router bits and chipping

[Herman]

+1

[Carl Dickinson]

I also use a tower to hold the router with the SM bit and bearings and a cradle for the body. I've been sharpening the bit with a set of small diamond paddles that seem to keep the edge up. I got them from woodcraft I think.

[Dave Bagwill]

I had built a tower fixture and have the cradle; however when I got the SM bit and bearings my laminate trimmer could not handle the bit. I have a good router but it's rather heavy, so the tower I built cannot handle that weight.

So it's either make a new tower that is up to the job, and buy a Colt, or bite the bullet and spend the 400 clams plus shipping for the fixture from a guitar supply outfit.

[Carl Dickinson]

I used the cheap laminate trimmers from HF for many years. Recently "upgraded" (if you can call it that) to a steel bodied grizzly. They are dedicated to and have all worked OK for that operation.

[Dave Bagwill]

I was just online looking at the HF trimmer for $29.00. I'm thinking - how often would I use this? - answer, only a few times a year. As long as the tower is stable, and the trimmer is stable - I may take the chance on it. If it disappoints, I'll take it back and upgrade to something else.

[peter havriluk]

Dabe, I agree. I keep a HF trim router permanently assigned to rim trimming. Beat router? Of course not. Good enough for the job and it saves loads of time.

[Dave Bagwill]

Good.