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Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: shponglefan on September 08, 2012, 06:48:21 pm

Title: Laminate trimmer vs router?
Post by: shponglefan on September 08, 2012, 06:48:21 pm
I already have a router, it's fine, have used it for everything from wood to laminate to plexi.

But I find myself using laminate more often for projects so I was thinking about investing in a laminate trimmer (which from what I can tell is just a mini-router).  For those who own/use them, are they faster and easier to use than a standard router?  And how do they fare with plexi?
Title: Re: Laminate trimmer vs router?
Post by: PL1 on September 08, 2012, 09:07:17 pm
And now, a word from Selfie, the Master of Plastics (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,119165.msg1294681.html#msg1294681).

a small laminate trimmer is good for acrylic.


Scott
Title: Re: Laminate trimmer vs router?
Post by: TopJimmyCooks on September 08, 2012, 09:27:40 pm
laminate trimmer is good for flush cutting anything  1/4" thick or less.  And  using a 1/8" roundover bit.  as long as you stay within the parameters and don't try to swing a too-large bit they are designed for they are great. 
Title: Re: Laminate trimmer vs router?
Post by: selfie on September 09, 2012, 05:37:33 pm
 ;D

I love my laminate trimmers. It's a bit hard to get good quality ones any more. I have about 4 or 5 old Makita units with a metal body that have lasted with constant use for 8 years. The new "safe" versions have a plastic body and I'm lucky to get 6 months out of them...
Title: Re: Laminate trimmer vs router?
Post by: shponglefan on September 14, 2012, 11:46:17 am
Thanks for the replies, you convinced me!  I picked up Home Depot's Rigid laminate trimmer.  It seemed to have good reviews and for a hundred bucks, why not?  I guess I'll see how it performs soon enough!
Title: Re: Laminate trimmer vs router?
Post by: Slippyblade on September 14, 2012, 05:22:58 pm
I paid $15 for a laminate trimmer from Harbor Freight a few years ago.  It's a piece of crap but does the job and has lasted so far.  For the price - can't complain.