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I have an older ryobi laminate trimmer that I/m using with lmi router bits to cut the ledge binding and purfling, the jig is the original fleishmann jig that LMI sold years ago .Made mine with baltic birch and the quality slides. It works, but adjusting the depth of cut and figuiring out how low to drop the rtr is a real pita.I would like to update to a better laminate trimmer that I would use in this jig. What laminate trimmer are you using with this jig and what in your opinion are the pros and cons .Thanks.

I love the newest version of the ridgid laminate trimmer. The height is now adjustment with a micro adjustment wheel for precision, but you can still move it in large increments easily with a quick release. It also comes with a lifetime warranty- if you send in the warranty card. The only cons I have so far is that it gets hot and that they changed the base so it can no longer accept bushings. That's ok. The older version I have still takes the bushings.

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chris are you using the ridgid in a dedicated binding jig???. Do you mean the new base will not accept bushings for other routing tasks?? thanks

I got the new Ridgid in my rig, and ya, the micro adjust is great!

I'm trying to think of a way I can drill a hole or something, and get the light to shine through my binding setup to the workpiece.

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Pat

Portable 12 v battery flashlight ?

I've got the new Ridgid. I bought a couple of the bases for the previous model (check eBay) which does accept bushings and it's clear. I swapped the old base in and all is good.

I use it mainly as a my binding trimmer but also for other jigs. I have the new and the older version. Each has its place. Both are great routers, but the new one is much more precise.

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+1 on the Ridgid 2401

Bob

I've had some minor issues with my Bosch Colt, the arbor lock slips, I've had it apart and tightened it up, got it where it was useable and finally ordered a new part, which may or may not be any better than the original.
I drug out my ancient Porter Cable router and it was off the the races. Unless space and weight are a premium theres nothing a laminate trimmer will do that a full size router won't do better.

Dewalt 611!

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Brad

Went to homeless depot this morn, the ridgid wil not fit on to my LMI/fleishmann binding jig, the base and back are round, my alum mounting plate is square, My older ryobi is squared in the back, so it can fit to the rectangular alum mounting plate. on my jig.

Brad is the dewalt square in the back , and will it accept a bolt/screw which is bolted to alum plate. on my jig ??Did you get it at Lowe?? thanks

Dewalt with the plunge base is just the best laminate router ive ever used. But no the base isnt square.

Ernie, the Dewalt is cylinder shaped all the way around, and I did get the 611pk which includes the plunge base. It is an absolutely fabulous machine, that so far appears to be built with a higher standard that most routers available these days with very high quality bearings. You can catch the combo on sale frequently for $160-$170 shipped from Home Depot with both the fixed base and plunge base included. It is very quick and easy to switch from one to the other, and has a very precise control depth knob to boot! What's not to love?

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Brad

Ernie-
Can you fab a thin plywood, Plexi or Aluminum base which fits your Fleishman jig router attachment ledge and attach a router to it?

If you're ever near Osage Beach or Branson there are Direct Tools stores there. They have recon'd Rigid and Ryobi power tools and usually have an email discount promotion. Good prices on the Rigid router and osc.belt/spindle sander.

Am in a far suburb of KC, .Yes I can make parts from alum. The dewalt sounds promising.Will be on the lookout for one.The reason I asked abt the body, is that the back of the ryobi has a flat section which aligns with a rect, alum piece bolted to the carriage of the jig.

Just a warning for you folks using the little Dewalt router: It appears to have a two piece collet consisting of the nut and fingers cut into the armature shaft. That design makes it easy for the bit to slip even though you think it's tight, so make sure that it actually is tight when you use it. I have the Makita 700C small router and its plunge base. I like it a lot. It has a three piece collet that doesn't scare me. It costs a bit more than the Dewalt, but I think it's a nicer tool. Depth adjustment on the non-plunge base is hard to do precisely without making a block with a stop for the depth you want.

I also have the Ridgid laminate trimmer (with a three-piece collet)--it's a very good router with easy depth adjustment (but doesn't have a plunge base).

It sounds silly to have so many routers (the ones I mentioned are only part of the collection), but I usually leave each set up for a particular operation.

Long ago, I had one of the Ryobi laminate trimmers. I had to retire it because it couldn't hold a bit tightly.

Bob I/m in the same camp.Getting lazy now , and have abt 12 laminate trimmers each with a dedicated bit. I/ve got a circa 1987 makita , that/s still going strong.Thanks for the explanations.Funny it/s those little irritating anomalies abt these routers that leaves me scratching my head.Never thought abt checking out the makita, but will have a look at the bosch , dewalt, makita, and I think I saw a trend laminate trimmer for sale at woodcraft.Thanks

Another +1 for the Ridgid laminate trimmer, which I swapped for the PC unit that was on my Williams/Fleischman rig. I had to fabricate a new base from Lexan and turn a donut from UHMW to make it all work, but the convenience of the micro-adjust for setting depth made it all worth it.

John

just got back from lowes, they only have the single speed dewalt, and then the bosch on the bosch had 1 yr warranty and dewalt 3. lots of you gave glowing reports abt the ridgid, but I will try to find a makita, then make a choice,

Home depot has both the Ridgid and the Makita.

our local HD store only carries the ridgid, lowe has the bosch and dewalt

I have the newer one and my Ridgid trimmer came with both a round and a square base plate.

I need to get a new one too... does the new Ridgid have the soft start like the old one?

Yes, the Rigid 2401 has soft start & variable speed. If you buy the
"kit" with carry bag & edge guide, it comes with a square & round clear plastic base.
I have two colts & a PC 7301. The Rigid is by far, my favourite.