Ryobi 1 1/2HP (Peak) Router - Factory Reconditioned

Features:

• Depth of cut: 0 to 1 1/2"
• Collet 1/4"
• Peak HP: 1 1/2
• Factory Reconditioned
• 1 year Ryobi warranty

Customer Reviews:

Great first or backup router, cheesy spindle lock [Posted on 2006-09-04]
I'm reviewing this as what it is: A sub-2-HP fixed-base bargain router with a 1/4" collet. No points off for single speed or low power or lack of ability to take big panel-raising bits, because this router is what it is, and that's all it is.

And it is almost perfectly that. It holds onto the bit, spins it, and keeps it straight with respect to the base. The depth adjustment ring raises and lowers the motor nicely, and you get good visibility through the yellow-tinted chip guard. What more do you really need from a router?

I was going to say that at this price, it's practically disposable, and that even if you have a high-end router, you should have one or two of these in your hip pocket as backup or to loan to friends or take to jobsites where your Yellow or Red brand tool would make a tempting target. And that's true, but it's a little misleading.

The truth is, if you're a hobbyist, even a serious one, this little workhorse could serve regular duty in your shop for a long time. My father had this exact same router rebadged as a Craftsman, and it was his only router for years. He used it to cut dovetails and mortises and other joinery for fine furniture. The Ryobi version is currently my only router as well (not counting a 3/4 hp mini-shaper). I've had my eye on a "good" industrial-strength router for some time now, but haven't yet absolutely had to pry my wallet that far open. The little Ryobi has filled the need.

My only real complaint is the spindle-locking mechanism, the big yellow switch on top that locks the spindle so that you can change the blade with one wrench. It's connected to a switch so that when it's engaged, the router won't start. It's too delicate and finicky. If you don't get it just right, the router thinks the spindle is locked and won't start, and you have to fiddle with it. If something's going to break on this tool, it's this "feature," which is not absolutely necessary anyway. I wish they'd skipped it, which would really make this the ultimate bare-bones, reliable router.

Of course, a DeWalt, Porter-Cable, Bosch, or Milwaukee sub-2-hp 1/4" router is better built and feels more solid. One of those also costs several times more and does the same thing, at best. It holds the bit straight and spins it. As far as I know, it has no competition in this price range.

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