When a person spends a significance amount of time in a workshop, that person will eventually learn the importance of two specific workshop tools: the router and the sander. A router will shape the wood that a person works with, and the sander will make the shaped wood feel smoothly to the touch. The brand Ridgid manufacture both routers and sanders without requiring people to spend a significant amount of money on these tools.
These tools from the Ridgid brand offer the performance required of professional woodworker and the affordability required of hobbyists. Hence, people use these tools in professional job sites and in workshops that focus on creating high-quality product. A router and a sander are important workshop tool for several reasons.
Using a router to cut wood will create the best edges, but using a poor sander will cause those edges to catch on a person’s fingers. Alternatively, using a great sander will highlight the mistakes made by using a poor router to cut the wood. Hence, if a person learns to use both tools proper, they can produce pieces of woodwork that they feel good about showing to others.
This article will discuss the specific ridgid routers and ridgid sanders worth knowing about and there specific use and trade-offs.
Top Ridgid Routers and Sanders to Own
1. Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trimmer
The first tool that a person should consider is the Ridgid R2401 laminate trimmer. This compact router does not weigh more than three pounds but deliver one and a quarter horsepower.
This motor has enough power to trim countertops and inlays. Additionally, it feature a soft-start function to allow the user to start the tool without straining their wrist. Furthermore, the micro-adjustment dial allow the person to adjust the depth of the wood that the router cuts.
People who install laminate flooring find this tool of great use because the base of the tool provide an unobstructed view of the router bit. However, it is not made for deep profiling in hardwoods. If used as a specialist tool rather than a general woodworking tool, this tool will last longer than expect.
2. Ridgid R2901 Fixed Base Router
The next tool available from Ridgid is the Ridgid R2901 fixed-base router. This tool features two and a quarter horsepower that are suitable for furniture and cabinet makers. The tool feature an aluminum base that is heavy enough to provide stability but not excessively so.
The above-table height adjustment allow the user to adjust the depth of the bit without having to remove the tool from the workbench. It also features a variable speed control that can range from 10,000 to 23,000 rpm to allow the user to adjust the speed to the type of wood they are cutting. Many people who use this tool for the first time is surprised by the quiet operation of the tool.
However, if a user requires a tool with a fixed base and a plunge base, this tool will not be suitable. Instead, they should opt for the following tool on the list.
3. Ridgid R2930 Combination Kit
The R2930 combination kit from Ridgid include both a fixed base and a plunge base to satisfy those who require both bases for their woodwork.
The combination kit also come in a heavy-duty case for the tools. The plunge base for the tool is smooth enough for mortises and sturdy enough for routing on a template with guide bushings. The edge guides lock in place and remain parallel to each other.
Users have reported that these ridgid routers can be used daily for many years. The only downside is the combined weight of the tool with the plunge base. When using bits larger than half of an inch in diameter, the user will need to use two hand to control the tool.
4. Ridgid R2601 Orbital Sander
The Ridgid R2601 orbital sander is the next tool to discuss. This tool feature a five-inch hook-and-loop pad that accept different types of sanding pads and discs. The motor feature 3.0 amps that will not bog down when working with dense woods such as oak.
Additionally, it has a large dust collection bag that will keep the workshop clean and the person healthier by removing wood dust from the lungs. The Ridgid R2601 orbital sander feature a variable-speed control that allow it to work on delicate finishes or remove wood quickly at high speed. The hook-and-loop system hold sanding discs securely after hundreds of hours of use.
However, people will have to clean the sanding pad to ensure that it retain the sanding power it once had.
5. Ridgid R2404 Corner Sander
The next tool is the Ridgid R2404 corner sander. This tool has a triangular head that allow it to reach areas that round sanding pads cannot.
Additionally, the motor feature 1.2 amps of power that are strong enough to sand wood without rounding the edges of the workpieces. The hook-and-loop triangle sanding pads can be changed in a few seconds. This tool also runs smooth and can be guided with one hand.
The main drawback of this tool is that heat can build up when sanding hardwoods for long period. To avoid overheating the tool and melting the hook-and-loop attachments to the sanding pads, the person using this tool will have to take short breaks. This tool is effective for people who perform detailed work on their projects.
6. Ridgid R2611 Belt Sander
The next tool to discuss include the Ridgid R2611 belt sander. This tool feature a four-inch by twenty-four-inch belt and 10.0 amps of motor power. This tool can remove old wood finishes, sand level tabletops, and remove wood lumber very quick.
The variable-speed control allow the user to slow the tool for soft woods or speed it up to remove large amount of wood lumber. The tracking adjustment is very straightforward and will remain in the position set by the user. Ridgid recommend this tool for use in preparing wood slabs that an orbital sander will later sand.
However, the weight of the tool is effective for sanding but will eventually tire out the person using the tool. However, if used on a workbench or with two hands, this tool will be a very reliable workhorse in the workshop.
7. Ridgid Oscillating Multi-Tool
A tool that should be mentioned is the Ridgid oscillating multi-tool with a sanding attachment.
This smaller tool can reach place that other tools cannot. The triangular sanding head vibrates in a manner that allow it to sand curved wooden products like chair legs. Additionally, the speed control allow the tool to sand aggressively or gently.
Furthermore, the quick-change system allow the user to change from sanding to scraping to cutting. This tool will not replace the dedicated sander that a woodworker own. However, it will be of great use in situations where other wood tools may be too big for the area to be sanded.
However, care must be taken when using this tool because it will produce a great deal of dust in the workshop; a vacuum attachment will have to be used. A person’s choice of routers and sanders will rely on their understanding of their projects. If a person is a hobbyist, they will need a trim router and orbital sander.
However, if they are producing large quantities of goods, they will need to own every tool mentioned in this article. Ridgid allow woodworkers of all skill levels to create masterpieces that they are proud to show to others. Hence, people should not purchase all the tools at the same time.
However, they should only purchase a tool when they find themselves struggling with the skill of the tools they already own. When a person purchase tools from the Ridgid brand, their work will be significantly improved. Ridgid tools have serious capability without requiring an engineering degree or a second mortgage to own and operate them.
Ridgid has once again proven itself to be a great brand for woodworkers and one that people will continue to return to when creating project after project. When a person completes a project in the workshop and walks by all the work they have created, they will thank Ridgid for the tools they purchased. These tools will not only make their work easier but will also allow them to create better work than their guests at dinner or their clients will not be able to explain why the work is better.
