To call a trim router by its better-known name—laminate trimmer—is to seriously undersell this mini machine’s usefulness in the shop. We gathered up 15 trim routers, both corded and cordless, and used them for more than a month to find a favorite. WOOD magazine’s tool editor Bob Hunter shows you what to look for and reveals his results.
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A good video. I think you missed a very important part of the base/sub-base discussion. Round vs square is actually a very big deal; it is very, very much easier to follow a guide edge with a round base, as it always keeps a constant distance from the edge. A square base only follows that edge if you keep it perfectly flat and if it tilts even a little, the bit moves further away from the guiding edge. As far as I can tell, there is NO advantage ever to a square base!!!
I meant the 7th from the right!
I see one of your routers, the 7th from the left, is a Makita clone. I have one of those in a corded version and I also have a cordless Makita router. Most of the parts like fixed and plunge base are interchangeable. But the genuine Makita are of higher quality. I have a clone plunge base that is much too loose on it's tolerances which caused the router bit to come into contact with a template bushing. That was not a good thing. I replaced it with a genuine Makita plunge base. It is much better. All of the parts on the genuine Makita are made much better. The price difference is not that great, so I recommend spending the extra for genuine Makita. In the long run, it will be cheaper.
Great video, thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I wish you had shown how to figure out where to install hinges on frame and striker plate too.
If anybody knows, please let me know.
Thanks so much, taught me a lot.
Poor camera switching; lose the long, left camera. Many instances where host is discussing something specific in his hands but camera shot is pointlessly far from his right side and the held objects are hidden by his hands (see 14:33).
Informative review on Trim Routers, thanks. Viewers may want to check out Jonathan Katz-Moses video review on palm routers. That review spoke a bit more to usability of the units…worth a look.
Great video the best on youtube about trim routers thanks…
If I just had to trim occasionally I'd go for a cheap corded one like Bosch. I wouldn't go for the cheapest piece I could find cause all too often they're just junk.
However, if you want a really nice and durable machine, go for the corded Makita RT0700CX2J. It's sturdy build with aluminum and has a motor with 710 W.
Also, and that is an important feature..it has constant electronic speed. That means if you start chewing away massive wood it won't lose RPM and keep up with what you've dialed in from the beginning.
It costs some money but it will probably be the last trim router you'll ever need. Quality has a price.. 🙂
I bought a Wen router it’s a plunge base and a fixed base. I have a cordless ryobi and I recently bought a new corded rigid 5,5 amp fixed base router to complete my Arsenal of routers. But I I see something else down the road I’ll probably get it as well. I love creating beautiful pieces of art and that could be anything I imagine.
Thank you sir. It helped a lot!
I have an old craftsman router 1HP, from about 35 years ago? It still works. Should I upgrade? It has no dust collection adapters for it.
Timely and useful. Thank you for taking the time to make a great overview!
The video was very good to me, as I am just learning about routers and how to use them.
Amazing video. New to this tool, I got a perfect theoretical understanding of the different parts and technicalities. Thanks and regards.
I am new to wood working ….I have a standard porter cable router fixed and plung. 1 3/4 HP…..Can I use it as a trim router or
R do I need a trim router?… great video
Great information from that man, on point.
(BUT)
The editing is unprofessional and the camera forgot the basics of head space and follow up, not even mention that the panning and tilting adjustment need to be loosen. Making shots look amateur.
In summary, the course of the information is not been followed.
Nice review, but I was disappointed that alternate bases and accessories were barely mentioned, and dust collection – ie, availability and quality of dust shrouds for surface and edge routing – was not mentioned at all.
Thank you
What model is the corded porter cable that you liked there?
If you were looking for just one trim router that could do everything which one would you purchase?
Thanks for the knowledge on how to look for a good Trim Router , Sir !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thx
And the testing happens……when?
Dewalt, Porter Cable and Craftsman are all divisions of Stanley Black & Decker. Milwaukie and Ryobi are now divisions ot Techtronic industries.
Very informative video. I currently have several larger routers and have been looking at purchasing a small trim router. After looking at several models and your video information I now know which one I will purchase. Thanks for such a great informative presentation.
I just look for the name DeWalt. Yeah… I'm a fan boy… do you want to fight about it!