We give Ryobi cordless router in the One + series a score of 4 out of 5. So you make no mistake if you buy this router. But it has some weaknesses that may be important for your particular use.
Are Ryobi routers any good?
The short answer is yes. It is solidly built, has a lot of power and does not feel like a cheap product, although Ryobi’s cordless router is one of the cheapest you can buy. You will most likely not regret buying a Ryobi router, but some things could have been better that we will address in this review.
Are you already ready to buy? you will find a Ryobi wireless router here (without battery)
What is included with Ryobi’s Router?
– Cordless Router
– Adjustable base plate
– Edge guide
– Wrench
– a milling bit
Be aware that there are different kits, so check that all this is included if it is important for you. There are some that sell this without the edge guide, so read carefully what is included. If the kit you buy does not come with the edge guide, it is possible to buy it separately, and in addition, the edge guide for Rigid routers also fits Ryobi.
We have made an unboxing video you can watch here or on Youtube
No battery included
But something that is almost never included is the battery and battery charger. Selling just the tool is something Ryobi was early on with and that most other tool companies have followed. I see this as an advantage, as previously when you bought a tool it was only with the smallest battery that the manufacturer made. And they had different batteries for almost all the tools, now the same battery fits all Ryobi’s tools in the One+ series. Now you can buy the batteries you want, if you want one at 1.5Ah or one at 9Ah then it is your choice.
Do you need a charger?
There is one thing that can be a disadvantage for you if this is the first tool you buy from Ryobi, then you have to include an extra expense in buying a separate battery and charger.
Ryobi has many cheap start kits where you get several tools along with a battery and battery charger. But I have not found any kit where they have a router in the kit. But if you are thinking of buying a new drill and some other tools, you can look at these Ryobi kits.
Just the Ryobi battery and charger can be found here
How to use the Ryobi router? Score 3 out of 5
A router is not difficult to use, but should be treated with respect. There are one or more sharp blades on the bit that spin around at 20-30 thousand rounds per minute, so it can do a lot of damage to both you and what you are working on, so be careful.
I have given a score of 3 out of 5 on how the Ryobi Trim Router is to use. The reason I give this score is mainly for two things, that is the weight and location of the on / off switch.
The Ryobi Trim Router is Top-Heavy
Let’s start with the weight, the router itself has a weight of 1.3 kg/2,87 pounds. But since the router is battery powered, it must naturally have a battery. A router uses a lot of power, so you do not get that far with one of the smallest batteries. If I am going to use the router for a while I have to use my 4Ah battery that weighs 0,7 kg/1,54 pounds. Then it becomes quite heavy compared to a similar trim router that has cable. But compared to other cordless routers, this is a normal weight. Ryobi’s trim router is a bit more top-heavy than other routers, this is something you have to watch out for. The router may become a bit unstable due to this and the small base plate.
Why Ryobi? This is a bad location for the power switch
The other thing that makes it not score so well on the ease of use is the location of the power switch. It sits at the very top of the rotor close to where the battery is inserted. When I am going to mill out something with a little precision, I sit and look closely down where there is an opening and hold around the stem. Then the switch is on the backside of where I sit so then I have to find the switch with my fingers without seeing where it is. I have had accidents with projects I worked on because of this. While I have been looking for the switch, I have moved the router a bit, which has then removed material that I did not intend to remove.
Is it easy to start using Ryobi’s Trim Router? Score 4 out of 5
Yes, you can be up and running in minutes. Even if you have never used a router before, it is not difficult to get started. The user manual is in many languages, so you should find one you understand. It has good illustrations that explain how to use the router, but it also has illustrations that show how not to use it. The only thing I miss in the manual is that the illustrations are in a different place in the manual than where the text is. I understand that this is to avoid having the illustrations in each language so the user manual becomes much thinner. I support this on an environmental level, but for the ease of use, it gets a small minus on this.
For new users of routers, there should perhaps also be a little more info about what types of bits you can use and what these can do. But this is information you can find many places online, like here.
What types of bits can be used for Ryobi Trim Router?
On Ryobi’s Trim Router you can use bits that fit in 6mm and 6.35mm(¼”) collets. The bit itself can not be wider than 35mm/1,38″ as this is the hole in the base plate, but it is also not recommended to use very large bits on 6mm and 6.35 mm collet as the bit can break off more easily when it becomes large.
There are many types of bits with many different profiles you can use for routers. This is what makes a router such a versatile tool. You can use it for everything from cutting out a circle, smoothing out edges, and engraving. Ryobi has its own set of bits that fit this, but that does not mean that you are limited to the bits that Ryobi makes. You can buy any bits that are 6mm or 6.35mm/ 1/4″ and they will fit.
I have listed some examples below here on bits and sets that will fit the Ryobi Trim Router.
“the complete” bit set with 35 parts in a solid case
15 parts bit set in a wooden case
How to adjust the depth of a Ryobi Router?
It is easy to adjust the depth you are going to mill by opening the clamp and just moving the router up and down to about the height you need.
