Replies

1. 
   dhpascoe | Jun 26, 2002 03:17pm | #1

   Don, I've had the same thought many times. I find many tasks for which  even a medium sized router is far too big. With so many routers out there, I often wonder why they are all more or less the same.

   I'd like to see one where the bit is not centered under a huge casing, but is offset so that the bit can be seen as it is cutting like when you want to cut shallower grooves or for inlays.

   Hopefully someone has an answer.

   Dave

2. 
   Upraiser | Jun 26, 2002 04:52pm | #2

   Don

   I came to the same conclusion a few years ago and purchased the Dewalt kit.  It is very handy.  I use it for rounding over, trimming applied edges and free hand routing for hinges etc.

   I never tried to put on a clear base since the ones that came with it work fine for all the things I have used it for.

   BTW, it seems to find more uses than I had orginally planned.

   I find that I tend to get a bit close to the thing so be sure to wear ear and eye protection.

   The other thing I found was the base needs to have good adjustment up and down.  The Dewalt had the distance I needed, but I had to take it apart and work over some of the slides, knobs etc. to make it work smoother and easier. I am happy with it now.

   I got mine mail order, it would have been better to try out the different bases, adjustments at the local home center and perhaps paid a bit more and be more satisfied with the "system".   

   My wood working professional friend uses the Bosch system due to the mechanical parts of the different bases.

   Curt

3. 
   JohnP532000 | Jun 26, 2002 07:19pm | #3

   I tried this without thinking about it too much because my router was mounted in a table and seemed too large for 6 hinge mortises I needed on a mission style bookcase.  I had a Roybi laminate trimmer that looked right and convinced myself to try it.  It turned out great.  The size made it easy to maneuver.  The key was the 3/8" plywood jig made so the trimmer base ran on the inside edges.  After checking it all on some scrap I made the 6 mortises without any problems.  You do get closer to watch the cut so the safety glasses are a must.  With such a small base, about 3 - 4 inches you have to be careful about holding the trimmer vertical.  I will use this method for other small jobs.

4. 
   Hempstalk | Jun 26, 2002 09:01pm | #4

   I'm with Dave.  The 310 is an excellent laminate trimmer.  Although I haven't looked at any of the new offering out there.  If it ain't broken don't fix it.  Funny thing is although this is a laminate trimmer I've never trimmed laminate with mine.  It comes with an indestructible base that will take all the guide collars.  Which is very handy at times.  Even though guide collars are nice the base is brutal for sight of the bit.  I instantly made an additional base of clear plexi.  This made a huge difference.  The base is about 5" by 7" which may seem a little large at first.  I thought so too but after using if for three years now I can honestly say it's just about right.  One of the other reasons for a lager base is because of the way I use the trimmer.  I frequently clamps it upside down in my tail vise and use it as a mini router table.  Perfect for detailing small pieces.  Nothing I would try with my 3HP Makita.  I also use many roundovers in my style of furniture and the large base helps.  You can keep a large portion on the work and resist tipping.  I've also used it to do stringing and route cavities for inlays.  This is one of those tools you will find a million uses for once you start to use it.

1. 
   Elcoholic | Jun 27, 2002 11:21pm | #5

   Another vote for the PC 310.  Excellent mini-router if there ever was one.  Mine usually has a 1/8" roundover bit in it.  I also use it for flush trimming plugs and pegs with a 1/4" carbide spiral bit.  I made a base with a u-shaped opening so I can trim double -pegs.  I've got top get a smaller chamfer bit so I can use it for that two.  I hardly use my DW614 anymore.  John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   JimGG | Jun 28, 2002 12:10am | #6

   I've never used a PC 310. I recall reading a post  in which a new 310 owner said that bits are difficult to remove after loosening the collet nut. I think he said he had to tap on the bit to get it to break free. I'd be interested to know what your experience is regarding this. How much of a problem is this?

1. 
   Snort | Jun 28, 2002 06:35am | #7

   I think I have the trimmer you're talking about, don't know the number, it's the tall one, not the 310. It's more of a trimmer than a mini router. Little roundovers, chamfers, small hinges, amazingly useful...and you have to smack the collet nut, do not, I repeat, do not smack the bit ;-)

5. 
   JimGG | Jun 28, 2002 12:39pm | #8

   Dave, thanks for your reply. I welcome a reply from anyone with 310 experience. I was thinking of buying a 310, but had second thoughts after I read that post about the stuck- bit problem. I thnk I read that on another forum (Badger Pond). Thanks for your input.

