Lightweight routers dedicated to roundovers
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mino
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Check out the small 6mm/1/4" Makita/Maktec corded trim routers.
They are very light, have adequate power, and ship almost as bare tools at good prices. Over here the Maktec version is €40 incl VAT while a good bit for it goes €30..
They make these extensively for other makers too. Have seen a CMT version and a couple more, do not remember the brands. All using the same motor, housing and switch. Just in different colors.
They are very light, have adequate power, and ship almost as bare tools at good prices. Over here the Maktec version is €40 incl VAT while a good bit for it goes €30..
They make these extensively for other makers too. Have seen a CMT version and a couple more, do not remember the brands. All using the same motor, housing and switch. Just in different colors.
I just visited Amazon.com and they show the Makita laminate trim router for $99.00.
But they also show several sources selling a trim router in Makita's color scheme for under $40.00.
This is not a Makita ($40.00):
And this is a Makita ($99.00):
But they also show several sources selling a trim router in Makita's color scheme for under $40.00.
This is not a Makita ($40.00):
And this is a Makita ($99.00):
Mike Goetzke
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Packard said:I just visited Amazon.com and they show the Makita laminate trim router for $99.00.
But they also show several sources selling a trim router in Makita's color scheme for under $40.00.
This is not a Makita ($40.00):
And this is a Makita ($99.00):
+1 on Makita. I have the cordless kit.
mino
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I meant the simpler trim routers with plastic bodies:https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/3709
It seems in US they sell the 700 Watt ones cheaper than these ... so maybe a better option is per above.
Either way, both are excellent for dedicating to a trim bit.
It seems in US they sell the 700 Watt ones cheaper than these ... so maybe a better option is per above.
Either way, both are excellent for dedicating to a trim bit.
Michael Kellough
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I agree with the cordless statement for trim routers. I have 6 of the Dewalts and an old corded PC that I neeeeever touch. Each Dewalt has differnt bit and hangs on a wall ready to go. So convenient to be able to just grab one and go, no swapping bits (usually) no looking for a free cord or plug. I am happy with the Dewalts but I know someone that has all Makita and is very happy with the Makita too. For myself it just comes down to which battery platform you might already have. Although, I will say the Makita does have different bases which is nice. I recently had to build a tilt base for the Dewalt because they dont offer one which was slightly annoying. The Makita does have a pretty small base but that is easily fixed. The Makita is also cheaper 129 vs 199 for dewalt. If I didnt already have a bunch of other Dewalt batteries and was just picking based on router only I would get the Makita.
Rick Herrick
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Before getting into Festool a year ago, I had a bunch of Ryobi tools and batteries. I rarely use any of them now but they do have a trim router for $69 US. And since I have a bunch of batteries, I went ahead and ordered one just to see if it can do what I want. Like most, I don't want to invest a lot but having a couple routers at the ready, would be nice.
Crazyraceguy
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It not just round-overs, but I have several trim routers that are designated to one task/bit.
I like the Bosch Colt platform. I've got four of them, two of the basic fixed base, and two of the "installers kit" units with all of the available bases. I keep one ready with the tilt base, off-set base, and underscribe base. Then there are a couple of Rigid 2400s, each with specific bits.
I also have a similar multi-base set of the Makita, mostly used with the plunge base, and a couple of the cordless ones too.
Yes, I have a problem with routers, but it is quick and efficient, and I do make my living with them.
I do the same with a couple of full-sized routers too.
Milwaukee body-grip routers are great. I have one with a dedicated flush trim bit and another with a pattern bit. Amana insert bits.
I like the Bosch Colt platform. I've got four of them, two of the basic fixed base, and two of the "installers kit" units with all of the available bases. I keep one ready with the tilt base, off-set base, and underscribe base. Then there are a couple of Rigid 2400s, each with specific bits.
I also have a similar multi-base set of the Makita, mostly used with the plunge base, and a couple of the cordless ones too.
Yes, I have a problem with routers, but it is quick and efficient, and I do make my living with them.
I do the same with a couple of full-sized routers too.
Milwaukee body-grip routers are great. I have one with a dedicated flush trim bit and another with a pattern bit. Amana insert bits.
