Trim router

[ken cierp]

Hi Yuri,

I am to sure how Brian is going to respond, but I know (especially when I was younger) I purchased stuff not only for utility but also the element of prestige. I understand that last year the most requested and sought after Christmas gift was the $300 re-issue of MJ signature gym shoes. The really cool thing is that we are fortunate enough to live where we can make these choices. And as we said, way back when I was a teenager "different strokes for different folks". Communicating without seeming to be judgmental can be difficult.

[ken cierp]

Regarding trim router power requirements for the purpose of creating binding channels -- this is not a demanding process and even the low amp units will work just fine -- even if you take a deep cut they are not going to stall. I have cut channels with hand tools (no fun) a Dremel now they are under-powered and will easily stall. An up grade to any brand trim router "will improve one's craftsmanship." I like the idea of a dedicated binding tool -- less set-up/conversion usually equals better accuracy/quality.

[Tim Benware]

I have a Porter Cable 7310 that seems to have all the power I need but I HATE the adjustment on it. The base moves when tightening it so it makes it very difficult to get an accurate setting without several tries. What would be a better choice for more accurate adjustments?

[ken cierp]

Tim I agree with that!! The adjustments, the way it wobbles in the base is a strange set up. I took a couple back and it bothered me so much I wrote complaint letters to a few folks at PC --- never heard back.

[Brian Itzkin]

I have the KMG binding jig and use the HF laminate trimmer that ken included with it. The HF trimmer has worked fine, but could be better. I plan on buying a festool laminate trimmer to replace the underpowered colt I used to have and buying an extra base for the kmg jig, but I doubt it work :(

Hello Brian Itzkin,

I must admit to scratching my head on this. You're satisfied with the 2.6 amp HF trimmer but refer to the 5.6 amp Colt as 'underpowered.' The Festool trimmer is 6 amp, not much more powerful than the Colt but has a base, that when used in the vertical position, completely obscures viewing of the bit, ruling out any usefulness in your inlay tool arsenal. With the Colt selling for $103. and the Festool selling for $550., I don't see value in spending an additional $447. for .4 more amps and the "prestigious" black/green color scheme. Please help me to better understand how you reached your conclusions since I feel that something is not registering with me. Thank you.

Y.E.

Yuri, Well I'm not really happy with the HF router, but since I only use it for routing the binding channels it works fine. For routing other things though the HF laminate trimmer is kind of useless. IDK if the colt I had was defective, but it would stall frequently, even when taking shallow passes to rout the truss rod slot in the neck. I've seen and used the festool and the quality seems to be night and day compared to the colt I used to have. As Ken said, I do want the prestige (who wouldn't?) of owning a festool, but on a much more practical side, it's just a better tool that will last a lot longer. I've asked the shop forman of a cabinetry firm why they use festool routers, sanders, etc. and he said that with other brands they would have to replace them at least once a year: now with the festool tools they don't need to replace anything. Also, I have been incredibly happy with my festool sander so I think there's also a bit of brand loyalty now. Considering I'm 15 and just starting out, I would rather save up my money and spend $425 for a laminate trimmer now and have it for the rest of my life.

[Kyle Barbour]

Yeah us older guys have an advantage at buying tools. I'm 35 so I can save a few bucks on a tool that wont last too long.Haha.

[Brian Itzkin]

Yeah us older guys have an advantage at buying tools. I'm 35 so I can save a few bucks on a tool that wont last too long.Haha.

Cool story bro