Laminate Trimmer

[Back2Jake]

I find I am using my Dremel with router attachments more often than the router however, I recognize I am going to need to replace this soon and would like more variety in the bits than I am able to get with the dremel.

I have been looking at purchasing a laminate trimmer but have some questions for those who use them.

1. Do they use the same bits as a router?
2. Do features / attachments / warranty vary much depending on the brand?
3. Given I have limited hand strength, would the laminate trimmer be easier to use versus a router?
4. Brand recommendations (looking at the Dewalt), heard that Porter Cable was a good choice.....

[Sparkplug]

I have the Porter Cable one. It is excellent. But it only takes 1/4" shank bits so it uses regular router bits . Check with some tool suppliers and see if there is a collet that can be fitted in the opening to accept your dremel bits as well.
Sparky

[boogatoo]

Don't go for cheap brands like Ryobi, Skill, B&D etc. The worst tools are the Mastercraft (Canadian Tire store). They don't even carry repair parts. Poor adjusments, low quality bearings, lessen motor quality etc. Short life then you have to buy another one again ending up paying more than a pro tool just to have a basic tool.

I search for a review and found what is below. I would go for the Porter-Cable. I own many Porter Cable tools and they are very durable. Porter Cable is a top rated company for routers.

Here is the review I found at http://www.consumersearch.com/www/ho...fullstory.html


Trimmers
A lightweight trimmer, often called a laminate trimmer, may be a better choice if you plan on lighter projects. These can be used one-handed, not only for trimming plastic laminate but for many furniture making and light carpentry routing tasks as well. Their light weight is an advantage. For example, the top-rated Porter-Cable 310 (*est. $160) weighs only 3.75 pounds. Two reviews pick this model as best; it also gets 4.5 stars (out of a possible 5) by users at Amazon.com. The Taunton 2005 Tool Guide reports that Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking readers also rank the Porter-Cable 310 at the top, and we've included this lightweight, fixed-base trimmer in Fast Answers.

Editors at Taunton Press (editor of Woodsmith and ShopNotes magazines) choose the Porter-Cable as one of their value picks, saying depth adjustments are easy to fine tune. Editors note that right-handed users will find it especially comfortable. However, they note that it's less convenient for left-handed users, and visibility is limited. For better visibility, they prefer the Makita 3707FC (*est. $150), which also has a built-in work light. Testers find the Makita lightweight and comfortable, with a clear plastic base and electronic speed control. However, they note that the vertical adjustments are difficult to fine tune.

Also recommended in reviews is the DeWalt DW673K (*est. $180) for ease of base changing, although experts find that tightening the base can change the bit's depth and position. If price is no object, Taunton's editors tap the Virutex FR92D (*est. $260) for its overall high quality and range of available accessories. They like its easy maneuverability and adjustments, good visibility, fence that doubles as a circle-cutting jig, and jig for cutting hinge-and-lock mortises.


Regards...

[CanadianScroller]

Originally Posted by boogatoo

Don't go for cheap brands like Ryobi, Skill, B&D etc. The worst tools are the Mastercraft (Canadian Tire store). They don't even carry repair parts. Poor adjusments, low quality bearings, lessen motor quality etc. Short life then you have to buy another one again ending up paying more than a pro tool just to have a basic tool.

Ouch. Mastercraft tools are made by various companies including Delta, Dewalt and Ryobi. Canadian Tire has a great return policy as long as you keep your Canadian Tire money to hand back in if you want a full return. Otherwise I have never even had a problem with an over the counter exchange.
Some of the Mastercraft line have a lifetime warrantee on the "Maximum " brand. Hard to beat that anywhere for a power tool.

Canadian tire does have a line called JobMate which are entry level tools for occasional users and should not be considered for serious full time use.
I have to say all in all I have had lots of satisfaction at the "Man Mall"
But thats just my opinion I tend to offere it out lots

You won't go wrong with either DeWalt or Porter Cable.

Ed

[boogatoo]

Mastercraft tools are mostly made by Ryobi as a matter of fact and these are entry level tools. It is true that CT have a great return policy but it does not make their electric tool better.

Once I purchased an Electric 1" nailer. The bumper got lost and they did not carry a replacing one. Actualy, the clerk just did not know what to do with me. He gave me the phone number of the head office and neither them know what to do with me. I went back to the store and got a refund. Then I went to Home Depot and bought a Porter Cable nailer and a Husky 32 Gal. compressor (made By Campell Hausfeld).

Among my tools, I own a palm sander, a random sander, a HVLP Gravity Spray Gun, a 2" nailer and a plate joiner (all of them Porter Cable). I have a budget for tools but that was not alway the case. After burning 2 sanders and a jig saw branded B&D, I decided to wait until I have more money rather than buy low level quality tools. My 2 unusable sanders together already cost me the price of a professional and ended up in the garbage.

Maximum brand is very very good for hand tools like ratchets, wrenches, hammer etc. but not for electric tools. They have some nice yellow rubber pad over their blue handle to comply with the colors of the "Maximum" label but these are cosmetics and aim the same market as B&D. If you are ready to put more money and buy a Maximun branded tool over a Jobmate brand, put a few more pennies and but Makita, Dewalt, or Porte Cable instead. If you don't have the money yet, put it asside and wait for your budget to allow a better tool.

[Sparhawk]

Amen Boogatoo. Go tell it on the mountain.

[jttheclockman]

Boy where have I heard those words before? Let me think now!!!!

[Neal Moore]

Hey JT. Sometimes all the preachin' is to the choir!! The folks that need it either ain't listenin' or choose to ignore the facts!! Quality tools will always pay for themselves in the long haul. There is no such animal as a beginners tool. One is only a beginner before he/she uses it the first time. After that, if the tool lasts long enough, you start to be experienced!!

[Rivari]

Originally Posted by Neal Moore

Hey JT. Sometimes all the preachin' is to the choir!! The folks that need it either ain't listenin' or choose to ignore the facts!!

I heard ya's, thats why I have that new saw coming. Lesson learned.