Hello, All-
I use my PC 710 laminate trimmer to do hinge mortising (as well as laminate work). I noticed that the corners of the plastic sub-base sometimes catch the edge of the template I’m using. Upon a closer examination I saw that the sub-base was not entirely flat. Took the sub-base off and flattened the base casting where it meets the sub-base (PC certainly didn’t spend any time doing this), thinking this would correct things when I screwed the sub-base back on. Nope. The sub-base itself is not flat. Thinking about flattening the sub-base, but was concerned that roughing up its working surface may cause problems with drag/friction or marring of fin. surfaces. Just wanted to get some opinions before I went ahead and did this.
Yeah, I know, pony up and get a real router with an adequate sized base. Actually, that’s probably not too far in the future for my tool purchases. But I must admit that a lam. trimmer is a handy size for smaller work. Maybe I can fabricate an additional sub-base or modify a 6″ PC router base to fit the 710? And then again it would be nice to have a clear base. Comments and suggestions, girls and boys?
Thanks to all,
Ken Hill
Replies
Why not flatten it with sandpaper on a good flat surface, then start taking out the scratches with progressively finer paper. Go to an auto parts store and you can get some pretty fine stuff. Use the paper wet, and you should get a nice finish.
Ken, I do a good amount of door installations and I too used the laminate trimmer for hinge mortises/strike plates. Yes, I agree it handles quite easily for its small size, but its downfall is the small base. I finally sprung for the PC100 7/8 hp router and fell in love with it! I have two other routers but they are just to big for doing doors. The PC 100 really fits the bill for door work and great for any other light router work.
Hi, Gary-
I see that the PC 100 and the PC690 share the same base, the motor for the PC100 is shorter and about 2 pounds less in weight. Wonder if the added weight and size of the PC690 would be too much, cause if I buy a full sized router I was planning on a 690.
Ken Hill
i have the factory sub-base for my bosch, but also one i made from acrylic and one from marine plywood. i find i use the shop made ones more than the factory. clear acrylic can be drilled, tapped, shaped just like wood. it's survived numerous drops to the floor.... fwiw
Hi, Vanderpooch-
Yes, will quite possibly make a round base of clear acryic for the laminate trimmer. Obviously, a round base would not tend to catch on template like the square one.
Ken Hill