Ryobi has introduced a new Hobby Station, model RHS01, for use with select corded and cordless rotary tools.
Most rotary tool workstations on the market have much simpler designs, such as Dremel’s drill press station. The new Ryobi Hobby Station looks to take things to a whole new level.
Ryobi RHS01 Hobby Station Features
- Telescoping tool hanger
- Cord management
- Keyless tool change
- Drill press lever
- 2-inch drilling depth gauge
- Adjustable height
- Adjustable tool angle (up to 90°)
- Reversible baseplate
- Routing fence
- Built-in dust management with 1-7/8″ vacuum adapter
- Accessory storage
- Benchtop mounting holes
Ryobi Hobby Station Vertical Operation
The Hobby Station allows tools to be oriented vertically, for sanding, cutting, or precision drilling operations.
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The base has x-shaped slots for drill bit clearance and possibly 3rd party work-holding clamps or fixtures.
It also comes with a removable “routing fence,” which I suppose can be used for grooving and maybe even edge-routing applications.
Ryobi Hobby Station Angled Operation
The tool holder can also be rotated up to 90°, for angled or horizontal operation.
Ryobi Hobby Station Dust Collection
The baseplate is reversible, with x-shaped slots on one side and a downdraft table on the other. This allows for dust collection during sanding or other such operations.
If this feature works well, it could be a big deal for a lot of users who might otherwise have to source, use, and store separate dust containment accessories.
The 1-7/8″ vacuum adapter is located on the left side of the base.
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Ryobi Hobby Station Compatibility
At this time, the Ryobi RHS01 will be compatible with (4) models of rotary tools:
- TVM01 – cordless 12V Max
- FVM51 – USB Lithium
- RRT200 – corded 1.4A
- RRT100 – corded 1.2A
Price and Availability
Price: $99
ETA: Available Now
The Hobby Station is available exclusively at Home Depot.
Discussion
$99 seems a little steep for a rotary tool accessory, but the Ryobi Hobby Station looks to offer a lot more capabilities than all of the other rotary tool workstations currently on the market.
There are separate drilling/vertical workstations on the market, as well as mini router table accessories. The Ryobi Hobby Station looks to offer beyond the functionality of these types of separate attachments.
The built-in dust management – the downdraft table – could be a big deal for users that prefer to work in a cleaner environment.
This looks to be the ultimate rotary tool workstation.
It seems that Ryobi has been on a mission to take over the hobby, crafting, and maker tool space. At this pace, it won’t be long before Bosch’s Dremel brand starts to sweat – if this hasn’t made them nervous already.
Greg
Damn, I really like the look of that. Shame there isn’t a Dremel adapter.
John
There will be one soon enough on Thingiverse for you to print. 😁
fwc
adapter could be made
Tim B.
As Greg said, it is a shame it isn’t a little more ‘universal’…. And does seem to have some nice features. Wonder how the quality of it is. Have a Proxxon Micromot drill stand that has been my go-to for a long time, but it is also pretty limited in what tools it can use (though I have adapted it in some ways with 3d-printing, etc), but it also lacks what looks like some useful features the Ryobi has.
Anson
For many years I had a little rotary/drill stand from craftsman, and I’ve been missing it since I passed it on. It’s been a serious case of not knowing I would miss it until it’s gone.
The craftsman was terrible for re-aligning the rotary/drill after mounting/un-mounting. But it was great for a pick up throw in car, make holes with kids.
This looks to be the right size/weight for a portable drill small holes setup. It’s certainly what I’ll be comparing other offerings to as I’m looking.
MT
99 bucks is a little steep, but this seems to exactly solve my problem of needing a small drill press without needing to buy and store an actual drill press. Hmm…
Also, depending on how the rotary tools are actually secured in this thing, we might be seeing 3D-printable adapters showing up in Thingiverse et al before too long.
John Deavers
Yeah ,what about us that do not have 3D printers
KB
Get it printed online for a nominal cost, have it done at your local library with a makerspace, or bring it to a techie friend’s house like everyone else without a 3d printer?
