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Hello;

I used the search function and turned up a lot of useful information.

I successfully finished my first build (an OM-18 kit) and one of the weak points was the binding job. I had used the StewMac Dremel attachment and got OK but not great results. I decided to improve this tool as I start the next build.

I've bought the StewMac TrueChannel jig and ordered the Bosch Colt single speed lam trimmer separately but the company I ordered the Colt from couldn't fill the order and has cancelled it. Before I order it again from someone else I figured I should ask if there is any reason I should get something different.

Is the Bosch Colt single speed lam trimmer the best device for this use?
Is there a good reason to order the Bosch Colt variable speed model?
Is there another company that makes a better model that fits the TrueChannel jig and is near the same price?

Thanks everyone. I'm having a great time with this.

I've got 3 of them, they work great for me.

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I am a Porter Cable fan. I bought a Colt and the bearings went bad the month after the warranty expired. My PC ran for 15 years before I dropped it hard enough that the housing broke.

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I use a different binding tool, but I have the Dewalt Laminate trimmer, this one http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-D26670-Lam ... te+trimmer

Absolutely no play in the bearings, rock solid non-wandering height adjustment, super strong collet grip, 30,000RPM.

I think it's just as good as more expensive laminate trimmers, and is more height stable than a lot I've seen.

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Old growth, shmold growth!

You really want to keep the typical binding cutter (LMI, StewMac) under 30k rpm - I would think around 25k would be ideal. For that reason, I would recommend the variable speed model.

I have the variable speed. I like having the option of adjusting the speed based on different woods and different jobs....Mike

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Colt is ok, I've had a little bit of trouble with the collet.

I like 30,000 RPM with the downcut spiral bit. Clean and fast!

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Old growth, shmold growth!

Amongst the numerous trimmers I have, a recently purchased Makita is the best. Variable speed, runs very true, but no micro height adjust. I made a stop collar for the barrel, so I have repeatability at least. The DeWalt seems like a good tool, but rather expensive in these parts, so I haven't got one. I tried the Bosch, also expensive here compared to the USA. The micro-height adjust is a good idea, but not very effective in use. I didn't buy it.

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I started using the Ridgid vari speed. This makes a perfect companion with front adjustment and life time warranty. I used porter cables but switched over.

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John Hall
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John, is Ridgid R2401 Laminate Trim Router the model you are referring to? Does anyone know if it will fit in the TrueChannel jig without modification?

Thanks.

Give StewMac a call - they're real helpful.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

+ 1 for ridgid though I also have a couple Porter Cable trimmers. The Ridgid needs to have mounting holes drilled in the True Channel to fit.

Fred

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I am also a ridgid fan. Can't beat the lifetime warranty.

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+1 on the Ridgid. If I only had one, that one would be the one I choose. I just got a Makita 700C (for the plunge base). It's pretty nice but it has no light and the base pretty much blocks vision.

...which makes me wonder: where can I get a downcut spiral bit with replaceable bearings? I'm using the LMI set with the 1" bit but a downcut bit with a set of bearings would be sooooo much better.

Like these?

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/ordersta ... rim_anchor

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Ridgid will be my next router, for exactly that reason. If they don't start making a plunge base for the 2401, someone else should, and cash in...

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This is a timely thread. All my jigs are set up for the 310. My stable is aging. Everyone else must be in the same boat as prices for used ones are through the roof. I would dearly like to get a couple more 310 motors but may have to look at the Rigid. Good info folks.

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I like the PC trimmer. The size and wieght feel good to me. The rigid is good too. I have a Colt but do not like it much.

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EddieLee

Sort of but to cut a suitable rabbet with a 1/4" shank, the cutter would have to be a larger diameter. You could then replace the bearings with smaller diameter units to get the right rabbet width. I haven't been able to find a unit configured like this. Maybe it's just hoping for too much.

despite its old school lack of, as an earlier poster called them, human factors, i.e. no soft start, single speed, i still don't think anything beats the pc310. after all, there are reasons why the prices have escalated since pc was taken over and the new owners dropped the little gem from the product line. this was the professional tool of choice for 30 years or so and was so dominant that there were numerous varied and expensive specialist after market bases develped for it, in spiter of the fact that it was >50% more expensive than anything else on the market.

the tools low center of gravity makes it very stable. it has a very precise depth adjustment, better than i have seen on any of the newer model trimmers.

they are still available new and despite its price i'm trying to convince myself that i really need to add another one or two to my stable of six of them.

as another poster also mentioned, do not be confused by the similar number. the pc 7310, though a strong brute of q trimmer, is not a patch on the 310 in terms of preciaion adjustment and ease of use.

to me anything else is a far lesser tool.

Where have you seen them new Michael?

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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 have a Colt single speed but don't like it much. Like someone else said, short warranty and the whole adjustment mechanism is pretty sloppy.
Part of the attraction for me was that it had a fence - so that I can use the same tool for truss rod slots. But the Rigid and others have that too.

It seems like the Ridgid is the way to go.

I talked with Stew Mac and they couldn't tell me if the Ridgid fit immediately but said that they have an adaptor plate that will let any model work. The adaptor plate about $7.

We'll see.

I bought the router but and depth of cut bearings from StewMac as well. Is there a better but than this? A downward cutting bit? One that will work with the depth of cut bearings?