In the next few weeks will be looking to purchase another router, possibly maybe 2. I will be purchasing another Makita 3612C.
My main question/concern is... I'm also looking at laminate trimmer/router, what really are there uses? Is there much difference between them and a Roto-Zip? Pro's & con's please.

Hi Ken

Just my 2 cents

I only have one Makita so I can say to much about that one but I do have 8 or 10 trim routers...

The one I like best is the COLT for a trim router a all around good small router I don't have any cons about the Colt other than and can't get a plunge base for it...
It was a bit high in price but well worth the money with all the extra items it came with in the kit..

Just a add on note **** they rate the Colt at 1 HP I think that's because it will and can spin the bit at 35,000 rpm's BUT that little sucker as alot at the bottom end, that's to say I don't run bits at high speed they do like to get nailed at high speed (turn that blue that I don't like to see on router bits) so to say I run most on the number 2 setting and it will walk the line when doing slots/dovetails for boxes just like the big router ( 2HP one ) ..


It's so neat I built a small router table to use it in for small jobs,boxes,Incra jig,etc.

Good luck with your quest

Thanks Bob.

As you know, I have a second table in which my Craftsman Pro. router will go to that table. Just need to make a base for it. Since my current Makita is also dedicated to my OP table.... I'm in the need of a durable hand held, hence why I am choosing another Makita. Yes, folks, it's 3 1/4hp but, the feel, rarely gets heavy, atleast for me. I do have a Yukon, in which I call a "cheapo" because of its design. What I'm also looking for is something for small jobs. My "roto-zip" does have a router base, only thing is, that thing looks scary to use.

The trim router, won't necessarily be a Makita, I'm open to suggestions for which is a "good" one.

I believe a good friend once said, "you can never have too many routers". I believe that that person was you Bob.

If the price is a consideration then this is the best trimmer in it’s class very light and extremely accurate with all the attachments and life time warranty.

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R2400-La...r/EN/index.htm

I agree with Router, the Ridgid has gotten a lot of good reviews since it came out and I think it would be an excellent 2nd choice.

Thanks Router, Bob N.

Price is always a consideration.
I will have to check at a near HD or Lowes. Before making a purchase.

I to would sing the praise of the Bosch colt. It's so much more than a trim router. At 1 HP it is just plain a router and it can do so much. If Bosch ever get's off their ass and puts out a plunge base for it which is rumored to be so... then it will probably become the most used router in my shop. I too built a second router table and dropped it in there with the OP 7 inch plate.

Corey

Ken., Template Tom and I have been "pushing" the Makita 3612C for years, It has, in my humble opinion, everything that a router should have, especially mine since I made a 6step anvil for it. My trim router which I've had for around 20 years is also a Makita. It's interesting how here in Australia most tradespeople use Makita power tools.

Ken,

I purchased a Bosch Colt based on the praise of several members here. It's the only trim router I've ever owned. But it is so much more than I ever expected from such router, I tend to grab it most of the time for hand work.

Harry, I remember when the Makita cordless screwdriver was the first one good enough to get my dad to put away his Yankee screwdriver. But there were so many other good brands that followed, they seemed to get lost in the mix. But since it seems like the quality everything of Porterdeltadeckerwalt keeps going down, maybe they can climb back to the top.

Hi Harry,
The Makita 3612C was my first router and I fell in love with it. I've been asked why I wanted such a "heavy" router. As I've said before, atleast to me, it's not that heavy and it works with ease. I've always been a strong believer in Makita. IMHO they still do make top quality tools. I don't suppose I could ask ya for a pic of your 6 step anvil? Mine is the standard 3step.

Hi Rusty,
The only Bosch tool I've ever owed is a hammer drill. I must say that it will drill through anything without any problems. I'm very satisfied with it.

To all,
So far my choices have been narrowed down, the Bosch Colt and the Rigid. The Makita 3612C, (the second I will own ), will be ordered within the next few weeks, just waiting for the shipping cost to drop. I will be picking a laminate router when I take my vacation next month. When all the new arrivals show up, will attempt to post a pic.

Many thanks everyone.