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I was originally planning on purchasing a Bosch Colt palm router in order to rout my truss rod slots and binding/purfling ledges, but I recently found a deal on a RIDGID laminate trimmer that I can pick up for about half the price. For anyone on here who's used the RIDGID, is it a good tool for the job, or am I better off spending the extra money and getting the Bosch (which seems to be the most popular model)?

Thanks!

My Bosch router is disappointing. The micro adjust does not work. The base fits loosely when the clamp is released to adjust the height. Closing the clamp does not keep the body perpendicular to the base (the bit is not perpendicular to the base). I would advise to not buy one.
If the Rigid has a warranty, send in the registration form. I have Rigid palm sander that is junk and I did not register the lifetime warranty so I'm stuck with it.

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My ridgids are good, the micro adjust works. Make sure the collar is tight before use.

I have two Colts and one Ridgid. Wish I had three Ridgids instead. Much better fine depth adjustment. LED light is a nice feature. If you do get one try to find a base for the previous Ridgid model. I bought two on eBay. The reason is because the older base plate has a recess so you can use brass bushing guides.

I got the Rigid as a backup for when my stable of 310's start to go. It seems OK. I have arthritis in my thumbs pretty bad and it's a little hard for me to work the micro adjust and remove the motor from the base but other than that it seems fine. I like the little light as well.

If you can find a used PC310 on eBay at a decent price grab it.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

I like my Ridgid. Make sure the one you are looking at is the newer version. I hear the older version isn't quite as nice.

I haven't used the Bosch Colt, but if I needed a second trimmer, I'd get another Ridgid without thinking about it.

It sounds like you are not engaging the adjustment. Try twisting the router motor to the left before you flip the latch. It should give a positive click which is the motor engaging the adjustment screw. If I don't do that on mine it does exactly as you are describing, the adjustment does nothing and it the base is not lined up.

I personally would highly recommend the Bosch. What I like most about it is the adjustable speed control and the smooth start up.

Bob

mine gets really hot -not comfortable to hold and getting worse

warranty is useless around here since nobody will touch them.

I have a Bosch Colt and a RIDGID laminate trimmer. I bought the RIDGID because it has two rods that screw into the base, making it handy for use in jigs (e.g. a circle cutter). I've had the Bosch for longer and used it a lot more, and I like it. But if you can get a RIDGID for half price, it's probably a good deal.

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John Cavanaugh
Saint Paul, MN
"What could possibly go wrong?"

I have two of the Ridgid laminate trimmers, one new style, one old style, and I like them a lot. The newer style is a bit more convenient with the light and the better base. I also have Makita laminate trimmer with the plunge base. It is a very good tool. The a Makita is solid enough that I use it to cut truss rod slots. The Ridgid was a little light for that but it is useful for many other things because it is light (binding and purfling ledges, rosettes, inlay cutting). I looked at the Bosch Colt and was put off by a couple of the design features. I think the Ridgid is a better tool than the Bosch and it has a lifetime warranty if you register it.