Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Router Review

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  April 3, 2022
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Working on woods is not as easy as it may look, you have to put a lot of dedication and heart to make it look perfect. Just to help you make your working with wood enjoyable and stress-free, the invention of routers took place.

A router is a device that is used to hollow out spaces on hard materials such as wood or plastic. They are also there to trim or edge the wood pieces you would be working on.

Keeping that in mind, this particular product by Ridgid was made. So much ado let’s start with Ridgid R2401 Review, this is a modernized and advanced product to develop the routing world even more. It offers many different features and properties that would just charm you to purchase it right away as this article ends.

Ridgid-R2401

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Features and Benefits

Before you make any kind of hasty decision to purchase your desired product, it is recommended that you rummage through the features that provide the model with the superior tag.

Rest assured, this machine will make certain you acquire both versatility and strong performance. This article is about to discuss everything you need to know about this router by Ridgid. So that by the end of this article, you can come up with your conclusion if this is your preferred router or not.

Let’s dig deep into the ocean of information, which will convey all the unique and exceptional features and properties in an elaborated manner.

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Design and Operation

The engineers have designed this model with desired simplicity, which ensures a depth control mechanism precisely. There are round and square bases added to the router, which promotes versatility and makes the router even more convenient to use.

Customers have praised it as one of the best they have seen in the market. The locking strap can slide the motor upwards and downwards within the base. If you are likely to do it, you can also remove the whole motor from the base as well.

Once you have had the base reach your preferable depth, just use the micro-adjust dial to make all the adjustments that are required. As the adjust dial is smaller in size, it may need the help of your thumb to make it move.

You will be able to reach your desired depth by now, once you have done it. The next thing you need to do is pivoting the locking strap into a locked situation. This whole mechanism ensures that the base is locked tightly, and that leaves you to just start your routing.

Variable Speed and Soft-Start

A factor that usually depends on the most while smooth routing is the speed. 5.5-amp motor by electronic feedback usually gets delivered to power up the router; it ensures constant speed as well as the power to the bit.

Variable speed motor goes with the range of 20000 to 30000 RPM. With the help of micro depth adjustment dial, the speed can be adjusted easily.

The soft-start feature is also provided with the router. It reduces any kind of unnecessary torque on the motor and eliminates any kind of kickbacks on the startups. In doing so, this feature also ensures no burning occurs on the router.

Round and Square Bases

This factor is an exceptional property of the router, R2401 comes with round and square sub-bases. These bases are super helpful and always comes in handy to use. The square base is useful when it comes to working with a straight edge. However, none of the sub-bases are intended to receive template guides.

It has always been a concern when routing inlays; however, you do not have to worry about this product. The clear polycarbonate base promotes perfect visibility, so you can see the bit without any issue. Moreover, the accuracy of work is confirmed.

Furthermore, there can be some small ports through which dust can be ejected and make your workplace messy. This factor is very common when it comes to trim routers (some more options here). In that case, it is recommended that you keep a vacuum and clean the wood chips often.

Flat Top

Installing the setup for R2401 is easy. All you have to do is install the bit, reduce the spindle lock, slide the bit at the very bottom into the collet, and tighten the collet nut.

The power switch of the router is easy to find, as it is on the regular place where routers usually have their switches. Adjust it to turn on then adjust it to turn off; it is said to be a safe design. Then flipping the tool upside down on its flat top will shut the router off. 

Ridgid-R2401-Review

Pros

  • Round and square bases
  • Micro adjustment dial
  • Flat top
  • Over mold grip
  • Quick-release lever
  • Led lights

Cons

  • Routing can be loud
  • No batteries included

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s look into the frequently asked questions about this product.

Q: Can you make joint biscuit cuts with this router?

Ans: Yes, you can. However, you need to know the right size of the bit along with the appropriate shank. There is a limited amount of depth edge stock of this model; moreover, the biscuits need to be cut shallow anyway. ¼ inches shank would be alright.

Q: What is the height of this tool?

Ans: The dimensions of this router are 6.5 x 3 x 3 inches. So to make a precise calculation, the height would be about 6 or 7 inches.

Q: What is the depth range?

Ans: The depth range is one ¾ inch.

Q: What makes it a “laminate” router? Can it be used to trim regular wood, i.e., round an edge in a 2X2 hardwood?

Ans: This particular model is very easy to handle as it is very small in size. While trimming, laminate does too much power. So it should be good enough to work on the wood’s edges. Moreover, you can also make small cuts if it is required.

Q: Does this tool come with a case?

Ans: Yes, it comes with a very nice zippered soft case, which has a dimension of 9 x 3 x 3 inches.

Final Words

As you have made it to the end of this article, you are now well aware of everything you need to know about this router. It is hoped that this Ridgid R2401 Review has allured you to purchase it right away and start your amazing days in woodworking.

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I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.