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I'm going to pick up another laminate trimmer this weekend. After looking at all the usual suspects, I've decided to pick up a Colt. My question is this: Is it worth the extra money to go with the variable speed version... or is the single speed model adequate.

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Jim Womack

"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for. "
Will Rogers

Definately go for the Variable speed option. And accept nothing less than Bosch. Think and Tinker are in the process of coming out with precision collets. I have their Porter Cable Precision Collets and they rock. This of course is only neccessary for tight inlay work.

I just picked up a Bosch Colt without the variable speed and I'm told I'm getting two more for Christmas

I got them at $50 so I couldn't pass that up.

I will not use anything bigger then 1/4" bit on a laminate trimmer so anything bigger I tend to use my Bosch 1617 with variable speed.

But if you don't already have a router with variable speed, spend the $ and get one.

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Hi Jim,

I had a Bosch Colt for about a week, then I returned it to the store.
The lock system to prevent the chuck from moving up/down is a very
poor design. I almost lost a couple of guitars with the Bosch, I don't
recommend it.

Try a porter cable, or even the Home Depot Ridgid. I ended up buying
the Ridgid because it was variable speed, came with a bunch of handy
options, runs smooth and quite, and I love the soft start feature.

With the soft start you don't get a that jolt when you start the router.
The only drawback with the Ridgid is the round base, you need to have
a good solid hand on it when used, or make a new base to your liking.

Good luck with your selection.

Regards - Luc

Filippo, these were recently on sale last weekend a a local tools store in my town. They are one sale for the month of October for $59.99 and last weekend they were on for $49.99.

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

I've never had an issue with mine. Seems to work perfectly for every use I've put it to. Powerful, accurate, easy to use. Others are fine, too, but I'd never recommend against the colt.

-j.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

I have a couple and they are nice Lam trimmers... I use them and my Makitas more than anything if I need a lam trimer. I use one of my dozen or so 1617EVS bosch routers for big stuff.

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

I have no idea why the naysayers had problems. I LOVE my Bosch Colt and LOVE the variable speed. Works great on the Williams Binding Jig too.

If someone REALLy knows where I can pick one more up for that low price ($60) tell me. I will just leave one attached to the binding jig.

Mike

I like the home depot rigid also, only problem had with it is that i don't care for the on/off toggle switch and i though it was louder than any other laminate trimmer i used before

Thanks for all the replys, guys. I was also considering the PC, but it was my understanding that the 310 had been discontinued. Sounds like the variable speed is worth the extra bucks, so I'll go that route then. I believe the Colt has the soft start feature, same as the the PCs.

_________________
Jim Womack

"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for. "
Will Rogers

The 310 can be had at Amazon for about $165. Well at least they were a month ago. The 7310 locking system can be improved by replacing the spring with a lock washer. You know you can get a router speed control at Harbor Freight for $5 that you can use with your heat blanket and while you're there get a foot switch too. That's just some other options.

I had a bosch colt and the bearings were shot about a month after the 1 yr warranty was up.

I bought the bosch because the locking mechanism seemed better than the PC. I was replacing a PC after about 15 yrs of steady use. Only reason it quit was because it got dropped on a concrete floor.

Back to PC for me.

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Hmm...I got a Colt, and it's running VERY hot, very quickly--I suspect bearings.

Other than that, I like it. Got it for $40, Craigslist. Guess I should fill out the warranty card.

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https://soundcloud.com/jeffreylsuits/he ... -runnin-13

Well Todd, if you know of a 2fer deal, I am IN like Flynn!

Mike

I think what Todd is saying that the supplier has 2 left and that's it as in all gone.

The 310s are fantastic laminate trimmers and although I don't know for sure I think that they have about the lowest center of gravity available. When free handing this low CG is IMHO a plus. The sticking collet is a minus but that is what a Stew-Mac fretting hammer can be deployed to deal with.....

Sadly it's moot since the 310's will be history unless you already have some.

What problem with the sticking collet are you talking about? I know that you usually have to give the tightening nut a tap with the wrench to loosen it most of the time. But that's the same on the 7310 and my larger PC routers too. I don't see it as a big deal though. It even states to do that in the 7310 's instructions, don't know about the 310 as I haven't read those instructions .
The one thing that I don't like about the 310 is that although the CG is low which is nice it also makes it a bit harder to see the bit cutting causing me to have to bend over more to view it. I'm probably going to put a plexi base on it and cut the back solid section out of the mount to let more light in. Or just make a plunge base for it on a Wells/ Karol base.

Chris my friend - that's it, having to tonk the nut but I don't see this as a problem either when balanced against the very fine reputation and performance of the 310.

As for instructions - what are instructions....? It's interesting that they included this in the the instructions for the 7310, I have one of those too but never read the instructions. So if there is some annoying thing about a product if you mention it in the instructions it is no longer annoying.......

People bring me up at times on the OLF and I am still very much annoying......

Ya you are

Back to the Bosch Colt.

So has anyone seen this from Amazon.com Factory-Reconditioned Bosch PR20EVSK-RT Colt Palm Grip 5.7 Amp 1 Horsepower Fixed Base Variable Speed Router with Edge Guide for $69.95.

My 1617 is from CPO recon division and when I got it, it was like brand new, not a scratch on it or the case and it works perfectly.

I'd be jumping on that right there If the $ wasn't so bad up here.

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson