Ryobi Router R180 User Guide

OPERATOR'S MANUAL  
ROUTER - R180  
DOUBLE INSULATED  
SPECIFICATIONS:  
Depth Of Cut  
0 - 1-1/2 in. (0 - 38.1mm)  
Collet  
1/2 in. (13 mm)  
1/4 in. (6.4 mm)  
Also Included With Packaging  
Horsepower  
Rating  
2
120 Volts, 60 Hz, AC Only  
Amperes  
9
25,000 RPM  
7.8 lbs.  
No Load Speed  
Net Weight  
THANK YOU FOR BUYING A RYOBI ROUTER.  
Your new router has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi's high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and  
operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.  
CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire operator's manual before using your new router. Pay close attention  
to the Rules for Safe Operation, Warnings, and Cautions. If you use your router properly and only for what it is intended, you  
will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.  
Thank you again for buying a Ryobi router.  
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE  
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RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION  
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and the  
explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by  
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident  
prevention measures.  
SYMBOL  
MEANING  
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:  
Indicates caution or warning. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.  
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or to  
others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and  
personal injury.  
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury  
to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric  
shock and personal injury.  
NOTE:  
Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.  
DOUBLE INSULATION  
IMPORTANT  
Your Ryobi power tool is double insulated. This means you Servicing of a tool with double insulation requires extreme  
areseparatedfromthetool'selectricalsystembytwocomplete care and knowledge of the system and should be performed  
sets of electrical insulation. This extra layer of insulation is only by a qualified service technician. For service we suggest  
intended to protect the user from electrical shock due to a you return the tool to your nearest RYOBI AUTHORIZED  
break in the wiring insulation. All exposed metal parts are SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servicing use only  
isolated from the internal metal motor components with identical Ryobi replacement parts.  
protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need to  
be grounded.  
WARNING:  
WARNING:  
Do not attempt to operate this tool until you have read  
thoroughly and understand completely all instructions,  
safety rules, etc. contained in this manual. Failure to  
comply can result in accidents involving fire, electric  
shock, or serious personal injury. Save operator's manual  
and review frequently for continuing safe operation, and  
instructing others who may use this tool.  
The double insulated system is intended to protect the  
user from shock resulting from a break in the tool's  
internal wiring. Observe all normal safety precautions  
related to avoiding electrical shock.  
WARNING:  
WEAR YOUR  
The operation of any router can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes,  
which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always  
wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when  
needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard  
safety glasses with side shields.  
SAFETY  
GLASSES  
FORESIGHITS BETTER  
THAN NO SIGHT  
Page 3  
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READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS  
1. KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read owner's  
manual carefully. Learn its applications and  
limitations as well as the specific potential  
hazards related to this tool.  
17. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools  
sharp at all times, and clean for best and safest  
performance. Follow instructions for lubricating  
and changing accessories.  
2. GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK by  
preventing body contact with grounded surfaces.  
For example: Pipes, radiators, ranges,  
refrigerator enclosures.  
18. DISCONNECT TOOLS. When not in use, before  
servicing, or when changing attachments, blades,  
bits, cutters, etc., all tools should be disconnected  
from power supply.  
3. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.  
19. REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND  
WRENCHES. Form habit of checking to see  
that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed  
from tool before turning it on.  
4. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas  
and benches invite accidents.  
5. AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Don't  
use power tool in damp or wet locations or expose  
to rain. Keep work area well lit.  
20. AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Don't carry  
plugged-in tools with finger on switch. Be sure  
switch is off when plugging in.  
6. KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All  
visitors should wear safety glasses and be kept  
a safe distance from work area. Do not let  
visitors contact tool or extension cord.  
21. MAKE SURE YOUR EXTENSION CORD IS IN  
GOOD CONDITION. When using an extension  
cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry  
the current your product will draw. An undersized  
cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in  
loss of power and overheating. A wire gage size  
(A.W.G.) of at least 14 is recommended for an  
extension cord 50 feet or less in length. A cord  
exceeding 50 feet is not recommended. If in  
doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller the  
gage number, the heavier the cord.  
7. STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use tools  
should be stored in a dry and high or locked-up  
place - out of the reach of children.  
8. DON'T FORCE TOOL. It will do the job better  
and safer at the rate for which it was designed.  
9. USE RIGHT TOOL. Don't force small tool or  
attachment to do the job of a heavy duty tool.  
