Talk me into/out of buying this Laminate Trimmer.

[harveybirdman]

So I saw this today at Lowe's and think it's a pretty good deal. 



http://www.lowes.com/pd_496568-70-DWE6000_0__?productId=50146264

I want to ensure no chips when I do laminate on my cab(s) but I certainly don't want to drop a hundred bucks on a unitasker...

I'm sure I can use this for other stuff?  Slot cutting maybe? Recess mount sticks?

What do think?  Worth the money?

[wp34]

That should be a decent router if you are on a budget.  You should have no issues trimming laminate.    I have the kit that is a step up from that one and it is one of my favorite tools.

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=473808-70-DWP611PK&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=4542280&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

You will be limited to 1/4" bits but I have not found that to be an issue with mine thus far.

[Le Chuck]

I have a palm sized one comparable that and I do everything with it.  R2 was built with a router that size.  You'll be fine. 

[harveybirdman]

Thanks guys. Added to wishlist.

[behrmr]

If you want a unitasker then just get the $29.99 1/4" trim router from Harbor Freight.  It works fine and I've done 3 cabinets with mine and no chipping.  Just buy a good laminate bit.

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

[otsep]

That should be a decent router if you are on a budget.  You should have no issues trimming laminate.    I have the kit that is a step up from that one and it is one of my favorite tools.

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=473808-70-DWP611PK&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=4542280&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

You will be limited to 1/4" bits but I have not found that to be an issue with mine thus far.

+1 for the DWP611PK.  I have the kit and use the hell out of it.  The trimmer technically is a router, but pretty much set for trimming.

Going for a real router gives you a better housing, depth adjustments, collet, etc.

Routers are like tattoos; Cheap ones aren't good, good ones aren't cheap.

[Fursphere]

Just remember that DeWalt is owned by Stanley Black and Decker.

There are a few DeWalt branded tools with identical Black and Decker counterparts (different colors) for a fraction of the price....   

[wp34]

Just remember that DeWalt is owned by Stanley Black and Decker.

There are a few DeWalt branded tools with identical Black and Decker counterparts (different colors) for a fraction of the price....   

You have to watch them carefully though as sometimes they don't offer the same features. The Porter Cable equivalent of the  DWP611PK does not have a variable speed switch nor an LED work-light for example.   If you don't need the missing features you can indeed save some money.

http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-450PK-Compact-Router-Plunge/dp/B0046A8V6A/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1422244688&sr=8-17&keywords=porter+cable+router&pebp=1422244695794&peasin=B0046A8V6A

[otsep]

Just remember that DeWalt is owned by Stanley Black and Decker.

There are a few DeWalt branded tools with identical Black and Decker counterparts (different colors) for a fraction of the price....   

You have to watch them carefully though as sometimes they don't offer the same features. The Porter Cable equivalent of the  DWP611PK does not have a variable speed switch nor an LED work-light for example.   If you don't need the missing features you can indeed save some money.

http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-450PK-Compact-Router-Plunge/dp/B0046A8V6A/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1422244688&sr=8-17&keywords=porter+cable+router&pebp=1422244695794&peasin=B0046A8V6A

Spot on.  For the extra $6 I would got the the variable speed control and LED.  The control is important as some bits have speed limits.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWP611PK-Torque-Variable-Compact/dp/B0049ZFUK2

[Minwah]

I bought this one and love it:

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-RT0701CX7-1-1-Compact-Router/dp/B00HAQMHEO/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1423235688&sr=1-2&keywords=Makita+RT0700

I bought it with just the fixed base for £100 (I bet that would be <$100 in the US). Not sure if you can still get it without the plunge base, but they used to sell it with different bases.

I should add that I've since bought the tilt base and plunge base, as I find the router so useful. I do all of my routing (laminate trimming, slot cutting, edge trimming, plunging etc) with it.

[a1pharm]

Just get a flush trim router bit and a regular router if you want to avoid the "unitasker."