*This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. I have been compensated for my time and provided with product in exchange. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Have you been thinking about buying a router? I love my old routers but admittedly. I'm always fighting the cords or struggling to keep the cords out of my way. I've been using the Ryobi Cordless router for a couple months now, and I've decided it's absolutely the best router for a beginner woodworker or DIYer - here's why.
The Weight:
It's light! Even with a lithium battery attached, the whole thing only weighs about five pounds. The light weight isn't just convenient, it helps with safety and accuracy as well. A router becomes dangerous when the user doesn't have control over the tool. When wielding a sharp bit attached to a 29,000 RPM motor, I want something small and light enough to hold firmly in my hands.
The Depth Adjustment:
Adjusting the depth on my old hand-held router was a major pain! Even if I managed to dial the depth in correctly, it had the tendency to move, ever so slightly messing up my cuts. What I really like about the depth control on the 18-Volt Router is that it is easy to adjust and it locks in place on a notched rod, making it impossible for the plate to move up or down. I can also count notches instead of trying to take exact measurements from the body to the end of the bit.
The Shaft Lock:
To replace the cutting bit on a router, you need to lock the shaft in place and tighten the collet. On some older models, you push a pin which engages the shaft and keeps it from spinning. It works just fine, but pressing the metal pin has always hurt my thumb. The Ryobi router has a nice flat button that you press to lock the shaft, making switching out bits much easier on the fingers.
Plenty of Power:
Although technically the Ryobi Cordless Router is a trim router and not as powerful as a full sized router, it packs a strong punch. I've tested it on multiple projects, using different bits, making the most common types of cuts. I never had any trouble with the Ryobi router keeping up.
When you first think about buying a router, it's likely to put a fancy edge on something like a sign or table top. It only took me a few seconds to put a decorative ogee edge on this board.
If you have a slot cutting router bit, it's easy to cut a groove into boards while making DIY cabinet doors. I tried this technique out and it was so much easier than using my table saw! I'm going to make my flat panel doors this way from now on.
I would never try free handing a cut with a full sized router but I'm able to with my cordless model. Obviously, I still need a lot of practice but cutting detailed shapes is totally doable.
Ready to buy your own Ryobi 18-volt router? It's actually a Special Buy at Home Depot right now. Don't forget the batteries : ) Want to save this idea for later? Feel free to pin the image below!
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