Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium Starter Kit with Free 3-1/4" Hand Planer

In the world of power tools, versatility and value for money are often the names of the game. That’s exactly what Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ Lithium Starter Kit with Free 3-1/4" Hand Planer delivers. As someone who regularly works on various DIY projects, I found this kit to be an excellent addition to my collection. The combination of the batteries, charger, and the hand planer makes it an enticing package for both novice and experienced users.

First off, let’s talk about the batteries. The kit includes two lithium batteries – a 4Ah and a 2Ah. These batteries are part of Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ system, which means they are compatible with over 300 products. This kind of compatibility is a huge plus, especially if you already own other Ryobi tools. The batteries come with an LED fuel gauge, which is a handy feature to keep track of the remaining charge. I used the 4Ah battery on a portable pressure washer and an orbital polisher, and it provided a good runtime with sufficient power. The 2Ah battery was equally reliable, though understandably with a shorter runtime.

The charger included in the kit is straightforward and easy to use. However, it does charge a bit on the slower side. This wasn’t a deal-breaker for me, as I have multiple batteries and can rotate them as needed. If you don’t have extra batteries, the slower charging speed might be a minor inconvenience.

Now, onto the star of the show – the 3-1/4" hand planer. This cordless planer is a delight to use, especially for smaller projects. It features an adjustable cutting depth, which allows for precise control over the material removal. The depth of cut maxes out at 1/16", which is adequate for most light to medium-duty tasks. I used it to plane down a window header that was slightly too thick, and it worked flawlessly. The planer operates at 11,000 RPM, ensuring a smooth and clean cut every time.

One of the standout features of the planer is its automatic kickstand, which prevents the blades from damaging the work surface when not in use. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s incredibly convenient and adds to the overall ease of use. The planer also comes with a dust bag and accessory storage, which helps keep the workspace clean and organized.

The blades on the planer are reversible, which is a great feature for extending their lifespan. The installation of the blades is simple – just slide them in and tighten them up. This ease of blade replacement is a thoughtful touch that makes maintenance hassle-free.

In terms of performance, the planer excels in handling smaller projects. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for tasks that require precision and control. However, for more extensive or all-day use, an electric planer might be more suitable. That said, the cordless convenience cannot be overstated. I was able to use the planer on some standing wood pillars without the hassle of managing a power cord.

The overall build quality of the planer is decent. It feels sturdy enough for regular use, though it might not withstand heavy-duty applications as well as some higher-end models. But considering this is part of a starter kit, the value proposition is hard to beat.

From a value perspective, this starter kit is an excellent deal. Getting two batteries, a charger, and a planer for this price is almost unheard of. It’s a fantastic way to expand your toolset without breaking the bank. Plus, the fact that the batteries are compatible with a wide range of Ryobi tools adds even more value.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium Starter Kit with Free 3-1/4" Hand Planer. The combination of versatile batteries, a reliable charger, and a functional hand planer makes it a smart purchase for anyone looking to bolster their toolkit. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional looking for a backup tool, this kit offers excellent performance and value for money. The convenience of the cordless planer and the compatibility of the batteries with other Ryobi tools are significant advantages that make this kit a worthy investment.