I am in the market for a trim router, and would appreciate suggestions on
which brands/models to get (or avoid). My reason for wanting one of these
(besides an upcoming birthday!) is to be able to easily do smaller jobs such
as edge rounding, without having to dismount my 2HP table-mounted Bosch.
Notes: I don't need it for laminate work. I really like the micro-fine depth
adjustment of my big Bosch, so I assume I would like something like that in
the small version also. I read the review in Wood magazine (issue 113), but
none of the editor choice selections had a micro-fine adjustment, and
vice-versa none of the ones that did were "chosen" by the editors. I wonder
why? They liked the "Craftsman" which in this group usually get spelled with
a "p"...? Anyway, it did not give me a clear idea which one to get. Is the
unusual spindle lock of the Bosch really a problem? I started to look at
Google groups, but did not find that illuminating either. E.g., is sticking
of the bit a problem for all PC's?
Thus, I would appreciate some advice from people with real hands-on
experience. Also, which accessories are most useful?
Thanks!
Adriaan
Adriaan,
I also have the PC310 and it's a great trim router but get the clear base(s)
offered by Pat Warner if you get this router.
Also, here's something you may want to consider that I consider to be a
pretty versatile combination. Only time will tell how rugged it is. I had
a project that I needed a small router plus a Dremel rotary tool. Found the
Dremel Advantage (4amps) at $59 and the plunge router attachment (model
963-01 for $28). This rotary tool handles both 1/8" and 1/4" shank bits and
the 1/4" collet comes with the plunge base.
It's variable speed and the plunge router attachment is micro adjustable and
can be locked at any height adjustment. The plunge attachment is cast
aluminum with two steel rods - feels solid and nothing has broken so far
(and I don't expect it to either).
Just a combination you may want to consider. I picked up the flex shaft and
a bunch of attachments and have been using this router / Dremel combination
for about two months now and I think it's great for doing inlays and general
light duty routing. I've done the same routing with the Dremel Advantage
that I've done with the PC310 but I can't say that I've pushed either to
their limits. The PC will probably outlast the Dremel but the Dremel is
more versatile and has found a permanent home in my shop.
Bob S.
Would not expect the performance of a trimmer to = that of the smaller
fixed base routers. Nonetheless, if a continuously adjustable trimmer
is essential: The 310 is alone in its class. Some pix and handling
data at the http://www.patwarner.com/pc310_special.html link.
*********************************************************************
> I am in the market for a trim router, and would appreciate suggestions on
> which brands/models to get (or avoid). My reason for wanting one of these
> (besides an upcoming birthday!) is to be able to easily do smaller jobs such
> as edge rounding, without having to dismount my 2HP table-mounted Bosch.
>
> Notes: I don't need it for laminate work. I really like the micro-fine depth
> adjustment of my big Bosch, so I assume I would like something like that in
> the small version also. I read the review in Wood magazine (issue 113), but
> none of the editor choice selections had a micro-fine adjustment, and
> vice-versa none of the ones that did were "chosen" by the editors. I wonder
> why? They liked the "Craftsman" which in this group usually get spelled with
> a "p"...? Anyway, it did not give me a clear idea which one to get. Is the
> unusual spindle lock of the Bosch really a problem? I started to look at
> Google groups, but did not find that illuminating either. E.g., is sticking
> of the bit a problem for all PC's?
>
> Thus, I would appreciate some advice from people with real hands-on
> experience. Also, which accessories are most useful?
>
> Thanks!
> Adriaan
I think everyone here was at this point at some time in their woodworking
careers. The old single router issue. Believe it or not and mark my words,
before you know it you'll have a whole collection of routers. One for every
job!! LOL
Im up to four now and still thinking about another one!
Jim
"Adriaan Sachtler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I am in the market for a trim router, and would appreciate suggestions on
> which brands/models to get (or avoid). My reason for wanting one of these
> (besides an upcoming birthday!) is to be able to easily do smaller jobs
such
> as edge rounding, without having to dismount my 2HP table-mounted Bosch.
