Festool laminate trimmer

[Diond]

I have been looking at purchasing a laminate trimmer for some time now. I have various other festool tools and was looking at purchasing a festool trimmer.
Until now I have been running a makita trimmer, which I mainly use it for housing out door hardware, striker plates, mortice locks etc.
Are festool trimmers suited to this application? As it seems that they are mainly suited to edge trimming, trenching etc.
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[joiner1970]

I just bought the new Makita trimmer, I've not used it yet but when I switched it on I was very surprised the motor sounds really good quality. I got the basic one for doing just what you are doing with yours , hinge cutouts etc . I got it as I was fed up using my expensive of1010 for doing such simple tasks so bought this cheapy that I don't have to worry about on site.

Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk 2

 

[tjbnwi]

I use it for your application. I know a few people who do not like it at all, due to the lack of vision to the bit. This does not bother me at all as I know I can trust my jigs and set up.

If you need to see the bit, the 700 is not the router for you. 

Tom

 

[stevep]

Bear in mind it isn't a plunge router in the conventional sense - you can alter the depth of cut but not in the same way as normal router like the 1010 or Elu 96 etc. I don't think you'd be able to cut a mortice lock in, but you could do a hinge recess.

 

[Holzhacker]

My go to laminate trimmer is a Ryobi I've had forever,; from back when Ryobi was new here and made tools of steel rather than all plastic. My finer trimmer is the PC laminate kit trimmer. The only two issues with either are the loud motors and lack of built-in DC. I just hold the CT hose up along side of the units when working. I also primarily use both for hinges, strikes, some edging etc.
I also looked into the MFK, the high cost for a trimmer was definitely an issue. The overall large size of the unit was also a bigger issue. For shop purposes the size is probably no big deal. For jobsite conditions, the size and configuration really seemed like they were going to be less than ideal. These perceptions are based on playing with one at my local dealer. I would suggest you go play with one at a dealer before just ordering one. Also, I'd recommend buying someone else's trimmer and saving the money for some other Festool purchase.