1. 
   DonStephan | Jun 28, 2002 05:09pm | #9

   Thanks to everyone for sharing your experience. Convinced me to get a laminate trimmer as soon as finances allow. I'd thought about this several times in the past couple years, but always worried that it might not be up to small routing tasks. I'll probably also get the PC, though perhaps not with all the extra bases, since hopefully I can avoid kitchen counter jobs (except our own).

   Regarding sticking bits. The replacement collet for my PC 690, and the original collet for the DW 630, are linked to the retaining nut with a spring collar. On both, when I initially loosen the nut the bit is often still firmly held in the collet. After about 2 turns of the nut, I (usually) need the wrench again for a quarter turn, which I presume is lifting the collect from the tapered socket. Then the bit is always loose and easily removed.

1. 
   Elcoholic | Jun 28, 2002 07:37pm | #10

   It takes a light tap to get the collet to let go.  I just leave one wrench in place and smack it with the other.  I'm not sure of the terminology but I thought that was normal for two wrench collets.  All my other routers are single wrench and work just as Don described.  I bought a DW625 right off the display and it wouldn't let go.  By the time I got the bit out I managed to chip the brand new $45 CMT bit.  Seems someone overtightened it w/o a bit in it.  Abbey gave me a new collet and a new bit w/o no hassel what so ever.

   I originally bought the Bosch laminate trimmer kit mainly because of the height adjustment mechanism.  However the I needed it that day for a guide bushing application.  The literature indicated it would accept Bosch bushings, but the one's that were available did not seat properly.  I did not have the time to research and/or wait for special bushings.  I swapped it for the PC310 on the spot and have not been sorry.  The low center of gravity really makes it a realy good 1 - hander.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   Snort | Jun 29, 2002 12:29am | #12

   Hey John, is your elcoholism any way boat related? I've been on some Elcos that were beauts, and I can see how they could be quite addictive if handled by some weak people ;-)

1. 
   quatersawn | Jun 29, 2002 01:43am | #13

   I just recently built a house, and I knew from the start I would be hanging lot's of doors. So I bought a Dewalt trimmer, a 3 1/2 " and 4" butt hinge door template, set the trimmer up with the proper bit and bushing, and then as needed, proceeded to rout all the doors. This was such a time saver over setting up a larger router each time. It worked beautifully. I've left it set up that way just in case I have need, although I wouldn't hesitate to break it down if I have a special need in the future.

2. 
   Elcoholic | Jul 17, 2002 02:56am | #14

   Not boats, but cars as in El Camino.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

3. 
   dhpascoe | Jul 18, 2002 05:52pm | #15

   Elco, yeah, that was the acronym for the Electric Boat Company, on Long Island. Goes back before God, I think.

   On anothe note, I've never understood why the tool mfgs don't make a mini router. I've need one for years. Tell me, can you make a small rabbet with a Lam trim set up with a base?

   Dave

4. 
   PaulReuter | Jul 19, 2002 01:42am | #16

   Yes, you can cut small rabbets with a trimmer.  I have an old Stanley trimmer that I have seen more recently with the Bosch name on it.  I use it as a light router since I got out of the plywood/laminate stuff.  I cut hinge gains,veining cuts in maple, anything you'd use a "light" router for.  The bases do require a bit of work as concentricity is not one of the routers strengths.  I also built a pantograph for it & use it to route signs with templates & as a 3D carving duplicator.

   Sometimes you just have to think outside the box.

   Paul

5. 
   Snort | Jul 20, 2002 01:58am | #17

   Can't get much more mini than the little pc laminate trimmer and little rabbets are no sweat, accurate little rabbets are a little sweatier, you need to make a wider, more stable base...and those ELCOs have some sweet wood work...

6. 
   byhammerandhand | Jun 28, 2002 07:50pm | #11

   I can also endorse the "Trimming Router" (aka laminate trimmer) as a good choice for small jobs.  At 7/8 HP, it is more than powerful enough to run little bits around.  I got the DeWalt, but picked up the Porter Cable and set it down several times before making a capricious decision.  The DeWalt had an included little guide bearing arm that is removeable, but an option with the PC.  By the way, I attended a Marc Adams router class last year and he suggested that a trim router was an excellent second router because of all the bases (tilting, offset, small) that you can get for it.

   I immediately made a clear base, about the width of the OEM, but twice or more as long (a piece of scrap I had sitting around).  I got a long knob at Rockler (or maybe Woodcraft) and mounted it as an "outrigger" handle.  This puts a lot of base on the stock when I'm doing edge trimming.   I'd recommend it.  Use the OEM base to key the screw holes and bit hole.