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Laminate trimmer for t-molding slot cutting?
PrizLucky:
Thanks for the info guys! A laminate trimmer sounds like it should handle all the tasks I'll need.. and it should save me a few bucks! (though part of me still wants to get a "real" router!)
DrewKaree:
--- Quote from: PrizLucky on January 17, 2006, 11:18:42 am ---
Thanks for the info guys! A laminate trimmer sounds like it should handle all the tasks I'll need.. and it should save me a few bucks! (though part of me still wants to get a "real" router!)
--- End quote ---
Then get yourself a "real" router :) The cost difference isn't gonna be that big, and if you get a "real" router, with the right size collet (that's the part that holds the bits), you can do so many more things than are possible with a laminate trimmer.
I might be talking about something OTHER than that Sears model, since I haven't seen a good laminate trimmer for less than $100, and the Bosch Colt, which seems to be the shiznit in this category, is ~$130.
See if there are DeWalt refurbished stores in your area too. Might save you a few bucks and I can vouch for that one being a really nice one, although I don't use it for anything other than laminate.
Yoder:
I picked up a laminate trimmer the other day. I went with Ridgid's heavy duty $100 model. It got good reviews by woodworking magazines I saw on the web and it has some plusses that a lot of better brands don't have (by better I mean Porter Cable, Dewalt, etc). A link...
Shortened link
This router has a 6 amp motor (maybe 1+ HP or so?), a steel base, and variable speed with soft start. Also, the base appears to be perpendicular to the body so that you should be able to use it for most router tasks. If you read Amazon reviews of other trimmers you'll find that many are not perpendicular so they are really designed only for trimming laminate.
Note, the money was not really why I went for this. I wanted something small that I can use to do door hinge mortises, laminate trimming, and other small tasks. I'm not a woodworker, so I think this will be fine for me. Besides you can get a "real" router for much cheaper than $100.
BTW, this router comes with a flush trim bit. I plan to use this to trim my lexan, etc.
PrizLucky:
yeah, I'm thinking that I might just buy a cheapo router.. Home Depot has the ryobi 2hp plunge base router for $99, or the smaller fixed base router in a combo kit with a small router table for $99 ..
I might just pick one of those up... I know the Porter Cable is there taunting me for $40 more, but saving $40 and getting a small router table seems to be a better bang for the buck for my needs right now..
If I find that I'm really using it a lot, and need something better later, I can always upgrade.. (and 2 routers > 1 right ;D )
nostrebor:
The ryobi routers are OK... the table sucks wind. Blow the extra 40. It will be worth it. Get a 1/2" collet router if you go the full blown router "route" :)
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