>
> Notes: I don't need it for laminate work. I really like the micro-fine
depth
> adjustment of my big Bosch, so I assume I would like something like that
in
> the small version also. I read the review in Wood magazine (issue 113),
but
> none of the editor choice selections had a micro-fine adjustment, and
> vice-versa none of the ones that did were "chosen" by the editors. I
wonder
> why? They liked the "Craftsman" which in this group usually get spelled
with
> a "p"...? Anyway, it did not give me a clear idea which one to get. Is the
> unusual spindle lock of the Bosch really a problem? I started to look at
> Google groups, but did not find that illuminating either. E.g., is
sticking
> of the bit a problem for all PC's?
>
> Thus, I would appreciate some advice from people with real hands-on
> experience. Also, which accessories are most useful?
>
> Thanks!
> Adriaan
>
>
Adriaan, Here is a pic of the PC 310,
I think this is the one I'm headed for I can put a couple of Knob handles on
the base motor housing to use it like a fixed base router.
I would like a little more amperage but what the hell, I'll give it a try .
By the way you won't find this router at HD or Lowes.
It is Pricey I'll have to do soem shopping to see where i can get the best
deal.
George
"Adriaan Sachtler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I am in the market for a trim router, and would appreciate suggestions on
> which brands/models to get (or avoid). My reason for wanting one of these
> (besides an upcoming birthday!) is to be able to easily do smaller jobs
such
> as edge rounding, without having to dismount my 2HP table-mounted Bosch.
>
> Notes: I don't need it for laminate work. I really like the micro-fine
depth
> adjustment of my big Bosch, so I assume I would like something like that
in
> the small version also. I read the review in Wood magazine (issue 113),
but
> none of the editor choice selections had a micro-fine adjustment, and
> vice-versa none of the ones that did were "chosen" by the editors. I
wonder
> why? They liked the "Craftsman" which in this group usually get spelled
with
> a "p"...? Anyway, it did not give me a clear idea which one to get. Is the
> unusual spindle lock of the Bosch really a problem? I started to look at
> Google groups, but did not find that illuminating either. E.g., is
sticking
> of the bit a problem for all PC's?
>
> Thus, I would appreciate some advice from people with real hands-on
> experience. Also, which accessories are most useful?
>
> Thanks!
> Adriaan
>
>
Sorry,
http://www.portercable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2838
"Adriaan Sachtler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I am in the market for a trim router, and would appreciate suggestions on
> which brands/models to get (or avoid). My reason for wanting one of these
> (besides an upcoming birthday!) is to be able to easily do smaller jobs
such
> as edge rounding, without having to dismount my 2HP table-mounted Bosch.
>
> Notes: I don't need it for laminate work. I really like the micro-fine
depth
> adjustment of my big Bosch, so I assume I would like something like that
in
> the small version also. I read the review in Wood magazine (issue 113),
but
> none of the editor choice selections had a micro-fine adjustment, and
> vice-versa none of the ones that did were "chosen" by the editors. I
wonder
> why? They liked the "Craftsman" which in this group usually get spelled
with
> a "p"...? Anyway, it did not give me a clear idea which one to get. Is the
> unusual spindle lock of the Bosch really a problem? I started to look at
> Google groups, but did not find that illuminating either. E.g., is
sticking
> of the bit a problem for all PC's?
>
> Thus, I would appreciate some advice from people with real hands-on
> experience. Also, which accessories are most useful?
>
> Thanks!
> Adriaan
>
>
Erick, the 1617 fixed base is a lot more than 40.00
I forget the exact price but it was upwards of 62.00,
I have never found it worth it to buy just a base.
So i just buy another Router
If in Fact you do know where to get them for 40.00 please share.
Thanks George
"ELAhrens" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Order another base for your 1617EVS, assuming that's what you have. I have
2
> fixed bases and 1 plunge base. One fixed base will go into my router bench
> as soon as I build it ;)
> I keep trying to push it up on the honeydo list but my wife keeps knocking
> it down. I'm hoping something she puts on the list will require a router
> with a base.
