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So I'm thinking about picking one of these up for my new binding cutting jig from Canadian Luthier Supply.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-8-5-Amp-Fixed-Base-Router-R163GK/205179539



It's got great reviews and for the money.....well tough to beat. But, I'd like to know if any one here has one and what they think.

Thanks.

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Look carefully at the collet. I had a different Ryobi router some years ago. The collet was a conical (inside) nut that turned fingers cut into the shaft tighter on the bit. I have had two routers of this design and both allowed the bit to slip under load (destroying the workpiece). If it has a normal three piece collet (the nut tightens a conical insert into the shaft to hold the bit) it is probably okay. If it has the two piece (shaft and nut), I wouldn't use the router if it were free. I cut the cords off of both of mine so no one would be tempted to use them (and used the brushes out of one to repair a window mechanism in a car).

Others might feel otherwise, but for myself, I won't use a Ryobi tool for serious work again.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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Rod - I just ordered the same jig. I'd be interested in hearing what router you end up with and your experience with the the jig. Keep us posted!


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Pat, do tell. I have a Ryobi 12" drill press and it's worked great for me.

I picked up the router, won't consider using it till I've had a good look at it but it seems just as stout as my Bosch 2.5HP router.

I'll check on the collet.


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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

At 6.5 pounds, that's a big router for a binding jig. Unless it's a fixed jig you move the guitar against. That collet looks dangerous too. It's not variable speed and I did not see it had a soft start. Putting a router up to the edge of a guitar is one of the riskiest parts of this work. You don't want anything to go wrong. I strongly recommend a pre-2011 Bosch colt or the new dewalt laminate router (DWP611, I'm using that now). With Precise Bits collets. Collet depth on dewalt is much better than colt.

I'm with Pat Rod. Unless the brand has gotten better, I would never by a Ryobi tool. Having said that, even what use to be the better quality manufacturers are letting some pretty poor quality slip through.

If it's dirt cheap and you don't plan on using it much it might work for you.

Rod,

I did look at a Ryobi drill press a few years ago and it looked fine, apparently made up of stock drill press components that are common to many other brands. I looked at their table saw and, though filled with lots of fiddly features, didn't seem substantal. I had a Ryobi laminate trimmer that gave up the ghost after two years of light use, and a ROS sander that lasted three years. Hope that's helpful.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
_________________

http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Thanks guys, like they say, you get what you pay for.

I decided to return it before I used it. I went with the Ridgid. It has soft start, variable speed, and the micro adjust is probably one of the best on the market. Much better than the bosch colt (of which I have 2 already).

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Rod, which Ridgid?

Edit: This bad boy?

No, I went with this one We don't get that 2hp unit up north here.... And honestly we are pretty limited with what we can seem to buy locally.

There've been many good reviews of the Ridgid R24012 compact router (they aren't calling it a laminate trimmer any more....). The box notes it as a 1-1/2 peak HP router. I'm sure it'll be as good as the 1hp bosch colt (for power) I've been using for binding with a 1" bit and bearing set up.


That 2hp unit might be pretty heavy at 10lb vs 3.8lb for the one I linked to...

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

You won't be disappointed Rod. We have 6 or 7 of those...

Of course, they were 149$ when I bought them (eye roll)

No worries Ed, my link was to homedepot.com.......I paid $149 for mine too. Still a good deal I think.

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Ha, I hadn't seen the weight, but I should say so!

What is it about the micro-adjust that you like? As I've mentioned in the past, I have the Dewalt 611 and my PC 310 living in the Cochrane base. I'm interested in getting another to dedicate to the binding jig. I like the Dewalt quite a bit, but I'm not married to it.

Good move Rod. I've heard people really like that rigid laminate trimmer. I think you'll feel more comfortable given your jig choice. Do take some time with scraps checking the bearing stability (run out). Once ur happy about that, rout them channels!

I'm still trying to get the guy who makes the Bishop Cochrane base to fit to the dewalt 611. Wish me luck!

I have two of those Ridgid small routers. They are excellent. Another good little one is the Makita. A plunge base is available for the Makita--The only thing it doesn't have is a light.

James, join me in putting the pressure on. I was told we could use our existing base with a new clamping module. He figured it would cost about $100

I'm not totally sure what it is about the micro adjust that I really like. I've been trying to dial in my binding/purfling depths so I have very little to scrape once glued in place....beside I think I just like being as accurate as I can be....

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Rod, take pics. Want to see how this works out for you. I'm betting unlike the light weight of that router

Well, seeing as it will be held in the jig and you move the guitar I'm sure I won't notice the light weight of the router at all
This will be a dedicated router for the jig. I've got two other laminate trimmers, one dedicated to my circle cutter and the other for odd jobs.

This is off the Canadian Luthier Supply website

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Haha, I'm with you. I'm going to go look at the Ridgid either this afternoon or tomorrow because now I'm curious. I always respect your opinion.

That sounds great. The impetus for me would just be worry about not being able to use the jig in the future if anything ever happens to my 310. I'm happy with the 310, but since it isn't being produced anymore, there's always that concern about future repairs.

Rod, that's a dewalt. I thought u bought a Rigid?

Never mind. I see that's their photo! Lol