overall I was satisfied with the saw’s performance and would recommend it for anyone needing a light-duty circular saw that is inexpensive, light weight and does away with the power chord.