Anybody know anything about this router (Ryobi RE-600 router) I have a chance to buy used.
I’d normally steer clear of Ryobi but the guy wants $200 for it, says it sold new for $400 and he’s including what looks to be a nice custom built cabinet base stand with clear plexi base plate, dust collection box, fence, miter guide, drawers and an assortment of bits.
Can’t find even a P.S. bench top table new for under $60 and I’d prefer a stand alone like this anyway. As I said I’d steer clear of any thing Ryobi usually but in addition to having to buy or build a table anyway I already have to replace the $80 armature that’s burned up in my 3hp Dewallt VS plunge. Plus in the last 5yrs I’ve burned up a 3hp Craftsman plunge too.
So what’s anybody think about this unit, particularity it’s durability? Main concern is when I do a strait search “Ryobi RE-600 router” lots of pages come up with people’s questions on how to fix it or dealers selling parts for it, rather than stores selling it.
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Ryobi has a $400 router? Hard to imagine.
Sorry, no experience with this router.
Internet search shows mostly parts and repairs? Fuggetabouddit.
Why not get a good ol' Porter Cable and be done?
There are darn few routers made that are both plunge and can be mounted upside down in a table. This is one of them, and it is one of their few strong motors. I have not felt bad about my investment in it at all.And you probably know that I am one of those who popularized the phrase, "Friends don't let friends buy Ryobi"
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Cash and I've already bought 2 supposedly good ones in 5 years.
I'd pass on it. My best newest Heavy Horse is a PC.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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I have it and did a lot of long runs with it.
it does not deserve to be in the same lineup as other Ryobi tools - IOW, it is a good tool.
But I don't know that I'd give two bills for it unless I was sure that it had not too many hours on it.
Mine started letting the bit slide up the collet. To me that means probably I need a new collet for it, or at least the compression part. I got away from using a router table setup and do most milling heavy stuff on my W&H milling machine now. Then use my collection of smaller PC routers for the smaller tasks 'cause they are easy to handle.
But the tool is a fairly close comparison to the Bosch ev whatever number in that 2-3 hp range - soft start and decent controls
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"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
I was thinking #1650 back then
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Here's another one for ya Piffin, all these units that offer soft start is there any reason?My Dewallt has it and sure it's nice it doesn't surprise you and throw you like a gyroscope but is there any other benefit? You never start cutting right into your work piece anyway.
on a router, safety mainly I suppose. I did have a router jump off the table once when the switch was on as I plugged it in.With the size of this thing, it could be hard to handle on a fast start torque surge. Remember it stands up tall - taller when it is not plunged, so lot of folks could have it hurting their wrists or falling over or jumping out of their hands.I praise the day soft start found it's way to the Makita chop saws. Those things used to jump off the table and bounce into the wall back in their early versions
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Just as I was hitting the post button, I remembered something else about soft start. Don't know if it applies to all tools, but the Bosch sales rep told me that it was a function of the electronics that let the motor maintain constant speed, important in routers.
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If you can't handle it, you shouldn't be in the biz with limp wrist like that. Maybe their catering to all the older basement shop wood workers like the guys on the PBS show.Have a boss that still has one of those old Makita's. Outstanding, whole shop goes dark on trigger. No need to let motor get to full RMP. Just trigger and chop on any thing from ash,oak or hickory with out hesitation.I suppose the constant speed thing but they advertise it as a separate feature than the electronic variable speed control that's suppose to maintain speed.