That Ryobi might surprise you. I havent ever used one but light duty tasks such as Roundovers, chamfers, flush trimming doesnt usually require a $500 MFk. If you have several and leave them set up for dedicated tasks the ergonomics such as height adjustment, bit change etc. becomes less of an issue. I always make new bases for mine anyways because they always feel on the small side and I like to make them so the center of the bit is 2" from one of the long edges. This way if Im setting up a straight edge to route against I just need to account for the radius of whatever bit Im using. The main thing becomes how well it fits your hand and battery life. For $69 bucks I doubt you will be disappointed for a small trim type router. I wish the Dewalts were 129 like the Makitas. $199 is a little steep for them in my opinion.
Banana
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After trying a few colors I landed on the Milwaukee 18v. 10k to 31k rpm, plenty of power, simple ez very fine adjustment, great dust extraction, good ergonomics, motor brake, cheap n' cheerful always a sale round the corner etc. I think most guys use the high output 3.0Ah for weight.
Regardless of the brand though, making different bases for how you work / the task will also go a long way towards how you like using any router.
Regardless of the brand though, making different bases for how you work / the task will also go a long way towards how you like using any router.
Stan Tillinghast
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I have the Makita LXT 18V drill and driver, so added their XTR01Z cordless router. Very handy, nice soft start, lots of power. I think was $118 for bare tool.
These cordless routers do seem like they would be very convenient. Cord management isn't fun when the router is running.
I have a few of the old porter cable 310 model routers. One has the offset base with the belt drive, which is kind of neat. I haven't done much with them, as I usually run a dewalt trim router since it has some dust collection.
as [member=71944]Banana[/member] mentions, having the right baseplate makes a world of difference w/ these edge trimmers.
I have a few of the old porter cable 310 model routers. One has the offset base with the belt drive, which is kind of neat. I haven't done much with them, as I usually run a dewalt trim router since it has some dust collection.
as [member=71944]Banana[/member] mentions, having the right baseplate makes a world of difference w/ these edge trimmers.
FestitaMakool
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For those of you who is considering the Makita router, whether corded or cordless.
There’s this lesser known base available separately (It does not come with the 3 base kit)
It’s base can also de-attached from the offset unit in order to be used as a widening base for the router it selves.
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
There’s this lesser known base available separately (It does not come with the 3 base kit)
It’s base can also de-attached from the offset unit in order to be used as a widening base for the router it selves.
[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
Attachments
Yes, thats the major issue with the Dewalts. They only offer a the fixed base and a plunge base. No tilt, offset, or underscribe but I dont think the Makita has an underscribe either (could be wrong on that but I havent seen one). Underscribe might not be a big deal to most, its pretty specialized as is the offset but its always nice NOT to be limited. I will probably still pick up a makita cordless and a battery adaptor just for the tilt base. Plus I have been wanting the Makita drywall cut out tool. That thing looks sweet for remodel work and dust control.
notenoughcash
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i have a katsu makita knock off, and it is identical to the makita other than the scribles on the side. and it cost half the amount
Knight Woodworks
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Big fan of dedicated lightweight routers. Currently have four of the Makita cordless for site use. Hope to add a few more. In the shop I use an old PC, a Bosch GKF125CE, a corded Makita and a Dewalt. Each have their pluses and minuses. I find the Makita to be the most comfortable to hold. Unfortunately it doesn't have a light, a feature I find important. The Bosch isn't quite as comfortable, it is agile and has a light. I don't find the Dewalt to be as comfortable as the others, I do like the light. It will probably end up in a plunge base.
John
John
Rick Herrick
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I got the Ryobi cordless in yesterday. Put a small mortising bit in it as I want to use it to flush cut plugs/dowels. I don't seem to have the technique with the Japanese pull saw to do this without scratching my work. This Ryobi set up is very nice. Cut the poplar dowels very easily. Will also test with some oak and maple to make sure there is enough power but I think I am going to get a couple more of these.
What type of bits do you guys keep chucked up? I am thinking this mortise or straight cut bit, a round-over and also a chamfer bit. Be curious to see what others use on a regular basis that fits this scenario.
What type of bits do you guys keep chucked up? I am thinking this mortise or straight cut bit, a round-over and also a chamfer bit. Be curious to see what others use on a regular basis that fits this scenario.