Allen M
That is both correct and ignorant at the same time. Believe it or not many, many people do not live in an area with a library that has those services available and many more do not have a “friend”nearby buy with a 3d printer. They are not that common place yet unless you are in your own universe of friends that think like you.
KB
A lot of libraries have 3d printers at this point unless it’s a small rural location. And home 3d printers are like $250+ so it’s not like you have to be Elon Musk to own one (especially if you and your “like minded” friends are already dropping $99 on what is essentially an accessory for a hand tool), but fine…you can still get it 3d printed online for a reasonable cost. Stop pretending we’re talking about something that requires a CNC machine.
KB
Hell, if all else fails and you don’t want to use a legit online printing service (Digikey even has one) you can go on reddit and see if someone in a sub will print it for you… Yup, that’s a thing.
/r/3dprintmything
MM
Looks a lot more capable than most of the Minicraft and Proxxon versions I’ve seen over the years, but at the same time more limited. Many years ago I had a Proxxon set I bought in Europe which you could configure into a drill press, router, lathe, and probably some other configurations I’ve long forgotten. It was all metal as well.
I certainly wouldn’t call it the ultimate rotary tool workstation without the qualifier that it’s for hobbyists though.
Stacey Jones
Looks very cool and I’ll probably get one. What other types of tools would this make sense to work with besides rotary tools?
Jared
Wow. That’s quite the unit!
I don’t think I need something like this given that I have a pretty extensive suite of benchtop tools – yet the idea of holding an adjustable base for a rotary tool is somewhat appealing.
It’s not compatible with the flexshaft cordless rotary tool?
Also – in that “Ryobi Cordless Rotary Tool Collection as of Q1 2022” photo – are there two MORE cordless rotary tools I didn’t hear about?? I’m looking at the two straight up form the cordless cutter/shear on the right hand side.
Maybe those aren’t cordless – but the photo kind of makes them look that way.
Jared
Gee whiz – there’s a bunch of Ryobi cordless rotary tools! I had no idea.
I have the P460. There’s also:
– PRT100b “precision” one+
– PCL480B Rotary tool station
– PBLRT01B Brushless One+ HP
The P460 and PCL480B look very similar – I assume the latter will be a replacement model. Still, that’s four current rotary tools for the one+ platform.
TonyT
I think those are the 4V USB ones mentioned a month or two ago
Jared
They’re not! The ones I listed are for the 18v one+ system.
If you consider how many corded, cordless, 4v, 18v, etc, rotary tools Ryobi has – it’s a lot.
Here’s a link to the brushless 18v one for example:
https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/33287201228
Saulac
I share the consensus that wishing the mounting mechanism is more universal, but I hope the “compatible” mounting is presice and easy. Look to be just threaded collar…so there is hope for adaptations. My experiences with those old school mountings that supposed to accommodate all drills…has not been positive. Ability to turn side way or upside down (?) will be a strong selling point as it works as 3rd hand tool holder beside as drill press. If there is way to mount the awesome M12 die grinder…and increase the throat deep…
MM
I’ve held the M12 die grinder in a vise before. I cut two pieces of scrap wood so they were shaped like the handle just under the motor and used those to pad the vise jaws. I used a rubber band to hold the throttle down and a piece of a wood door shim slid under it to adjust the speed.
As for the throat depth, you can get long-shank tools, for example:
https://www.falcontool.com/PublicStore/product/Long-Shank-Carbide-Burs,165,263.aspx
You could also get a 1/4 inch collet extension meant for a router.
…but you have to be careful with any of those long tools because it can put a lot of slide load on the bearings in the grinder. All that extra length provides a lot of leverage. Whenever I use those I find myself using one hand on the grinder and the other, wearing a thick leather glove, to hold the shank of the tool bit as it spins. I don’t grab the shank hard, I just try and support it to provide more control over the bit and reduce the chance of it kicking back.
Adam
If this lacks the ability to work with existing dremel tools or clones, like the M12 rotary tool, I think Ray will be did a big disservice. It would have been an excellent way to get some people into the Ryobi platform if they already have that tool.
Milwaukee didn’t go out and make some different collar size, they use the same one as Dremel
schill
This looks a lot nicer than my (very) old Dremel drill press. I have a dedicated Proxxon drill press, but this looks like a good complement to it.
