Ryobi RE180PL1 Operator's Manual page 9

SWITCH
See Figure 8, page 16.
The router features a soft start which allows for a gradual
increase in speed from 0 r/min. to the variable speed dial
setting. For example, if the router is set at
the time it is switched off and is then activated again, the
motor is designed to gradually rev up to that speed instead
of starting out at the full
To turn the router on, push the switch to the ( I ), or ON
position. Return the switch to the ( O ), or OFF position when
routing operation is finished.
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL SELECTOR
See Figure 9, page 16.
The router has a variable speed control selector designed
to allow operator control of speed and torque limits. You
can make speed selections best suited to the type of cut,
the material being cut, and the size of bit being used. The
variable speed control selector allows you to adjust router
speed from 15,000 to 23,000 r/min. There is a six-step scale
(A to F) on the variable speed control selector. To increase
the speed and torque of the router, turn the variable speed
control selector to a higher setting (F). Turn to a lower setting
to decrease speed and torque.
NOTE: If you do not want to use the variable speed control
selector, turn it to the highest possible setting, and the fea-
ture will not be active.
The speed selection chart shown gives suggested speed
settings based on the diameter of the bit and the type of
material being routed.
We suggest that you practice with the variable speed feature
of the router before installing a bit and making cuts in wood.
SPEED SELECTION CHART
MATERIAL
1/4
SOFT E-F
MEDIUM D-E
HARD C-D
VERY HARD D-E
OPERATION
15,000
15,000 r/min.
BIT SIZE
3/8 1/2
D-E A-B
C-D A
B-C A
C-D C-D
OPERATING THE ROUTER
See Figures 10 - 11, page 16.
When routing straight cuts across a workpiece, clamp a
straight edge to the workpiece to use as a guide.
r/min. at
Position the straight edge parallel to the line of cut and offset
the distance between the cutting edge of the bit and the edge
of the router base. Hold the router base against the straight
edge and rout the groove.
When routing a groove wider than the diameter of the bit,
clamp a straight edge on both sides of the cut lines. 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.
When routing a groove, the travel should be in a direction
that places the guide you are using at the right-hand side.
When the guide is positioned as shown in the "guide inside"
illustration (figure 15), tool travel should be from left to right
and counterclockwise around curves. When the guide is
positioned as shown in the "guide outside" illustration (figure
15), tool travel should be from right to left and clockwise
around curves. If there is a choice, the first setup is generally
the easier to use. In either case, the sideways thrust you use
is against the guide.
INTERNAL ROUTING
 Tilt router and place on workpiece without the bit contact-
ing the workpiece.
 Turn the router on and let the motor build up to full speed.
 Gradually feed bit into the workpiece until the subbase
is level with the workpiece.
 Upon completion of the cut, turn the router off and let the
bit come to a complete stop before removing the router
from the workpiece.
3/4
A
A
A
B-C
9 − English