> BTW, I think the base only costs $40.00
>
> Erik Ahrens,
> Apprentice Termite
>
> "George M. Kazaka" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Sorry,
> >
> > http://www.portercable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2838
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "Adriaan Sachtler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > I am in the market for a trim router, and would appreciate suggestions
> on
> > > which brands/models to get (or avoid). My reason for wanting one of
> these
> > > (besides an upcoming birthday!) is to be able to easily do smaller
jobs
> > such
> > > as edge rounding, without having to dismount my 2HP table-mounted
Bosch.
> > >
> > > Notes: I don't need it for laminate work. I really like the micro-fine
> > depth
> > > adjustment of my big Bosch, so I assume I would like something like
that
> > in
> > > the small version also. I read the review in Wood magazine (issue
113),
> > but
> > > none of the editor choice selections had a micro-fine adjustment, and
> > > vice-versa none of the ones that did were "chosen" by the editors. I
> > wonder
> > > why? They liked the "Craftsman" which in this group usually get
spelled
> > with
> > > a "p"...? Anyway, it did not give me a clear idea which one to get. Is
> the
> > > unusual spindle lock of the Bosch really a problem? I started to look
at
> > > Google groups, but did not find that illuminating either. E.g., is
> > sticking
> > > of the bit a problem for all PC's?
> > >
> > > Thus, I would appreciate some advice from people with real hands-on
> > > experience. Also, which accessories are most useful?
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > > Adriaan
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Adrian I have 3 Bosch 1608, At one time i posted that it was the most
powerfull laminate trimmer on the market at 5.5 amps.
That same day because i am looking to buy a few more i was in HD looking at
the PC and The Dewalt and saw they were rated at 5.6 amps. I said to myself
that boy was i going to called on the Rec, got lucky no one caught it.
PC also has a laminate trimmer model 310 I believe that is called a
industrial Laminate trimmer for continuous use. Believe it or not it is
rated at 4.0 amps.
This is an old work dog has been around for years, If anyone here is
familiar with "Betterly Tools" that is what they use, I Have one that is
used for trimming laminate or veneer say around a circle
I personally do not like the base on any of the laminate trimmers even the
Bosch's that i have
The way the base is offset it does not take much to bend them.
The PC 310 if my memory is right used to have a regular wrap around the
motor fixed base, I have not been able to find this base anywhere, I am
about to write to PC and ask if I have lost it or did they in fact have this
base, I want it for doing smaller delicate work.
Anyway to answer you question non of them have the micro adjust like you
have on the Bosch I believe 1617
It would be good if they did because adjusting the bevel trimmer on laminate
work is a very delicate adjust.
What i will say is the Bosch will last a long time because I have had mine
for over 12 years, Had 4 but someone stole one a few years back.
Next is the PC 7/8 Hp router, the one with the round end on it
Now this machine has been around since the beginning of time. I'm not sure
but it may actually be THE first router ever on the market.
Do not know if the put the micro adjust on the base. Will be looking into it
Myself.
Good Luck with you Choice and Happy Birthday, Me I quit having them, except
for the cake.
George
I have had these for at least 12 years, 2 are down right now for bearings
"Adriaan Sachtler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I am in the market for a trim router, and would appreciate suggestions on
> which brands/models to get (or avoid). My reason for wanting one of these
> (besides an upcoming birthday!) is to be able to easily do smaller jobs
such
> as edge rounding, without having to dismount my 2HP table-mounted Bosch.
>
> Notes: I don't need it for laminate work. I really like the micro-fine
depth
> adjustment of my big Bosch, so I assume I would like something like that
in
> the small version also. I read the review in Wood magazine (issue 113),
but
> none of the editor choice selections had a micro-fine adjustment, and
> vice-versa none of the ones that did were "chosen" by the editors. I
wonder
> why? They liked the "Craftsman" which in this group usually get spelled
with
> a "p"...? Anyway, it did not give me a clear idea which one to get. Is the
> unusual spindle lock of the Bosch really a problem? I started to look at
> Google groups, but did not find that illuminating either. E.g., is
sticking
> of the bit a problem for all PC's?
>
> Thus, I would appreciate some advice from people with real hands-on
> experience. Also, which accessories are most useful?
