DIY Network

I own a Ryobi RE600 router which finally died yesterday in a puff of smoke and melted bearings, housing etc. Because it's a table router setup that came with the business I bought in 2007, I need to replace it asap with the same router because of the matching face plate, custom installation etc.

I've contacted several Home Depot stores, Home Depot Canada AND Ryobi directly who all seem to be confused as to whether it's still available or whether the RE 180 is the only larger one. They were all helpful but only catalogue readers and order takers. Not one really knew what the router actually LOOKED like, let alone construction details. I've seen used RE600's on Ebay etc and lots of reviews (+ and -) but no indication of whether I can buy a new one and get it here without a major shipping wait. I have a small but semi-production shop that can't suffer too much delay.

Does anyone know whether these different models are the same router with new numbers and/or most of all do they have the same base plate and mounting holes configuration? I have the feeling that the 180 is a lesser router. The Canadian price @$119 seems too low for what I currently have.

I live somewhat remotely in Western Canada (ferry rides etc.) and a trip to the available Home Depot locations is a major production. However, I can and would order online (free shipping and 4 day turnaround) if I thought the 180 and the 600 were either the same or interchangeable, at least.

Anyone know??? Cheers

Can you find a phone number for Ryobi on their website?

Why not look into the Porta Cable router made for a router table with the depth adjustments on top of the taple.
It's a far better router.
Also look on rockler.com for table plates and routers made just for this job.

For the table inserts, you could likely turn to Lee Valley, which is the better equivillant to Rockler up there in my opinion. I've lived both in Canada and US, so I understand a translation is necessary from time to time on both ends.
I have to agree with the Porter Cable comment....I have been seriously turned off by the recent Ryobi tools but have two of the 893 routers jocaption was describing and absolutely love them. It looks like I'm likely a couple of days late on this, but hopefully this info will help someone along the line.

I would get rid of ryobi spend a few$$ and get a good router. porter cable is one iwould recommend. joecaption is right check out rockler they have a bunch. or go to your local machine shop i had one made for cheaper than u would think

Thank you all for your input. The irony is that before I bought this business, I was seriously researching the Porter Cable to replace my very aging routers that I have in my home shop. As a stop gap measure, I made a new drop-in face plate for an inexpensive router that has been collecting dust on the shelf.

As you all seem to agree, it is now time to bite the bullet and get the best that I can find (probably the Porter Cable because I agree that it's one of the best on the market).