Don't use tool for purpose not intended - for  
example - A circular saw should never be used  
for cutting tree limbs or logs.  
22. OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS. When  
tool is used outdoors, use only extension cords  
suitable for use outdoors. Outdoor approved  
cords are marked with the suffix W-A, for example  
- SJTW-A or SJOW-A.  
10. WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose  
clothing or jewelry that can get caught in tool's  
moving parts and cause personal injury. Rubber  
gloves and non-skid footwear are recommended  
when working outdoors. Wear protective hair  
covering to contain long hair and keep it from  
being drawn into nearby air vents.  
23. KEEP CUTTERS CLEAN AND SHARP. Sharp  
cutters minimize stalling and kickback.  
24. KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA.  
Keep hands away from cutters. Do not reach  
underneath work while cutter is rotating. Do not  
attempt to remove material while cutter is rotating.  
11. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. Everyday  
eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses;  
they are NOT safety glasses.  
25. NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMO-  
SPHERE. Normal sparking of the motor could  
ignite fumes.  
12. PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face or dust  
mask if operation is dusty.  
26. INSPECT TOOL CORDS PERIODICALLY and  
if damaged, have repaired at your nearest  
authorized service center. Stay constantly aware  
of cord location.  
13. PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing  
protection during extended periods of operation.  
14. DON'T ABUSE CORD. Never carry tool by cord  
or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep  
cord from heat, oil and sharp edges.  
27. INSPECT EXTENSION CORDS PERIODI-  
CALLY and replace if damaged.  
15. SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold  
work. Both hands are needed to operate the  
tool.  
28. KEEP HANDLES DRY, CLEAN, AND FREE  
FROM OIL AND GREASE. Always use a clean  
cloth when cleaning. Never use brake fluids,  
gasoline, petroleum-based products or any strong  
solvents to clean your tool.  
16. DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and  
balance at all times. Do not use on a ladder or  
unstable support.  
Page 4  
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RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION (Continued)  
29. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and  
use common sense. Do not operate tool when  
you are tired. Do not rush.  
37. WHEN USING THIS ROUTER WITH A ROUTER  
TABLE, HELP PREVENT POSSIBLE SERIOUS  
INJURY BY KEEPING THE CUTTER  
GUARDED AT ALL TIMES. Use only UL listed  
router tables, with guards, that have been  
designed for use on routers that are of this type,  
size, and weight.  
30. CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use  
of the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged  
should be carefully checked to determine that it  
will operate properly and perform its intended  
function. Check for alignment of moving parts,  
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,  
mounting, and any other conditions that may  
affect its operation. A guard or other part that is  
damaged should be properly repaired or replaced  
by an authorized service center unless indicated  
elsewhere in this instruction manual.  
38. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Review them  
frequently and use them to instruct others who  
may use this tool. If you loan someone this tool,  
loan them these instructions also.  
WARNING:  
31. DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT  
TURN IT ON AND OFF. Have switches replaced  
by an authorized service center.  
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding,  
drilling, and other construction activities contains  
chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or  
other reproductive harm. Some examples of these  
chemicals are:  
32. INSPECT FOR and remove all nails from lumber  
before routing.  
• lead from lead-based paints,  
33. DRUGS, ALCOHOL, MEDICATION. Do not  
operate tool while under the influence of drugs,  
alcohol, or any medication.  
• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other  
masonry products, and  
34. WHEN SERVICING, USE ONLY IDENTICAL  
• arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated  
lumber.  
RYOBI REPLACEMENT PARTS.  
35. POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce the risk of  
electric shock, this tool has a polarized plug (one  
blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in  
a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does  
not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still  
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to  
install the proper outlet. Do not change the plug  
in any way.  
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on  
how often you do this type of work. To reduce your  
exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated  
area, and work with approved safety equipment, such  
as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter  
out microscopic particles.  
36. DO NOT USE TOOL UNDER "BROWN-OUT"  
OR OTHER LOW VOLTAGE CONDITIONS.  
Also, do not use with any device that could cause  
the power supply voltage to change.  
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.  
It means attention!!! Your safety is involved.  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  
Page 5  
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OPERATION  
WARNING:  
WARNING:  
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side  
shieldswhenoperatingyourrouter.Failuretodosocould  
result in dust, shavings, loose particles or foreign objects  
being thrown into your eyes, causing possible serious  
injury.  
