Ryobi "good stuff"

[cwsmith]

I've got to give my positive views to the already listed BT3100-1, BD4600, and the R161 router. With the latter, the table provided in the combo is a little weak regarding sag, but properly stored it's been a decent portable router table.

But, I'd also like to add my D45CK "Clutch Driver", I've had it for a few years and it performs very well. All the features of a cordless... but with the good old universal power system that can be plugged in anywhere.

The CornerCat sander... probably the best buy on the market for finish sanders. I've had mine since 2003, dropped it a few times, but it does a great job and keeps on running.

The BS902 is a great little bandsaw. Purchased in early 2004, it does a good job, performs flawlessly, and for a small band saw does everything I've asked of it without any trouble.

The RE1802M three-base router combo. Although it had some initial trouble with a too-large motor housing, it was fixed under warranty and has worked excellently ever since.

Last, but by no means least... my A18MS01 miter saw stand. At just $99 it holds up to 400 lbs, is easily folded and portable enough to go in and out of the van and up and down stairs. Very heavy duty and a pleasure to use.

Edit: I missed adding the BTS21 portable table saw. It's not a BT3, but it is a darn nice portable saw and being a real fan of the SMT, this is about the only choice without stepping up to the Craftsman BT3 clone. I've got this back in August and have used it quite a bit here. Accurate out of the box, it's collapses easily for storage and is thus easily moved and transported. The 2-position miter fence provides excellent in front of blade capacity and though there's no fence rails, the design seems to work okay with the 3-point fence. At the $250 mid-summer price it has proven to be a winner for me.

CWS

[SARGE..g-47]

Kudo's for the 3 x 21 belt sander as already mentioned. I sold a PC and Bosch 4" as it's all I need and I have worked it hard building two decks. I don't use a belt sander in the shop though. And I don't see another of my prized treasures I use making templates.

That is the excellent spindle sander I paid $99 for with intentions of up-grade down the road but.. it gets worked hard and I have found no need for a upgrade as it gets everything I have asked it to do done which is sand curves.

[eccentrictinkerer]

I have to put the RA-200 on the good list even though it was recalled. I got a great 15 years out of mine.

Ditto that!

They'll have to pry my RA-202 RAS out of my cold dead hands.

The RA-202 was an RA-200 that incorporated a device that prevented the saw from 'climbing' over the work. Allegedly, the inventor of the device (an American), demonstrated the modified saw to Ryobi by pulling the blade through a wet, treated 2 x 4 with his hand placed immediately next to 2 x 4then let go of the saw.

The saw stopped climbing and retracted to the rear.

I have a spare in case my saw dies.

Just to be safe, I remove the motor assembly every 6 months to inspect for cracks in the housing. I wonder how many people were actually hurt by this cute little innocent saw?

[geopilot]

So is the Ryobi 10" band saw (discontinued) considered worthy of this list, or are there better choices in that size?

[jbalders]

P230 18V impact driver - I second (third? fourth?) this already mentioned tool. I use this quite regularly.

P220 18V 3-speed hammer drill. This is from the defunct Ryobi Professional line. The thing's built like a tank and has plenty of torque to spare.

FL1800 - 18V flashlight - This is probably my most reached-for tool. I use it all the time since my kids are constantly losing things (i.e., toys) under other things (i.e., furniture). It's also handy for projects.

I use the three of those the most. I like them enough that I bought extras of all three of those for when they finally die, but that probably won't be anytime soon.

RJC181 18V Reciprocating saw - It works great and seems to have plenty of power to spare.

OSS500 Oscillating Spindle Sander - I don't use it a lot since the projects I do don't call for it much, but works great and was a steal at $50 when they were closing them out.

AP1300 13" Planer - Nice. It's eaten a lot of oak and still works great. Another clearance special that I got half-price.

Those are my favorites.

I also have the 18V 2-speed drill (decent), 18V rotozip (decent), 18V jigsaw (decent), 18V circular saw (fair), 18V 10" miter saw (fair), and 18V dustbuster (fair). They're all usable, you just have to recognize their limitations. i.e., the miter saw did a great job when I was building a ramp for my shed 300' away from the house at the back of my property, but I wouldn't use it for fine cabinetry work.