This is a fantastic router table that is compatible with almost all major router brands. So, it is also referred to as the Ryobi Universal Router Table. Again, the table is sturdy; and strong enough to handle big woodworking projects.
Apart from versatility, another feature is its simplicity. You can set it up with ease, although it may take you a bit longer when it’s your first time mounting a router to the table.
But in a short while, you should be able to start fixing it in minutes. And just as it is easy to set up, it is also easy to use.
By and large, this is a perfect router table that is recommendable to woodworkers and furniture makers and even some general contractors.
7 Things to Consider about How to Use this Ryobi Router Table:
1. Read the manual
The item comes with a manual. The manual is also available on the manufacturers’ website. You will find information on its operation.
Also, there are some warnings in the manual. Some of these warnings are that you should always ensure to unplug the router table before assembling the parts or making adjustments.
Another warning states that you should not use the table with accessories that are not recommended by the product’s manufacturer. Again, ensure to always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 to prevent objects from being thrown into your eyes.
So, these are just some of the warnings you need to adhere to, to avoid injuries.
Now, if you ignore the manual, you may never know about these warnings. And these are minor things that prevent accidents in the workplace.
2. Mounting the router table
After purchasing your router table, you need to mount a router to the table before you can start using it. And to do that, place the router table right side up on a smooth and sturdy benchtop or workbench. Mark the holes with a pencil then remove the table.
Now drill four holes through the work surface. Place the router back on the work surface but align the holes in the table legs with the holes you drilled in the work surface.
Now, insert four bolts in the four holes to tighten the router to the table. Note that you may need flat washers or lock washers to support the bolts.
So, there you go. You have just mounted your router to the router table.
3. Plug in the router table power cord
To start using your router table, the first step is to plug your router table power cord into a power source. Position the infeed and outfeed fence so that they are close to the maximum diameter of the cutter, but not touching the cutter.
Adjust the infeed fence to support the uncut workpiece and then adjust the outfeed fence to support the workpiece after the cut. The “0” location on the fence scale denotes the center of the throat plates opening of the table.
The cutter will rotate in an anticlockwise or counterclockwise motion on the router table. Please, ensure that you always feed the workpiece against the sharp edges of the cutter.
Also, make sure that you switch OFF (O) the router table when not in use. Hence, you can now unplug the power cord from the power source, except you are ready to start using it immediately.
More importantly, remove the switch key to ensure the router table is off.
4. How to adjust the miter gauge
Adjusting a miter gauge does not require any form of skill or technique. As usual, the first thing to do is to unplug your router table (always remember this).
After that, loosen the miter gauge knob, then rotate the miter gauge to the angle you desire. When you get the angle you want, re-tighten the miter gauge knob. And that is all.
Woodworkers who have experience in the use of craftsman router tables do this almost all the time.
5. How to position the fence
To position the adjustable fence for the utmost support, unplug the router table from the power source. Now, loosen the fence lock knobs. Position the fence to the desired location, and then re-tighten the fence lock knobs. You should observe by now that this table is straightforward to use.
6. How to cut a groove
You can cut a groove in the workpiece by adjusting the fence back from the cutter. When cutting a groove, feed the workpiece from right to left.
When widening an existing groove, be certain that the side you are cutting is against the leading edge of the cutter. This should be the side farthest from the fence when the workpiece is fed from right to left.
7. How to carry out general maintenance
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are vulnerable to damage from various types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, and so on.
Final Verdict
With all that has been discussed on this table, you will realize that the Ryobi router table is a very useful tool for the woodworkers. Also, we talked about how to use the Ryobi universal router table, and from the explanations made, you will realize that it is not difficult to set up and to use.
To get one of these router tables, you can search for the sellers of routers and router tables near you. You will see a host of them.
However, I suggest buying from Amazon. Amazon partners with the manufacturers of their products, so you will be getting a reasonable price.
Another advantage of buying from Amazon is that they can ship your product to you, even if you are outside the US. Nevertheless, if you live in America, and you want it delivered to your home, you can get an excellent delivery service from them.
Moreover, they can assist with its assembling when they bring it to your home. Overall, the Amazon e-commerce platform is a globally-recognized company due to their incredible services.
