Tool Box Buzz

Several years ago if you mentioned a cordless jobsite you would think it was never going to happen and there was always going to be a few major tools you still have to use that have cords. One of those tools would probably be a cordless router.

In the last year tool manufacturers have stepped up their cordless game and the cordless router is now available on several platforms. Earlier this year Ryobi was one of those manufacturers to put out a cordless router, the 18V ONE+ Trim Router Model: #P601. This router runs off of Ryobi’s 18V line and is a great addition to their ONE+ family. Since it came out we took an in-depth look at it and here is what we found.

USING THE CORDLESS ROUTER (P601)

We ran the cordless router on the large 4-amp battery and put it to the test when we needed to hang 6 solid oak doors and mortise out the doors and jambs plus make some solid oak door stops onsite. This little machine definitely handled the task being able to do all the mortising, all the door stops, and a few small tasks of small round-overs in the shop. After 2-1/2 days the battery was pretty much drained.

We noticed the router sits nicely in your palm and is well balanced once the battery is inserted. I remember I first picked up out of the box and thought “oh wow this isn’t that balanced”. Once I installed that battery the tool was well balance and had user comfort. The cordless router weighs in at 2.8 lb. before the battery is inserted. The “GRIPZONE” as Ryobi calls it is over molded with micro-texture for ease of grip and enhances the user comfort. We did notice that even though the router sits comfortably in your palm at the end of extended periods of use you start to feel vibration and the router can get quiet warm and uncomfortable.

STAND-OUT FEATURES

For a cordless router, this is packing several features we really liked. The first feature, the built in LEDs that illuminate the work surface and increased the cutting visibility. Next is a micro-adjustment dial was extremely useful dialing the precise depth needed for the hinges. The last stand out feature was the quick-release lever for easy depth adjustment and base removal. The design and features on the router allows you to comfortably route your work and make adjustments with ease.

• Battery: 18V
• Collet Size: 1/4”
• Bulb: LED
• Speed: 29,000 RPM (No-Load Speed)
• Weight: 2.80 lbs.
• Warranty: Ryobi offers a limited three (3) year warranty and a 90 day exchange policy on their power tools. More information can be found at their website.

THE BOTTOM LINE…

In the end, this cordless router will is a great addition to your tool arsenal and a must have if you are already on the Ryobi 18V ONE+ product line. This lightweight, portable router can cut that cord from another job site task of mortising hardware into your project and easing the edges of your trim.

Anybody from the DIYer to professional will find it extremely useful because it’s compact size and easy depth adjustment. The P601 cordless router can be found exclusively at The Home Depot and is a great addition to the ONE+ line.