We have a mid-sized production shop, and we are replacing our trim routers. We used to have a bosch and a porter cable. We weren’t satified to warrant purchasing two new of either model.
Things we didn’t like: Tilt bases don’t lock securely, fixed bases don’t adjust height smoothly, many parts are plastic (we have concrete floors).
If anyone has come across a trim router that avoids these drawbacks we’d love to hear from you. Max price is $200 each.
Peter
Replies
We used to have a bosch ..
I would send Bosch your findings in a production environment...
Maybe they will 'HEAR YOU' Can't hurt.. Just tell them what you experienced with their tools..
I have a PC 310. Easy to adjust, have had it forever, no plastic parts, tilt base has never come loose. I think PC makes a cheaper trim router that has some plastic parts.
Joe
A mid sized shop with only a a PC and a Bosh? I got a "small shop" and I'm running PC, five makitas (two cordless), a Dewalt, and for old time sakes, a coupla antique trim routers. The makita units are fairly solid, the pc have the offset capabilities, good for ctops. no problems here with either. The dewalt I suspect has a problem with the base, gave me problems when I got it, and it's the makitas and and the PC's that I always opt for for laminate trimming. One of the makitas is set up for solid edge band trimming like the article in the new FWW, the corless units are used only on veneers (too mudh load on en for effecient cutting of laminate,
I'd actually be more worried about sloppy bearings on the bits than I am about the capabilities of the actual engine that drives em. Some of the imported bits have a life span which expired the second they got put on the retail shelf.
A cheap router bit bearing will/can/might easily end up costing you more in replacement laminate than any savings you might realize from buying a cheap "engine".Ask me how I know.
buy quality "engines" and "tooling". It pays off itself real quick, and in ways that aint real obvious. The first time you gotta buy a 5x12 sheet of laminate to replace one damaged by a seized bearing, yu will understand . In case you haven't already. I daresay if yer running a shop, you know this arguement.
Eric
in Calgary
PC 310. For other bases and accessories for the 310, call
Art Betterly Co.
11160 Central Ave NE (Hwy. 65) Blaine, MN (763) 755-3425 and ask for their catalog. Not inexpensive but it looks to be quality stuff.
Edited 4/23/2005 8:02 am ET by jc
Thanks to all for the replies.The PC's that we have are the 7318's. Very cumbersome to adjust. We are keeping one, and retrofitting it with knurled knobs. We actually use the tilt option a lot, but I think we'll pick up a 310 for our flush needs. I think we should have been using those all along.
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