If any parts are missing, do not operate your router until  
the missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so could  
result in possible serious personal injury.  
UNPACKING  
Your router has been shipped completely assembled and  
ready for use. Inspect it carefully to make sure no breakage  
or damage has occurred during shipping. If any parts are  
damaged or missing, contact your nearest Ryobi dealer to  
obtainreplacementpartsbeforeattemptingtooperaterouter.  
A1/4in.(6.4mm)colletassembly, wrench,owner'soperating  
CHIP SHIELD  
A clear plastic chip shield is installed on the front of your  
router for protection against flying dust and chips. The shield  
is designed to fit the front opening of the router base. See  
Figure 1. If necessary to remove chip shield, squeeze the  
tabs on each end and pull outward. To replace, squeeze the  
tabs at each end, fit into opening, then release. FOR YOUR  
PROTECTION, DO NOT USE ROUTER WITHOUT CHIP  
SHIELD PROPERLY IN PLACE.  
manual, and warranty registration are also included.  
KNOW YOUR ROUTER  
Beforeattemptingtouseyourrouter,familiarizeyourselfwith  
alloperatingfeaturesandsafetyrequirements. SeeFigure1.  
LOCK-ON BUTTON  
The switch of your router is equipped with a lock-on feature  
which is convenient when operating for extended periods of  
time. To lock on, depress the trigger, push in the lock button  
located on the side of the handle, then while holding the lock  
button pushed in, release the trigger. To release the lock,  
depress the trigger and release it. See Figure 1.  
WARNING:  
Do not allow familiarity with your router to make you  
careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second  
is sufficient to inflict severe injury.  
UPSIDE DOWN VIEW OF ROUTER  
DEPTH  
INDICATOR  
RING(S)  
INDICATOR  
POINT(S)  
SPINDLE  
LOCK  
"LOCK-ON  
BUTTON"  
INDICATOR  
POINT(S)  
DEPTH  
ADJUSTING  
RING  
HANDLE  
DEPTH  
INDICATOR  
RING(S)  
P O W E R  
H A N D L E  
CLAMPING  
LEVER  
D E P T H  
ADJUSTING  
R I N G  
CHIP  
SHIELD  
SWITCH  
TRIGGER  
SUBBASE WITH  
STRAIGHT EDGE  
FRONT VIEW OF ROUTER  
REAR VIEW OF ROUTER  
Fig. 1  
Page 6  
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OPERATION  
SPINDLE LOCK  
WARNING:  
Your router should never be connected to power supply  
when you are assembling parts, making adjustments,  
installing or removing cutters, or when not in use.  
Disconnecting your router will prevent accidental starting  
that could cause serious injury.  
1
3
1
INSTALLING/REMOVING CUTTERS  
See Figures 2, 3, and 4.  
2
3
2
1. UNPLUG YOUR ROUTER.  
TO UNLOCK  
SPINDLE  
TO LOCK  
SPINDLE  
WARNING:  
Fig. 2  
Failure to unplug your router could result in accidental  
starting causing serious injury.  
CUTTER  
WRENCH  
COLLET  
NUT  
WARNING:  
TO LOOSEN  
COLLET NUT  
To prevent damage to the spindle or spindle lock, always  
allow motor to come to a complete stop before engaging  
spindle lock.  
2. A spindle lock is located on the top of the end cap. See  
Figure 2. To activate lock, (1) push spindle lock in, (2)  
slide into lock position, then (3) release spindle lock.  
3. Place your router upside down on table, then turn collet  
nut with wrench until lock mechanism interlocks. See  
Figure 3. NOTE: Spindle lock is spring loaded and will  
snap into position when lock mechanism interlocks.  
TO TIGHTEN  
COLLET NUT  
Fig. 3  
WARNING:  
WARNING:  
Do not use cutters with undersized shanks. Undersized  
shanks will not tighten properly and could be thrown from  
tool causing injury.  
If you are changing a cutter immediately after use, be  
careful not to touch the cutter or collet with your hands or  
fingers. They will get burned because of the heat buildup  
from cutting. Always use the wrench provided.  
WARNING:  
Before connecting your router to power supply, always  
check to be sure switch is not in lock-on position. Failure  
to do so could result in accidental starting of your router  
resulting in possible serious injury.  
4. Remove cutters by turning collet nut counterclockwise  
enough to allow cutter to slip easily from collet. See  
Figure 3.  
5. If installing cutter for the first time, it can be installed  
once collet nut is loose. If changing cutters, cutter will  
easily slip from collet after loosening collet nut.  
