Porter-Cable R161 User Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL
R161 ROUTER

DOUBLE INSULATED

SPECIFICATIONS:

Depth Of Cut 0 - 1-1/2 in. (0 - 38.1 mm)
Collet 1/4 in. (6.4 mm)
Horsepower 1-1/2 HP
Rating 120 Volts, 60Hz, AC Only
Amperes 8.0
No Load Speed 25,000 RPM
Net Weight 7.8 lbs. (3.5 kg)

THANK YOU FOR BUYING A RYOBI ROUTER.

Your new router has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi's high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and
operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.

CAUTION: Carefully read through this entire operator's manual before using your new router.

Pay close attention to the Rules for Safe Operation, Warnings, and Cautions. If you use your router properly and only for what
it is intended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.

Thank you again for buying a Ryobi router.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

■ Table of Contents and Introduction................................................................................................................2

■ Rules for Safe Operation ............................................................................................................................3-5

■ Electrical and Unpacking ...............................................................................................................................6

■ Features .........................................................................................................................................................7

■ Adjustments ................................................................................................................................................8-9

■ Operation ................................................................................................................................................10-14

■ Maintenance............................................................................................................................................14-15

■ Optional Accessories ...................................................................................................................................15

■ Parts Ordering / Service ...............................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION

Your router has many features for making cutting operations
more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and
dependability have been given top priority in the design of
this router making it easy to maintain and operate.

CAUTION:

Carefully read through this entire operator's manual
before using your new router. Pay close attention to the
Rules for Safe Operation and all Safety Alert Symbols
including Danger, Warning, and Caution. If you use your
router properly and only for what it is intended, you will
enjoy years of safe, reliable service.

Page 2

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and the
explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper
accident prevention measures.

SYMBOL MEANING

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL:

Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to others. Always
follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or to others. Always
follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

DOUBLE INSULATION

Your Ryobi power tool is double insulated. This means you
are separated from the tool's electrical system by two complete
sets of electrical insulation. This extra layer of insulation is
intended to protect the user from electrical shock due to a
break in the wiring insulation. All exposed metal parts are
isolated from the internal metal motor components with
protecting insulation. Double insulated tools do not need to
be grounded.

WARNING:

The double insulated system is intended to protect the
user from shock resulting from a break in the tool's
internal wiring. Observe all normal safety precautions
related to avoiding electrical shock.

IMPORTANT

Servicing of a tool with double insulation requires extreme
care and knowledge of the system and should be performed
only by a qualified service technician. For service we suggest
you return the tool to your nearest RYOBI AUTHORIZED
SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servicing use only
identical Ryobi replacement parts.

W ARNING:

Do not attempt to operate this tool until you have read
thoroughly and understand completely all instructions,
safety rules, etc. contained in this manual. Failure to
comply can result in accidents involving fire, electric
shock, or serious personal injury. Save operator's manual
and review frequently for continuing safe operation, and
instructing others who may use this tool.

WARNING:

WEAR

YOUR

SAFETY

FORESIGHT IS BETTER

GLASSES

THAN NO SIGHT

The operation of any router can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety
goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when needed. We recommend
Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields.

Page 3

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

Safe operation of this power tool requires that you read and
understand this operator's manual and all labels affixed to
the tool. Safety is a combination of common sense, staying
alert, and knowing how your router works.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

■ KNOW YOUR POWER TOOL. Read the operator's
manual carefully. Learn the applications and limitations
as well as specific potential hazards related to this tool.

■ GUARD AGAINST ELECTRICAL SHOCK by preventing
body contact with grounded surfaces. For example: pipes,
radiators, ranges, refrigerator enclosures.

■ KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.

■ REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Form

habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches
are removed from tool before turning it on.

■ KEEP THE WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas and
work benches invite accidents.

■ DON'T USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS. Do not
use power tools near gasoline or other flammable liquids,
in damp or wet locations or expose them to rain. Keep
work area well lighted.

■ KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All visitors
should wear safety glasses and be kept a safe distance
from work area. Do not let visitors contact tool or
extension cord.

■ MAKE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF with padlocks,
master switches, or by removing starter keys.

■ DON'T FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it was designed.

■ USE THE RIGHT TOOL. Do not force tool or attachment
to do a job for which it was not designed. Don't use tool
for purpose not intended; for example, a circular saw
should never be used for cutting tree limbs or logs.

■ USE THE PROPER EXTENSION CORD. Make sure
your extension cord is in good condition. When using an
extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry
the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will
cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating. A wire gauge size (A.W.G.) of at least 14 is
recommended for an extension cord 50 feet or less in
length. A cord exceeding 50 feet is not recommended. If
in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the
gauge number, the heavier the cord.

■ WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose clothing,
neckties, or jewelry that can get caught in tool's moving
parts and cause personal injury. Nonslip footwear is
recommended when working outdoors. Wear protective
hair covering to contain long hair and keep it from being
drawn into nearby air vents.

■ STORE IDLE TOOLS. When not in use, tools should be
stored in a high, dry place or locked-up and out of the
reach of children.

■ SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vise to hold work
when practical. It is safer than using your hand and it

frees both hands to operate the tool.

■ DON'T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Do not use on a ladder or unstable support.

■ MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and
clean for best and safest performance. Follow instructions
for lubricating and changing accessories.

■ DISCONNECT ALL TOOLS. When not in use, before
servicing, or when changing attachments, bits, cutters,
etc., all tools should be disconnected from power supply.

■ AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Don't carry plugged-
in tools with finger on switch. Be sure switch is off when
plugging in.

■ USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. The use of
improper accessories may cause risk of injury.

■ CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use of the
tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should be
carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly
and perform its intended function. Check for alignment
of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of
parts, mounting and any other conditions that may affect
its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized
service center unless indicated elsewhere in this
instruction manual.

■ NEVER LEAVE TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED.
TURN POWER OFF. Disconnect all tools when not in

use, before servicing, or when changing attachments,
wheels, etc.

■ DON'T ABUSE CORD. Never carry tool by the cord or

yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from
heat, oil, and sharp edges.

■ PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. Wear a face or dust mask if
operation is dusty.

■ PROTECT YOUR HEARING. Wear hearing protection
during extended periods of operation.

WARNING: Cutter coasts after turn off.

■ ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE
SHIELDS. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-
resistant lenses; they are NOT safety glasses.

■ OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS. When tool is
used outdoors, use only extension cords suitable for
use outdoors. Outdoor approved cords are marked with
the suffix W-A. For example: SJTW-A or SJOW-A.

■ KEEP CUTTERS CLEAN AND SHARP. Sharp cutters
minimize stalling and kickback.

■ KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM CUTTING AREA. Keep
hands away from cutters. Do not reach underneath work
while cutter is rotating. Do not attempt to remove material
while cutter is rotating.

■ NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could occur if
tool is tipped or if the blade is unintentionally contacted.

Page 4

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

■ NEVER USE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE.

Normal sparking of the motor could ignite fumes.

■ INSPECT EXTENSION CORDS PERIODICALLY and
replace if damaged.

■ INSPECT TOOL CORDS PERIODICALLY and if

damaged, have repaired at your nearest authorized
service center. Stay constantly aware of cord location.

■ KEEP HANDLES DRY, CLEAN, AND FREE FROM OIL
AND GREASE. Always use a clean cloth when cleaning.

Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based
products or any strong solvents to clean your tool.

■ STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and use
common sense. Do not operate tool when you are tired.

Do not rush.

■ DO NOT USE TOOL IF SWITCH DOES NOT TURN IT
ON AND OFF. Have defective switches replaced by an

authorized service center.

■ INSPECT FOR and remove all nails from lumber before
routing.

■ DO NOT OPERATE THIS TOOL WHILE UNDER THE
INFLUENCE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL, OR ANY
MEDICATION.

WARNING:

When servicing use only identical Ryobi replacement
parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or
cause product damage.

■ DO NOT USE TOOL UNDER "BROWNOUT" OR
OTHER LOW VOLTAGE CONDITIONS. Also, do not

use with any device that could cause the power supply
voltage to change.

■ POLARIZED PLUGS. To reduce the risk of electric shock,
this tool has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the
other). This plug fits in a polarized outlet only one way. If
the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If
it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install
the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.

■ WHEN USING THIS ROUTER WITH A ROUTER
TABLE, HELP PREVENT POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY
BY KEEPING THE CUTTER GUARDED AT ALL TIMES.

Use only UL listed router tables, with guards, that have
been designed for use on routers that are of this type,
size, and weight.

■ SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them frequently
and use them to instruct other users. If you loan someone
this tool, loan them these instructions also.

WARNING:

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding,
drilling, and other construction activities contains
chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Some examples of these
chemicals are:

• lead from lead-based paints,

• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other

masonry products, and

• arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated
lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on
how often you do this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals, work in a well ventilated
area, and work with approved safety equipment, such
as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter
out microscopic particles.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Page 5

DO NOT EXPOSE
TO RAIN OR USE IN
DAMP LOCATIONS