After evaluating 10 laminate trimmers, both single-base and multiple-base models, it became clear that several qualities contributed to making a trimmer user-friendly. While none of the trimmers could do everything, the best ones were light enough to use with one hand; had a switch that could be operated with the hand holding the tool; didn’t have to be taken apart for bit changes; gave the user a clear view of the cutting action; didn’t have lots of small parts to get lost; and let the user keep the bit perpendicular to the router base while adjusting the depth of cut. Here’s how the Ryobi fared:

Advantages: The Ryobi is an inexpensive, lightweight, all-plastic unit. The unit was stable and comfortable to hold right-handed. An alternate two-handle base gave me more control when using this router, although it should be used for only light-duty tasks.

Disadvantages: If you hold the tool with your left hand, a wing nut will get in the way. This is the only trimmer that doesn’t have a removable collet, so if it is ever damages, the whole tool will need to be replaced. The motor is held in place with a wing nut that was difficult to tighten and loosen. Even when it was fully tightened, I was able to change the vertical setting by pushing down on the body. 

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