Got the Bosch palm router PR20EVSK for Christmas. The locking mechanism does not work to tighten bits. I ground down a wrench to fit. But now worry that the tool is poorly made or designed. Should I return it? Any suggestion on a small router?
A disappointed tool junkie
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Last time I used mine, I had a problem with the depth setting changing in use. Messed up a couple of hinge mortises. Not sure what caused it, I tightened the little clamp-lock, and it seemed to be OK, so maybe that was the problem. Haven't really had time to spend checking into it. Like you, I was kinda disappointed with the tool, seems like the depth setting is a little primitive, I would have liked something a little more precision. If the spindle lock doesn't work, I'd take it back.
I've heard of people routing hinge mortises with a drywall cutout tool, haven't ever tried it.
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Hi,
I think that is the Colt router... correct? I just returned the last one after 3 attempts. Bought #2 and #3 at different places just to see if #1 was a bad batch. Nope.I encountered something very odd with the collet and or shaft not being true. When I installed a bit it would spin out of balance. I even tried an extremely accurate solid carbide tool from Vortex Tool and on coast down you could see the bit off center. All 3 exhibited this.The other issue I saw on all 3 was the base to the tool was not square, and I mean NOT SQUARE! Went directly to Woodcraft and bought yet another Festool router, this time the Festool 1010. It is so well balanced and designed that although it is larger than a palm router it is just as maneuverable. At $330 bucks it is 3 times more than any trim router and 10 times better.
I think I'm going to return it and look at the Festool. They look like great tools.
"Last time I used mine, I had a problem with the depth setting changing in use."Sounds like you may not have had the outer sleeve engaged with the fine adjustment worm gear before you tightened the clamp-lock. I've had no problems with my Colt.BruceT
may not have had the outer sleeve engaged with the fine adjustment worm gear
thanks, I'll check thatView Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
You might find more information using the search function here - this router has been discussed a few times.
You are not alone on the spindle lock. That is the most common complaint I have heard about this router. You really have to push it all the way in to get it to catch the spindle - a pain.
The switch on mine went after about 20 minutes of use. Was replaced at no charge, but, I still had to bring it in, and wait a few days for the repair.
Mine also had a small spring fly out of it one day while I was using it. This spring goes behind a little roller bar the applies tension for the depth setting. Don't know how it got out of there, but, it sure was a suprise. I put it back in and seems to be working ok now.
I like the feel of the router when it is working, but, think it is not one of Boschs best designs.
Spend another 50 bucks or so and get a Porter Cable #310. It's a nice, small, almost bulletproof trim router.
#310 is a good little router. Last of the American made Porter Cable products. Now it is all coming from Mexico or China, and it is ####!The Colt is made in Malaysia and riddled with problems and design flaws.If all you need is a laminate trimmer and you can find a #310 that would be a good choice, not many left though so it may be hard to find.For $160 more than the Porter Cable #310 the Festool 1010 offers plunge capability, superior dust collection, 3 year warranty, great carry case, top of the line German engineering and precision.I have nearly every Festool made with exception to the Domino, I passed on it because I have a Multi Router from JDS. None of the Festool has EVER let me down.Hope this helps you.
I would LOVE to see your shop! I can't imagine what it must be like to have (almost) all the Festools at my disposal...now that IS a new year's resolution!!!"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
Syma,>>I have nearly every Festool made with exception to the Domino<<I guess I have to be the one to say that sounds like some real BS. They make alot of tools. I doubt you own the majority of them.
Personally, I have never been overly impressed with Festool. Just like any other tool company, there are some tools that are better than others. Festool makes a nice vacuum. Other than that, it all seems mediocre and overpriced.I find that the people who buy them in quantity are usually pompous and flaunty. Generally Doctors/Lawyers who woodwork as a hobby, likely thinking that a more expensive tool will vantage the fact that they are low on skills. I will just have to live with the solace that I can perform better than most using my measly Homedepot quality tools.Say what you will, that's my opinion.gk
wow. that sounds like serious sour grapes bordering on class envy!! You have a huge chip on your shoulder, and you need to get someone to knock it off. This forum has been a haven for all comers with all sorts of ideas, agree or not. But to lash out like that is pretty sad. I feel bad for you. Whether he has the tools or not, to not give him the benefit of the doubt is pretty small. Happy New Year to you to."The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
You noticed that too huh?
