Subject: Ryobi vs Skil?

From: [email-masked] (Kenneth Kao)
Date: 8 Feb 1997 18:08:51 GMT

Hello All: 

I am starting into woodworking and would like to buy a router. I do not
intend to do a lot of heavy work, mostly small pieces of furniture,
cabinets and shelving. After considering price and features, I have
narrowed my choices to two models available in my area. One is a fixed
Ryobi, 1.75 hp and the other is a Skil plunge model, also 1.75 hp. 

Which one should I get? 

Any and all advice welcome with thanks.

Ken Kao

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From: [email-masked] (RBowles96)
Date: 9 Feb 1997 03:25:48 GMT

Doug, don't feel like you have to apologize!  I bought a Skil belt sander
a couple of years ago.  Used it hand held and clamped upside down.  When
the switch failed it took 6 months for the tool shop/repair shop to get a
replacement switch.  "That is why we don't carry Skil" was the comment.  I
probably will not repeat with the Skil label.

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From: DNPIBEL <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 08 Feb 1997 16:43:29 -0800

Kenneth Kao wrote:
>fixed Ryobi, 1.75 hp and the other is a Skil plunge model, also 1.75 hp.
> 
> Which one should I get?
> 

I bought a Skil 1823 about 18 mos. ago, and thought it was pretty keen. 
Have used it for projects similar to the ones you mention, and have had 
no problems with it. 

My loving wife wanted to get me something extravagant for Christmas and, 
at my suggestion, bought me a Freud 2000E. By comparison, the Skil is a 
toy, but, realistically, the Freud is more than I need right now.

Have no experience with Ryobi routers. I have Ryobi 3/8 drill and 12V 
cordless, the latter of which is a real peach of a machine.

For info on plunge vs. fixed-base, check out Deja News -- there are 
bunches of articles from this NG. My simpleminded analytic is this: I 
haven't figured out what a fixed base will do that a plunge won't, but 
you just can't plunge with a fixed base. Actually, there's this: the Skil 
is pretty tough to adjust finely; the Freud solves that problem with an 
adjustment knob. If the Ryobi you're looking at has that feature, I'd 
probably take it over the Skil just based on that.

I suspect I am identifying myself as a fool and an amateur by admitting 
on this NG to even buying something labeled "Skil," but, hey, folks, I'm 
a fool and an amateur.

Good luck.

Doug

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From: [email-masked] (Chris West)
Date: Mon, 10 Feb 1997 17:12:43 GMT

I choose the skil. Am happy with it. Also, I've had good experiences
with the skil repair shop (only had to deal with then twice, and not with
the router). Can't think of any reason not to buy the Ryobi, though.

-- 
Chris West                  
[email-masked]