Two New Cordless Workshop Tools Worth a Look: Ryobi Tile Saw and Milwaukee M18 Router

Introduction

Two fresh releases landed at the same time, one for each of the big platforms many workshops already sit on: a compact 18V tile and masonry saw from Ryobi, and a full-size half-inch router for the Milwaukee M18 line. Both fill gaps in their respective systems, and both come with price tags that deserve a second look before you click buy.

Ryobi 18V 5-Inch Tile Masonry Saw

The Ryobi 18V 5-inch handheld tile and masonry saw is aimed squarely at smaller jobs: backsplash tile, bathroom and kitchen remodels, pavers, and patio work. Instead of hauling out a large wet saw, this is a handheld option with an onboard water system to cool the blade and help produce smoother cuts.

The water setup is the standout feature. There is an industry-leading 25-ounce onboard water tank for dust reduction, plus a 12-inch water supply hose. You can run limited water flow from the tank, or hook up a hose for unlimited flow so you are not constantly refilling.

The saw bevels up to 45 degrees, and Ryobi claims over 100 linear feet of cutting per charge on the kit’s 4.0Ah High Performance battery. That is a reasonable claim for trim work and short runs, though heavy tile demolition would likely drain it faster.

Pricing is not subtle. Tool only, it lists at $199; the kit with the 4.0Ah High Performance battery runs $259. Blade selection looks flexible too: while Ryobi blades should be available at Home Depot, other brand blades should work on the saw.

Milwaukee M18 Half-Inch Router

Milwaukee already had a compact M18 router that has been well received, but there was a clear need for a larger, more powerful option. The new M18 half-inch router fills that gap with a claimed 2.25 peak horsepower, noticeably more muscle than the compact version.

The feature that stands out most is track compatibility. The router can run along track saw tracks, with the fence engaging the track groove, which gives you a clean, straight edge on longer runs. That is a genuinely useful capability for cabinetry and joinery work.

Other specs worth noting: a variable speed range of 12,000 to 25,000 RPM, dual LED lights, dust collection support, spindle lock, and a claimed weight of 8.8 pounds. Milwaukee claims 225 linear feet of cutting on a 6.0 battery.

What Comes in the Milwaukee Kit

At $349 tool only, this router is not cheap, and some buyers may reasonably compare it against a corded router at that price point. The kit at $600 softens the blow considerably, because it bundles a lot of genuinely useful hardware.

The kit includes the router, a fixed base, and a plunge base with micro adjustment, plus a 6.0 battery and both M18 and M12 rapid chargers. You also get a half-inch collet and a quarter-inch collet, a template base, a dust shroud, a spindle wrench, and an edge guide.

If you want a second battery and the plunge base anyway, the kit math starts to make more sense than the bare tool. If you already have M18 batteries and never use a plunge base, tool only is the more efficient route.

Buying Advice

Both tools reward buyers who already own their respective battery platforms. The Ryobi saw suits DIYers, handymen, and remodelers doing occasional tile and paver work who do not want a full-size wet saw in the truck. The Milwaukee router is a pro-grade tool for woodworkers and cabinet makers who want the power of a full-size router with the freedom of M18 batteries and the bonus of track saw compatibility.

If the prices give you pause, that is a fair reaction. Both releases land at the higher end of their categories, and the kit versions are easier to justify than the bare tools. Decide based on how often you would actually reach for each one.

Conclusion

The Ryobi 18V tile and masonry saw brings wet-cutting convenience to handheld form for backsplash, tile, and paver jobs, while the Milwaukee M18 half-inch router finally gives the platform a full-power router with track saw compatibility. Match the purchase to your workload and battery situation, and both can earn their spot.