Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Feb 14, 2008 11:08pm | #1

   I have a Bosch Colt that works well. My only complaint is that there isn't an easy way to adjust the base to be perfectly perpendicular to the axis of the motor--you have to shim it. (I think this is true of most trimmers.)

   -Steve

    

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Feb 14, 2008 11:12pm | #2

   Hi Steve,

   After reading many of your posts in here I'm curious as to why you chose the Colt vs others?  Does it offer an offset base?

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Feb 14, 2008 11:28pm | #3

   Just read Tom Hintz' review, most impressive.  Any thoughts about the PR20EVSK vs the PR10E?

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   saschafer | Feb 14, 2008 11:33pm | #5

   I have the PR20EVSK. Variable speed probably isn't that important in a small trimmer, since you're not going to be using any honkin' big panel raising bits, but 35,000 RPM can be a little scary nonetheless. The soft-start is nice, but again probably isn't that big a deal in a small machine. (On the other hand, I've never tried turning a PR10E on, so I don't know how much of a jump-out-of-your-hand tendency it has.)

   -Steve

    

2. 
   saschafer | Feb 14, 2008 11:28pm | #4

   At the time, it seemed to have the best reviews overall. The PC 310 was one of the contenders, but a lot of people were complaining about bits getting stuck. I don't know if they ever fixed that problem.

   The Bosch does offer an offset base, as well as a dust pickup shroud. The base works fine (you can get one from Pat Warner, too, that might be even better). I haven't had an opportunity to try out the shroud since I got it.

   It looks like the PC 310 has been discontinued, so if you want one, you'd better act fast.

   -Steve

    

2. 
   hammer1 | Feb 15, 2008 01:02am | #6

   Unless you are applying laminate in place, doing back splashes, etc. you don't need a small laminate trimmer. It's easy enough to use a normal router. I recommend the Euro style bits, no worries about burning or the bearing seizing. You get a better and cleaner cut if the plastic isn't overhanging more than 1/4".

   http://www.woodworkersworld.net/laminate_trim_bits.shtml

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   oldusty | Feb 15, 2008 02:53am | #8

     hammer ,

                The small size routers are very handy for many other applications besides laminate and back splashes .

         Especially for on the job trim works and other applications where you may have the router above work bench ht up higher , they can be easily held with one hand

         I made a sub base for one of my trim routers  for mortising in door hinges .

            So don't write trim routers off as one trick ponies.

                            regards    dusty

1. 
   hammer1 | Feb 15, 2008 07:28am | #10

   I have a venerable Rockwell laminate trimmer. It often has a 1/8" roundover bit ready to go. Although it's not a one trick pony, it's still a pony. I'm an old architectural woodworker, we literally do laminate by the mile and you won't find a small trimmer being used, unless it's a special circumstance. If that's all Bob wanted it for, he can save a little money. Laminate trimmers are light duty, limited to 1/4" shanks and light cuts. They are fairly expensive for what they can do. I could easily live without mine.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Feb 15, 2008 03:20pm | #12

   Hi dusty,

   Perhaps the most important criterion for me is that a tool needs to be multi-functional if possible. 

   I envision using it for laminate trimming, mortising hinges, chamferring edges, some relief carving prep. work; basically anything I would normally use the 1½Hp Craftsman hand held.  (Yeah all you anti-Craftsman dudes go for it!  I've had mine, first router, since '78 and it keeps on trucking; works as good as the day I bought it.

   Leaning towards the Colt,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   oldusty | Feb 15, 2008 06:11pm | #13

    Bob ,  Don't tell hammer this but , I don't think I have ever trimmed laminate with them , go figure .

                  regards  from the warm West

                                    dusty

3. 
   RonInOttawa | Feb 15, 2008 02:26am | #7

   I have the Ridgid and find it does everything I want. I use a bearing mounted mortise bit to clean dados (that little nick left in the corners), round-overs and chamfers up to 1/4", and miscellaneous little tasks that don't really require either of my PC 690s.

4. 
   jako17 | Feb 15, 2008 04:25am | #9

   I have  had a  310 for some years and no trouble with the collets but I do wax the end of the shaft.My feeling is that it is a bit underpowered .One of the 310's is a Betterly butt joiner another a mitre fold trimmer.I also have another pc that is for drywall cut out which seems to be more powerful.However most of the time I reach for my old B+D trimmer (square base) I believe long gone but a great tool and very powerful

5. 
   pzaxtl | Feb 15, 2008 07:55am | #11

   Hey Bob,

   I bought mine based various reviews -- all of which rated the Bosch Colt as best pick.  There are a couple of features to the Colt that are worth noting:

   1. Motor size -- with a 1hp motor, the Colt will spin, within reason any 1/4" shank bit you want.  Of course, there are some bits with 1/4" shanks that really should have 1/2" shanks.
   2. Depth adjust: straight forward and easy to adjust.
   3. Variable speed with soft start: OK, so it is much more essential with a full size router than a trimmer, nonetheless, it is a nice feature.
   4. Single wrench bit changing.
   5. Ergonomics: it fits well and functions well with a simple hand grip (and being that it's a soft start motor, you can one hand it when starting up).

   I use mine all the time for routing electric guitar bodies, inlays, etc.  I absolutely love this trimmer.  The only improvement I would like is a plunge base.  Sure, there's always the plunge base by Micro-Fence, but $400! -- c'mon!

6. 
   user-1119429039 | Feb 15, 2008 10:29pm | #14

   Take a look at the Tool Guide for editor's reviews and reader reviews:

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ToolGuide/ToolguideDirectory.aspx?dir=Routers

   David Heim

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Feb 15, 2008 10:53pm | #15

   David,

   I didn't see any trim routers like the Bosch Colt.  These are all full size routers,

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   user-1119429039 | Feb 15, 2008 10:56pm | #16

   You may want to check the Tool Guide on FineHomebuilding.Com

7. 
   Pondfish | Feb 16, 2008 01:51am | #17

   I use a DW trimmer freqquently.  It's noisy and the base is not perpindicular to the base.

   I had a Bosch colt but the switch would get clogged with shavings when routing lock mortises (holding the trimmer sideways).   The clog would prevent the colt from being switched OFF.  Until Bosch fixes this problem, I think the Colt is a REJECT.  My Bosch 1617 router also has a bad switch (nothing to do with clogging), so it will be a cold day in hell when I buy a bosch router again.  I have a Bosch 12" SCMS, Bosch drill, impact driver, circ saw, jig saws, etc., so I have nothing against Bosch per se.  But they are batting 0.000 with their routers.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Feb 17, 2008 06:47am | #18

   That's not cool with the Colt switch.  Have to check that out.  Thanks.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!