Is the RIDGID 18-Volt R8604B light enough to carry up ladders all day?

For that answer to hold, your own carry limit needs to stay near 10 pounds or higher. Start with the weight first.

For a deeper dive into the specs, see our full R8604B review.

We picked this out of the compact band saw options because the weight is the deciding number here: 10.63 pounds, with an 18-volt battery platform, a 2 1/2 in. cutting capacity, and a bare-tool package.

You can find the final R8604B verdict at the bottom of our analysis.

What to Check Before Buying the R8604B

• Check whether your ladder work can tolerate a 10.63-pound saw in one hand.
• Confirm the full carry setup you plan to use, including your lithium-ion battery and any charger.
• Look for a belt clip or harness tie-in if you want to secure the saw between cuts; that mounting point is not stated here.
• Account for the band saw blade and the tensioning system in your own carry plan, since their added weight is not listed separately.
• Match the 18V platform to the batteries you already own, because this is a tool-only listing.
• Check whether your work needs repeated overhead carries; this weight is harder to live with than a lighter sub-compact saw.

Where the R8604B Fits Among Compact Band Saws

The R8604B suits buyers who want 2 1/2 in. cutting capacity and can accept a 10.63-pound carry weight. It is a compact band saw, but not a featherweight one, so the tradeoff is clear for ladder work. If your day involves repeated climbs, one-handed carry, or a harnessed setup, a lighter tool type deserves a closer look. If your priority is more about cutting room than all-day carry comfort, this format makes more sense.

If you have specific questions, see the R8604B review FAQ.

Choose the R8604B if you want an 18V, tool-only compact band saw and your job can absorb the extra weight.

Comparing different brands? See the best compact band saw for metal cutting.

Warranty details: see the official Ridgid warranty page.

Reviewed by the New Hardware editorial team. New Hardware writes these guides from the 13 most-reviewed compact band saw listings in our retail dataset, not from manufacturer copy.