I bet he just LOVES Norms New Yankee Shop tools..all bought and paid for by sponsers...(G)Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
Yeah, I DID notice that. And I was very surprised.
Just a mere technicality, because Norm is "produced" by affiliates of "PUBLIC" Broadcasting Systems, (in Boston, specifically), it isn't bought and paid for by SPONSORS...Sponsors don't exist in PUBLIC Broadcasting. That would make it commercial in nature. And we ALL know it is PUBLIC broadcasting. (TONGUE IN CHEEK)."The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
You haven't used any Festool products, have you. Today I cut down a door with their saw system. One of the sweetest tools I've ever used. Akin to using a super-sharp hand plane.
BTW, I'm a real carpenter, not a doctor or lawyer.
"Today I cut down a door with their saw system."What, did you misplace your keys?
BruceT
Yup, and made a nice neat hole to let myself in with ;-)
my son and I made this sub-woofer speaker with 2 18" drivers. Everything in this was first cut/finish cut with my Festool circular saw, including the 45 degree mating on the finish maple veneer. None of my other saws, (bosch or Milwaukee) could have done that as easily. Yes, it is a VERY sweet system. (FYI...3 sheets of MDF and it weighs approx 350 lbs!!!)"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
(FYI...3 sheets of MDF and it weighs approx 350 lbs!!!)
You have some interior baffles in that thing?
Looks great, bet you can really feel the music
Yes, there are some baffles inside, although not as many as we put in an open port sub we built earlier. Everything is doubled on this!!...the face (black) is MDF and is the 3rd layer. It knocks picture frames off the wall!! and the dog goes into hiding when we start using it seriously. Its hard to imagine until you actually feel and hear it. Last night, my son brought home this movie called "REd LIne". must have been $10Million worth of cars in that movie...but the sound track shook the whole house. And if you don't like good lookin females, you should probably not rent it in any case....."The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
Thanks for the movie tip. Not a real car nut, but, sounds like I might enjoy it anyway.
Well, Here is maybe half of the Festool I own. I will post another pic of the remaining Festool for you Dreamcatcher as soon as I gather it up from 2 jobs. All counted I have 13 tools, 7 systainer cases, CT22 vac, MFT table, and various accessories. This spring I hope to buy the soon to be released Festool Kapex miter slide compound saw.
Not to hijack this thread but I have a question for you.
I have seen Festools line. I have also seen the prices.
Are they worth that much more than say a Dewalt SCMS, or a Bosch jigsaw? Have you tried the everyday tools we use before you got into Festools?
I am not biased one way or another just curious as to what you think. You have bought into their tools pretty heavy by the looks of it, and that might be my answer.
Woods favorite carpenter
Hi Matt,
Your not hijacking the thread, I would love to help you.
My first power tool purchase was a Skilsaw 77 after I graduated college in Boston. I still have the saw but recently bought the Bosch mag version of it to save on some weight. Then I bought a Bosch barrel handle jigsaw.The first point I'm explaining is that I never bought bad or cheap tools to begin with. When I learned of Festool maybe 6-7 years ago I was impressed with their typical German attitude, design, and engineering process. They are clearly built to last, work well, work together as a system, and when needing repair Festool repairs them and they are designed to be repaired without altering or ruining the tool.The balance and ergonomics is that typical of a German car, most everything has a reason for being there or being designed like it was.I appreciate quality, I think most of us do and because of that I realize it costs more to obtain quality. There is not a single Festool I own that I regret buying. Just wait until this spring when Festool releases their Kapex slide compound saw. If you Google it you can see the same saw less the 220V in Europe. Here is a perfect example of Festool engineering. One huge problem will ALL slide saws is the room they take up because you need to keep them away from the wall to allow for the slide action. The other BIG complaint of ALL slide saws or actually any miter saw is dust collection, here again Festool handled that. It is a sweet saw, there is all kinds of speculation as to the cost, my feeling are that it will be about $1,000. Heck, I paid $700 for my Bosch made in Tawain, the bosch is a decent saw but not close to the Festool.Did this help you some?
