Harbor Freight 1/4'' TRIM ROUTER

[knave]

So I've been reading alot and found quite a bit of options in the router department.

I have heard general warnings about the HF routers not being all that great but most of these also say that they'll do the job. 

I'm pretty new to the hobby and while I have some woodworking exp. I'm still a newb. 

All I really want to do it cut slots for T-moulding and perhaps some CP work.
If that's the case for $20 brand new would it be worth it to try one of these Harbor Freight trim routers?

Link @ Harbor Freight

[sodapopinski]

I would be careful using a trim router to do t-moulding. the base is small and easily tilts.

[knave]

So is it not recomended or should I give it a try?  C'mon it's $20...I could probably take it back if it's crap. 

Yes this idea appeals to me.  I mean I printed out all the rebate forma and signed up for a Lowes coupon for the Porter Cable.  But I know I just want some basics...I'm about to go to the flea market...but New is still pretty tempting for $20.

I thought I read a thread from someone here that used a trim router for T-moulding and it worked fine???

Anyone?

[ScottS]

How much money are you willing to gamble with? The worst that will happen is the router will be a piece of junk and chew up all of your wood. More likely, you won't have any problems. For myself, I've had so many problems with the junk that Harbor Freight sells, and it's just able all complete junk, that I don't shop there anymore.

[ChadTower]

If it sucks the loss won't be the $20 for the tool, it will be $20 + (the cost of every piece of wood you eff up).

[NiteWalker]

So is it not recomended or should I give it a try?  C'mon it's $20...I could probably take it back if it's crap. 

Yes this idea appeals to me.  I mean I printed out all the rebate forma and signed up for a Lowes coupon for the Porter Cable.  But I know I just want some basics...I'm about to go to the flea market...but New is still pretty tempting for $20.

I thought I read a thread from someone here that used a trim router for T-moulding and it worked fine???

Anyone?

I think what you read was that someone used a Bosch Colt palm router for a t-molding slot. That router can handle it. It was designed to be more than just a laminate trimmer. I'd avoid the HF one. It likely won't have the power to cut a t-molding slot.

[Borkunit]

I bought that router because I am a cheap-ass.  It worked fine for routing space for the joysticks.  I haven't tried cutting the t-molding slot yet.  I was actually planning on trying the slot cutter out on some scrap tomorrow.  If I get around to it, I'll let you know how it goes. 

[knave]

Yeah cool let me know...Thanks

[Borkunit]

Not going to get to it today.  Raining, and I have no garage.  Probably next weekend before I'll get a chance to try it.  Sorry!

[Borkunit]

Well the weather took a turn for the better, so I decided to take a crack at this.

Surprise, surprise! As everyone had indicated, this router is not good for the job of cutting the t-molding slot.  The base is just too small to be sure that the blade is approaching the workpiece at the correct angle.  I didn't even bother trying to make a cut in some scrap.  I knew that there is no way *I* would be able to do it right, so I gave up.  Maybe if you're experienced and have a steady hand you could make it work, but I'd suggest getting a better tool.

On that note, anyone in the Portland, OR area have the appropriate tool and the kindness in their heart to give me a hand?