Ryobi R1801M Users Manual

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2015-03-12

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OPERATOR'S MANUAL
R1801M ROUTER
With R181FB Fixed Base
Double Insulated

Your new router has been engineered and manufactured to our Ryobi’s high standard for dependability, ease of
operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, the router will give you years of rugged, trouble-free
performance.

WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.
Thank you for buying a Ryobi product.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
I General Safety Rules .................................................................................................................................................. 3-4
I Specific Safety Rules ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
I Symbols ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
I Electrical ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
I Features ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7-8
I Unpacking ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
I Operation .................................................................................................................................................................. 9-17
I Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................................ 18
I Accessories ................................................................................................................................................................. 18
I Parts, Ordering, and Service ....................................................................................................................................... 20

INTRODUCTION
Your router has many features for making the use of this product more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance,
and dependability have been given top priority in the design of this tool making it easy to maintain and operate.

WARNING:
Do not attempt to use this product until you thoroughly read and completely understand the operator’s manual. Pay
close attention to the safety rules, including Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions. If you use your product properly
and only as intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.

Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It
means attention!!! Your safety is involved.
WARNING:
The operation of any tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage. Before beginning 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. Always wear eye protection which is marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES
I Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off before
plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or
plugging in tools that have the switch on, invites accidents.
I Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning
the tool on. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a
rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
I Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better
control of the tool in unexpected situations.
I Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
I Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable
footing on a solid surface enables better control of
the tool in unexpected situations.
I Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long
hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be
drawn into air vents.

WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to
follow all instructions listed below, may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA
I Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and dark areas invite accidents.
I Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
I Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to
lose control.

TOOL USE AND CARE

ELECTRICAL SAFETY
I Double insulated tools are equipped with 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 a polarized outlet. Do not change the plug
in any way. Double insulation
eliminates the need
for the three-wire grounded power cord and grounded
power supply system.
I Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as
pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an
increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
I Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
I Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry
the tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord
away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts.
Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords
increase the risk of electric shock.
I When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor
extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”. These cords are
rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY
I Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool. Do
not use tool while tired or under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious
personal injury.
I Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing,
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes,
jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
3

I Use clamps or other practical way to secure and
support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding
the work by hand or against your body is unstable and
may lead to loss of control.
I Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your
application. The correct tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it is designed.
I Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off.
Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
I Disconnect the plug from power source before
making any adjustments, changing accessories, or
storing the tool. Such preventive safety measures
reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
I Store idle tools out of the reach of children and other
untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of
untrained users.
I Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp
and clean. Properly maintained tools with sharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
I Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, and any other condition that may
affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained tools.
I Use only accessories that are recommended by the
manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may
be suitable for one tool, may become hazardous when
used on another tool.
I Keep the tool and its handle dry, clean and free
from oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when
cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleumbased products, or any strong solvents to clean your
tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of loss of
control and deterioration of the enclosure plastic.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES
I When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance
section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or
failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a
risk of electric shock or injury.

SERVICE
I Tool service must be performed only by qualified
repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed
by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
I Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting tools may contact
hidden wiring or its cord. Contact with a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the
operator.
I 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. 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. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line
voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.
I Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before
routing. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
serious personal injury.
I Drugs, alcohol, medication. Do not operate tool
while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any
medication. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.
I Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently
and use them to instruct others who may use this
tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these
instructions also.

ADDITIONAL RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
I Know your power tool. Read operator’s manual
carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as
well as the specific potential hazards related to this
tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric
shock, fire, or serious injury.
I Always wear safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses
have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT
safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk
of serious personal injury.
I Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.
I Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection
during extended periods of operation. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
I Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged,
have repaired at your nearest authorized service
center. Constantly stay aware of cord location.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock
or fire.
I 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. Following this rule will reduce the risk
of shock, fire, or serious injury.
I Do not abuse cord. Never carry the tool by the cord
or yank it to disconnect it from the receptacle. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.

WARNING:
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:
•
lead from lead-based paints,
•
crystalline silica from bricks and cement and
other masonry products, and
•
arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated
lumber.
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.

SYMBOLS
Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper
interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.
SYMBOL

NAME

DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION

Volts

Voltage

Amperes

Current

Hertz

Frequency (cycles per second)

Watt

Power

Minutes

Time

Alternating Current

Type of current

No Load Speed

Rotational speed, at no load

Class II Construction

Double-insulated construction

Per Minute

Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits, etc. per minute

Safety Alert

Precautions that involve your safety

Wear Eye Protection

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields and full face shield when operating this product

Wet Conditions Alert

Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations

min

.../min

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.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices that may cause property damage.
IMPORTANT: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the
equipment.
NOTE: Advises you of additional information concerning the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

ELECTRICAL
DOUBLE INSULATION

EXTENSION CORDS

Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire
grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are
isolated from the internal metal motor components with
protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need
to be grounded.
Important: Servicing of a tool with double insulation
requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and
should be performed only by a qualified service
technician. For service, we suggest you return the tool to
your nearest authorized service center for repair. When
servicing, use only identical Ryobi replacement parts.