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION  
6. The 1/2 in. (13 mm) collet is machined to precision  
tolerances to fit cutters with 1/2 in. (13 mm) diameter  
shanks. A 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) collet assembly has also  
been provided with your router so that cutters with 1/4  
in. (6.4 mm) shank bits can be used. See Figure 4.  
Your router has a precision built electric motor. It should be  
connected to a power supply that is 120 volts, 60 Hz, AC  
only (normal household current). Do not operate this tool  
on direct current (DC). A voltage drop of more than 10  
percent will cause a loss of power and the motor will  
overheat. If your tool does not operate when plugged into an  
outlet, double-check the power supply.  
Page 7  
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OPERATION  
INSTALLING/REMOVING CUTTERS  
(Continued)  
MOTOR SHAFT  
1/2 IN. (13 MM)  
COLLET NUT  
7. To use cutters with 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) shank bits, the 1/2  
in. (13 mm) collet assembly must be removed and  
replaced with the 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) collet assembly.  
Remove the 1/2 in. (13 mm) collet assembly by  
removing collet nut, loosening collet screw securing  
collet to motor shaft, then removing collet assembly.  
NOTE: The collet screw has left hand threads and you  
will need a phillips screwdriver to loosen collet screw.  
COLLET SCREW  
(LEFT HAND THREADS)  
1/2 IN. (13 MM)  
COLLET ASSEMBLY  
8. Replace with the 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) collet assembly,  
securely tightening collet screw in collet to motor shaft,  
then reassemble 1/2 in. (13 mm) collet nut.  
See Figure 4.  
1/4 IN. (6.4 MM)  
COLLET ASSEMBLY  
9. Insert shank of cutter into collet until shank bottoms  
out, then pull it out 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) to allow for  
expansion when the bit gets hot.  
CUTTER WITH 1/4 IN. (6.4 MM)  
SHANK DIAMETER  
10. Tighten the collet nut securely by turning clockwise  
with the wrench provided. See Figure 3.  
Fig. 4  
REAR VIEW OF ROUTER  
WARNING:  
CLAMPING  
LEVER  
Ifcolletnutisnottightenedsecurely, cuttermaycomeout  
during use causing serious personal injury.  
TO  
LOCK  
11. Place spindle lock back in unlock position. Otherwise,  
interlocking mechanism of spindle lock will not let you  
turn your router on. To unlock spindle, (1) push spindle  
lock in, (2) slide into unlock position, then (3) release  
spindle lock. See Figure 2.  
TO  
UNLOCK  
DEPTH OF CUT ADJUSTMENTS  
See Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8.  
We recommend that cuts be made at a depth not exceeding  
1/8 in. (3.2 mm) and that several passes be made to reach  
depths of cut greater than 1/8 in. (3.2 mm).  
DEPTH  
INDICATOR  
RING  
1. UNPLUG YOUR ROUTER.  
WARNING:  
Failure to unplug your router could result in accidental  
starting causing serious injury.  
INDICATOR  
POINT  
2. Place your router on a flat surface, unlock clamping  
lever, and turn depth adjusting ring until cutter is inside  
subbase. See Figure 5.  
3. Turn the depth adjusting ring until tip of cutter touches  
flat surface (zero depth of cut). See Figure 6. Next turn  
depth indicator ring until the zero lines up with the  
indicator point on front of motor housing. See Figure 5.  
DEPTH  
ADJUSTING  
RING  
CUTTER  
INSIDE SUBBASE  
SUBBASE  
Fig. 5  
Page 8  
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OPERATION  
DEPTH OF CUT ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)  
4. Position your router so that the cutter can extend below  
the subbase for desired depth setting. See Figure 7.  
5. Turn the depth adjusting ring to obtain the desired  
depth of cut. The distance the cutter moves can be  
read on the depth adjusting ring. Each mark on the  
depth adjusting ring indicates 1/64 inch (.4 mm) change  
in depth setting. One indicator point is located on front  
of the motor housing, the other one is located on the  
base.  
6. Lock clamping lever, securing depth adjusting ring to  
motor housing and base.  
DEPTH OF CUT ADJUSTMENTS WHEN  
ROUTER IS MOUNTED TO A ROUTER TABLE  
See Figure 8.  
