Woodworking is more than just a hobby — it’s a craft, a passion, and a way to transform ideas into tangible projects. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a hobbyist, or a small contractor, choosing the right table saw can make all the difference in your workflow and project quality.
The RYOBI RTS12 Table Saw is a compact, 10-inch portable saw designed with portability, ease of use, and precise cutting in mind. Unlike larger, stationary saws, it allows users to set up quickly, transport easily, and achieve accurate results without the cost and bulk of full-size models. Its combination of a powerful 15-amp motor, rack-and-pinion fence system, foldable stand, and beginner-friendly safety features makes it ideal for garages, sheds, or mobile job sites.
In this review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the RTS12, including its performance in real-world tasks, assembly process, safety features, portability, and how it compares to competing models. Most importantly, we’ll focus on who should buy this saw and who might want to consider alternatives so that you can make a fully informed decision.
Best For: DIYers, hobbyists, and small contractors who need a portable, accurate, and easy-to-use table saw for garages, sheds, or mobile job sites.
Unboxing the RYOBI RTS12 Table Saw
Opening the RYOBI RTS12 box is an organized experience, with each component securely packed to prevent damage during transport. Inside, you’ll find:
- RYOBI RTS12 Table Saw
- 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade
- Rack-and-pinion rip fence
- Miter gauge for angled crosscuts
- Push stick
- Blade guard and riving knife
- Blade adjustment wrenches
- Instruction manual
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the RYOBI RTS12 impresses with its compact, lightweight design and well-organized accessories. The foldable stand, pre-installed blade, and onboard storage immediately give a sense of convenience and portability. Its solid build and beginner-friendly features make it feel ready for DIYers, hobbyists, and small contractors to start cutting without a steep learning curve.
Assembly Process
Setting up the RYOBI RTS12 is straightforward and beginner-friendly. First, attach the foldable stand securely to the saw base, ensuring it is level and stable. Next, install the 10-inch carbide-tipped blade, carefully aligning the riving knife and blade guard for safe operation. The rack-and-pinion fence slides along the rail and locks smoothly for accurate cuts. Insert the miter gauge and adjust for proper squareness. Finally, store the push stick, wrenches, and other accessories in the onboard compartments. Overall, the assembly typically takes 20–30 minutes, even for first-time users, and requires no specialized tools beyond the included wrenches.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Motor | 15 Amp |
| Blade Size | 10-inch carbide-tipped |
| Rip Capacity | 12″ right / 8″ left |
| No-Load Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Weight | 50 lbs |
| Dust Collection | 2.5-inch port |
| Warranty | Limited warranty (region-dependent) |
| Brand | RYOBI |
| Stand | Foldable Integrated |
Table of Contents
Highlights of the RYOBI RTS12 Table Saw
Powerful Motor and Reliable Cutting
The 15-amp motor in the RTS12 delivers steady torque for plywood, MDF, softwoods, and hardwoods like oak and maple. Unlike many budget saws that slow during long rips, the RTS12 maintains consistent speed, providing smooth edges with minimal burn marks.
For example, when ripping a full 4-foot sheet of plywood for a cabinet project, the motor holds speed evenly across the cut, allowing for clean, professional-quality edges. Likewise, crosscutting 2×4 lumber for furniture projects is effortless, making it suitable for both hobbyists and small-scale contractors.
Rip Capacity and Precise Fence System
The RTS12 offers a 12-inch rip capacity on the right and 8 inches on the left, enough to handle most plywood sheets and lumber sizes commonly used in home workshops. The rack-and-pinion fence system glides smoothly, locks securely, and ensures parallel, repeatable cuts, even for beginners.
This precision reduces mistakes, improves workflow efficiency, and results in clean, straight edges that are critical when building furniture, shelving units, or cabinets.
Safety Features
RYOBI has equipped the RTS12 with transparent blade guards, a riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls to maximize safety. The push stick ensures narrow cuts can be made safely, and the saw’s restart protection prevents accidental startups after a power loss.
Combined, these features make the RTS12 ideal for DIYers, hobbyists, and small contractors who prioritize both accuracy and safety in their projects.
Portability and Stand
At just 50 lbs, the RTS12 is easy to lift, move, and store. The foldable integrated stand provides excellent stability during full sheet work yet folds down for storage in garages or small workshops. Onboard storage for the fence, miter gauge, and push stick ensures everything stays organized and within reach during projects.
For mobile contractors, this lightweight design allows quick setup at job sites without compromising cutting performance or safety.
Accessories and Optional Upgrades
The RTS12 comes with all the essential accessories you need to start cutting immediately: a 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade, miter gauge, push stick, blade guard, riving knife, and adjustment wrenches. For users looking to expand the saw’s functionality, optional upgrades include a dado throat plate (up to 1/2-inch) for grooves and joints, high-tooth blades (40–60 teeth) for smoother hardwood cuts, and a shop vacuum adapter to improve dust collection. The arbor lock system simplifies blade changes, making adjustments safe, fast, and efficient.
Performance: How the Product Performs in Real Use
Cutting Power & Versatility
The RTS12’s motor allows it to handle a variety of materials, from MDF to oak, without slowing or causing tear-out. The 5,000 RPM blade ensures fast, clean cuts, making it suitable for furniture, cabinetry, and home projects.
Accuracy & Ease of Use
The rack-and-pinion fence system guarantees parallel cuts with precision up to 1/64 inch. Bevel adjustments are smooth and accurate, while the basic miter gauge handles standard angled crosscuts. Beginners can achieve professional-level results with minimal setup.
Dust Collection
The RTS12 features an integrated dust chute that can be connected to a shop vacuum for improved dust management. While it doesn’t completely remove all sawdust, using a vacuum captures most debris and keeps your workspace cleaner. This helps improve visibility while cutting and reduces cleanup time.
