Time To Go Cordless? - 18V Router Review - AEG/RIDGID

Trim routers are great little machines but how does the AEG or Ridgid machines measure up?
In this video I review my AEG BOF18BL trim trim router. As far as I can tell this machine is identical to the Ridgid R86044B.
I like the tool but there are one or two small things I am not crazy about.
I was given this machine a few months ago by my channel power tool partner but I was not asked/payed to do this review.
This is my honest opinion about this tool.
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Disclaimer.
All of the videos on this channel are intended for entertainment purposes only.
Should you choose to make or do anything as depicted on this channel you would do so at your own risk.
Woodworking and the use of power tools can be extremely dangerous.
The equipment and methods I use may not work for you as it does for me and by no means do I suggest that my methods of working are correct.
Therefore you should always use your equipment and power tools as instructed by the owner's manual supplied by the manufacturer.
Always use protective gear where applicable and never attempt something you are not comfortable doing.
Your shop safety is YOUR responsibility, so therefore I accept NO responsibility or liability for any injuries or accidents you may have if you attempt to do the things that I do.
Please, stay safe and work smart.

[@julio4771]

Always makes me happy to hear a South African accent.

[@joemehere1151]

Yes, you are right about the AEG/RIDGID just a name difference. I do watch all your videos just to support your little website. I already have the RIDGID router as well s about 15 other RIDGID tools,10 chargers all with lifetime service agreement

[@vernholio]

Really appreciate the review. I own the Ridgid version and I've run into all of the same issues you did... especially the limited space to use the wrench and change bits. Good to know that it's not just me! Keep up the great work!

[@HH-forIAM]

Why did I click on this video? Because YOU made it. Keep them coming at a pace you can manage. 👍

[@austinporco2685]

Review of trim router was informative and highlighted some features I never knew my old corded router had. Thought it coincidence that the brand looked similar to Rigid in North America. That's the international market for you. Thanks again

[@Splits-man]

Great review and a pleasure to watch. We have the same AEG in Australia. When you get a chance to a look at the sub compact range of AEG cordless tools. The cordless drill and impact driver are fantastic. Cheers.

[@j.r.tidwell3318]

Man I watched 4 videos before I subscribed. Great video, I got the dewalt router that has I think the same adjustment. Keep them coming friend, great to watch!!

[@budhorstmeyer9336]

In Atlanta. I have about 20+ Rigid tools that are battery operated. I had purchased the corded version of this router before the cordless came out, but bought that one too. What Ive learned, keep plenty of batteries. We have 4/5/and 6 amp, and about 5 in total. I keep them charged and rotate as I drain one. All in all, every tool I have is great. Nice review.

[@dimarc67]

Great overview! I have the equivalent model of the Ryobi trim router. It's essentially identical, but no speed adjustment. It didn't come with a dust port, but I was able to order the Ridgid dust port, which fit perfectly on the Ryobi.

[@kwilliams2239]

Freud/Diablo: They're marketed af Freud Diablo in the US. Freud also markets non- Diablo blades.

[@stupac10]

awesome helped me decide.

[@terrycarl6672]

I have the milwaukee router and love it ...however I am the diehard fan and watch all your videos

[@Toyotajunkie]

Good review!

[@HedgeMaster26]

I have this very trim router, i'm American; so it is the Ridgid version. I do like it, I think that being it is the cordless version there is plenty of power and it can handle a variety of tasks that most woodworkers could throw at it. I will say for heavy duty things like making tracks or large, deep cuts; nothing replaces the higher horsepower corded routers. Great review.

[@raymitchell9736]

You did a great product review... I completely get the gist of the tool and capability, Here in the U.S. I suspect Rigid is the comparable brand, if not the same. I also have a trim router (Milwaukee 18V) and a regular plunge router/table (Bosch AC Power) I like them both for obviously separate tasks, very handy to have in the shop. For some critique in presentation, and not meant to be disrespectful, I think your demos would help if you said what it was you were about to do before making the cuts... I could see the bit in the router and knew what was going to happen. Another thing I felt was left out was a talk about the depth of cut; you foreshadowed that it is not as powerful as your Titian, so that would be the best place to talk about the adjustments to the speed and/or depth of cut... and how you'd use the depth feature with the fence to make multiple passes to deepen the cut. Clearly you have to baby it a bit more... but some pointers would be appreciated, heck I'm sure I'd pick up a tip or two even though I don't have the same brand of trim router. At any rate, I am a fan of your channel, I love the innovations and clever use of small spaces... Cheers!

[@kronographer]

Am from Texas. Can relate to the shoddy power grid..

[@SteveMonk1956]

Well, I already have two routers, I am not looking for another but like the look of this one but it is probably out of my price range. So, it looks as though I am one of your diehard fans that watches every video you do :-) I also enjoy them all, keep them coming. Thank you.