The depth of cut is readable from both sides of the depth  
adjusting ring. There is a depth indicator ring and indicator  
point on both sides of the depth adjusting ring. The bottom  
ring is convenient when using your router mounted to a  
router table. The indicator point on the base should also be  
used when using your router mounted to a router table.  
CUTTER AT  
ZERO DEPTH OF CUT  
Fig. 6  
The depth indicator rings are identical parts. Therefore,  
when you have your router mounted upside down on a  
router table, you set depth of cut by reading the scale  
differently. Set the cutter at zero depth of cut, rotate depth  
indicator ring to desired depth of cut on the scale, then turn  
depth adjusting ring back to zero depth of cut and lock  
clamping lever securely.  
Fig. 7  
CUTTER EXTENDED BELOW SUBBASE  
FOR ROUTER TABLE USE ONLY  
BASE  
DEPTH  
INDICATOR  
RING  
INDICATOR  
POINT  
Fig. 8  
Page 9  
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OPERATION  
ROUTING  
For ease of operation and maintaining proper control, your  
router has two handles, one on each side of the router base.  
When using your router hold it firmly with both hands as  
shown in figure 9. Turn router on and let motor build to its full  
speed, then gradually feed cutter into workpiece. Remain  
alert and watch what you are doing. DO NOT operate router  
when fatigued.  
PROPER FEEDING  
The right feed is neither too fast nor too slow. It is the rate at  
which the bit is being advanced firmly and surely to produce  
a continuous spiral of uniform chips — without hogging into  
thewoodtomakelargeindividualchipsor,ontheotherhand,  
to create only sawdust. If you are making a small diameter,  
shallow groove in soft, dry wood, the proper feed may be  
about as fast as you can travel your router along your guide  
line. On the other hand, if the bit is a large one, the cut is deep  
or the wood is hard to cut, the proper feed may be a very slow  
one. Then, again, a cross-grain cut may require a slower  
pace than an identical with grain cut in the same workpiece.  
Fig. 9  
There is no fixed rule. You will learn by experience. . . by  
listening to the router motor and by feeling the progress of  
each cut. If at all possible, always test a cut on a scrap piece  
of the workpiece wood, beforehand.  
RATE OF FEED  
IMPORTANT: The whole "secret" of professional routing  
and edge shaping lies in making a careful set-up for the cut  
to be made and in selecting the proper rate of feed.  
TOO FAST  
FORCE FEEDING  
Clean, smooth routing and edge shaping can be done only  
when the bit is revolving at a relatively high speed and is  
taking very small bites to produce tiny, cleanly severed  
chips. If your router is forced to move forward too fast, the  
RPM of the bit becomes slower than normal in relation to its  
forward movement. As a result, the bit must take bigger bites  
as it revolves. “Bigger bites” mean bigger chips, and a  
rougher finish. Bigger chips also require more power, which  
could result in the router motor becoming overloaded.  
Fig. 10  
TOO SLOW  
Under extreme force-feeding conditions the relative RPM of  
the bit can become so slow—and the bites it has to take so  
large—that chips will be partially knocked off (rather than  
fully cut off), with resulting splintering and gouging of the  
workpiece. See Figure 10.  
TOO SLOW FEEDING  
It is also possible to spoil a cut by moving the router forward  
too slowly. When it is advanced into the work too slowly, a  
revolving bit does not dig into new wood fast enough to take  
abite;instead, itsimplyscrapesawaysawdust-likeparticles.  
Scraping produces heat, which can glaze, burn, or mar the  
cut— in extreme cases, can even overheat the bit so as to  
destroy its hardness.  
Your Ryobi Router is an extremely high-speed tool (25,000  
RPM no-load speed), and will make clean, smooth cuts if  
allowed to run freely without the overload of a forced (too  
fast) feed. Three things that cause “force feeding” are bit  
size, depth-of-cut, and workpiece characteristics. The larger  
the bit or the deeper the cut, the more slowly the router  
should be advanced. If the wood is very hard, knotty, gummy  
or damp, the operation must be slowed still more.  
In addition, it is more difficult to control a router when the bit  
is scraping instead of cutting. With practically no load on the  
motor the bit will be revolving at close to top RPM, and will  
have a much greater than normal tendency to bounce off the  
sides of the cut (especially, if the wood has a pronounced  
grain with hard and soft areas). As a result, the cut produced  
may have rippled, instead of straight sides. See Figure 10.  
You can always detect “force feeding” by the sound of the  
motor. Its high-pitched whine will sound lower and stronger  
as it loses speed. Also, the strain of holding the tool will be  
noticeably increased.  
