Is this router/trimmer good enough to do tmolding slots

[Negativecreep0]

Guys is this router/trimmer good enough to do the t molding slots on the cabinets?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2364138711&category=20781


if that doesn't work this one..


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2364138711&category=20781

[Tailgunner]

Either one should do the job. Neither one will do so as fast a a bigger router, but since you're not talking about building 5 cabs a day this shouldn't be a problem. Besides the t-molding slot both of these will do laminate trimming which will be handy if you're planning on using laminate on the cabs.

[johnpurs]

NO! I have a very similar trim router and it will not work for this I tried it myself. That plastic base does NOT Stay in one place it goes up and down and will not cut a straight line with a slot cutter bit. I find the only way to do this is use a full size router.  These trim routers are made for one thing, trimming laminate.

[slicer_d]

I was thinking about getting one of these

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2363306593&category=20781&rd=1

Its about twice as much with shipping but it should defintally do the job.

[Wienerdog]

NO! I have a very similar trim router and it will not work for this I tried it myself. That plastic base does NOT Stay in one place it goes up and down and will not cut a straight line with a slot cutter bit. I find the only way to do this is use a full size router.  These trim routers are made for one thing, trimming laminate.

I am not doubting you, but why doesn't the base stay in place?  Doesn't that screw on on the side of the base tighten it enough?  

If that base goes up an down, it wouldn't trim laminate that well either...

[Wienerdog]

I think that guy is just selling stuff from Harbor Freight (in general, lower quality discount tool store).

Notice he says "color may vary"?  Compare his to the Harbor Freight model:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44914

If you want something like this from HF, don't buy it from that page.  Click on the "Order from Printed Catalog" link in the left column.  Enter it like the image below and add it to your cart.  You can get it right now for $17.97.

I have no experience with this item, so you might want to listen to JP.  Theoretically, a trim router should work fine with the slot cutter.  In practice, a fixed base router may be more reliable.

[GearHead]

If you're looking at $20 laminate trimmers you might as well look at routers.  Do an eBay search on Sears Router or Ryobi Router.  A lot of them are going for around $26 - some with bits.  Yeah, they're used but they're a lot more versatile than a trimmer.

Want a new one?  Harbor Freight has a plunge router for $29.99
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47937 I've never used any Chicago power tools.  Maybe someone else has experience with them.

[Wienerdog]

I wouldn't buy anything with a motor from Harbor Freight unless it is recommended by a woodworker.  PM me if you want a link to a woodworking forum where they talk about this stuff.  

I have a 2HP Dust Collector, a standing Drill Press, and a 14" Bandsaw from Harbor Freight, so please don't consider me a tool snob.  However, I would not buy the Chicago Electric or generic handheld power tools.  That's just me though.