It seems to be time to purchase a 1/4″ laminate trimmer.
The DeWalt trimmers have lots of available bases: offset, tilt, seaming, more than the Makita.
Is the standard flat base sufficient for most applications? How useful do you guys find offset and tilt base options?
Any features that you consider must-have for kitchen top reno work?
Edited 3/1/2008 12:40 am ET by Pierre1
Replies
There are two Dewalt trimmer systems out and about these days.
The old one, now discontinued - made in Italy. And the new round top rebranded version of the Porter Cable 3710 lam trimmer.
Both the Dewalt and the are the same - different color. The Dewalt system can be had with the 3 bases and a bag for $129 or so - helluva deal. The PC 3710 can be had as a 4 base kit with the seamer attach., but retails for close to $229.
I've had the PC version for years - can't kill it and very dependable and easy to use. I'd prefer a rounded sub-base on it though. They do make them for the PC - just haven't got around to buying or making one yet.
I also have a Ridgid trimmer - variable speed, very tiny. Nice if you need a small unit and it comes stock with the nicest ballbearing edge guide I've seen on a trimmer yet.
The Bosch has mixed reviews it seems, and the installer's kit is closer to $200.
The newly rebadged yellow PC/Dewalt 3 base kit is the value sweet spot - for $129-135 it can't be beat, and I have yet to need variable speed in a lam trimmer.
The older dewalt (italy made) also had the 3 bases, but never seemed to get that great of reviews - so I'd stick with the newer version.
The trimmer itself with a standard base can be had at Lowes stores for $77.
It's the identical moter as the PC 3710.
JT
Thanks JT. Thanks for the heads up. Will check out the stores tomorrow.
A 'laminate trimmer' search found a bunch of your postings, way back in 2004-2005. Very useful.
Got the Bosch variable speed Colt today - good ergonomics and design so far as I can tell. Made in Malaysia...Accessories on order.
I'm a cabinetmaker. I like the bosch colt, Nice base and balanced good. The porter cable is good too. I think its 99 bucks. We have ten or so- 6 porter and the rest bosch, We keep the bits we use in each and I just grab either. They are both work horses
Hope it helps,Lou
The recently discontinued Porter Cable 310 is still a real work horse; it's been around for ages and some still consider it the best production laminate trimmer. There's still NOS around. The factory bases haven't been around for awhile but Betterly Industries still makes them and has 310's in stock. Not inexpensive but if you do a lot of laminate work it might be worth looking into. http://www.betterleytools.com/