Page 10  
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OPERATION  
TOO SLOW FEEDING (Continued)  
DEPTH  
OF CUT  
“Too-slow feeding” can also cause your router to take off in  
a wrong direction from the intended line of cut. Always  
grasp and hold your router firmly with both hands when  
routing.  
WIDTH  
OF CUT  
You can detect “too-slow feeding” by the runaway too-highly  
pitched sound of the motor; or by feeling the “wiggle” of the  
bit in the cut.  
Fig. 11  
DEPTH OF CUT  
1ST.  
PASS  
As previously mentioned, the depth of cut is important  
because it affects the rate of feed which, in turn, affects the  
quality of a cut (and, also, the possibility of damage to your  
router motor and bit). A deep cut requires a slower feed than  
a shallow one, and a too deep cut will cause you to slow the  
feed so much that the bit is no longer cutting, it is scraping,  
instead .  
2ND. PASS  
1ST. PASS  
2ND.  
PASS  
Making a deep cut is never advisable. The smaller bits—  
especially those only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) in diameter —are  
easily broken off when subjected to too much side thrust. A  
large enough bit may not be broken off, but if the cut is too  
deep a rough cut will result— and it may be very difficult to  
guide and control the bit as desired. For these reasons, we  
recommend that you do not exceed 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) depth  
of cut in a single pass, regardless of the bit size or the  
softness or condition of the workpiece. See Figure 11.  
Fig. 12  
GUIDE OUTSIDE  
ROTATION  
THRUST  
ROTATION  
FEED  
To make deeper cuts it is therefore necessary to make as  
many successive passes as required, lowering the bit 1/8  
inch for each new pass. In order to save time, do all the  
cutting necessary at one depth setting, before lowering the  
bit for the next pass. This will also assure a uniform depth  
when the final pass is completed. See Figure 12.  
GUIDE  
GUIDE  
FEED  
ROTATION  
DIRECTION OF FEED AND THRUST  
Theroutermotorandbitrevolveinaclockwisedirection.This  
gives the tool a slight tendency to twist (in your hands) in a  
counterclockwise direction, especially when the motor is  
starting up.  
THRUST  
Fig. 13  
GUIDE INSIDE  
Because of the extremely high speed of bit rotation during a  
“proper feeding” operation, there is very little kickback to  
contend with under normal conditions. However, should the  
bit strike a knot, hard grain, foreign object, etc. that would  
affect the normal progress of the cutting action, there will be  
a slight kickback—sufficient to spoil the trueness of your cut  
if you are not prepared. Such a kickback is always in the  
direction opposite to the direction of bit rotation.  
ROUTING  
Whenever you are routing a groove, your travel should be in  
a direction that places whatever guide you are using at the  
right-hand side. In short, when the guide is positioned as  
shown in the first part of Figure 13, tool travel should be left  
to right and counterclockwise around curves. When the  
guide is positioned as shown in the second part of Figure 13,  
tool travel should be right to left and clockwise around  
curves. If there is a choice, the first set-up is generally the  
easiest to use. In either case, the sideways thrust you use is  
against the guide.  
To guard against such a kickback, plan your set-up and  
direction of feed so that you will always be thrusting the  
tool—to hold it against whatever you are using to guide the  
cut—in the same direction that the leading edge of the bit is  
moving.Inshort,thethrustshouldbeinadirectionthatkeeps  
the sharp edges of the bit continuously biting straight into  
new (uncut) wood.  
Page 11  
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OPERATION  
STARTING AND ENDING A CUT  
INTERNAL ROUTING  
ROUTER  
Tilt router and place on workpiece, letting edge of subbase  
contact workpiece first. Be careful not to let router bit contact  
workpiece. Turnrouteronandletmotorbuildtoitsfullspeed.  
Gradually feed cutter into workpiece until subbase is level  
with workpiece.  
WORK  
PILOT  
GUIDE  
WARNING:  
Keep a firm grip on router with both hands at all times.  
Failure to do so could result in loss of control leading to  
possible serious injury.  
TOP EDGE SHAPING  
Upon completion of cut, turn motor off and let it come to a  
complete stop before removing router from work surface.  
ROUTER  
WORK  
WARNING:  
Never pull router out of work and place upside down on  
work surface before the cutter stops.  
