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Laminate Trimmer Routers?
http://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=18783		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Chris Paulick [ Sat Sep 13, 2008 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Laminate Trimmer Routers?
What would you all say is the best router for jigs like binding machines, precision bases and even home built CNC routers or any other jigs you might come up with where a full size router wouldn't work.
Author:  Jim Watts [ Sat Sep 13, 2008 7:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
I have a PC 7310 that I like just fine, don't know if the "best" or not.
Author:  Rod True [ Sat Sep 13, 2008 8:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
All of the basic laminate trimmers on the market are about 5-6 amps and "they" designate them at 3/4 HP.

They all have different features which make one more desirable over the other. I think the Bosch colt has a really good depth control feature which I think is one of the most important features.

Of course the important factor is the stability of the bearings in the router. I've found my makita to be a good laminate router for all your mentioned needs. But over working it of course would put unnecessary wear on the bearings and cause the runout of the tool to render it pretty much worthless.

If I were to buy another one, I'd probably get the Bosch colt because of the depth control it offers.
Author:  John Mayes [ Sat Sep 13, 2008 11:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
I have about 7 Makita's, two PC's, two Ryobi's and a couple Bosch Colts. The Colts, and Makitas are my fav's.

wow... did I really just say "fav's" I'm like a 13 year old girl.
Author:  Rod True [ Sat Sep 13, 2008 11:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
And it's a shame John that you aren't building guitars for yourself anymore. All those tools collecting.....er.....dust :?
Author:  Chris Paulick [ Sat Sep 13, 2008 11:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
I've had my eye on the colt every time I go through Lowes. I'm kind of surprised that no one has suggested the PC 310?
Author:  Rod True [ Sat Sep 13, 2008 11:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
I think it's mostly the cost of the 310. It's much more $$ than most other laminate trimmers and it really doesn't offer any better features AFAIK

Look on amazon as you can usually find a better price (and free shipping too) there.
Author:  Chris Paulick [ Sat Sep 13, 2008 11:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
Was there earlier today,$165. I thought I read that PC quit making them some where on a forum. And after seeing them in the precision router discussion desided to look it up.
Author:  Goobie [ Sun Sep 14, 2008 12:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
I'll chime in here and give my vote to the Home Depot Ridgid laminate trimmer. It's very well made, has some useful attachments, nice features like variable speed and soft start. It's also decently priced.

Cheers,
Chad
Author:  Heath Blair [ Sun Sep 14, 2008 1:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
i do really like my bosch colt. the only problem i have had is that it gets quite warm when in use even for a short period of time. im not sure if the bearings are tight or what, but it performs just great and might not be a big deal. if you decide to use it in a williams jig and use the dave white modification (lam trimmer mounted through a lazy susan) you will have to do some grinding on the base to get it to fit through a 6" lazy susan. not a big deal and does not hinder its use outside of the jig. hope that hepls.
Author:  Hesh [ Sun Sep 14, 2008 6:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
Chris buddy the Porter Cable 310 has a very loyal following on this forum but PC apparently announced that they will no longer be manufacturing it. At least that is what I read here some time ago.

I have a couple of them and they are great with one small annoyance, at least for me, sometimes the collet requires a tonk to release the bit.

With the PC 310 no longer available I plan on looking at the Colt as well.
Author:  Don Williams [ Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
I have an older Bosch and 2 PC-310's. I think the PC is better in quality. I just seems to have more power than my Boasch, and I like the height adjustment much better. This older Bosch had an issue with the height adjustment and the casting for the base was also sometimes not properly square. I haven't seen the Colt yet, but I suppose it could be a good tool. I hope the bearings are better than in the older version though...
Author:  Chris Paulick [ Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
Hesh wrote:
Chris buddy the Porter Cable 310 has a very loyal following on this forum but PC apparently announced that they will no longer be manufacturing it. At least that is what I read here some time ago.

I have a couple of them and they are great with one small annoyance, at least for me, sometimes the collet requires a tonk to release the bit.

With the PC 310 no longer available I plan on looking at the Colt as well.


My 7310 also does that as well as my other PC router. It even states in the instruction to tap the collet nut to release the bit. So if I want a PC310 then now's the time to get one?
Author:  Don Williams [ Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
Chris Paulick wrote:
So if I want a PC310 then now's the time to get one?


There are several places around here where you can no longer get the PC310. I think there's only a couple places online where you can buy one. I grabbed one a couple months ago just to have a spare. It will sit in the box until I need it "someday".
Author:  Hesh [ Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
Yep Chris if you want a PC 310 (aka: R2D2) if you can still find one I would snag it up.

One of the many things that I like about the 310 is the very low, in comparison to other laminate trimmers, center of gravity. And as Don so rightly said they are very powerful too.

I am wondering what PC plans to replace this excellent laminate trimmer with. Anyone know?
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
Since PC is owned by DeWalt, they'll probably default to the DeWalt trimmer, which no one seems to have mentioned. Anyone have one of those? Maybe they'll paint the 310 yellow and call it a DeWalt.
Author:  Chris Paulick [ Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
When Did DeWalt buy PC? I thought Delta owned PC and DeWalt owned B&D. I did notice that the DeWalt laminate trimmer now looks like the PC 7310.
Well I ordered 2 PC 310s from Amazon.com since I've only heard good things about them for years. I have a few jigs planned that I can use them in I guess. :roll: I'm still interested in the Colt too. I have a 7310 and like the fact that it seems to be a nice smooth running motor and does a nice job of routing but the center of gravity seems a bit high. How's the feel of the Colt?
Author:  Arnt Rian [ Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
I'm also a fan of both the PC 310 and the Bosch Colt. You can buy new Colts on eBay for about $70.
Author:  jhowell [ Sun Sep 14, 2008 11:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
I have a reconditioned Colt from CPO Bosch on the web and I like it. I think that it is enough lam trimmer for what I need it for certainly the price was right. They come with a full factory warranty and CPO is a great source for good tools for those on a budget.
Author:  Darrel Friesen [ Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Laminate Trimmer Routers?
I have a Dewalt DW 670. It works decently, but I find it a little top heavy and it also gets quite warm after a short time. The new ones look shorter so likely not nearly as top heavy.
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