Replies

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Nov 29, 2006 08:15pm | #1

   Ron,
   Laminate trimmers are a great addition to your workship! I use mine, a Ridgid, all the time.

   But by the time you're done repacking the Grizzly, paying to send it back, and losing your original shipping costs, it will cost you about $25 for nothing.

1. 
   rjones69 | Nov 29, 2006 08:20pm | #2

   Good point!, Besides the "El Cheap O" the other two I was considering were the Ridgid and the Bosch.  How has the Ridgid worked out for you?  I currently have the 2 1/4 hp Ridgid and it has worked out pretty well.

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Nov 29, 2006 08:47pm | #3

   I was considering the Bosch and the Ridgid. I will say that the Bosch is a bit more refined. It has better depth controls, and bit changes are easier on the Bosch. However, I don't have any problem setting the depth on my Ridgid. Bit changes can be a buit clunky, but I don't find it a major issue. One advantage of the Ridgid is that it comes with all the edge guides for about $100. I think the Bosch is more like $175 with all the attachments.I've used the Ridgid for various projects and really like it a lot. I've mortised door hinges with it, cut intricate grooves for various craft projects, and other times when I need to "sneak up" on a routing operation. Strangely, the one thing I haven't used it for is laminate trimming!The Ridgid is comfortable to use, has good visibility, and it's really versatile.A laminate trimmer is one of those tools that, once you have it, you wonder how you got along without it!The Ridgid is enough for me, but if you can spend the extra money, the features of the Bosch might appeal to you.

   Edited 11/29/2006 12:48 pm ET by MatthewSchenker

1. 
   rjones69 | Nov 29, 2006 11:06pm | #4

   Matthew,

   How much do you use the edge guides?

   Thanks so much for your input!

   RJ

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Nov 30, 2006 12:58am | #5

   I use the straight-edge guide all the time. The wheeled guide, not so much.Quite often, I set up my own guides. Or I don't use a guide at all. The great thing about a laminate trimmer is that you can slowly sneak up on a spot.

2. 
   forestgirl | Nov 30, 2006 01:53am | #6

   I would pass right over Grizzly when it comes to small power tools.  If you're looking at laminate trimmers, it might be useful to take a look at this review.  The link takes you to his "conclusions" page, but on this page you'll find good info about the different options available in various trim routers.

   Alot seems to depend on whether you'd actually be using it as a laminate trimmer, or simply as a light detail router.  What bases to get, for instance.  The Rigid seems pretty limited in that respect.

   I love having a LT around (the PC in my case).  It's fussy to set the bit depth, but it's handy when making multiples that require more than one router treatment, doing small detail work and the like.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/30/2006 12:23 am by forestgirl

1. 
   justinh | Dec 01, 2006 04:31pm | #7

   I recently saw the VS Bosch model at Lowes for $119.  That only included the straight guide and none of the accessory bases.  At prices like that buy a couple.  They are inexpensive enough to dedicate to small bits.  I have an older model Bosch that I leave set up with a 1/16" roundover bit for easing edges and a single speed Colt that I keep set up with a bearing guided hinge bit for strike and latch.

   Matthew is correct about being able to sneak up on a cut.  I use the VS Colt for free hand work all the time when making a template would take 2x as long as making the cut.  It's great for odd ball hardware where you can cut out most of the waste with the router and finish with a chisel.  The small size makes it easy to control even if you use your finger along an edge as a guide.  I used it last week to tweak mortises in the backs of risers to allow for lights.  The variable speed makes stuff like this seem easier although that could just be my imagination.  With pattern and flush trim bits they make cuts in tight spaces that the base of a regular router wouldn't allow.  This week I used it to cut off the 3/16" overhangs on two cabinets to allow a stove to fit in its openning.  On the same job I used it with a pattern bit to cut off the center rails on 4 cabinets that the architect/ designer ordered incorrectly using a clamped piece of MDO as a straight edge and wasting the 1/16" left over from the saw cut slowly. He looked like he knew what he was doing and I got the job done and got paid. The only thing it is missing on these tool is an LED light to make it easier to see what you're doing. The Makita has one but the base is plastic.

   Not to long ago I used it with a rotaty rasy to enlarge several through bores on old doors to allow some oddly sized european hardware to fit.  I've used it with a slot cutter (slowly and with much hesitation) to cut biscuit slots in window jambs where I couldn't fit a biscuit joiner or fasten a straight edge for the joiner to follow.  It worked and I still have 10 intact fingers.

   With an offset base and a plywood spacer they are a good solution for trimming plugs like Gary Striegler did in the Kreg video.

   I personally would skip the Grizzley and go with the Bosch.  The Rigid scores well but if it had to be repaired you'd have to deal with Home Depot and I've never walked away from there completely satisfied with any of their services.  The Porter Cable is also a good tool and they offer several production models with more power that look interesting.

   Justin

1. 
   rjones69 | Dec 01, 2006 05:07pm | #8

   Well after my last dealing with HD I think the Ridgid is pretty much out and the Bosch in:)  Based on these posts, I imagine I will wonder how I ever got along without it:)

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Dec 01, 2006 05:16pm | #9

   I don't like dealing with Home Depot either, so I guess I am taking my chances with this!I'm sure you'll be satisfied with the Bosch. They make great tools.

2. 
   highfigh | Dec 01, 2006 07:47pm | #10

   I have used the Bosch laminate trimmer quite a bit and it is a good tool. Easy to handle and changing bits is a piece of cake. There was a laminate trimmer review in a popular magazine fro woodworkers (get it?) in June, 2006. It's the cover with someone nailing a Shaker wall cabinet together.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Dec 01, 2006 08:09pm | #11

   Easy bit changing was the one feature of the Bosch that almost made me get that one. I liked the quick-change system.

1. 
   highfigh | Dec 02, 2006 12:51am | #12

   the ones I have used used two wrenches- one goes in at the top of the motor to immobilize it and the other one loosens the collett. It can be done with one hand, really.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

2. 
   MatthewSchenker | Dec 02, 2006 12:58am | #13

   Yes, that's the system I use as well.But some routers have a quick-change system. The Bosch trim router has this. It does reduce time and effort.