When using a power tool at a considerable distance from
a power source, be sure to use an extension cord that
has the capacity to handle the current the tool will draw.
An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage,
resulting in overheating and loss of power. Use the chart
to determine the minimum wire size required in an
extension cord. Only round jacketed cords listed by
Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) should be used.
When working outdoors with a tool, use an extension
cord that is designed for outside use. This type of cord is
designated with “WA” on the cord’s jacket.

WARNING:

Before using any extension cord, inspect it for loose or
exposed wires and cut or worn insulation.

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.

**Ampere rating (on tool faceplate)
0-2.0
2.1-3.4

Cord Length

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
The 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 substantial voltage drop 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.

3.5-5.0

5.1-7.0

7.1-12.0

12.1-16.0

Wire Size (A.W.G.)

25'

50'

100'

—

**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.

WARNING:
Keep the extension cord clear of the working area.
Position the cord so that it will not get caught on lumber, tools or other obstructions while you are working
with a power tool. Failure to do so can result in serious personal injury.

WARNING:
Check extension cords before each use. If damaged
replace them immediately. Never use tool with a damaged cord with this tool. Touching the damaged area
could cause serious injury due to electrical shock.

FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS
Depth of Cut .................................................................................................................................... 0 - 1-1/2 in. (0 - 38 mm)
Collet .............................................................................................................................................................. 1/4 in. (6 mm)
Peak Horsepower ........................................................................................................................................................ 1-1/2
Ampere ................................................................................................................................................................. 8.5 Amps
Input ............................................................................................................................................ 120 Volts, 60 Hz, AC only
No Load Speed ...................................................................................................................................................25,000/min
Power Cord ......................................................................................................................................................... 10 ft. (3 m)
Net Weight ..................................................................................................................................................... 7 lbs. (3.2 kg.)

Before using this tool, familiarize yourself with all operating features and safety requirements. However, do not let
familiarity with the tool make you careless.
This new router is equipped with the following features.
See Figure 1.

ERGONOMIC DESIGN

MOTOR

The router has a conveniently located rocker switch.

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 substantial
voltage drop will cause a loss of power and overheating.
If your tool does not operate when plugged into an outlet,
double-check the power supply.

SPINDLE LOCK

DOUBLE INSULATION

The spindle lock secures the spindle so that you only
need one wrench to loosen the collet nut and change
cutters.

The design of this tool provides for easy handling. It is
designed for comfort and ease of grasp when operating
in different positions and at different angles.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

The router kit has a powerful 8.5 amp motor with
sufficient power to handle tough routing jobs. It delivers
1-1/2 peak horsepower for heavy duty performance.

SWITCH

DEPTH ADJUSTING RING
The depth adjusting ring allows you to adjust the depth of
cut.

LOCKING ARM
The locking arm secures the motor housing in the base.

CHIP SHIELD
A plastic chip shield on the base of the router provides
protection against flying dust and chips.

FEATURES
SWITCH
LOCKING
ARM

DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT
RING

SPINDLE
LOCK
BUTTON

HANDLE

CHIP SHIELD
Fig. 1

UNPACKING
INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

When unpacking the tool:
I Carefully remove the tool and accessories from the box.
I Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are included.
I Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or
damage occurred during shipping.
I Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.
I If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

If any parts are missing do not operate the tool until
the missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so could
result in possible serious personal injury.

WARNING:
The tool should never be connected to a power supply when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, performing maintenance, or when
the tool is not in use. Disconnecting the tool will prevent accidental starting that could cause injury.

PACKING LIST
Router
Router Base
Collet Wrench
Tool Bag
8

OPERATION
WARNING:
Exercise caution when using this tool. Careless actions, for even a fraction of a second, can result in
serious personal injury.

You may use the router for the purposes listed below:

OFF

I Routing Grooves, shaping edges, etc. in wood.
I Chamfering, rabbeting, dadoing, and dovetailing in wood.

Fig. 2

I Routing edges on plastic laminates.

WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when using your router. Failure to do so
could result in dust, shavings, chips, loose particles,
or foreign objects being thrown in your eyes resulting in possible serious injury. If the operation is dusty,
also wear a face or dust mask.