" No need to let motor get to full RMP. Just trigger and chop on any thing from ash,oak or hickory with out hesitation."OK if you are cutting firewood, but not for accurate cuts. You ouldn't even hold the trim piece in place when you hit the trigger. Aligning th eblade to the mark had to be done with blade spinning. By that time, the motor IS up to speed. Also you need full speed for a smooth cut on trim work.'sides, who you calling limp wristed there, Sissyboy?;)
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Update and change of question.Used Ryobi may still be in the running if what Piffin says is true and mainly due to the fact it's only $200 with this guys router cabinet all ready built with fence and miter guide and bits. Here's the issue now though; GF will buy me a replacement. Blank check in the router department changes the equation and I can't decide. Based on FB issue the three contenders are the DeWallt, Bosch, and PC multi bases. First I was sold on PC because of package/feature contents and at Rockler there including a free edge guide too, even though it wasn't highest rated by the author. Author rated Dewallt and Bosch higher because they were the only two to make precise bookshelf pins without any play. However every other review complains out the PC burning up. Even with a 3yr. warranty I don't want to get into that again.The Dewallt I don't know about because I can't find much in the ratings department. Plus there are few accessories for the Dewallt included for generally the same price. Also can't find if height is adjustable from table top like other two.Bosch includes table top adjustment, but still has clumsy vac attach that I simply removed from old Dewallt. They do include an edge guide but they seem out of line with other manufactures when it comes to templates/centering guides/and base plates needing adapters for each if not using exclusively their parts. Also concerned with motor to base locking and it's reliability in accuracy. Dewallt appears to screw and clamp while Bosch looks like a compression band that seems to me could allow for slope. I may be wrong. Interesting side note is I looked for a lessor known yet stand out for instance; Everyone makes a right angle grinder and some may be better than others but if you want the best there's Metabo that few DIY's or HO's know about. Same with hammer drills, Bosch/Dewallt might be good but if you're serious get a Hillti. Didn't find this aspect with routers, there is the main brands or you jump into a CNC machine no middle ground. So what would you do without getting into a CNC and I want a multi base since I don't have the resources to get multiple routers?
I've had a RE-600 for about 20 years. . . no kindin' and I've milled more stuff with it then I care to remember. I also have a lot of routers and this one is close to the top of my choices. It's a time tested tool.I have a few reviews on some routers at my site as well:http://www.josephfusco.org/Reviews/Porter%20Cable%20894PK.html
http://www.josephfusco.org/Reviews/Festool%20OF%202000E.html
http://www.josephfusco.org/Reviews/The%20Festool%20OF%201400EQ%20Router.htmlThey might be worth a look.
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Edited 9/15/2009 9:20 am ET by Joe
the Bosch motor to base clamping works and works well...
adjustable too...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
It's probably a toss-up. I have so many routers.. I don't lose time fretting over one or the other. IF I had to get another after losing the Ryobi, i'd probably go bosch. But I might get another PC to keep that litter squirming. I think I have 3-4 of them now.
You can't really have too many routers. it saves a lot of time changing bits back and forth on certain kind of projects.
For a router table, I want one dedicated to that.
You always want one good powerful 1/2"plunge router.
Then a few at 1/4" for hinges and small stuff.I did not catch first time thru that the Ryobi deal included some bits. That might or might not be worth something. A bunch of worjn out Vermont American steel would be better off weighting fishing line for bobbing. Or a nice box full of CMT or Frueds carbides would get my interest. The bit collection could be worth over two bills by itself.
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I've used and abused only two tools like the Ryobi Jointer/Planer and an old R-501 router for over 20 yrs and still going. Not a fan of anything Ryobi as a rule, but them two keep right on cranking out the work.
I have the tablesaw with the slide miter gauge, about two yrs now, and it is starting to look that is in the same class..18 yrs to go (G)Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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and 205$ will get you a brand new Bosch combo unit with a 3 year warrenty...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Which Bosch is that? The compareable one to my Ryobi was four bills back when I bought it for three and change. If the Ryobi one was ever priced at four it was full retail and not street price
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easiest to grab....
http://bosch.cpotools.com/routers/router_combo_packs/1617evspk.html
http://bosch.cpotools.com/routers/router_combo_packs/1617evspk-rt.html
http://bosch.cpotools.com/routers/plunge_routers/1619evs.html
these will go into a router table and they adjust from top and bottom...
gogles that Ryobie...
found slide, tracking, collet and speed control problems...
suspect the newer ones can't compare with the older ones...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
It was the Bosch 1615 I had in mind. Were I buying new today I would be more likely to go with it, but back then a hundred bucks diff meant more to me.
