Palm routers?

[hrrb]

So I finally decided that I need a one hand router in addition to my OF1400. I've been lurking around for a while reading reviews and trying to decide which model - and I still don't know which one to choose.

So maybe some of you guys can share your opinion and experiences. Since I'm in Europe I'll need a 230V model so my question is perhaps mainly for european members...but everybody's welcome to chime in  [smile]

I'm split between the Bosch GKF 600 (230V version of the Bosch Colt), the Makita RT0700C and the Dewalt D26204 (230V version of the Dewalt DWP611).

I'm leaning towards the Makita or Dewalt since the Bosch doesn't have variable speed. Funny since the Colt has variable speed ???  Maybe it's not a big issue with a small router like that since it will be running full speed most of the time - But I just prefer it to be variable.

Can you help me with listing pro's and con's? If anybody has tried both the Dewalt and the Makita I'd really like to hear their opinion.
Dust collection is an important issue for me but unfortunately I haven't been able to find videos or reviews telling me how good - or bad - dust collection is on the 2 models.

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Kind regards
Henrik

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Good question.  I tried the Makita last year. I liked all the accessories and the vaiable speed, but it got too hot to hold, for me. I've been looking at the Festool MFK 700 and the Bosch Colt. Generally,  I am not happy with the dust collection with any sans-table router.
Since I don't trim laminate much, I'm not in a hurry.  The last few times that I did trim laminate, I used a finger plane with fine results.  Hope this helps.

 

[ali]

I am in the same boat, looking at the Bosch GKF and the Makita. Thanks for pointing out about the heat, I didn't consider that before. The attachments available on the Makita made it look more versatile, however the cost of these attachments is sometimes more than the router itself!

 

[joiner1970]

I've got the Makita and love it. It feels really solid and well made.

Oh and it fits perfectly in a sys 1

 

[EdL]

I have 2 Colts, VS & non VS. They've worked well for me as dedicated tools, both have roundover bits and I never change them. Which is a good thing because the Colt height adjustment is the worst I've ever used. Even fine tuning them is a pita, on the rare occasion it's needed, I always come close to bouncing them off a brick wall. Someday, it WILL happen.

Ed

 

[polarsea1]

I have both the Bosch Colt (variable speed) and the Dewalt. I prefer the Dewalt by a wide margin.

 

[Claimdude]

I had the Colt and sold it. Have the Dewalt now and love it!

Jack

 

[Guilliaume woodworks]

I have the bosch colt....and it's junk...the depth adjustment is worthless and the mechanism to tighten base to motor is either to tight or to loose....haven't used the makita,but it looks and feels to be well made....was thinking of buying it

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I've used a porter cable edge trimmer way back, fixed base, simple did the job. I've also had the idea to get a smaller router used to compliment the OF 2200 or OF 1400 right now. I have the idea I'll use it to do lettering and fine rounding of of latticework inner edges.. I'm gravitating towards getting the OF 1010 but I'll have to get the thing in my hands before I can decide on it. I have done a fair amount of research and I think the Dewalt model you are looking at would be my choice right now, relatively inexpensive and the depth adjustment seems pretty advanced, I like the lights as well for a small routers usage it would be really helpful..