For best results, it’s recommended to connect a shop vacuum during prolonged cuts.
Design & Build Quality
The RTS12’s metal tabletop reduces flex during cuts, ensuring clean, precise results. The foldable stand remains stable for heavy-duty cuts, and integrated storage keeps accessories organized, minimizing setup time. The lightweight design allows easy transport and storage without compromising durability.
RYOBI RTS12 Table Saw Performance Score Table
| Feature Area | Score (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| overall Performance | 84% |
| Power & Cutting Performance | 87% |
| Accuracy | 91% |
| Portability | 92% |
| Safety Features | 85% |
| Dust Collection | 75% |
| Value | 90% |
RYOBI RTS12 vs Competitors:
RYOBI RTS12 vs SKIL TS6307-00
The SKIL TS6307-00 is one of the closest alternatives to the RYOBI RTS12, especially for DIY and home workshop users. Both table saws feature a 15-amp motor and a similar 10-inch blade setup.
However, the SKIL model has a slightly larger table surface and offers better left-side rip capacity, which helps when cutting wider boards. The RYOBI RTS12, on the other hand, stands out for its lighter weight, easier portability, and a more user-friendly rack-and-pinion fence system.
If your work involves frequent setup and storage, the RTS12 feels more comfortable. If you mainly work with wider sheet materials, the SKIL TS6307-00 may provide a slight advantage.
Read our Detailed review of SKIL TS6307-00 Table Saw
RYOBI RTS12 vs DeWalt DWE7485
The DeWalt DWE7485 is known for its high RPM (~5,800), which gives it a faster, smoother cutting experience, especially on hardwoods. DeWalt also has a reputation for excellent build quality and long-term durability.
However, it does not include a stand, which means users must purchase one separately or set it on a workbench. The RYOBI RTS12 includes a foldable stand and onboard accessory storage, making it easier to set up quickly in different spaces.
So, while the DeWalt wins in speed and cut refinement, the RTS12 wins in convenience and cost efficiency, especially for users who need a ready-to-use system.
Read our Detailed review of DeWalt DWE7485
RYOBI RTS12 vs Bosch 4100-10
The Bosch 4100-10 is more of a professional jobsite saw, featuring a gravity-rise wheeled stand and a soft-start motor that reduces startup kick. It’s designed for users who move between job sites and need more rugged durability.
However, the Bosch is larger, heavier, and more expensive, which may not suit smaller workshop environments. The RYOBI RTS12 focuses on accessibility, portability, and affordability, making it easier for hobby woodworkers, DIY builders, or home garages where space is limited.
If you’re working daily in a construction environment, the Bosch may be the better fit.
If you want a practical, compact, and easy-to-learn saw, the RYOBI RTS12 offers better overall usability.
Read our Detailed review of Bosch 4100-10
Who Should Buy
The RYOBI RTS12 is ideal for DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and small contractors who need a portable, accurate, and easy-to-use table saw. Its lightweight design, foldable stand, and onboard storage make it perfect for small workshops, garages, or mobile job sites. Beginners will benefit from the safe and intuitive features like the riving knife, push stick, and rack-and-pinion fence, while more experienced woodworkers can rely on its consistent cutting power for plywood, MDF, and hardwoods.
Who Should Skip It
Woodworkers who frequently require rip capacities over 30 inches, or who rely on advanced dust collection or soft-start motors, might find the RTS12 limiting. Similarly, professional workshops needing a full-size cabinet or hybrid saw for daily heavy-duty use should consider a more robust, full-featured machine.
The RTS12 is designed for portability and convenience, so it may not meet the needs of large-scale, continuous production environments.
Pricing and Buying Tips
The RYOBI RTS12 typically retails for around $330–$380 at major retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Look for bundle deals that include extra blades or a dado throat plate to expand the saw’s capabilities. It’s recommended to register the product online to ensure warranty coverage, as warranty terms may vary by region and retailer.
Using a shop vacuum for dust collection during prolonged cuts is also advised to maintain a clean workspace and prolong motor life.
Final Verdict
Our Score: 85%
The RYOBI RTS12 Table Saw delivers power, portability, and precision in a compact package. Weighing just 50 lbs, it’s easy to move and transport, yet strong enough to cut plywood, MDF, and hardwood with professional-quality results. Its rack-and-pinion fence ensures repeatable accuracy, while the foldable stand allows hassle-free setup and storage.
For DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and small contractors working in garages, sheds, or mobile job sites, the RTS12 is an excellent choice. While dust collection is moderate and it lacks a soft-start motor, these minor trade-offs are acceptable for most home users.
If you want a portable, easy-to-use, and precise compact table saw, the RYOBI RTS12 is ideal for you.
FAQ
What is the dust collection capability of the RYOBI RTS12?
The RTS12 features a 2.5-inch dust port that can be connected to a shop vacuum. While it captures most debris, it doesn’t eliminate all sawdust. For best results and a cleaner workspace, using a shop vacuum is recommended during prolonged cuts.
How portable is the RYOBI RTS12 Table Saw?
Weighing just 50 lbs with a foldable integrated stand, the RTS12 is easy to lift, move, and store. Its compact design makes it ideal for garages, small workshops, or mobile job sites where space and portability are important.
What materials can the RTS12 handle?
The 15-amp motor provides enough power to cut plywood, MDF, softwoods, and hardwoods like oak and maple. It maintains consistent speed during long cuts, making it suitable for DIY projects, furniture, and small contractor tasks.
Who is the RYOBI RTS12 best suited for?
The saw is perfect for DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and small contractors who need a portable, precise, and beginner-friendly table saw. It may not be suitable for professional workshops requiring large rip capacities (over 30 inches) or full-size cabinet saws.
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