We'd like to get a trim router for the furniture bank.   So I'd say it would get about as much abuse as in a High School shop.  At this point all we're going to use it for are 1/8" round-overs to soften edges.

 

All signs point to the Bosch Colt, but the reviews I find are 8-10 years old.   Dewalt and Ridgid seem like runners up.  Fe$tool is too expen$ive.  Corded is probably the way we'll go

 

Any recommendations from experience?

Edited November 2, 20178 yr by kmealy

I have the original one from Porter Cable. You don't want it. Although it has performed flawlessly, it lacks any features that the new ones have. Depth adjustment is my biggest complaint.

B O S C H ! ! 

And, since Stick is off line, I'll offer what I'm sure would be his recommendation.

B O S C H ! ! 

I have the Ridgid. It is a rebuilt unit. Works well , has a rudimentary depth adjustment . Comes in a nice case and has a very long cord. It does what I want and was not expensive . But I would enjoy a better depth adjustment. The plug has a light to show power when plugged in. It also has adjustable speed control which is easy to reach but is not marked to extrapolate the speed. Switch is a toggle . By the way the case has snap in slots for bit storage. I would not say it is the best but not the worst also.

I have the Bosch and love it.  Get it with the plunge base too.  I want to get the plunge base for mine.  It would come in handy.

I've still resisted buying one, and probably won't. But everything time I get the urge and look into them, the Bosch is usually mentioned as the only one worth considering. That said, I did see a few recos for the Rigid. The warranty may make that preferable ( I guess it has the LSA). but it may not apply to the Furniture Bank.

I have a Bosch Colt and it has worked well.  Have not used any others to compare it to.

Cal

Most guys here have never owned but one trim router and maybe not even one , yet!!. I have many large routers but only one trim router. Getting recommendations from hobbiest would not be the best way to find out anything...

  I decided to go the garage sale, craigs list route with out asking anyone. This way if it don't suit my taste I don't have a lot invested. Can it and go find another brand and see what I got there.

  I noticed where Bosch owns, Dremel and Roto Zip

I have the Ridgid.  It has a soft case  Only paid $32.00, including 3 new bits, at an auction.  It does not have a fine depth adjust,but it is a good router.

Danl

I have PC, Makita, Bosch and had DW...

no doubt... get the Bosch... go w/ a plunge base to.. you won't regret it..

Thanks all.

I have the Ridgid and the Bosch...like them both.

 

First bought the Ridgid because it felt most comfortable in my hand after checking out a bunch of 'em...then bought the Colt (recently) because I left the Ridgid in my "satellite shop" and I needed a trim router (that day).

 

Now I grab either one and they both feel good...(BTW...I now keep one in the truck (mobile satellite shop)...don't need to buy a third...LOL)

 

Buy either one but make sure the clamping is adjusted to hold firmly before you use it...both slipped on me first time outta da box...

 

 

Bosch Colt followed me home this evening.   Thanks, everyone.

We've had Bosch & Porter Cable. The Bosch are the preferred ones now. Commercial shop with 8 or 10 trim routers. Keep them set with different bits so you don't spend time changing bits. For those of you doing laminate, the underscribe units work well. 

On 11/2/2017 at 9:38 AM, Smallpatch said:

 Getting recommendations from hobbiest would not be the best way to find out anything...

 

HEYYYYYY ! I resemble that hobbyiest remark ! Shouldn't this be in the Sanders section ? It seems a bit overly abrasive ( 25 grit ). Amazon I find to be a good place to see whats popular. I'll listen to some stuff in forums as long as it doesn't involve Harbor Fright. I also buy a lot of used stuff off of the internet local classifieds, it's where the old American made stuff is.

Edited January 3, 20188 yr by CharlieL

CharlieL sorry for my comments. I could not truthfully tell someone which trim router to buy.. I only have one brand so a comparison to any one other brand is not fair. I use to have a business in the woodworking industry but still having only one brand does not make me an expert on trim routes.

   You did get some answers so I hope that helps.

 I'm not sure that I even have a trim router, I'd have to go look. If I was looking to buy one, and wanted what the pro's are using I'd buy a commercial grade trim router. By and large I think the info given in this thread was pretty good, and that Kmealy probably did well.

On 11/14/2017 at 11:22 AM, Nickp said:

don't need to buy a third..

 

so you say...................................   now....

Nick, count you bits. Then, you'll know how many routers you need.

4 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Nick, count you bits. Then, you'll know how many routers you need.

 

and add 10% just in case...