Palm type router? What do you think?
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MahalaHomecraft
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I recently bought the Makita palm router kit. For $240 you get the router unit with regular, plunge, angle, and offset bases, as well as an edge guide and 2 dust collection attachments. It all comes in a great soft sided tool box which is big enough to hold everything, including an additional palm router. This is nice for me as I like setting up two palm routers when I'm doing things like window sills and I need two different bits. My second palm router is a Ridgid, which is surprisingly good.
Birdhunter
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My ETS125 is the most used sander in the line-up!
I don't use it to do large jobs or hog out lots of wood, but it works great on smaller jobs and as a fine finish sander. Its small size allows for more finesse than the bigger sanders.
I don't use it to do large jobs or hog out lots of wood, but it works great on smaller jobs and as a fine finish sander. Its small size allows for more finesse than the bigger sanders.
Gary in Texas
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Birdhunter said:
Hmmm, can't quite figure out how your comments on the ETS-125 fits within the conversation about a palm ROUTER..... [eek]
I have used a lot of different laminate trimmer / palm routers over the years, and my favorite is the older Porter Cable. I have one that I have abused for over fifteen years and it still works great. Newer ones seem to have the bottom bearing go out within a year. Now that DeWalt owns P-C, I don't know if I'd buy a new one.
>>edit: I like the fact that my template guide bushings fit the P-C laminate trimmer.
I have experienced the Colt router base's tendency to slip on the motor on more than occasion, with more than one router. I wouldn't take one at half price.
I have used the Ridgid and didn't care for the switch placement, but I was surprised by how well it worked and held up over time for how cheap it felt. Don't expect the plastic adjustment knob to stay attached to the bolt/nut for too long, though. The ones I worked with had to be tightened and loosened with a pair of pliers.
I haven't used the newer Makita models, but the old ones worked okay, they just seemed to be a lot more expensive than the P-C. Top-heavy.
I haven't spent much time with DeWalt's offerings, but the one I did use seemed top-heavy like the Makita, and generally not ergonomic.
I've thought about getting a new laminate trimmer / palm router, but I can't say I have seen any good options. The MFK looks great, but costs five times as much as most other small routers. It's an investment I'll have to wait to make, or try to find an old P-C somewhere.
>>edit: I like the fact that my template guide bushings fit the P-C laminate trimmer.
I have experienced the Colt router base's tendency to slip on the motor on more than occasion, with more than one router. I wouldn't take one at half price.
I have used the Ridgid and didn't care for the switch placement, but I was surprised by how well it worked and held up over time for how cheap it felt. Don't expect the plastic adjustment knob to stay attached to the bolt/nut for too long, though. The ones I worked with had to be tightened and loosened with a pair of pliers.
I haven't used the newer Makita models, but the old ones worked okay, they just seemed to be a lot more expensive than the P-C. Top-heavy.
I haven't spent much time with DeWalt's offerings, but the one I did use seemed top-heavy like the Makita, and generally not ergonomic.
I've thought about getting a new laminate trimmer / palm router, but I can't say I have seen any good options. The MFK looks great, but costs five times as much as most other small routers. It's an investment I'll have to wait to make, or try to find an old P-C somewhere.
waho6o9
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If you do get an MFK there's a way to extend the cutting
capacity:
http://www.halfinchshy.com/2010/12/extending-capacity-of-mfk-700.html
Thank you Paul Marcel!
[attachthumb=1]
capacity:
http://www.halfinchshy.com/2010/12/extending-capacity-of-mfk-700.html
Thank you Paul Marcel!
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Attachments
![IMG_1746[1].JPG](/data/attachments/13/13114-5e087ab8e0edc580cfe4cc521ac828ce.jpg?hash=rlUjAiPd_W)
Birdhunter
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I misread the post. My mind substituted "sander" for "router". Weird!
The Dewalt DW611 gets very good reviews and with the LED light very handy.
Dewalt seems to be running a holiday promo through Monday Dec 22 and the 611 is included. It's 25 of 100 then on Amazon it's another 20% off accessories bought at the same time.
It is currently $119.99 so that would make it 94.99
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWP611-Torque-Variable-Compact/dp/B0048EFUV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419093504&sr=8-1&keywords=dewalt+dw611
Dewalt seems to be running a holiday promo through Monday Dec 22 and the 611 is included. It's 25 of 100 then on Amazon it's another 20% off accessories bought at the same time.
It is currently $119.99 so that would make it 94.99
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWP611-Torque-Variable-Compact/dp/B0048EFUV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419093504&sr=8-1&keywords=dewalt+dw611
Knight Woodworks
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- Jul 24, 2012
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I own the PC 7301, the PC 3102 & the Dewalt 611. I prefer the Dewalt, between the light and the clear base it's got better visibility.
John
John
Staniam
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I've been searching palm routers since this post was made and the Bosch Colt kit and plunge base looks like an awesome set up. The reviews for the Colt and attachments all seem to be really good too.
The Dewalt also looks sweet and as someone mentioned, is at a good price right now.
The Dewalt also looks sweet and as someone mentioned, is at a good price right now.
