If you’re looking for an affordable table saw, then you’re going to eventually come across both the Craftsman Evolv and the Ryobi ZRRTS10G. You can find reviews for both of these table saws in our full review section, and you will find that they have a staggering amount of similarities in this Craftsman Evolv vs Ryobi ZRRTS10G analysis.
As far as price is concerned, both of them are in the $100 to $200 price range. However, what you need to have in mind is that the Ryobi model is certified refurbished whereas the Craftsman one comes brand new.
Looking below at our Craftsman Evolv vs Ryobi ZRRTS10G standoff, let’s find out if there as anything noteworthy to distinguish the two, and find out which one is better for buyers in the entry level of the table saw market.
Craftsman Evolv vs Ryobi ZRRTS10G Key Features
Both units are produced by the same OEM manufacturer and have a similar design and some interchangeable parts. Key features for both are identical, and include the following;
- 10-inch blade.
- Steel stand for both models.
- 15 AMP electric motor.
- 12 inch ripping capacity.
- 5000 RPM with no load.
Who Are These Saws Targeted Towards?
Both of these saws are aimed at home DIY and hobby enthusiasts.
Professionals will be limited by the small rip capacity, as well as the mid-range performance.
Shop work students would also get value out of either of these saws, as they could be used for developing proficiency in making cuts with a power tool.
Are These Saws Suitable for Continuous Use?
These saws use sealed electrical motors that are good for hundreds of hours of use.
That does not mean that either saw can be run continuously, but they won’t have trouble coping with light tasks for small home improvements or other projects.
How Do They Compare with Portability?
With near identical design and materials, both of these table saws are relatively lightweight.
Both weigh in at just over 50 lb., and could easily be carried by most adults. The problem with portability is not the units as such, but the accompanying stands.
The stands have no quick release functionality, which makes both units awkward to move when fully assembled. They are adequately portable for use around a home or in a workshop, but can’t compete with the portability of jobsite saws.
Power Source
As with most low to mid-range table saws, both the Craftsman Evolv and Ryobi ZRRTS10G require a 20 AMP outlet for stable power.
Extension cords of up to 50 ft. can be used, providing that the cable is rated AWG 12 gauge.
Performance
Performance of both saws is unquestionable entry level.
Consumer and professional testing has shown adequate performance with light materials like ply, balsa, and composites, but limitations start to appear with hard wood.
Some users have reported that the Ryobi has caused wood burns on harder materials as the blade struggles to cut through the wood.
Performance could be increased on both units with a good 60 tooth carbide blade, but neither will approach the level of performance of more expensive table saws.
Rip Capacity
The Ryobi extends to allow up to 13-3/4” of rip capacity to the right of the blade.
The Craftsman offers slightly more with 14-3/4” to the right. This is a small figure, but should be expected at the entry level of the market.
Both could be described as adequate, but offer nothing special in terms of total rip capacity.
Rip Fence
Both saws use a basic clamping rip fence that is adjusted by releasing the clamp and sliding it along the table.
This is a rudimentary design that is also found on some lower-midrange tools. The problem with this type of fence is that it can become difficult to achieve precision cuts, but that is one of the compromises made when going with an entry level device.
For the needs of home DIY and woodcraft, the rip fence on both will be sufficient, despite the no frills design.
Dust Collection
There is no dust collection shroud on either unit, so the dust will be ejected directly onto the floor below either table.
A collection bag, box, or any improvised system could be used with either saw.
Do These Saws Incorporate Safety Features?
As we look at safety features, we again find similarities between both designs.
They both come packaged with a push stick, riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, and a blade guard.
Both of these highly affordable table saws incorporate the same safety features that midrange saws use, and it’s good to see that level of commitment to operator safety.
One feature that both saws have is a power safety key, where the tool can’t be used without the supplied plastic key in the switch assembly.
Maintenance on Both the Ryobi and Craftsman
Maintenance is minimal.
The motors on both units are sealed and lubricated, so these machines only require basic maintenance like blade replacements, dust removal, and lubrication of exposed mechanisms.
Is Either Unit Easier to Use?
Even though these machines are similar and almost identical in most respects, the craftsman has an advantage when it comes to ease of use.
There are various plastic parts on the Craftsman that are produced using a high visibility polymer.
Examples are the miter gauge, the clamp on the rip fence, and the push stick. The Ryobi uses a basic grey color for all plastic parts, which makes it difficult to quickly sight the individual components.
Comparing Construction Quality
As mentioned earlier, both units are produced by the same OEM manufacturer, and many of the parts are identical.
A mixture of steel, plastic, and aluminum is used, and the pieces do feel sturdy for the most part.
A couple of the letdowns are the flimsy steel legs on both saws, and low quality miter gauges. Although the construction quality is not up to the standard of more expensive units, it is still good for the entry level, and most owners won’t be disappointed, especially considering the price of both of these saws.
Accessories
Basic accessories include a riving knife, safety pawls, rip fence, push stick, blade guard assembly, miter gauge, adjustment wrenches, a 10-inch blade, and a hex adjustment key.
Documentation
Documentation is surprising on both units.
It is similar in quality to tools that are three or four times the price. Good wording is used, and there are helpful diagrams where necessary.
Pros and Cons Between the Two?
Because the units are so similar, they share most of the pros and the cons.
As far as the good points go, the most important are the excellent safety features, low cost, included stand, and included accessories.
Negatives are the poor performance with harder woods, and some issues with assembly. Especially in the case of the Evolv, the owner feedback has been mixed, with some complaining that the unit was poorly assembled and required significant adjustment before use.
Warranty
The Craftsman comes with a full one-year warranty. Because the Ryobi is a factory refurbished product, it will come with a minimum 90-day warranty, depending on the seller.
Origin
Both units are made in China.
Consumer Reviews
The Ryobi has a respectable 4/5 rating on the leading ecommerce website, while the Craftsman Evolv has a slightly higher 4.3/5 rating.
Price
As already mentioned, the two table saws belong in the same price range of $100 to $200. But, be aware that the Ryobi is certified refurbished, you should do your due diligence as far as what this means on the product’s page.
Check below for their latest prices and offers on Amazon.
Final Thoughts When Comparing These Two Saws
With two saws from the same factory, and both being almost identical in features and quality, it would usually be hard to make a final decision. However, in the case of these two saws in this Craftsman Evolv vs Ryobi ZRRTS10G analysis, there’s a significant price and value difference.
The Ryobi might be one of the cheapest 10-inch saws on the market, but it’s also refurbished and lacking a full warranty.
The Craftsman is essentially the same unit, and is still one of the most inexpensive in its category.
The smart choice is the Craftsman, and the Ryobi should only be considered when price is the absolute bottom line. For just a little extra, Craftsman gives you peace of mind with a warranty, and confidence knowing that all components are factory fresh.