>
> Thanks!
> Adriaan
>
>
Order another base for your 1617EVS, assuming that's what you have. I have 2
fixed bases and 1 plunge base. One fixed base will go into my router bench
as soon as I build it ;)
I keep trying to push it up on the honeydo list but my wife keeps knocking
it down. I'm hoping something she puts on the list will require a router
with a base.
BTW, I think the base only costs $40.00
Erik Ahrens,
Apprentice Termite
"George M. Kazaka" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Sorry,
>
> http://www.portercable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2838
>
>
>
>
> "Adriaan Sachtler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I am in the market for a trim router, and would appreciate suggestions
on
> > which brands/models to get (or avoid). My reason for wanting one of
these
> > (besides an upcoming birthday!) is to be able to easily do smaller jobs
> such
> > as edge rounding, without having to dismount my 2HP table-mounted Bosch.
> >
> > Notes: I don't need it for laminate work. I really like the micro-fine
> depth
> > adjustment of my big Bosch, so I assume I would like something like that
> in
> > the small version also. I read the review in Wood magazine (issue 113),
> but
> > none of the editor choice selections had a micro-fine adjustment, and
> > vice-versa none of the ones that did were "chosen" by the editors. I
> wonder
> > why? They liked the "Craftsman" which in this group usually get spelled
> with
> > a "p"...? Anyway, it did not give me a clear idea which one to get. Is
the
> > unusual spindle lock of the Bosch really a problem? I started to look at
> > Google groups, but did not find that illuminating either. E.g., is
> sticking
> > of the bit a problem for all PC's?
> >
> > Thus, I would appreciate some advice from people with real hands-on
> > experience. Also, which accessories are most useful?
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Adriaan
> >
> >
>
>
George, your right. $59 on Amazon - but! it includes the extension
microadjuster and he gets to use his prefered router.
Erik
"George M. Kazaka" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Erick, the 1617 fixed base is a lot more than 40.00
> I forget the exact price but it was upwards of 62.00,
> I have never found it worth it to buy just a base.
> So i just buy another Router
> If in Fact you do know where to get them for 40.00 please share.
> Thanks George
> "ELAhrens" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Order another base for your 1617EVS, assuming that's what you have. I
have
> 2
> > fixed bases and 1 plunge base. One fixed base will go into my router
bench
> > as soon as I build it ;)
> > I keep trying to push it up on the honeydo list but my wife keeps
knocking
> > it down. I'm hoping something she puts on the list will require a router
> > with a base.
> > BTW, I think the base only costs $40.00
> >
> > Erik Ahrens,
> > Apprentice Termite
> >
> > "George M. Kazaka" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > Sorry,
> > >
> > > http://www.portercable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2838
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "Adriaan Sachtler" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > news:[email protected]...
> > > > I am in the market for a trim router, and would appreciate
suggestions
> > on
> > > > which brands/models to get (or avoid). My reason for wanting one of
> > these
> > > > (besides an upcoming birthday!) is to be able to easily do smaller
> jobs
> > > such
> > > > as edge rounding, without having to dismount my 2HP table-mounted
> Bosch.
> > > >
> > > > Notes: I don't need it for laminate work. I really like the
micro-fine
> > > depth
> > > > adjustment of my big Bosch, so I assume I would like something like
> that
> > > in
> > > > the small version also. I read the review in Wood magazine (issue
> 113),
> > > but
> > > > none of the editor choice selections had a micro-fine adjustment,
and
> > > > vice-versa none of the ones that did were "chosen" by the editors. I
> > > wonder
> > > > why? They liked the "Craftsman" which in this group usually get
> spelled
> > > with
> > > > a "p"...? Anyway, it did not give me a clear idea which one to get.
Is
> > the
> > > > unusual spindle lock of the Bosch really a problem? I started to
look
> at
> > > > Google groups, but did not find that illuminating either. E.g., is
> > > sticking
> > > > of the bit a problem for all PC's?
> > > >
> > > > Thus, I would appreciate some advice from people with real hands-on
> > > > experience. Also, which accessories are most useful?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!
> > > > Adriaan
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>