Ryobi 3 base router

[vo2max]

Hi,I'm thinking of buying the Ryobi 3 base router, the price seems great but is it a good router? I don't want to have to upgrade.

Also will the fixed base fit nicely on my BT3100. What I thinking of doing is mounting the fixed base to the BT and leaving it there and just taking off the moter part to use with my other bases.

One other thing, Do I really have to buy the mounting kit from Roybi.

Thanks
Ken

[430752]

you'll get many responses, but i think the general wisdom here is that the ryobi 3 base kit is good within reason. it is more beginner, but works well enough. some complain the bases don't swap easily, some sing its praises. if you can get it below $100usd, then by all mean give it a try. just before xmas, it went on sale for $88. at the current $129usd, not so sure you should give it a try.

now, you asked that you don't want to upgrade. First, many around here say you will get several routers in your life, so start here and find what you like. Others say life's too short for less than great tools. If you're serious about going best in class first, try the bosch kit ($220usd at amazon) or the Porter Cable 893k model (or some 800model # kit) which also seems well received. I have not tried either so just going on what I've read.

As far as mounting to the table, I think you may need the ryobi router table mounting kit (which may be available individually online or as part of the BT3K accessory kit) for optimum mounting. Maybe you can build your own, but this is set for the BT3K saw. This mounting kit accepts ryobi routers stock. It can be modified to fit other routers as well, through drilling of mounting plate, etc.) but someone else will have to clue you in on that. The gist I get is that the mounting kit is the way to go, rather than from scratch, but don't fret adapting the ryobi kit to accept other routers.

good luck

curt j.

[Ken Weaver]

Agree with Curt. I have the 3-bbase kit and like it a lot, its the only router I have (so far) that will handle 1/2" bits.

[monte]

It's a good set for the price. The bases are somewhat hard to change for some of the people but most people have gotten by that problem.

[vo2max]

I picked up a Makita router with 2 bases and even got a free t-shirt.
After discussing routers with the guy at the building box,it came down to the Dewalt and the Makita.
I didn't go with the Roybi because the Home Depot near my house didn't receive them yet and I needed one now.
Thanks for the replys.

Ken.

[Bollox]

quote:One other thing, Do I really have to buy the mounting kit from Roybi

I mounted an old B&D router directly to the accessory table with no mounting kit at all, just drilled and countersunk holes to suit the router baseplate.

Mike

[LarryG]

Fabricating a plate would be no big deal, but the router mounting kit also includes a rudimentary two-piece fence (pretty cheesy, but it'll do the job), a dust collection nozzle, and -- most important of all -- the plastic inserts that reduce the opening in the accessory table down to something just larger than the bit diameter. Oh, there's also the clamp for the rear edge of the acc'y table. FYI.

[lago]

Since you are in Canada, your shop is probably heated. If not, you might have the same problem that I have and it's not that cold here. I have problems with adjusting the depth of cut when it is cold, such as 55-60 degrees F. If I plan on using my router, I put it in the hot water closet for a day or so to keep it toasty warm.

[Woodchuck_Buck]

I bought this same set about a month ago ... once I realized that building a router table to my desired specs would cost as much (if not more) than the "top of the line" Wolfcraft unit (which was a let-down in its own right) I bought said Wolfcraft.

Since I rarely have gotten to my point quickly, I'll attempt to do so here: in my limited experience, the table mounting screw pattern (tempate?) on the bottom of the Ryobi router for this 3 base set seems to not fit any other standard. (I encountered this same problem with an old B&D router table a friend gave me) The Wolfcraft table lists several Ryobi router models that it is compatible with. Longer story hopefully shortened: I had to drill holes in a square metal plate to rig this puppy into something approximating usefulness.

[paulstenlund]

I bought the 3-base Ryobi for $89 b4 Xmas and used the "hold-up" clamps from a cheapo Vermont American router table in the existing bt3 table to mount the router. Instant mount - the inserts can be ordered from Billious(sp) for $0.46 each for the Ryobi combo router/table kit - same inserts. Built a fence with dust collection. Works great and was inexpensive and quick.

Paul

[germdoc]

As I posted about a month ago, I have had my frustrations with the fixed-base height adjustment ring "sticking" to the motor. I solved this problem by trimming the little rubber nibs that protrude a little inside the collar and sanding it lightly with fine-grain sandpaper. Now it works OK. I have the D-handle base--minus the handles--mounted under the BT3 for table use.

I used the plunge base extensively yesterday to cut some dovetails for a cabinet I am making using the Keller jig. I can report that the router in the plunge base is well-balanced and works like a charm, though I would note that the maximal bit height is less with the plunge than the fixed bases. Esady to adjust the height with the fine adjustment knob. (As an aside, I would once again recommend the Keller jig for persons who want to spend more time cutting through dovetails than setting them up.)

I would point out that the Ryobi kit includes template bushings, dust collection ports and a serviceable edge guide, as well as a sturdy bag. With many router kits these must be purchased extra. Also, it mounts directly to the Ryobi table with the accessory kit--no drilling, etc. But, you will probably want to get a phenolic baseplate that will accept PC bushings at some point.

Bottom line--it's a pretty good router combo for $130 or less.

[mleichtle]

I bought this kit about a year ago. I mounted the d handle base on the bt, I can't get the cam clamp to stay closed, it'll pop open mid cut, very annoying. I think it will be going in next springs rumage sale.

[WoodPirate]

quote:Originally posted by Woodchuck_Buck

I bought this same set about a month ago ... once I realized that building a router table to my desired specs would cost as much (if not more) than the "top of the line" Wolfcraft unit (which was a let-down in its own right) I bought said Wolfcraft.

I got the Wolfcraft table, too. I'm not at all thrilled. Have you been able to do anything accurately with this table? I also have the Ryobi 3-base kit and mine mounted directly to the Wolfcraft table. Had to spin it around about 40 times to see the lineup of holes.