The Ryobi 18V One+ cordless trim router is the bargain of the cordless group. Just $69 as a bare tool, it’s an easy way to try your hand at cordless routing.
PROS
- Easy-to-use micro-adjustment
- Good material visibility
- Lightweight design
CONS
- Single speed only
- Top heavy
- Plastic body construction instead of metal
- No fence included
Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Trim Router Design
Basics
There’s a traditional design to the Ryobi 18V One+ cordless trim router, though there’s no getting around the battery on top. It sticks out in an awkward-looking way. However, none of our testing team complained about it being off-balance or having a negative effect on their routing.
Depth Adjustment and Bit Changes
The depth adjustments are tried-and-true staples that are tough to complain about. A quick-release clamp opens up the base while a thumbwheel takes care of micro-adjustments and a release button handles macro adjustments.
All of the adjustments are agreeably easy, but removing the base is a little trickier than some models. The spindle lock button gets in the way, so you need to press it in before the base can slide off. The upside is that you won’t accidentally move the base too far when you’re making macro-adjustments.
The spindle lock position and base cutout allow you to change the bit without removing the base if you like. Most of our guys are already in the habit of taking bases off their trim routers just to have easier access for the wrench. At least you have the option with this design.
Sightline
Ryobi provides a pretty good sightline to the bit and your material with the width and shape of the cutout in the base. Our testers actually rated it a little better than Ridgid’s Octane model.
Ergonomics
Like we mentioned above, the awkward look of the battery area didn’t cause us any fuss while we were using the Ryobi 18V One+ cordless trim router. It also doesn’t add a ton of undue weight. At 2.79 pounds bare, it’s among the lighter cordless routers. Your battery choice has an effect, obviously, and you probably want to avoid using a 9.0Ah pack.
The barrel diameter is right in the middle between DeWalt’s larger size and the slimmer Makita model. Ryobi leaves the base area free of any overmold and adds a generous amount of GripZone comfort above it. We found that it only came into play when we wanted a second hand up high.
Ryobi One+ 18V Trim Router P601 Features
- Micro-depth adjustment
- Die-cast base
- Built-in LED lights
- Quick release lever for base
- Single speed
- GRIPZONE over mold
- Accepts standard 1/4 in. shank router bits
Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Trim Router Performance
Ryobi has just one speed on this router—29,000 RPM. That’s a little below where the premium models are right now (but actually ahead of the DeWalt DCW600 cordless router by 3500 RPM). It also has a brushed motor rather than the brushless ones you find on more expensive models.
The performance shows the difference. We were able to complete all of our roundovers, dadoes, and dovetails in pine, but when the density rises, the motor begins to struggle to keep up with more demanding cuts. In some cases, you might even burn your material. Without variable speeds, there’s not a whole lot you can do about it.
That makes this a good choice for working with softwoods and a router you should leave to edge work on harder woods. As you’re getting used to the performance of this router, be sure to test it on some scrap material so you know what bits it can handle in each species.
Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Trim Router Price
You can pick up this Ryobi cordless router at The Home Depot for $69 as a bare tool. There’s an option to get a 2.0Ah battery and charger with it for $167.97. Adding even more value, there are several combo kits available.
Router Plus…
- 15-Piece Router Bit Set: $109
- 4-Piece Decorative Router Bit Set: $79
- 4-Piece Roundover Router Bit Set: $79
- 5-Piece Straight Router Bit Set: $79
- Random Orbit Sander: $99
- Jigsaw: $119
- Belt Sander: $129
The Bottom Line
For less than half the price of some cordless routers, Ryobi puts cordless convenience in your hand. It’s very capable in soft to medium woods, but you may run into issues with some bits in hardwood. That said, we think it’s a great way for DIYers to get started with cordless routing. For more serious work, we’re hoping to see a full-featured model come out on the HP Brushless line.
Ryobi One+ 18V Trim Router P601 Specifications
- Model: Ryobi P601
- Battery: 18V (sold separately)
- Light: LED
- Collet Size: 1/4-inch
- Speed (no load): 29,000 RPM
- Weight (no battery): 2.8 pounds
- Warranty: 3-year
- Price: $69 (bare tool)
