Laminate Trim router opinions needed

Max wrote:

>
> "Mark & Juanita" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
... snip
>> Would appreciate any feedback from people who have used either or both
>> of
>> them. I've looked at the archives, but would like any up to date
>> information that might be available.
>>

>
> I have the Bosch "Colt" and an older model Porter Cable. The Porter Cable
> is *not* variable speed and I don't particularly care for the height
> adjustment set-up.
> I bought the Bosch for those reasons. I'm not familiar with the latest
> models from PC.
> I'm pleased with the Bosch.
>
> Max

Thanks

--
If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough

Robatoy wrote:

> On Nov 17, 11:30 pm, Mark & Juanita <[email protected]> wrote:
... snip
>> Would appreciate any feedback from people who have used either or both
>> of
>> them. I've looked at the archives, but would like any up to date
>> information that might be available.
>>
>
> Yea, yea, yea...I make countertops for a living. *S*

I knew that

> Used them all.
> Don't like many.
>
> Makita makes a good laminate trimmer. Those are the ones I use now.

Was hoping you'd chime in on this because of the fact you do this for a
living.

What do you like about the Makita that makes you prefer it?

Thanks.


--
If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough

Robatoy wrote:

> On Nov 18, 12:45 am, Mark & Juanita <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Robatoy wrote:
>> > On Nov 17, 11:30 pm, Mark & Juanita <[email protected]> wrote:
>> ... snip
>> >> Would appreciate any feedback from people who have used either or
>> >> both of
>> >> them. I've looked at the archives, but would like any up to date
>> >> information that might be available.
>>
>> > Yea, yea, yea...I make countertops for a living. *S*
>>
>> I knew that
>>
>> > Used them all.
>> > Don't like many.
>>
>> > Makita makes a good laminate trimmer. Those are the ones I use now.
>>
>> Was hoping you'd chime in on this because of the fact you do this for a
>> living.
>>
>> What do you like about the Makita that makes you prefer it?
>>
>
> They just never quit and can take a hit.
> The guide is nice and beefy, adjusts easily and stays put. The motor
> has always been reliable and bit changes are simple. A couple of them
> are now 20 years old.
>

Thanks, that's the kind of information I was seeking

> BTW.. a regular router works just fine too.<G>
>

Yeah, it works, but it tips more easily to the detriment of the laminate
material, especially in the hands of someone who spends too much time
flying a desk.

I don't just plan to use the trimmer for this job, it looks like a good
tool for router inlay work as well.

>
> I use a 7-degree solid carbide bit and a straight bit in another.

--
If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough

B A R R Y wrote:

> On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:30:27 -0700, Mark & Juanita
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> Would appreciate any feedback from people who have used either or both
>> of
>>them. I've looked at the archives, but would like any up to date
>>information that might be available.
... snip
>
> If I were buying one today, I'd buy the PC309, Bosch Colt, or maybe
> even the Rigid trim router.
>
Thanks
--
If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough

[email protected] wrote:

> On Nov 17, 9:30 pm, Mark & Juanita <[email protected]> wrote:
... snip
>
> I have the PC kit. I haven't used the Bosch, so I can't compare, but
> I can talk a little about the PC.
> mine is at least 15 years old. it has a few options for edge guides.
> the new ones may be different, for some reason. according to<http://
> www.acetoolonline.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=POR-97310> the PC
> kit includes "edge guide no. 73100".
>
> mine also takes the standard PC guide bushings. making custom sub-
> bases is pretty easy if you have a way to counterbore the screw heads.
>
> the attachment between the motor and bases is a little clumsy. it
> benefits from a little smoothing and a fender washer.
>
> overall I'm pretty happy with mine.

Thanks
--
If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough

[email protected] wrote:

> Would test the PR-20, see link for some background.
> ************************************************
> http://patwarner.com/pr20_subbase.html
>
************************************************************************************
>

Thanks

--
If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough

On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:30:27 -0700, Mark & Juanita
<[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Would appreciate any feedback from people who have used either or both of
>them. I've looked at the archives, but would like any up to date
>information that might be available.

I own the older Bosch, and have used these:
<http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/port/pr309.htm?L+coastest+tqrw7218ff414141+1195432362>
<http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/port/pr97311.htm?L+coastest+tqrw7218ff414141+1195432362>
for a decent amount of time.

The older Bosch and the second PC have a depth adjustment that I'd
rate as average. My favorite was the PC309, but it was $60 more than
the Bosch when I purchased it.

I don't do a lot of laminate trimming. My trimmer gets used more as a
light duty router for freehand hinge mortising (on people doors, not
furniture), freehand dovetail roughing out, and small chamfers and
roundovers on large amounts of trim.