I think I’ll give it a try – but I don’t see the actual tools available right now.
If the vacuum they show in the picture is the one I have, which I really like, it’s very loud to have on the bench to p.
schill
I expect it’s compatible with more than just the listed tools. Otherwise, I don’t really see the reason for the tool hanger. They don’t seem to use it for cord control, and as shown it probably wouldn’t be useful for that anyway. Maybe it will work with some tool with a hanging motor and flex shaft.
JoeM
The Dremel Workstation has a solid aluminum base, larger jig slots, plus a centre post hole, and rotates 180 degrees, not 90. It has tool storage at the top of the pole, with holes for accessories.
As to dust collection, router setups, and so on, the clamping system on the Dremel is able to be clamped, magnetized, bolted to, and mounted with, any kind of jig you might need for working with it. The key to that statement is that they didn’t make it for you, all it needs is for you to use the bolt slots, and bolt-down tabs, to put as large, or small, a base on the base itself. The entire main plunging system is able to move the entire distance of the base station vertically, and 360 degrees around the pole.
Then there’s the compatibility: The Dremel has a standard Attachment Nut that fits the majority of brands, including Proxxon, and as mentioned before, Milwaukee. It’s Tool-Agnostic. And the “Cord Management” ammounts to just some clips to hold the cord in a safe position while it’s plugged in, should you need a cord. Otherwise, there’s nothing on board that truly stops you from saying “When unplugged, wrap it around here.”
Now… the price… When I bought mine, it was 10 years ago, they had just changed the design to the Workstation instead of Drill Press, and it was $50 CAD. Add on the price of the bolts they list in the manual, and that’s an extra… $3? If that?
Appearances alone are very deceiving on this Ryobi. Even assuming everything is built for you, converting to CAD to match my pricing for my workstation 10 years ago? The Ryobi is $130 CAD, for a device that is offering you everything in one package, when a $50 Dremel equivalent offers more universal adaptability, and a more solid, durable construction.
Sure, if the Ryobi rotary tools can’t work in any other workstation but this one? The gun is kinda to your head to get it at full price/on sale if you’re lucky. But if they actually fit the Dremel workstation, it pays for itself after the first jig you make for it. The first time you just grab a hose clamp, and a bolt, and you have dust collection solved. The first time you clamp in a specialty vise, because it makes no difference to the workstation what you mount to it… The Dremel pays for itself. It isn’t limited to a single design, like the Ryobi.
Reminds me of the old saying… “Jack of all Trades, Master of None.” The Ryobi is definitely a Jack, but the Dremel is a Master at what it does.
KB
The Dremel Workstation in drill press mode can’t even drill a straight hole properly, which makes it worthless at any price. There is horizontal travel of the drill bit during the vertical travel because they seemingly couldn’t be bothered to take care during manufacturing. I’m surprised to see anyone recommending that and would definitely be willing to pay more for this Ryobi if it works properly (Ryobi hasn’t let me down before so no reason to doubt them now).
KB
Perhaps things were different 10 years ago but the current ($50-ish) Dremel Workstation has 90 degrees of rotation, not 180 as you say.
Also, just about everyone hates it. So while yours may be nice, we unfortunately cannot go buy the 10 yo design today.
J
Neither can this one. Got it yesterday, and it’s going back tomorrow.
Perry
That quote is not what you think, the full quote is:
“a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” it was originally meant to be a compliment to those with a breadth of skill and knowledge, and that it may be better than a depth of knowledge in one area.
The ryobi unit is going to be aimed at the average Joe who is into a little bit of crafting/DIY and likes the features it has. Like KB said below, the Dremel unit doesn’t seem to be the same anymore as what you’ve described. I looked at it in a woodworking store and wasn’t impressed with it. I could see myself buying the ryobi unit if it is stable
Plain grainy
I guess $99 isn’t bad considering how prices have been rising! Home Depot just increased the Flexvolt 6ah 2 pack batteries price. Was $179.00, now it jumped to $259.00. Almost $130 per battery. You can buy the 4 pack for around $367, which drops the per battery price to around $91. Acme is also at $259 for the 2 pack. You don’t see a lot of bundled Flexvolt batteries lately from what i’ve seen.
