Ryobi router?

[messmaker]

I have several routers but only my table router will use 1/2 inch bits. Local pawn shop has a Ryobi 180 2hp plunge router for $40(might get it for less).Is this a tool to stay away from or will do OK for handheld work.

[monte]

If all the parts are there and it appears to be in good condition I would go for it. Keep in mind though that it is not the quality of a Bosch or Porter Cable.

[Boomer_01]

I have a one that I bought new a couple of months ago. I bought it to replace an old Craftsman router that I had on my BT300 router table that really sucked.

I originally mounted it on my router table....BIG MISTAKE!!!!

Setting the depth on an inverted plunge router is about as easy and juggling scorpions......and even less fun.

And I found that when I locked down the head it canted about 1/64th of an inch inward….I wont repeat my exact words when I discovered this….but it was highly colorful.

Now as a plunge router when used as intended I have no complaints I have cut panel dadoes with it….and few free hand hinge mortises and it did a good job…..I really like the soft start.

By the way I know you want it for ½” shank bits but make certain it has the 12” to ¼” reducer…it will come in handy for lighter type of work.

Boomer.

[Brian G]

I have the RE180PL and the RE1803BK. I use either (and prefer) of the plunge bases in my router table. I usually take the springs off of the base to increase the depth I can set the bit. The plunge base of the RE1803BK came with a depth adjustment knob, which makes depth adjustment easy.

You can order a depth adjustment knob for $20 from M and D Mower.

I don't notice the problem with canting that Boomer described.

There are ways to fine-tune your depth adjustments by using the depth stop and the very handy fine-adjust stop.

If it's in good shape, it may do what you need.

[drumpriest]

I have 2 1803bk kits. I use one in my router table with the springs removed. The washer on the fine adjust knob sticks, and it's annoying, but you can get pretty fine adjustments from it.

I was happy until I played with a router lift FX at rockler, now I"m thining of getting a bosch router and a lift.

[LCHIEN]

why not treat yourself

I have several routers but only my table router will use 1/2 inch bits. Local pawn shop has a Ryobi 180 2hp plunge router for $40(might get it for less).Is this a tool to stay away from?

Generally the cheaper routers are 1/4" only, so I'm imagining you have several cheap routers.

Now you want to get another. Are you worried because it's a ryobi router or because it comes from a pawn shop?

I'll quote Drumpriest:

I have 2 1803bk kits. I use one in my router table with the springs removed. The washer on the fine adjust knob sticks, and it's annoying, but you can get pretty fine adjustments from it.

I was happy until I played with a router lift FX at rockler, now I"m thining of getting a bosch router and a lift.

So, is it time in your life to treat yourself to a really nice router???
Compared to other tools, a really nice router is less than 2 bills, one of the bargains in woodworking. Even a good used one will cost around 150 or less. Instead of nickeling and diming yourself with another $40 router...

just a thought, not a criticism.

[Ken Weaver]

I have the 162 (1/4)/table combo and I also have the 180 kit as well. The 180 is a horse but the 162 has done everything I've thrown at it so far. When I eventually replace the the table, I plan on using the Woodpecker lift and a compatible Bosch. I've seen Ken Massingale's set up and its sweet. In the meantime I can't complain about either Ryobi.

[drumpriest]

I agree with both Ken and Loring here. I can't complain at all about my ryobi routers, they've done me proud. When you consider that new they were each around 70$, I've gotten a lot of use out of them. I just don't think they'd be compatible with the lift that I want.

The Bosch plunge is the nicest plunge that I've ever seen, REALLY smooth. If you can get a lift with quick release, the Bosch multi kit may be all you need (except for that pesky dovetail bit router)

[messmaker]

Loring is right as usual. I have a M12v in the table and a PC trim router. I also have a couple of cheap 1/4 inch models(Skil and Craftsman)for handheld work. I don't like using either one of them. They work but just don't feel right. I should just break down and get the Bosch 1617 kit I want and be done with it but I am the king of the bargin shoppers and it does not come easy.

[jhart]

After several years of using 2 different Craftsman models, I finally broke down and bought the DeWalt DW618 3 base kit from Amazon when they were just recently running the sale. Have only used it a couple of times so far, but like night and day from the Craftsman's I was using. Looked at the Bosch, but decieded I liked the DeWalt better. Cost was slightly over $200 shipped to my door.

[RayintheUK]

I should just break down and get the Bosch 1617 kit I want and be done with it but I am the king of the bargin shoppers and it does not come easy.

Have a look here at the new Triton - a little less than the Bosch, according to Amazon, with above-the-table bit changing built in. Made for table use, but great freehand too, although a little heavy.

Best dust collection I've ever seen, easy spring removal, rack and pinion height adjustment included, with excellent fine adjustment anywhere in the depth range. Works as well as any other make mounted in a router raiser, but without the cost of the raiser - now that's a bargain! Comes with an above-the-table height adjuster, but the rack and pinion feature makes raising it a breeze anyway.

I've got the larger Triton (3 1/4 HP) and there is simply nothing better. If the new one was available when I bought mine, I'd have had it in a flash.

Ray.