Popular Woodworking 2003-08 № 135, страница 80
Ryobi's plunge router starts off on our good side by coming in at less than $100. When you look at the features, that's even more surprising. With a 2-hp, 10-amp motor with electronic variable speed and soft-start, the RE180PL provides good power and performance for entry-level needs and beyond. The router is equipped with both V4" and V2" collets and is one of two tools in the test with a flat area cast into the base (for improved accuracy when following an edge guide). It offers a nice compact design with a smooth plunging action and the excellent option of adding a template guide insert plate. Power is controlled by a rocker switch mounted to the motor body. While we understand the need to have the switch located on the body of the two "kit" routers to make them interchangeable in the bases, we're not sure why Ryobi opted for this location on this model. We prefer a handle-mounted switch on a plunge router, so that both hands can be used to control the router during starts. The Ryobi switch is located close enough to the handle so this shouldn't be a problem, though. The router also offers a wholly adequate depth-stop mechanism with a nifty precision dial-in depth stop on the base, rather than a turret, though we'd love to see a fine-height adjustment knob on this machine. When we put the router to use, we were pleased. It's comfortable to use and quiet (within a decibel of the lowest in the test) and had a remarkable runout statistic of zero. Add to that the electronic feedback on the motor to keep the speed up in heavy cuts and this is a very smooth and accurate router. OK, one gripe: This router threw dust all over the place. If Ryobi can add a dust collection accessory like the one on the Craftsman, we'd be most appreciative. All things considered, this router's our winner. SKIL 1825 Skil: 877-754-5999 or skiltools.com We tested a pre-production model of this brand-new router, but we didn't have to overlook any flaws to build a solid opinion. Though offered as a dedicated plunge router ($79), that model is a single-speed, 2-hp, 10-amp version and offers only a V4" collet. We chose to test the two-base (fixed and plunge) kit. The 2V4-hp, 11-amp router is the most powerful router successfully tested in this review. It is equipped with both V4" and V2" collets, variable speed (but not soft-start), an on-board task light activated by a photoelectric sensor in the right handle (nice feature) and comfortable over-molded soft grips. In use, we found the fine-adjustment knob (one of only two in the test) to be very useful during height setups.We noticed some play in the column and a .007" runout during operation. Some of this may be associated with the "hand-built" nature of our test model. One thing we were less happy with was the "constant lock" position of the plunge mechanism. Unlike other routers in the test, the Skil plunge mechanism is locked until released by moving the plunge lever. This adds an extra motion to have to worry about while making a plunge cut, and it is distracting to us. In general, the router had enough power for any home-shop task. It's lightweight and the three-position depth stop offers easy depth settings. We didn't get to test the through-the-base dust collection on this pre-production model, but it will be offered as an aftermarket accessory. We enjoyed the fixed-base accessory option, and were happy to see lever releases on both bases. Switching bases takes some practice (a button must be pushed on the plunge base, while a lever is used to release the fixed base). Though there is no option for using template guides, at $99 this feature-laden kit is our choice for the bargain in this category. PW ENTRY-LEVEL PLUNGE ROUTERS
NOTE:Winners listed in red. 78 Popular Woodworking August 2003 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