Sorry for rambling on...
Syma,I appreciate your restraint from flaming me. Apparently my tongue in cheek style was stifled by my toolhound rant. As I see in retrospect, my post did clearly call you a liar. Not my intent. I should have tried harder to insinuate that your earlier post was simply mis-stated as to be exaggeratory. I quoted in >>I have nearly every Festool made with exception to the Domino<< expecting that you ment that you meant that 'nearly every tool I have is festool' or the like. Festool makes about 40 tools for US import, a few more availible only abroad. I had interest in their offerings since before they were Festool (Festo). I have since used many of their tools and was quite unimpressed. You and I shall surely differ in opinion there. I did have two doctor clients and one lawyer client, also one professor friend who used Festool. All seemed to act the same way; have the same "this is the best tool ever made" attitude. None had any real woodworking or carpentry skills. My friend and one of the doctor clients nearly forced me to try out their stuff. Each time I walked away glad I had never invested in Festo years ago. Mostly due to the poor ergonomics, higher weight, and then there was the router bit that came out of the collet. (yes it was the correct collet.)Here and there I run across tradespeople using Festool. My most recent encounter was with some painters we hired. They had a rotex sander and 33 vac. They acted like the tools would just do the job for them. In the end there were the same sanding marks and dust left in the corners as with any other set-up. All in all, the tools we use should make our job easier and our workday a little more enjoyable. If you enjoy using your tools then I am truely happy for you. By fact that you can afford the high dollar tools you own then you are probably doing quite well for yourself as a professional carpenter. Many here probably couldn't afford such a cache of name brand products. As for me, I try to diversify my selections, so as to find the best tools for the job at the right price. Why buy a $1000 saw when you could get a high quality saw for half that, not to mention you already have a great saw bought and paid for? Why would you suggest a $350 router to someone who may just need a $150 trim router? I guess i'm really not so worried about your choices as I am the OP who just wanted a new trim router. It bugs me that people come here to get advice from professional tradespeople but end up getting it from weekend warriors. It bugs me that many here at BT seem to blindly praise Festool just as the doctor/professor/painters did. It really bugs me when non-tradespeople try to tell real tradespeople what is the best tools and methods for homebuilding. I guess I should have read the disclaimer closer. (insert cute smile thing).Nothing here to cut you down, just FYI where I'm coming from.gk
No worries Dreamcatcher. I don't hold a grudge whatsoever. Thats the trouble with forums, you get all kinds posting all sorts of things.I find Knots and Breaktime the best forums around, this includes the other various forums I belong to as well.I'm not a doctor, not a lawyer but in a past life some years ago did very well in commercial Real Estate. I burned out and resorted to woodworking, my real love. Now I am working on this crappy little house I bought in the Southpark area of Charlotte NC, got my work cut out for me.Here is my simple take on tools in closing. I buy the best tools once and take care of them in hopes they last me my life time.Over and out.
Yeah, I've run across those guys too. Didn't want to get in the middle of a flame war, but I knew where you were coming from. - Huck (don't own any Festools, but would sure like to!)View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
I was just curious if the price was in line with the quality.