TURNING THE ROUTER ON/OFF
See Figure 2.
I To turn on the router: Toggle the switch to the I position.
I To turn off the router: Toggle the switch to the O position.

OPERATING THE ROUTER
See Figure 3.
Follow these steps to operate the router.
1. Unplug the router.

Fig. 3

WARNING:

Never place the router down on a work surface before the cutter stops.

Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing serious injury.
2. Securely tighten the cutter in the collet nut. Refer to
“Removing/Inserting Cutters” later in this manual.
3. Set the desired depth of cut. Refer to “Adjusting Depth
of Cut” later in this manual.
4. Secure the workpiece.
5. Plug the router into a power source.
6. Hold the router firmly with both hands.
7. Turn on the router and let the motor build to its full
speed.
8. Feed the cutter slowly into the workpiece.
NOTE: Do not let the cutter contact the workpiece before
starting the router and allowing it to develop full speed.
9. Turn off the router upon completion of cut, and let the
motor come to a complete stop before removing the
router from the workpiece.

OPERATION
WARNING:
Never connect the router to power supply when you
are assembling parts, making adjustments, installing or removing cutters, or when not in use. Disconnecting the router prevents accidental starting that
could cause serious injury.

REMOVING AND INSTALLING THE ROUTER
BASE
TO REMOVE THE ROUTER BASE
See Figure 4.
1. Unplug the router.

LOCKING
ARM

DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT
RING

WARNING:
Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing serious injury.
2. Place the router upside down with the Ryobi label
away from you.
3. Loosen the locking arm on the base.
4. Depress and hold the spindle lock button on the motor.
5. Turn the collet nut until the hole in the collet aligns with
the spindle lock button.
6. Turn the depth adjusting ring counterclockwise until
the motor is to its highest position.
7. Align the indicator arrow on the depth adjustment ring
with the indicator point on the base.
8. Pull the base until it dislodges from the motor housing.

SPINDLE
LOCK
BUTTON

INDICATOR
ARROW

TO INSTALL THE ROUTER BASE
1. Unplug the router.
2. Place the fixed base on a flat surface.
3. Loosen the locking arm.
4. Align the indicator arrow on the depth adjustment ring
with the indicator point on the base.
5. Align the spindle lock button with the groove in the
base.
6. Depress and hold the spindle lock button on the motor.
7. Slide the motor housing into the base.
8. Turn the depth adjusting ring counterclockwise until
the spindle lock snaps out as it clears the rear window,
just below the locking arm.
9. Tighten the locking arm.

1/3

2
15/32

DEPTH
INDICATOR
RING
INDICATOR POINT

Fig. 4

OPERATION
ADJUSTING DEPTH OF CUT
Proper depth of cut depends on several factors: the peak
horsepower of the router motor, the type of cutter, and
the type of wood. A lightweight, low horsepower router is
designed for making shallow cuts. A router with a high
horsepower rating can safely cut deeper. Small cutters,
such as veining bits with 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) cutting
diameters, are designed to remove only small amounts of
wood. Large cutters, such as straight-flute bits, are made
to remove larger amounts of wood. You can make deeper
cuts in soft woods, such as white pine, than in
hardwoods, like oak or maple.
Based on these considerations, choose a depth of cut
that will not place excessive strain on the router motor. If
you find that extra force is needed or that the motor
speed slows down considerably, turn off the router and
reduce the depth of cut. Then, make the cut in two or
more passes.
When routing a groove that is too deep to safely cut in
one pass, it is best to make the cut in several passes. 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 deeper cuts.
Adjusting the depth of cut for the plunge router is different
from adjusting the depth of cut for the fixed router.

LOCKING
ARM

Fig. 6

DEPTH
ADJUSTMENT
RING

TO ADJUST DEPTH OF CUT FOR FIXED ROUTERS
See Figures 6 and 7.
Follow these steps to adjust depth of cut for fixed routers.
1. Unplug the router.

INDICATOR
ARROW

WARNING:

1/3

Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing serious injury.

DEPTH
INDICATOR
RING

2. Place the router on a flat surface.
3. Loosen the locking arm.
4. Turn the depth adjusting ring counterclockwise until
the tip of the cutter touches the flat surface.
5. Turn the depth indicator ring until the zero lines up with
the indicator point on the base.
6. Position the router so that the cutter can extend below
the subbase for desired depth of cut.
7. Turn the depth adjusting ring to obtain the desired
depth of cut.
8. Tighten the locking arm securely.

15/32

INDICATOR POINT

NOTE: To adjust the depth of cut when the router is
mounted to a router table, turn the depth adjustment
ring until the cutter reaches the desired depth of cut.

