Replies

1. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Sep 25, 1999 05:03am | #1

   *
   Do they make 1 hp routers with 1/2" collets? - jb

1. 
   routerman | Sep 25, 1999 07:06am | #2

   *Have appraisal of 3 small routers all 1/2" collet all great, at http://www.patwarner.com/GreatRouters.html

1. 
   DSOB | Sep 25, 1999 08:42am | #3

   *FrancisCheck out the PC combo dealScott

1. 
   Douglas_Horgan | Oct 08, 1999 03:10pm | #4

   *Francis,Would you consider ditching the 1/2"? I work with a guy who uses a laminate trimmer for 95% of his routing--door work & edge treatments especially--and let me tell you, for housebuilding that thing is awesome. I'm always looking at my 3HP Hitachi and then asking to borrow his. It has plenty of power for any small profile, is only a little slow on bigger edge treatments, and is so easy to handle. I used to worry about the 1/4" bits but have never seen a problem with them. You can use your giant router for anything truly big.

1. 
   daved_ | Oct 16, 1999 06:48am | #5

   *Douglass,I agee with you. I have a Ryobi laminate trimmer I use for most routing. The 1/4" bits work fine. I have had it for years but just started using it on the last 2 or 3 trim jobs. Before I would use a 1 1/2 hp Porter-Cable with a D handle. The small router is an arm saver.

2. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Oct 16, 1999 07:49am | #6

   *yeah, I use my PC laminate trimmer for all kinds of light shaping and mortising. For everything else, I use the 3 hp. - jb

3. 
   jcallahan | Oct 16, 1999 08:00pm | #7

   *A shop I worked at had 7/8 hp Porter Cable Model 100's ....we used them for just about everything. We used them one handed or two handed. They held up very well. The 1/4 inch bits worked fine.

4. 
   John_Landi | Oct 23, 1999 07:38pm | #8

   *Hey Francis, I have a Porter Cable laminate trimmer as well. I love it, great foe hinges, latches, edge details. I also have a 1 1/2 HP Bosch. I use the PC 98% of the time. You have to becareful of the depth adjustment knob- the threads are fine and can get stripped. If you can, look for the one with the round base if available

5. 
   Christopher_Moles | Oct 28, 1999 02:07pm | #9

   *In my opinion, Bosch makes the best small routers. I like the model 1604 with a twist base. Simple to use. Just be sure to keep the 1/4" bit shank deep in the collet, I once watched a bit go thru a galvanized tin roof without even slowing down! My t-shirt would of had even less of an effect on it.

6. 
   William_Ward | Oct 29, 1999 05:58pm | #10

   *Based on the above posts, if you will accept a 1/4" collet and no side handles, then a laminate trimmer may be sufficient. The March 1999 issue of Wood magazine has a good article/comparison of 9 different laminate trimmers. They are all pretty good, but there are some features that may be important to what you want to use the router for. $100 will get you about any of them, new. We have a local tool liquidator in Kansas City that sells the reconditioned Ryobi units for $59. Habor Freight sells their own brand for $49. If you look in the mail order catalogs (Tool Crib, etc.) you can buy laminate trimmer sets that include multiple bases for different uses. We use a Makita trimmer at Habitat (for Humanity) to cleanup mortises and roundover/ogee window sills. Just don't stick your fingers through the side opening when you grip the barrel. No damage, but sure scared me!

2. 
   Francis_Kingzett | Oct 29, 1999 05:59pm | #11

   *
   Hi,
   Looking for a good small router with a 1/2" collet. Would like to find one that is compact and easy to handle but powerful enough for most small projects. Have a large plunge router that was handed down from my father-in-law but would like to find something smaller since for most of the projects I work on around the house the larger one is very inconvenient to use. Appreciate any recommendations.