[@AwestruckOffRoadingHertz]

Of course this is the one comment this guy "loved". Fuck I can't stand these cringe YT channels.

[@theskyehiker]

@@AwestruckOffRoadingHertz Quit watching if you don’t like it.

[@AwestruckOffRoadingHertz]

@@theskyehiker literally did just that

[@MD-en3zm]

I think the AEG and Ridgid are the same, but Freud and Diablo are both sold in the states. Freud is the industrial/professional line, while Diablo is the lower end, for rougher work and not the same quality.

[@PrimalEdge]

already have one, just a die hard fan!

[@rogerlareau7621]

Thanks for the info I already have two trim routers one corded one cordless so I really don't need another one right now but you gave me enough good information that when I do need one I will definitely look into the rigid version of this so thanks for all the info.

[@nickyvanzyl8978]

That is a seriously nice trim router. I have a Ryobi trim router which I have abused for the last 11 years and it is still going strong. But the AEG trim router have great features.

[@nickyvanzyl8978]

@@WooodshopJunkies great news wow. Thank you. I have sent you a message on Telegram. 😀😀😀

[@nickyvanzyl8978]

Hi Jean. I also sent a message to you from Facebook as the Telegram message does not through. Thank you and enjoy your day.

[@rotorhawg8052]

LOL, Before you said it, I was thinking - don't need another router -just watch all of your video's. Keep up the great work!! Total sidebar: when I first found your channel, I told the wife that I thought you looked a kin to John Snow from Game of Thrones 😁

[@MCsCreations]

Awesome review, Jean! Thanks! 😃 That's a pretty good router indeed! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@patrickweckermann9121]

I own both the Dewalt and Makita trim routers. They are equally annoying when it comes to changing router bits. Sometimes its easier to just remove the base to change bits. At least it only requires one wrench unlike my older Bosch router.

[@gregmislick1117]

Die-hard fan - and you are welcome ! I agree that the AEG tools and the Home Depot RIGID brand tools appear to be the same tools. I noticed this about 6 months ago but never had them side by side to compare. Does the AEG router have an optional plunge base for it?

[@Ebikelover]

Diehard fan here who watches every video, really great review Jean, Seems like you covered everything.

[@MrPatdeeee]

As Always...our genius takes us to a cordless router. And as always, he minces no words. And tell is like it is. Making him one of his great persons on KZbin. Thank you kind Sir. And remember We 💘 you. always.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I have a porter cable router I bought 30 years ago it works every time I plug it in! For the cost of a router and how often it is used cordless is not a good option for many! Yes I have a portable DC powered drill and driver I have had for six years still hanging in there. But it will not last 30 years. And latter down the road batteries will not be available. Been there done that with a Makita drill.

[@trevorsims9334]

Love the review. I haven’t been a fan of AEG personally. More that I’ve settled on two battery systems already. Bosch and Makita. I went with the Makita unit. It comes in a full carry case system, includes three bases and the usual fence etc. It is a beast but appears a bit lighter than the AEG or at least has less bulk. Has been an awesome unit. Wasn’t sure about the tilt base till I used it and wow it was great. Includes dust collection, which I’m a bit lazy and don’t use, just throw on the dust mask. Thanks again.

[@andrewknots]

Very similar to the Ryobi, but that has a dust port rather than a bag

[@tammyfinch5469]

You're welcome. You're very informative and clever w/ your builds.

[@rogerweaver7686]

Possibly comment on noise level compared to corded?

[@terryclarke8300]

Yes AEG/RIGID are the same. Ryobi and Milwaukee are also made by the same company.

[@mcboomsauce7922]

the price difference comes from glass fiber reinforcement in the plastics, battery balancing computers, heat dissipation in the speed controller, bearing tolerances and other small gizmoids most of my tools are rigid/AEG totally contractor grade but for the cordless tools I use EVERY day, I got milwaukee for corded tools I go makita milwaukee tools have probably the best actual batteries in terms of power/time but makita batteries drain quickly but last forever makita is usually the top-notchest of tools out there, but their battery life isnt great however....dont go buy the worlds most expensive power tool just to be a homeowner nothing wrong with ryobi if you're a hobbyist or a homeowner, beats using your teeth for damn sure

[@shawnr771]

Good review. I do not use a router very often. i have had a corded trim router for about 2 years and very rarely use it. I like battery powered tools as they are immensely handy. Not having to drag a cord or in some cases run a generator on remote sites that do not have easy access to electricity is a plus.

[@mcboomsauce7922]

I use this router for door hinge and lock hasps I wouldn't use it all day on heavy wood but....for mobile small jobs where you don't want to drag out the big muscle, its great but for extended shop-use tools, I almost always go with plug-in-makitas they are excellent quality for the price where ai live

[@ammatlock]

I also augmented my fence with a block of wood and a pin to create an adjustable circle cutting jig. Have to turn fence upside down and put holes in the wood block for the fence rails to pas through. I would love to see your take on that idea.