Fig. 7

OPERATION
FEEDING THE ROUTER
The “secret” of professional routing and edge shaping
lies in making a careful set-up for the cut and in selecting
the proper rate of feed.

DIRECTION (EXTERNAL)
See Figure 8.
When routing, the cutter rotates clockwise. Therefore,
you should feed the router into the workpiece from left to
right. When you feed the router from left to right, the
rotation of the cutter pulls the router against the
workpiece. If you feed the router in the opposite direction,
the rotational forces of the spinning bit tend to throw the
router away from the workpiece. This action could cause
you to lose control of the router.
The router motor and bit revolve in a clockwise direction.
This gives the tool a slight tendency to twist in a
counterclockwise direction, especially when the motor
revs up.
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, if the bit strikes a knot, hard grain, foreign
object, etc. that affects the normal progress of the cutting
action, there will be a slight kickback. This kickback is
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.
To guard against such a kickback, plan your setup 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. In short, the thrust should be in a
direction that keeps the sharp edges of the bit
continuously biting straight into new (uncut) wood.

PROPER CUTTING SEQUENCE

8
1/4 in. to 1 in.
(6.35 mm to 25.4 mm)
Fig. 8

GUIDE OUTSIDE
BIT ROTATION
THRUST

FEED

GUIDE

GUIDE INSIDE

GUIDE
BIT ROTATION

DIRECTION (INTERNAL)
See Figure 9.
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. That is, when the guide is positioned
as shown in the first part of the figure, tool travel should
be from left to right and counterclockwise around curves.
When the guide is positioned as shown in the second
part of the figure, tool travel should be right to left and
clockwise around curves. If there is a choice, the first
setup is generally the easiest to use. In either case, the
sideways thrust you use is against the guide.

FEED

Fig. 9

OPERATION
RATE OF FEED
The proper rate of feed depends on several factors: the
hardness and moisture content of the wood, the depth of
cut, and the cutting diameter of the bit. When cutting
shallow grooves in soft woods such as pine, a faster rate
of feed can be used. When making deep cuts in
hardwoods such as oak, a slower rate of feed should be
used.
The best rate of feed is one that does not slow down the
router motor more than one-third of its no-load speed. If
the router is fed too fast, it will take large chips out of the
wood and leave gouge marks. If the router is fed too slow,
it will scorch or burn the wood.

TOO FAST

Feeding Too Fast
See Figure 10.
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.
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), resulting in splintering and
gouging of the workpiece.
Your 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.
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.

Fig. 10

TOO SLOW
Fig. 11

Feeding Too Slow
See Figure 11.
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 a bite; instead, it simply scrapes away
sawdust-like particles. Scraping produces heat, which can
glaze, burn, or mar the cut and in extreme cases, can
even overheat the bit so as to destroy its hardness.
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.
“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.
You can detect “too-slow feeding” by the runaway, highpitched sound of the motor; or by feeling the “wiggle” of
the bit in the cut.

OPERATION
DETERMINING DEPTH OF CUT
See Figure 12.
As previously mentioned, the depth of cut is important
because it affects the rate of feed that, in turn, affects the
quality of the 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.
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, 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 in. depth of cut in a single pass, regardless of the
bit size or the softness or condition of the workpiece.
To make deeper cuts it is therefore necessary to make as
many successive passes as required, lowering the bit 1/8
in. 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.

DEPTH
OF CUT

2ND.
PASS

1ST.
PASS

WIDTH
OF CUT

2ND.
PASS

1ST.
PASS

Fig. 12

ROUTING
Your router is a versatile tool and can be used for many
different applications. You may rout grooves, carve
designs using a template, carve designs by freehand,
taper table and chair legs, mortise door jambs, or create
joints.
ROUTING GROOVES
See Figure 13.
When routing across the face of boards, set router at
desired depth of cut, place the edge of router base
against workpiece, and turn on the router. Slowly feed
the cutter into the workpiece along desired line of cut.

WARNING:
If desired depth of cut is greater than can be safely
cut in one pass, make cuts in two or more passes.

Fig. 13

When routing straight cuts across stock, clamp a straight
edge to the workpiece to use as a guide. Position the
straightedge parallel to the line of cut and offset the
distance between the cutting edge of the cutter and the
edge of the router base. Hold the router base against the
straightedge and rout the groove.

OPERATION
When routing a groove wider than the diameter of the
cutter, clamp a straightedge on both sides of the cutlines.
Position both guides parallel to the desired line of cut and
spaced equal distances from the desired edges of the
groove. Rout along one guide; then, reverse direction and
rout along the other guide. Clean out any remaining waste
in the center of the groove freehand.