PILOT  
EDGING WITH PILOT BITS  
The arbor-type bits with pilots are excellent for quick, easy,  
edge shaping of any workpiece edge that is either straight or  
curved at a curvature as great or greater than the radius of  
the bit to be used. The pilot prevents the bit from making too  
deep a cut; and holding the pilot firmly in contact with the  
workpiece edge throughout prevents the cut from becoming  
too shallow.  
WHOLE EDGE SHAPING  
EDGE ROUTING  
Place router on workpiece, making sure the router bit does  
not contact workpiece. Turn router on and let motor build to  
its full speed. Begin your cut, gradually feeding cutter into  
workpiece.  
Fig. 14  
Whenevertheworkpiecethicknesstogetherwiththedesired  
depth of cut (as adjusted by router depth setting) are such  
that only the top part of the edge is to be shaped (leaving at  
least a 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) thick uncut portion at bottom), the  
pilot can ride against the uncut portion, which will serve to  
guide it. See Figure 14. However, if the workpiece is too thin  
or the bit set too low so that there will be no uncut edge to ride  
the pilot against, an extra board to act as a guide must be  
placed under the workpiece. This “guide” board must have  
exactly the same contour— straight or curved—as the  
workpieceedge. Ifitispositionedsothatitsedgeisflushwith  
the workpiece edge, the bit will make a full cut (in as far as  
the bit radius). On the other hand, if the guide is positioned  
as shown in Figure 14 (out from the workpiece edge), the bit  
will make less than a full cut — which will alter the shape of  
the finished edge.  
WARNING:  
Keep a firm grip on router with both hands at all times.  
Failure to do so could result in loss of control leading to  
possible serious injury.  
Upon completion of cut, turn motor off and let it come to a  
complete stop before removing router from work surface.  
WARNING:  
Never pull router out of work and place upside down on  
work surface before the cutter stops.  
NOTE: Any of the piloted bits can be used without a pilot for  
edge shaping with guides, as preceding. The size (diameter)  
of the pilot that is used determines the maximum cut width  
that can be made with the pilot against the workpiece edge  
(the small pilot exposes all of the bit; the large one reduces  
this amount by 1/16 inch (1.6 mm).  
Page 12  
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OPERATION  
FREEHAND ROUTING  
See Figure 15.  
When used freehand, your router becomes a flexible and  
versatile tool. This flexibility makes it possible to easily rout  
signs, relief sculptures, etc.  
There are two basic techniques for freehand routing:  
1. Routing letters, grooves, and patterns into wood. See  
Figure 15.  
2. Routing out the background, leaving the letters or  
pattern raised above the surface.  
When freehand routing, we suggest the following:  
1. Draw or layout the pattern on workpiece.  
2. Choose the appropriate cutter. NOTE: A core box or  
V-groove bit is often used for routing letters and  
engraving objects. Straight bits and ball mills are often  
used to make relief carvings. Veining bits are used to  
carve small, intricate details.  
3. Rout the pattern in two or more passes. Make the first  
pass at 25% of the desired depth of cut. This will  
provide better control as well as being a guide for the  
next pass.  
4. Do not rout deeper than 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) per pass or  
FREEHAND ROUTING  
cut.  
Fig. 15  
WARNING:  
Do not use large router bits for freehand routing. Use of  
large router bits when freehand routing could cause loss  
of control or create other hazardous conditions that could  
cause possible serious personal injury. When using a UL  
listed router table, large router bits should be used for  
edging only. Do not use router bits that are larger in  
diameter than the opening in router base for any purpose.  
ROUTINGWITHSTRAIGHTEDGEOFSUBBASE  
See Figure 16.  
The subbase on your router has a straight edge. It should be  
used when placing your router against an edge guide or  
fence and routing grooves parallel to the fence.  
WARNING:  
Do not use with router tables that fail to conform to safe  
woodworking practices and offer proper guarding for the  
cutter. Failure to comply can result in an accident causing  
possible serious injury.  
ROUTING WITH STRAIGHT EDGE OF  
SUBBASE AGAINST AN EDGE GUIDE  
Fig. 16  
Page 13  
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MAINTENANCE  
LIGHT BULB REPLACEMENT  
See Figure 17.  
A
1. UNPLUG YOUR ROUTER.  
WARNING:  
B
Failure to unplug your router could result in accidental  
starting causing serious injury.  
C
2. Remove cutter from router. Refer to page 7 to remove  
cutter.  