I doubt that I'll cough up that much for any one tool, but I have suprised myself when I get the itch for a new tool. Woods favorite carpenter
Well, I have a slightly different perspective as I recently bought into a whole bunch of the Festool stuff, but did it by way of a Craigslist listing where someone had passed away and they were selling all of his tools.So I picked up about $1900 worth of Festool items for $800 - can't beat that with a stick.I had always lusted after them as they sure do seem pretty darn well designed and slick looking, but didn't have any plans to buy any really as they are $$$.But I had a few staircase jobs earlier this year and bought the Domino setup and was very impressed. That's a tool that you could pretty much use to make all of your furniture type projects go faster with better results.The CL deal netted me the TS55 saw / Trion Jigsaw / CT22 Vac / Rotex 6" sander / + a bunch of accessories.TS55 Saw - wow - this is a nice setup. No matter what blade or saw I used with my EZ system - the cut and ease of use was NEVER as good or fast. Smooth, powerful, perfect cuts and some seriously nice features. Rails and saw are much easier to use compared to my old (now sold) EZ setup. Dust collection rocks and because the saw blade retracts, you can set it down immediately without worrying about the blade guard and such. I'm actually getting better cuts with less (if any) chipout on the top of melamine cuts than on the bottom - which is pretty amazing. Maybe you can chalk that up to the fact that there really are not that many super high-quality 7 1/4" saw blades available. Absolutely worth the money they ask for it.Trion Jigsaw - Very HD, but haven't used it enough to say it's worth the extra $$, in fact, merely because it's a d-handle and I'd like a barrel grip, I'm tempted to sell it and use the money to buy a new Bosch and take the extra cash out of the deal. But then, I haven't used a corded jigsaw for 3 years cause I've been pretty happy with my cordless Bosch 18 volt. Of course, the minute you are building radius corner countertops - a good jigsaw will shine, so I may just keep it cause I already have it.CT22 vac. - cool looking, but I sor tof like my Fein Turbo better as it seems more durable I think and a little quieter. Having said that, I'm keeping it cause I have it now and I'm sure when I do some more sanding, I'll appreciate the variable suction. Handy to be able to store the cases on top, but I feel like they are robbing me asking for $40 for the chunk of plastic they call; a hose garage. Hose ID is much smaller than the Fein, and they cheap out and give you a short little hose but give you an absolutely ridiculous length of power cord with a stupid 10" 20 amp adapter cord that you have to use. The damn cord is so long, you can barely wrap it around the cord wraps.Rotex sander - WOW - now this is a cool sander - capable of hogging off material or doing simple RO sander work - and I have yet to try it for polishing - which I hear it's pretty amazing for. I'm thinking the sander is worth the cost they sell for. I'm selling my belt sanders.Having and using them and realizing just how well designed they are makes you quickly justify any of them just cause you know you'll basically have no regrets. Regards,Julian
I'd buy in to the deal you got.
I can see the logic, I paid 2-3 times what a normal hammer costs for a Stilletto TiBone. I wanted it and it made my job easier.
I'm interested in the Domino, again price is a factor. Otherwise it would be in my shop.
Woods favorite carpenter
Dreamcatcher,That's one of the funniest (dumbest) posts I've read in a long time.Digging my Festools,- Kit (a real working carpenter, honest...)Technique is proof of your seriousness. - Wallace Stevens
Dreamcatcher, you need to look at your post and try to figure out why you seem to need to put others down. I don't have any of the Festools but that's not the point.
Wow,
Thats some response. Essentially calling me a liar, and a lawyer. All you had to do was call me a lawyer...LOLAs soon as I return to the shop I'll gather up as much of my Festool as I can and post a picture.Just so you know, I make my living with my hands like most of us here at Fine Homebuilding. I pride myself on my work, and I purchase the very best in tools that I can seek out. I get immense pleasure from using tools like Festool, Lie Nielsen, Adria handsaws, Nishiki chisels, Stiletto hammers (just bought), and the such...Anyway, gotta run.
I bought my Colt when my PC 310 quit in the middle of a Job. It is a nice size and has a good feel to it, but that spindle lock coud make me throw it across the room......I think it will become a dedicated roundover router so I hardly ever have to change bits in it (after I get the PC fixed).
kbd
The Porter Cable little router is pretty decent, great for door hinges and such
Why is it every time I see the title of this thread my brain says "Palm Beach Router"????
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Funny..I see P-lam router..as in Pressure Laminate..mind games I tell ya, mind games..Taunton has the remote control.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
because IRL that's where you would like to be routered to...
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