But for the record, a lot of the Bosch tools seem to be going downhill this past year or two too. At least with Ryobi, they started out at the bottom of the quality stackup, so they didn't have far to fall, LOL.Just kidding, there is still harbour frieght and chicago electric.I did just do some googling on this. I think a good half the complaints are owner problems as with any tool - DIY who rarely touches the tool, does not oil and clean it, then looses parts and accesories, and then blames the tool.I can see how the risaer would get sticky if not lubricated. I always use up a lot of Boeshield on my tools so I don't have those kind of problems
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still gots the 15...
no comparrison to the 17 or 19...
seldom wver use it...
some the Bosch is still holding in there..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
also the reviews say it binds, and the speed control's not so great and it bogs down.. a lot...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
The RE-600 is a reliable machine with cheap plunge dynamics. The motor and collet are both good, and last very well. $200 is too much for a used one. I bought my old RE-600 new online for $208 many moons ago, and it spent a decade inverted in the wing of my Unisaw. I included it when I sold the saw, and it still works fine for the current user, AFAIK.
PC 7518 is what I have inverted in the wing of my current cabinet saw, fitted with an Eliminator collet extender for easy above-the-table bit changes. Very solid machine.
Bill
Here's my take on the RE 600.
I've had one for about 15 years in a router table and have worked the snot out of it. I'm not sure when they were first designed and produced but it seems that the company was trying to compete in the professional tool market back then with innovative products i.e. that original 10" planer.
Since then I think the company has changed focus to cater to the DIY market and the lowest price point. (Although, after saying that, I believe their $200 table saw was a best-buy and many are happy with it. Alas, I don't think that model is made anymore.) As such, I don't believe most of their current tool lineup is in the same league as the original RE-600 router.
$200 sounds kind of high for the router,but depending what the cabinet, table, fence, and bits look like it could turn out to be a great deal. I wouldn't hesitate if I was in the market.
Fingers,If $200.00 is kinda high. . . . don't look at any Festool routers then ;-)
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Does anybody ever sell a used Festool?
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If you're still interested in that Ryobi, take it for a test drive. I had one, thought it was great, then used a Bosch 1615...whoa, I didn't have to sand any chatter marks. I thought they were part of routing<G>http://www.tvwsolar.com
We'll have a kid
Or maybe we'll rent one
He's got to be straight
We don't want a bent one
He'll drink his baby brew
From a big brass cup
Someday he may be president
If things loosen up
Piffin,Yes they do, when they want to buy a new Festool router ;-) The last time I checked I have 3 Festool routers and about 20 others. If you're interested I can make you a deal ;-)Fingers,I agree with you. My statement was more tongue & cheek ;-)
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I'd like to chip in and say I think the router is a good deal due to the extra bits and accessories. I'm thinking of the time I wasted building and tweaking my router table and getting the router set up in it, the various trips to hardware stores accquiring the bits. I think $200 for a reportedly decent router and a nice setup ready to go out of the gate is worth it.
I agree once again, I too think that it would be a good deal. Hey I like deals ;-)
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What I meant was, $200 is kind of high for a router that may be 15 or more years old and that cost probably $249 when it was new. That's about what mine cost back then. I hear you on the Festool prices though. Still if it runs well and the extras are nice I would think the package would be well worth it.
I would pay $400 for it today, if it was built today it would cost $899.
I'd normally steer clear of Ryobi but the guy wants $200 for it, says it sold new for $400
I bought mine new, think it was $80 or so, but a few years back. $200 could have been list, but definitely not retal.
One of my favorite routers - it'd be a good buy at $40 or so if good condition.
I have owned that router since I purchased it new after doing my taxes on January 15, 1975, I paid $450 including tax, lots of money for the time, came back to look at it several times! Best tool I ever purchased, I wipe the guide rods down daily with with silicone, runs like new today. I am looking for another one in fair to good shape, I am building another router table and if available this is my router of choice! What a great piece of machinery. After buying other brands of tools over the years and found them lacking I am looking at Ryobi again mainly for battery operated tools that take the same battery! Anyone have a 600 for sale?