E
D
3. Adjust router to maximum height.  
4. Remove screws (A) and subbase (B). See Figure 17.  
5. Remove screw (C) and work light lens (D).  
6. With bulb (E) pointing toward you, pull bulb from socket.  
7. Install new bulb by reversing the above procedure.  
8. Reassemble all parts and tighten screws securely.  
Fig. 17  
PROPER CARE OF CUTTERS  
PROPER CARE OF COLLET  
Get faster and more accurate cutting results by keeping  
cutters clean and sharp. Remove all accumulated pitch and  
gum from cutters after each use.  
From time to time, it also becomes necessary to clean your  
collet and collet nut. To do so, simply remove collet nut from  
collet and clean the dust and chips that have collected. Then  
return collet nut to its original position. DO NOT tighten collet  
nut on collet without a cutter installed.  
When sharpening cutters, sharpen only the inside of the  
cutting edge. Never grind the outside diameter. Be sure  
when sharpening the end of a cutter to grind the clearance  
angle the same as originally ground.  
LUBRICATION  
All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient  
amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit under  
normaloperatingconditions. Therefore,nofurtherlubrication  
is required.  
Page 14  
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MAINTENANCE  
WARNING:  
When servicing use only identical Ryobi replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product  
damage.  
GENERAL  
Avoidusingsolventswhencleaningplasticparts.Mostplastics  
are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial  
solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths  
to remove dirt, carbon dust, etc.  
When electric tools are use on fiberglass boats, sports cars,  
wallboard, spackling compounds, or plaster, it has been  
found that they are subject to accelerated wear and possible  
premature failure, as the fiberglass chips and grindings are  
highly abrasive to bearings, brushes, commutators, etc.  
Consequently, it is not recommended that this tool be used  
for extended work on any fiberglass material, wallboard,  
spackling compounds, or plaster. During any use on these  
materials, it is extremely important that the tool is cleaned  
frequently by blowing with an air jet.  
WARNING:  
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-  
based products, penetrating oils, etc. come in contact  
with plastic parts. They contain chemicals that can  
damage, weaken, or destroy plastic.  
WARNING:  
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side  
shields during power tool operation or when blowing  
dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.  
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES  
The following recommended accessories are current and were available at the time this manual was printed:  
ITEM NO.  
DESCRIPTION  
4070175  
4070176  
6090080  
Template Guide Adapter For Ryobi Template Guides  
Template Guide Adapter For Porter Cable Rockwell and B&D Template Guides  
Straight Guide For Ryobi Routers - Model Nos. R160, R165, RE170, R175, RE175,  
R180 and RE185.  
HELPFUL HINTS  
Always clamp workpiece securely before routing.  
A safe operator is one who thinks ahead.  
Always wear eye protection when routing.  
Make set-up adjustments carefully. Then double check. Measure twice and cut once.  
Keep cutters clean and properly sharpened.  
Don’t let familiarity make you careless.  
Study all safety rules and do the job safely.  
NEVER place your hands in jeopardy.  
Make certain clamps can’t loosen while in use.  
Test difficult set-ups on scrap—Don’t waste lumber.  
Plan each operation before you begin.  
Clean your router frequently. This will provide smoother operation of depth adjusting ring and clamping lever areas.  
Shake router or blow with an air jet to remove sawdust build-up.  
THINK SAFETY BY THINKING AHEAD.  
Page 15  
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OPERATOR'S MANUAL  
ROUTER - R180  
DOUBLE INSULATED  
• SERVICE  
Now that you have purchased your tool, should a need ever exist for repair parts or service,  
simplycontactyournearestRyobiAuthorizedServiceCenter. Besuretoprovideallpertinent  
facts when you call or visit. Please refer to the Service Center insert or call 1-800-525-2579  
in the United States or 1-800-265-6778 in Canada for your nearest Ryobi Authorized Service  
Center.  
• MODEL NO.  
The model number and serial number of your tool will be found on a plate attached to the  
motor housing. Please record the model number and serial number in the space provided  
below.  
• HOW TO ORDER REPAIR PARTS  
WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:  
MODEL NUMBER  
SERIAL NUMBER  
RYOBI CANADA INC.  
P.O. Box 910  
RYOBI AMERICA CORPORATION  
1424 Pearman Dairy Road Anderson SC 29625  
Cambridge, Ontario N1R 6K2  
Phone 1-800-265-6778  
Post Office Box 1207  
Anderson SC 29622-1207  
Phone 1-800-525-2579  
972000-318  
PrintedInU.S.A.  
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