I bought a router...was it a bad purchase?

[Sinner]

I bought a router today...it's a Ryobi RE1802M..3 bases: plunge, fixed, and D-Handle...I have no wood working skills, and for the amount of use it will get, I thought that this would be good enough...was I right in thinink this, or are these garbage units??

[CJK]

Nope, not a bad one at all. A couple of nice features: the switchable bases are good, because it's easier to use a D-handle for some jobs (like routing a slot in large pieces for T-moulding), while the two-handed base is great for others (like using a dovetailing jig or routing using a template as you would for creating a recess for a joystick mechanism). Also, the model you picked up has electronic soft start, which is nice because the router doesn't try to jump out of your hand when you turn it on -- a big safety plus, in my opinion, for people not used to working with routers. You can also use the plunge base if you need it (a recess in the middle of your workpiece would be an example of when you need to plunge the router into the work). Finally, the router has a half-inch collet, which lets you use bits with a heavier shaft -- these tend to produce better results than those with 1/4" shafts, so I'd buy them if you can get them locally. (Or order from someplace like Woodcraft, Amazon, or the like.)

Ryobi tools tend to be good light to medium-duty tools, according to the reviews I've read. Sounds like a good choice for your situation.

Hope this helps!
-- Chris

[nostrebor]

I own this set. They are just fine. I use the fixed base the most, as it is easier to dial it in for T-molding bits and such.

If you do much base switching, you may have trouble getting the motor out of the base assemblies. They tend to jam up with sawdust.

[Sinner]

I've never used a router before, so I don't know much about them...I'm glad I didn't get something that was a total waste...I hate having to go stores to return things...
Now all I have to do is figure out which bits I need to recess the joysticks and track ball, and I'm all set...
I really appreciate the feedback...thanks guys...

[CJK]

You want a mortising bit to recess the joystick and trackball. You'll also need a template collar to screw into the router base -- that will let you follow a template that you can make out of scrap plywood in order to make the recess the right size for each control. Porter Cable sells a nice template guide kit for about $40 (US) -- you should be able to find it or something similar in your local hardware store.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000222V1/qid=1117486133/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-tools/103-8824454-7026237?v=glance&s=hi&n=228013

(Hate those huge Amazon.com links!)

To make your template: pick a template guide and attach it to the router base, then measure the distance between the mortising bit and the edge of the template guide. Cut a hole in a piece of scrap plywood that is the size and shape of the recess you need PLUS the measurement you made above. Then, set the maximum depth on the plunge mechanism to correspond to the depth you need plus the thickness of the plywood template. Finally, clamp the template firmly to the underside of your CP, clamp everything to the workbench, and route out the recess, first plunging the router bit into the work, then moving the router carefully within the template until you're done.

I noticed that your router has a vacuum hookup -- if you can, hook your shop vac to the router to keep the dust down, but at least wear a dust mask! Wood dust is hazardous to your health over time, and MDF dust is even worse.

Good luck!

-- Chris

[97thruhiker]

Seems like a good choice.  I think I have an extra 1/2 bit in my toolbox that you could have for making your recess cut.  Just send me a personal message.

[Timstuff]

I saw a router at Home Depot today that was only $60. Would using an inexpensive router get the job done? I can't go out and spend $200 on a tool right now, but as long as it works I could care less how fancy a model I get, as long as it's cost effective and won't ruin my project. Any advice on selecting tools?

[dema]

I saw a router at Home Depot today that was only $60. Would using an inexpensive router get the job done? I can't go out and spend $200 on a tool right now, but as long as it works I could care less how fancy a model I get, as long as it's cost effective and won't ruin my project.

The original poster spent $200 Canadian on the Router. The ones you're referring to are professional type routers.

No, the Ryobi model you saw is just fine for everyday woodworking projects. I have the same Ryobi model and it's been just fine for me. If you were going to be building a bunch of things beyond the arcade cabinet I'd say you could upgrade, but it'll get the job done nicely.

[Timstuff]

OK, that's what I wanted to hear.