Then you can fine-tune the depth with the micro-adjustment wheel. This allows you to slowly crawl up to exactly the height the cut should be.
Is the Ryobi router well built? Score 4 out of 5
The Ryobi Trim Router in the one+ series is well built. It is made of good and solid materials. The engine is strong enough for the tasks it is intended for. The base plate is made of acrylic but is still solid. It is smooth and glides easily over the wood without leaving any marks.
The fact that it is solidly built makes it a bit heavy, but I prefer it to be heavy and solid instead of light and that it does not last that long. I have used it both to straighten edges, round edges, and to remove wood when I need to hollow out something in wood.
It is when I should do the last that thing I have experienced some weaknesses. This is because the base plate is a bit small so it is difficult to keep it stable when you only have one side of the base plate to lean on.
Make the baseplate on the Ryobi Router bigger
I intend to solve this by making a new base plate that is larger, Ryobi should have had two plates in the kit or made a base with a larger plate that they could sell as accessories.
Here is an alternative base plate from Milescraft. I have not tested this, I intend to try to make my homemade version of this. I will post a video on Youtube when I have made this, so if you are not a subscriber yet, you can become one here.
How do you change bits on a Ryobi Router?
It is not difficult to change bits on a Ryobi Trim Router. But there are several ways you can do this, but in practice, they all do the same thing. The one where it is easiest to change the bit is by removing the entire base, then you get easier access to the collet nut.
Then you just press the white button under the nut and use the wrench that came with the router and unscrew the nut and take out the bit that is in the router. Remove the collet adapter and attach it to the new bit you are replacing it with. Then put it back in the router and then screw it on in the same way as you got it loose. Then put the base back on.
Two more methods of changing bits
Another method I use is just to unscrew the nut with the base on. Then I just use the wrench to loosen the nut and then screw the rest with my fingers. I’m not sure if I’m saving any time in this in relation to removing the base, but I feel that it goes faster.
The last method I have used is to use a pair of pliers instead of the wrench, it is faster to change the grip on the collet nut, but over time it can make more wear on the collet nut.
Always check that the bit is firmly fastened, sometimes the adapter may fall off when you insert the bit into the router, so you then just fastened the adapter and the rotating bit is loose in the collet.
Read also -The best 8 ways to find inspiration for a woodworking project
Does the Ryobi Router have a dust collector?
No, unfortunately, it does not have a dust collector. But I’ve seen someone use a vacuum cleaner adapter that fits Ridgid router. But I have not found any places where I can buy it. Feel free to inform me if you find a store where it is possible to buy this adapter.
But I’m not sure how effective it will be, as it attaches to the opening you normally use to keep track of what the router is removing from the material. This can be fine when you use an edge guide and do not have to see exactly what is being removed. Also then the router is not cordless anymore, as you have a large hose hanging on the router. So I think it’s just fine to just put on the dust mask and collect everything after you’ll finish using the router.
Why buy a Ryobi Trim Router?
– It is cheap
– Solid
– Powerful
– Cordless
– Versatile
– Uses the same battery as all other Ryobi tools
– You can use bits from many different manufacturers
– It does a good job
Why NOT buy a Ryobi Trim Router?
– Battery and charger not included
– Small base plate
– Uses a lot of power
– Top-heavy with large battery
Conclusion, Ryobi Trim Router is a bargain!
The Ryobi Router is cheap, solid, and strong. These are the main reasons why it is a good buy. But if you are going to use it a lot then you should buy some extra battery, as it uses a lot of power. So it is best suited for hobby projects or if you only need it occasionally. If this is the first tool you buy from Ryobi then you have an extra expense in buying the battery and charger separately. But if you already have Ryobi batteries then this is one of the cheapest routers you can buy, our experience is that the Ryobi Router is solid and strong.
Buy Ryobi Router without battery
Buy Ryobi Router with battery and charger
FAQ
The factory warranty is for two years, but be aware that the warranty in your country may be longer. You can have a longer warranty against the store you bought from as well. This is practiced differently from country to country. In Norway where I live, this warranty is for 5 years, even though the manufacturer only gives 2 years.
If you have lost the operating instructions for your Ryobi Router, or want to read it before you buy, you will find the operating instructions at Ryobi here.
You can use both 6mm and 6.35mm which is equivalent to 1/4 ” shank for Ryobi Trim Router.
Ryobi Trim Router uses an 18-volt Lithium-Ion battery in the Ryobi One+ series
Here we have gathered the most important technical specifications for the Ryobi Trim router.
| Model | R18TR |
| Voltage | 18 V DC |
| No-Load speed | 29000 min |
| Collet size | 1/4″ /6mm & 6,35mm |
| Weight – Excluding battery | 1,3 kg/2,87 pounds |
| Weight – w/4ah battery | 2 kg/4,41 pounds |
| Battery type | One+ Lithium-Ion |
We in RepRevMake.com have no collaboration with Ryobi and have not been paid anything to make this review. We use affiliate links in this article where we can get a commission if you shop via these links.
