BJ brought Ridgid’s new 18V Octane brushless cordless router to my attention, and so I took a closer look. (Thank you for the tip!)
The new Ridgid cordless router, R860443, is a lot like its predecessor, R86044, but with a couple of key differences.
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First, Ridgid says their new Octane cordless router delivers maximum power, intelligence, and performance with 15% more power than the previous unit. They also say that you can expect 15% more power with a longer runtime and a longer tool life. These benefits are only realized when the Ridgid Octane router tool is paired with a Ridgid Octane battery pack.
Another notable new feature is that the Octane router comes with a detachable dust port, which Ridgid says eliminates dust with up to 95% dust extraction efficiency.
Like the other Ridgid cordless router, the new Octane model also comes with square and round bases.
The previous model had adjustable speeds from 17,000 to 25,000 RPM. According to press materials, the new Ridgid Octane cordless router can operate at 0 to 30,000 RPM.
- 1/4″ collet size
- 0-30,000 RPM
- Removable dust extraction attachment, works with 1-1/4″ to 1-7/8″ hoses
- Quick release lever
- Micro-adjust dial
- LED worklight
- Includes round base, square base, collet wrench, dust port, edge guide
Price: $129 for the bare tool (R860443B)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Compare(Older model via Home Depot)
Compare(Older router kit via Home Depot)
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Discussion
When paired with an Octane battery, the new Ridgid Octane brushless router seems to deliver a little more power. They say you can expect more runtime too, but that could possibly be attributed to the choice of battery, since Ridgid Octane Li-ion batteries offer their highest 18V charge capacities.
If you don’t plan to use an Octane battery, the new Ridgid router should at least still deliver higher RPMs, according to its specs. There’s also the dust extraction port.
Should you buy this? Well, if you’ve already bought into Ridgid’s 18V cordless power tool platform, and were planning to buy the other model, this model is more future-proof even if you don’t plan on using Octane batteries just yet, and still offers some immediate benefits.
If you already own the other Ridgid cordless router, there might not be enough differences to justify an upgrade. If you want that dust extraction port, it *might* be compatible with the older model, and if so, there might be a way to buy it as a spare part. (We’ll be asking Ridgid about this.) Or… everyone could use a second router, right?
Visually, the new router looks identical to the previous model, but with some slight changes in color scheme. Given the differences we are aware of, the changes all seem to be internally, aside for the inclusion of a dust port.
The older model is still worth buying over this one, if you can find it as part of a promo kit. If you recall, the router kit, with a battery and charger, was just priced at $119, which is less than the price of either model in bare tool format. The new model might replace the older one, perhaps when inventory sells out.
Frank D
I like that new base with the molded dust port that can actually connect to a shop vac. Mine has a tiny 10mm square hole that is absolutely useless.
Ben
I was going to suggest the Dust Right Universal Small Port Hose Kit sold by rockler I have it and use it for a number of tools that have stupid hose connector sizes but a square 10 mm connector is just an awful idea
John
I use flexible black rubber hose to connect odd dust ports to standard vac nozzles. Works quite well. Same method would work with a square port. Just need to find the size rubber hose.
The newer Makita cordless router has a clear dust port accessory that just doesn’t fit anything practical. I use a black rubber hose for it as well as a 15 year old Makita miter saw.
WorksInTheory
When will they make plunge bases and other bases for the Ridgid? It makes me wish I waited and got the Makita instead that had the full set up.
Stuart
They might not. Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing.
fred
Maybe they feel that the router is not powerful enough to avoid the potential for stalling using some plunge bits / plunge techniques.
This is mostly an edge-trimmer.
Frank D
This is only designed for light edging, round overs, light flush trimming, …
Was doing some 3/4 “ pass template routing / flush trimming on the one side of a 2×12 board and I had to be quite gentle. Plus you can only hold it with one hand really …
A plunge base could be an interesting contraption, but just cheaper and simpler to buy a full size router.
Robert
Seems like Ridgid is following Milwaukee in their lineup and battery technology. The TTI franchise routers all look pretty much the same.
Frank D
They do. Same with my “old” 24v jigsaw, that later came to the red and green brands (afaict, maybe they existed but I never saw them in my local HDs ?)
MisterT
Ridgids trim router came way before Milwaukee or Makita
John Fiesta
Bullshit
Stuart
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/ridgid-cordless-brushless-router/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/makita-brushless-router/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
When in doubt, look at our launch posts and their time stamps. Sorry John, he’s right.
In my Ridgid post I mentioned Ryobi models. But among higher-tier brands, Ridgid came first, then Makita, then Dewalt, and finally Milwaukee. This new Ridgid Octane is a minor update rather than a brand new model.
M
No need to swear CLOWN.
ktash
I’ll be interested to see if the dust port fits the older models. I use my older model mostly for edging, rounding over, etc. One thing, too, is that Home Depot has frequent coupons for credit card holders, plus a $25 bonus when you sign up for a card in store. So that could bring the price down.
I’m happy with my older model, especially in the way it handles. See no need to get this one. The older one does have limited run time, so if I was buying now, I’d probably get this one over the older one. That is unless you have more than one battery. With the longer run time and the dust port, it looks like they tried to fix the two main weaknesses with the cordless router.