Replies

1. 
   Routerman | Aug 09, 2008 05:31am | #1

   A good one if kept within its power range.

2. 
   flairwoodworks | Aug 09, 2008 05:46am | #2

   I don't know how hard it would be to get parts down the road.  By the way, when I was down at the Pomona woodworking show, both big power tool companies had them for sale.  I don't remember their names.

   Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

3. 
   forestgirl | Aug 09, 2008 06:51am | #3

   Boiler, I remember that thread but didn't bookmark it.  Could you post either a link to the thread, or a link to the retailer?  Thanks!

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
1. 
   boilerbay | Aug 09, 2008 05:41pm | #5

   Thanks all, Hammer, Routerman and Flair,Spare parts do concern me but I think I'll pull the trigger while there are still some left.forestgirl,I think this will get you there:John White's thread was
   http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=41138.1
   If not the direct link is
   http://www.tools-plus.com/porter-cable-310.html
   although it's gone up $10.00Hope this helpsBestBB

4. 
   hammer1 | Aug 09, 2008 07:29am | #4

   I have an older 310 made by Rockwell. It's essentially the same router. I have a local tool repair shop that has been around since most power tools were polished aluminum. When I took the 310 in for a check up and cord, the shop owner said it was a good router and they don't make them like that anymore.

   The depth adjustment ring fits in a couple of leaf type springs in the base. It can slip out so you have to be careful. The lock is a straight slotted/ hex head screw combination and there is a wrap on the head. You need a real thin wrench for bit changing and I'll be darned if I know what size, I had to make one. You need to move the base down quite a lot to have access to the collet. These things are a bit of a nuisance and take extra time. When you are setting up laminate bits, very fine adjustments are necessary. You always want to do a test cut with this router.

   I have the offset base but I never use it. It's driven by a belt you add off the collet. I use the 310 for small jobs, using small bits, letting in hardware, easing edges, laminate and veneer work. I thought after 30 plus years of service, it might need new brushes, but that wasn't the case. Although it's lacking in refinement, the durability of these routers built Rockwell's reputation for quality in their industrial line.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

5. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Aug 09, 2008 08:02pm | #6

   Mr. Bay, nothing put positives.

   1-better blance than the tall trimmers.

   2-much better depth adjustment.

   3-more comfortable to use .

   4-more than enough power and rpm's for trim work , letting in locks/strike plates/hinges or veining. It's not the proper machine to rout 3/4x 3/8 dados in two passes --go get your 1 3/4 + hp .

   It is even more stable with Pat Warner's clear offset base when chasing a shaped edge or turning corners.

   I picked up both of his clear bases(he had them on sale as a set) and ordered the clamping knob from Reid tool-it's really handy.

   Black and pecker speaks of keeping parts for 10 years but I would get them now  rather than trust them later.

   Paddy

1. 
   boilerbay | Aug 09, 2008 10:24pm | #7

   Thanks again and will keep the parts reference in the forefront.
   Best
   BB

6. 
   BOBABEUI | Aug 09, 2008 11:52pm | #8

   Really nice little router, think of it as a 40% version of the venerable PC 690. Replaced the base with one of Pat Warners Lexan jobs. The split collet is not 'self releasing' and releases bits only after a small rap on the collet nut with a scrap of wood. I love the little beast..

   I use it for small dado's and mortising hardware, fit where nothing else does..

1. 
   jquinn | Aug 10, 2008 01:08am | #9

   I agree about it being a nice little router/trimmer.   I have had mine for about 5-6 years.  I do have a complaint about porter-cable power tools and it is that the power cord insulation starts to crack and fall apart after only 2 years or less.

   I hadn't heard of this Pat Warner before - so thanks for mentioning it.  A good website.

1. 
   boilerbay | Aug 10, 2008 01:13am | #10

   Thanks to all, I am ordering one.BB

7. 
   heartwould | Aug 10, 2008 02:24am | #11

   The PC 310 seems to have some fans:
   http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-0310-Production-Laminate-Trimmer/dp/B0000222Z4?tag=dogpile-20

1. 
   boilerbay | Aug 10, 2008 03:35am | #12

   Heart,I guess so. Pity that Black and Dufus won't take notice.BB

1. 
   byhammerandhand | Aug 10, 2008 04:35am | #13

   Hmm. I thought it was Beavis & Decker?

1. 
   heartwould | Aug 11, 2008 02:27am | #15

   Black & Darker?

1. 
   RalphBarker | Aug 11, 2008 04:43pm | #16

   "Black & Darker?" No, Bleak & Darker. ;-)

8. 
   jc21 | Aug 10, 2008 05:21pm | #14

   I would have liked to have seen John White include the 310 in the recent comparision test just for grins. imho it's still the best trim router out there. I hope to add another 310 when funds permit. Paddy covered the +'s well. The most common complaint I've heard about the 310 is a sticky collet. I've not found it to be a big deal ......... a few taps on the side of the collet with a wrench and the bit comes out. It's not a self releasing design like the 690 uses. . I've had one order with the Tools Plus folks and they were great to deal with and will do so again in the future. Another source for the 310 is Betterley Industries. http://www.betterleytools.com/ They've been big in laminate and solid surface tools for many years. They still have the 310 plus seaming and other bases for it.

   Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.
   P. J. O'Rourke

   
   

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   Edited 8/10/2008 10:44 am ET by jc21