[@c.a.g.1977]

Nice review! I am one of the die hard fans, I watch just about anything you put out, haha! I bought the Makita RT0700CX3J a while ago, it's a bit of an allrounder I guess. Serves me pretty well, but I am looking for a stationary router to put in a router table. Don't know if I should go for an allrounder as well, or as you put it, a powerhouse. Any thoughts on this?

[@cindyharrison4191]

Does it come with the battery?

[@robertgeorge9694]

Another awesome video!!! Out of curiosity, what is your native language? Your accent seems like Afrikaans, not Zulu. Thank you for the video!

[@WoodshopJunkies]

I am Afrikaans.

[@tomowens2720]

Same as Ridgid tools, made in the factory like Freud blades. I haven't seen you use the big table saw you restored. What's the story there?

[@WoodshopJunkies]

I'm planning on making the switch when I take apart my bench and re-organizing my shop. I also decided to dump the fence so I need a replacement.

[@motheotshule1242]

I cannot find this in SA

[@mikelastname]

How are you finding using such a lightweight tool with such a heavy battery? I find this is the biggest drawback with cordless tools - all the batteries you accumulate so you don't run out of power, and their weight when using the tool.

[@Jettaheizer]

As far as I see in this video, the router comes without battery and charger. Is there a set including these two components?

[@WoodshopJunkies]

Not that I am aware of. It is purchased separately.

[@clickster1883]

Here in the U.S., Ridgid is a Home Depot brand of tools, tho Home Depot also sells Ryobi tools. I mention this because the trim router you review in this video is *very* similar to the Ryobi cordless trim router I recently bought and began using on shop projects, save for a few small differences: the On/Off switch is in a different location, the Ryobi is not variable speed, and it didn’t come w that adjustable fence guide. Otherwise everything is the same, including its performance. I’ve found it to work fine for the small jobs I’ve used it for (chamfers, roundovers). One day I plan to upgrade to the 18v DeWalt, but for now this one is fitting the bill just fine!

[@kwilliams2239]

I have the Ryobi trim router but also a Bosch Colt for some more power. I also have a couple of Festools, so each tool has its place.

[@mergalinpillay2413]

Hi Jean. Good review.would have liked to have seen template routing capabilities and other functions. On secondary issue , where does one purchase a triton 1400w router in za A

[@WoodshopJunkies]

I got mine a couple of years ago. More recently I have heard some of the guys mention that they can be tricky to track down locally. Your best bet would probably be specialized power tool distributors.

[@wolfgollnitz899]

I heard that Vermont stopped importing Triton

[@madani7800]

Nice review, i guess with loadshedding, cordless isnt a bad idea

[@DebsHill1]

i have this AEG router. not a bad little router. i mainly use for roundovers, as feel its under powered to do much else. have found it easy to use. however i am not a fan of AEG customer service, to the point i now only own this AEG tool. it might be a New Zealand related issue. but isolating to this tool, its a great piece of kit.

[@normandhalv]

Boer repulicks? Maybe im far of. Im Just from the artic sircel

[@lukedixon3371]

Does it come with a battery

[@WoodshopJunkies]

As far as I know it is sold as a bare unit only. Mine is.

[@normandhalv]

South africa?

[@Splits-man]

Are you a South African? I never would’ve picked it. 😂😂👍😉🇦🇺

[@quintusvandermerwe4138]

Everything at Takelot except a trim router

[@ammatlock]

I have the US version and find it easier to take the base off for bit changes.

[@pinkytaylor5845]

How did it fit in your hand? As a woman, I find a lot of tools are made for people with a greater reach. Or does it matter? It kind of looked like it had a hard on/off switch, but couldn't tell.

[@Jaws677]

Pity they are not available in South Africa

[@WoodshopJunkies]

They are. I placed a link in the video description.

[@Zamboni-0805]

Freud blades are sold in the US too. To the best of my knowledge, The both are made by the same manufacturer. Freud is the better of the two blades (much better). Diablo blades are cheaper and of less quality for the budget woodworker.

[@Fangoryn]

I have it for 2 years now. You are doing the bit change wrong. Move base all the way and you can acces collet from the top. After bit changing you have to set the depth anyway

[@donsoper9583]

You didn’t remove the head, it’s really a draw back

[@mrmjspencer]

AEG is RIDGID in the US and AEG also manufacturers MILWAUKEE tools 🤯

[@mitziseyfferdt3866]

🤣😂🤣

[@bigdinsa656]

I have been a "diehard" fan for a while, but if the channel is going to be turning into an Infomercial, count me gone. Too many good channels have devolved into advertisers, not my cup of tea.

[@jothain]

Useless. Just get corded ones instead of top heavy battery models.

[@pjmosi4686]

this comment will get deleted

[@kobusduvenage7109]

Nope makita still better