ROUTING BY FREEHAND
See Figure 14.
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:
I Routing letters, grooves, and patterns into wood.
I Routing out the background, leaving the letters or
pattern raised above the surface.
When freehand routing, we suggest the following:
I Draw or layout the pattern on workpiece.
I 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.

Fig. 14

I 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.
NOTE: Do not rout deeper than 1/8 in. per pass.

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 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 subbase for any purpose.

OPERATION
EDGING WITH PILOTS

ROUTER

See Figure 15.
You can cut rabbets and molded edges using piloted
cutters. The pilot, which extends below the cutter, allows
the cutter to turn while the pilot follows the edge of the
workpiece. Some pilots are solid extensions of the cutter.
Others are ball bearing guides that are fastened to the
end of the cutter.
Arbor-type bits with pilots are excellent for quick, easy
edge shaping. They follow workpiece edges that are
either straight or curved. The pilot prevents the bit from
making too deep a cut. Holding the pilot firmly in contact
with the workpiece edge throughout the cut prevents the
cut from becoming too shallow.
Whenever the workpiece thickness together with the
desired 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 serves to guide it. However, if the
workpiece is too thin or the bit is set so low that there will
be no uncut edge to ride the pilot against, an extra board
must be placed under the workpiece to act as a guide.
This guide board must have exactly the same contour —
straight or curved — as the workpiece edge. If the guide
is positioned so that its edge is flush with 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 (out from the workpiece edge), the bit will make
less than a full cut — which will alter the shape of the
finished edge.
NOTE: When edge shaping with guides, you can use any
of the piloted bits without a pilot. The size (diameter) of
the pilot determines the maximum cut width that you can
make 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).
When routing all edges of a panel or board, rout the end
grain first. Any splintering that occurs at the corners will
then be removed when routing the sides. Start each side
1/4 in. (6.35 mm) away from the end. Feed the cutter into
the wood until the pilot contacts the uncut edge. Then,
slowly back the router to shape the corner. Next, move
the router forward to shape the rest of the edge. Be
careful to keep the pilot pressed against the uncut edge.
Repeat this procedure on each side of the panel. Figure
20 shows the proper sequence of cuts to make when
edge routing four sides of a panel.

PILOT
WORK

TOP EDGE SHAPING

ROUTER
WORK

PILOT
GUIDE

WHOLE EDGE SHAPING

Fig. 15

MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
When servicing use only identical Ryobi replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause
product damage.

GENERAL

LUBRICATION

Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics 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.

All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a
sufficient amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the
unit under normal operating conditions. Therefore, no
further lubrication is required.

CUTTERS

WARNING:

Get faster and more accurate cutting results by keeping
cutters clean and sharp. Remove all accumulated pitch
and gum from cutters after each use.
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.

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.
Electric tools used on fiberglass material, wallboard,
spackling compounds, or plaster are subject to
accelerated wear and possible premature failure, as the
fiberglass chips and grindings are highly abrasive to
bearings, brushes, commutators, etc. Consequently, we
do not recommended that this tool be used for extended
work on these types of materials. If, however, you do
work with any of these materials, it is extremely important
that you clean the tool frequently by blowing it with an air
jet.

COLLET
Dust and chips may collect on the collet from time to time,
making it necessary to clean the collet. To do so, remove
the collet assembly and wipe it with a clean dry rag.
Clean the taper in the shaft in the same manner. Never
immerse the collet or end of the shaft in a solvent or in
water. Before replacing the collet assembly, put a drop of
SAE30 motor oil on the inside of the nut, on the threads
of the shaft, and on the taper in the shaft. Replace the
collet assembly onto the shaft by hand only. Never
tighten the collet nut without a bit in the collet. This action
could permanently damage the collet.

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.

ACCESSORIES
The following recommended accessories are currently
available.

WARNING:
The use of attachments or accessories not listed
could be hazardous.

ACCESSORIES
Template ........................................................... 4070177
Edge Guide ....................................................... 6090080

NOTES

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
R1801M ROUTER
With R181FB Fixed Base
Double Insulated

• SERVICE
Now that you have purchased your tool, should a need ever exist for repair parts or service,
simply contact your nearest Ryobi Authorized Service Center. Be sure to provide all pertinent
facts when you call or visit. Please call 1-800-525-2579 for your nearest Ryobi Authorized
Service Center. You can also check our Web site at www.ryobitools.com for a complete list
of Authorized Service Centers.

• MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO.
The model number of this 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

R1801M

RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES INC.

983000-165
8-03

1428 Pearman Dairy Road
Anderson, SC 29625
Post Office Box 1207
Anderson, SC 29622
www.ryobitools.com
Phone 1-800-525-2579

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