I have never used an edge guide to do laminate, preferring a square
bearing guided chamfer or straight bit, so I can't comment on the edge
guides on any of them. The plastic square cover on the bearing
prevents it from spinning and burning the material if the bearing
should seize.

If I were buying one today, I'd buy the PC309, Bosch Colt, or maybe
even the Rigid trim router.

---------------------------------------------
** http://www.bburke.com/woodworking.html **
---------------------------------------------

Would test the PR-20, see link for some background.
************************************************
http://patwarner.com/pr20_subbase.html
************************************************************************************



On Nov 17, 8:30 pm, Mark & Juanita <[email protected]> wrote:
> Latest project is replacing the kitchen tile countertops (whoever thought
> tile was a good idea for countertops?) with laminate while we decide what
> we eventually want to do with the kitchen (that project is one of those, if
> we do this, then we oughta do that, and that means we need to .... and
> pretty soon half the house has been remodeled).
>
> I got one set of countertops done, but decided I need to get a laminate
> trimmer to make the main part of the countertop installation more
> efficient. Am considering either the Bosch laminate trim kit:
> <http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/search.exe?BP=1> or the Porter Cable:
> <http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/search.exe?BP=1> laminate trim kit.
>
> Would appreciate any feedback from people who have used either or both of
> them. I've looked at the archives, but would like any up to date
> information that might be available.
>
> I like the fact the Bosch has an edge guide, but have not been happy with
> my Bosch 1613 EVS, especially the fact that there is no way to center the
> collet short of making a new base.
>
> Porter Cable has been the de-facto router standard for years, but the
> laminate trim kit has no edge guide nor any way to attach one from what I
> have been able to read in the archives.
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> --
> If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough

On Nov 18, 12:45 am, Mark & Juanita <[email protected]> wrote:
> Robatoy wrote:
> > On Nov 17, 11:30 pm, Mark & Juanita <[email protected]> wrote:
> ... snip
> >> Would appreciate any feedback from people who have used either or both
> >> of
> >> them. I've looked at the archives, but would like any up to date
> >> information that might be available.
>
> > Yea, yea, yea...I make countertops for a living. *S*
>
> I knew that
>
> > Used them all.
> > Don't like many.
>
> > Makita makes a good laminate trimmer. Those are the ones I use now.
>
> Was hoping you'd chime in on this because of the fact you do this for a
> living.
>
> What do you like about the Makita that makes you prefer it?
>

They just never quit and can take a hit.
The guide is nice and beefy, adjusts easily and stays put. The motor
has always been reliable and bit changes are simple. A couple of them
are now 20 years old.

BTW.. a regular router works just fine too.<G>


I use a 7-degree solid carbide bit and a straight bit in another.

On Nov 17, 11:30 pm, Mark & Juanita <[email protected]> wrote:
> Latest project is replacing the kitchen tile countertops (whoever thought
> tile was a good idea for countertops?) with laminate while we decide what
> we eventually want to do with the kitchen (that project is one of those, if
> we do this, then we oughta do that, and that means we need to .... and
> pretty soon half the house has been remodeled).
>
> I got one set of countertops done, but decided I need to get a laminate
> trimmer to make the main part of the countertop installation more
> efficient. Am considering either the Bosch laminate trim kit:
> <http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/search.exe?BP=1> or the Porter Cable:
> <http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/search.exe?BP=1> laminate trim kit.
>
> Would appreciate any feedback from people who have used either or both of
> them. I've looked at the archives, but would like any up to date
> information that might be available.
>

Yea, yea, yea...I make countertops for a living. *S*
Used them all.
Don't like many.

Makita makes a good laminate trimmer. Those are the ones I use now.

On Nov 17, 11:30 pm, Mark & Juanita <[email protected]> wrote:
> Latest project is replacing the kitchen tile countertops (whoever thought
> tile was a good idea for countertops?) with laminate while we decide what
> we eventually want to do with the kitchen (that project is one of those, if
> we do this, then we oughta do that, and that means we need to .... and
> pretty soon half the house has been remodeled).
>
> I got one set of countertops done, but decided I need to get a laminate
> trimmer to make the main part of the countertop installation more
> efficient. Am considering either the Bosch laminate trim kit:
> <http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/search.exe?BP=1> or the Porter Cable:
> <http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/search.exe?BP=1> laminate trim kit.
>
> Would appreciate any feedback from people who have used either or both of
> them. I've looked at the archives, but would like any up to date
> information that might be available.
>
> I like the fact the Bosch has an edge guide, but have not been happy with
> my Bosch 1613 EVS, especially the fact that there is no way to center the
> collet short of making a new base.
>
> Porter Cable has been the de-facto router standard for years, but the
> laminate trim kit has no edge guide nor any way to attach one from what I
> have been able to read in the archives.
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> --
> If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough

