Dremel vs Bosch Colt for inlay ( Dremel vs laminate trimmer)

[Daniel P]

I have both a Dremel and a Bosch Colt.

In an ideal world the Dremel, with Stew Mac router base and down cut carbide bits would the the preferred setup for inlay. I'll be doing diamonds and snowflakes on the fret board.

However, I have not yet invested in the Router Base for the Dremel, nor the down cut bits.

Have any of you successfully used the Colt/laminate trimmer for inlay work? I know they have 1/4" to 18" collets to use dremel size bits in the Colt.

In either case I would be tipping the bits in - non plunge bases.
I do already have a few dental bits to try for routing the finer detail.

Is there a successful recipe for using a laminate trimmer, or should I bite the bullet and get the proper base for my Dremel?

thanks again for any advice.

[John Parchem]

For me the biggest success factor for inlays is the ability to clearly see the lines I am routing to. I can not imagine it on my Colt. I am not sure you need the fancy stewmac base for the dremel; any base that allows you to see and keeps the depth constant would work. No problem with a non-plunge base for inlay work; the stewmac base is a non plunge.

[ken cierp]

I can't imagine doing fine inlay with a trim router -- The Dremel base will work fine -- no need to mortgage your home to buy the SM unit.

[Daniel P]

Thanks guys.

Making sure I ask these questions before I invest in tools to be sure I make wise choices.

[Kevin in California]

I have a dremel plunge router base (Dremel brand) that works quite well for routing inlay. It is a bit larger than some bases, but you can see the bit cutting and they run about $25.

Kevin