Trim Router????

[CoryBee]

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-trim-router-44914.html

This thing seems pretty neat. Is there a reason I should get a more powerful one over this to do trims?

Check out the video.

Thanks

[paigeoliver]

I have that one. It does t-molding fine. Just be sure to really tighten down the knob that selects the depth. Harbor freight even has a slot cutter bit set with the right size t-molding bit in it.

[CoryBee]

I have that one. It does t-molding fine. Just be sure to really tighten down the knob that selects the depth. Harbor freight even has a slot cutter bit set with the right size t-molding bit in it.

Thanks for that info. Could anyone tell me what this thing can't do that a high power one can? 

[mytymaus007]

I have that one. It does t-molding fine. Just be sure to really tighten down the knob that selects the depth. Harbor freight even has a slot cutter bit set with the right size t-molding bit in it.

Thanks for that info. Could anyone tell me what this thing can't do that a high power one can? 

I have this one also I like it alot. I think it gets bad reviews on the Harbor freight site. I think its a love hate relationship im sure some more people will chim in an say it a piece a S**t. The only thing is the guide is plastic and at times it will vibrate loose if not tightened but becareful you can also crack the area where the screw is But for $28 bucks its a steal!

[GregD]

I have that one. It does t-molding fine. Just be sure to really tighten down the knob that selects the depth. Harbor freight even has a slot cutter bit set with the right size t-molding bit in it.

Thanks for that info. Could anyone tell me what this thing can't do that a high power one can? 

Raised Panels, half blind dovetails, dados, and a whole bunch of other stuff.  A trim router is not a substitute for a router.  It is a specialty tool that one would purchase in addition to a router.  If your only need for a router is to trim laminate then it is a great tool for that.  If I did a bunch of laminate I would own one.  Can you cut a 1/16th slot for t-molding.  Yup.  Probably.

[mytymaus007]

I have that one. It does t-molding fine. Just be sure to really tighten down the knob that selects the depth. Harbor freight even has a slot cutter bit set with the right size t-molding bit in it.

Thanks for that info. Could anyone tell me what this thing can't do that a high power one can? 

Raised Panels, half blind dovetails, dados, and a whole bunch of other stuff.  A trim router is not a substitute for a router.  It is a specialty tool that one would purchase in addition to a router.  If your only need for a router is to trim laminate then it is a great tool for that.  If I did a bunch of laminate I would own one.  Can you cut a 1/16th slot for t-molding.  Yup.  Probably.

So basically if your just need it for slot cutting and routing out joysticks you dont need anything else

[BadMouth]

I haven't had as good luck with that one as others seem to.  
The depth always moves even though I feel like I'm on the edge of breaking the plastic from adjusting it so tight.

I was using it last weekend as a trim router and decided to do the pockets for my S joystick brackets with it since it was handy.
It moved and went through the top of my CP.
Burned again.  

Broke out the full size porter cable and had no such issues.

[TopJimmyCooks]

I've got a HF/tool sale laminate trimmer that anyone can have for the price of shipping.  I woudn't use it for anything but trimming laminate. The plastic, friction held base is too movable for t-slot cutters or anything where holding the set depth is critical.  Collet's pretty dicey too.  I got it I guess to just leave a 1/4" roundover bit in, but I tend to just change the bits on the good one I have - a dewalt with a threaded depth setting wheel.