I purchased a Bosch Trim Router PR20EVSK-RT as a reconditioned unit.
It is either a lemon or Bosch has missed the mark in the design and
manufacturing of this tool. The circuit board has failed twice and
the off/on switch had to be replaced. I have not been able to use the
router for more than 30 minutes total time. It just failed again, and
I suspect it is the circuit board that has blown out. Initially, I
thought my cuts were too deep so I decreased the cut to 1/32nd of an
inch. I use it primarily to cut out shallow mortises for hinges. It
is now out of warranty so I will have to pay for the repair but I
think I will buy a Porter Cable and see if he fails. No one at Bosch
will assist me in trying to determine if I own a lemon. I would NOT
buy a Bosch trim router again.

HM

On Nov 17, 9:30 pm, Mark & Juanita <[email protected]> wrote:
> Latest project is replacing the kitchen tile countertops (whoever thought
> tile was a good idea for countertops?) with laminate while we decide what
> we eventually want to do with the kitchen (that project is one of those, if
> we do this, then we oughta do that, and that means we need to .... and
> pretty soon half the house has been remodeled).
>
> I got one set of countertops done, but decided I need to get a laminate
> trimmer to make the main part of the countertop installation more
> efficient. Am considering either the Bosch laminate trim kit:
> <http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/search.exe?BP=1> or the Porter Cable:
> <http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/search.exe?BP=1> laminate trim kit.
>
> Would appreciate any feedback from people who have used either or both of
> them. I've looked at the archives, but would like any up to date
> information that might be available.
>
> I like the fact the Bosch has an edge guide, but have not been happy with
> my Bosch 1613 EVS, especially the fact that there is no way to center the
> collet short of making a new base.
>
> Porter Cable has been the de-facto router standard for years, but the
> laminate trim kit has no edge guide nor any way to attach one from what I
> have been able to read in the archives.


I have the PC kit. I haven't used the Bosch, so I can't compare, but
I can talk a little about the PC.
mine is at least 15 years old. it has a few options for edge guides.
the new ones may be different, for some reason. according to<http://
www.acetoolonline.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=POR-97310> the PC
kit includes "edge guide no. 73100".

mine also takes the standard PC guide bushings. making custom sub-
bases is pretty easy if you have a way to counterbore the screw heads.

the attachment between the motor and bases is a little clumsy. it
benefits from a little smoothing and a fender washer.

overall I'm pretty happy with mine.

On Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:14:03 -0700, Mark & Juanita
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
> I don't just plan to use the trimmer for this job, it looks like a good
>tool for router inlay work as well.

I prefer "plungeability" for inlay stuff.

Have you ever seen the price of the aftermarket plunge base for the
Bosch trimmer? Yeooowwww! ;^(

<http://www.microfence.com/pages/Plunge/overview.html>

I ended up putting a clear lexan baseplate on a PC690 plunge base.

---------------------------------------------
** http://www.bburke.com/woodworking.html **
---------------------------------------------

"Mark & Juanita" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Latest project is replacing the kitchen tile countertops (whoever thought
> tile was a good idea for countertops?) with laminate while we decide what
> we eventually want to do with the kitchen (that project is one of those,
> if
> we do this, then we oughta do that, and that means we need to .... and
> pretty soon half the house has been remodeled).
>
> I got one set of countertops done, but decided I need to get a laminate
> trimmer to make the main part of the countertop installation more
> efficient. Am considering either the Bosch laminate trim kit:
> <http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/search.exe?BP=1> or the Porter Cable:
> <http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/search.exe?BP=1> laminate trim kit.
>
> Would appreciate any feedback from people who have used either or both of
> them. I've looked at the archives, but would like any up to date
> information that might be available.
>
> I like the fact the Bosch has an edge guide, but have not been happy with
> my Bosch 1613 EVS, especially the fact that there is no way to center the
> collet short of making a new base.
>
> Porter Cable has been the de-facto router standard for years, but the
> laminate trim kit has no edge guide nor any way to attach one from what I
> have been able to read in the archives.
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> --
> If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough

I have the Bosch "Colt" and an older model Porter Cable. The Porter Cable
is *not* variable speed and I don't particularly care for the height
adjustment set-up.
I bought the Bosch for those reasons. I'm not familiar with the latest
models from PC.
I'm pleased with the Bosch.

Max