Franck B.
Looks useful, but I just bought the P460 and it doesn’t really have an attachment point (unless it was just clamped). On the other hand, it would be possible to replace the cabled portion. But I would see the benefit of a corded tool to use in this workstation.
Shawn Y
Strange that the construction of the press looks almost identical between this and the Dremel (Ryobi being TTi’s and Dremel being Bosch’s): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00068P48O
Maybe there’s only a number of ways to make a pivoting drill press. Either way, my Dremel Workstation is currently in my “put up on eBay” box. It has an amazing amount of slop w miniature drill bits. Precision is pretty important in scale models. I’ve looked up forums to see if I missed something or if there’s a fix and the consensus is always get the Proxxon.
I did and it works as solidly as one would expect. This Ryobi, w its similar construction, may or may not have fixed the slop issue but that gigantic footprint for a hobby tool really is a huge negative.
AlexK
Does anyone else have opinions about this based in their use of the Dremel and/or Proxxon work station? The Ryobi looks great, but is there going to be play when drilling, as Shawn just remarked about the Drexel and choose the Proxxon? It seems substantial compared to the others, but I would like to have the option of using my Dremel. And when will a m12 fuel rotary come out? I had bought the m12 and a collet broke off and I couldn’t remove it (long after warranty expired). My only Milwaukee tool that has had an issue, so I’m not complaining, much. Never had any real issues with my old Dewalt xrp kit, or any of my Ryobi and Ridgid. Maybe I lucked out, or just take care of my tools. Or talk tools more than actually using them?
R H
This screams pinewood derby car to me. Anyone else get that vibe?
Bob
This looks like the adult version of a kids toy all in one work shop.
There is obviously a market for it though. Some guys LOVE those rotary tools. Don’t get me wrong they definitely have a place but I see some crazy stuff like cutting a 2 x 4 or polishing a truck rim with a Dremel??? I guess if that’s all you know and that’s all you have.
$100 is better spent buying a vise. It’s a core shop tool. You need one anyway. Good excuse to buy one now. You can get a serviceable import or better yet look for a used old one. Use it to clamp your rotary tool for sanding. Attach a fence and clamp in vise for a router table. Clamp part in vise and practice with your regular hand drill to get better at “precision drilling”.
Plain grainy
There’s the Rockler drill guide that can include a vise.
Shawn Y
It’s definitely on my to-buy list but $300 or $255 w a 15% coupon is pretty hefty for a tool attachment. It also isn’t a replacement for Dremel sized projects. https://www.rockler.com/rockler-portable-drill-guide-with-vise
Plain grainy
The price of lumber is taking my hobby projects down to Dremel size.
King duck
No idea about this but I want the cordless magnifying light
Plain grainy
It has 2.25 magnifier, with a 5.0 magnifier spot. Two light settings of 500/ 250 lumens. Will run over 20 hours on low with 4.0ah battery. Has table top/ arm rest clamp. $39.97!
MightyMk
I would personally go into the store and check the housing first! From my experience with the Dremel workstation, I was excited to use it till I screwed it to the unit there was so much movement and I just had no confidence for any length of use, I just think it was going to snap off with just an ounce of pressure!
So when I see this Ryobi I see the same thing.
Buyer beware!
John
Will the Milwaukee M12 fit?
Stuart
I don’t know, but I do plan on testing various brands of rotary tools once I get my hands on a test sample.
John
Thank you. Looking forward to it.
schill
Referring to the tools themselves, instead of the hobby station, one thing I haven’t seen anywhere is the ability to use small drill bits. The station is intended, among other things, to be used as a drill press. But it looks like all of the tools only come with 1/8″ collets. Without multiple collet inserts or a chuck it will make using drill bits a lot more difficult. It will require small drill bits with 1/8″ shafts, which are available, but not as readily as a simple 1/16″ bit, for example.
Also, does anyone know if there have been any real reviews of the tools? All of the ones on the Home Depot and Ryobi sites are from tools given for free for review and all the ones I read are absolutely glowing.
Kevin Heath
Be nice to have all those but the price stop’s me