I need an opinion

I managed to get a great deal on a Bosch Colt on eBay… I love it…
I was looking to get one… but didn’t want to spend the money…
I lucked out…

Very nice tool.

-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"

The laminate trimmers aren’t really designed, in general, to have
the precision adjustments you get with larger routers. They are
in fact designed for running pilot-guided laminate trimmer bits.

I’ve also seen laminate trimmers criticized for not having a perfect
right angle between the collet and the base. With piloted trimmer
bits, this isn’t needed, but with joinery operations it is.

The Bosch colt Joe recommends probably works more like a small
router in terms of adjustments.

The Colt that I got was a Construction Kit or something like that…
... it had all kinds of stuff for it… Most of which I have not used.

-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"

My Bosch VS Colt hasn’t let me down …yet : )

-- When you arrive at my front door, please knock softly but firmly. I like soft , firm, knockers : )

I also have a Bosch Colt and I think it is great !

-- I started off with nothing I have most of it left

Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.6 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge Guide
for $99.25 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. on Amazon , they claim that is a $120 saving!!

-- "some old things are lovely, warm still with life ... of the forgotten men who made them." - D.H. Lawrence

I bought my laminate router from Harbor Freight! Don’t laugh or scoff. I have had it for years and have used it heavily without fail. Think I paid less than $25 for it. Liked it so much I have two now.

-- " 'woodworker'.....it's a good word, an honest word." - Sam Maloof

I bought a craftsman scratch and dent for 35 bucks, for me that worked out great!!!

But if I was paying full retail, it would be the bosch colt.

-- Bob Kenosha Wi.

I am in the market for a laminate trimmer myself, but have never owned one. During my research, I’ve read countless good reviews about the Bosch. Its a safe bet. However, just to keep things interesting, I’ll mention that I’ve read a handful of reviews from people that chose the Craftsman 28212 over the Bosch. They preferred the height adjustment and ergonomics.
“on paper” the CM has a few other advantages:
Integrated LEDs
Slightly more powerful motor (6.5 amps vs. 5.7 [ratings taken w/ grain of salt of course])
Includes an additional oval base with two handles, giving the operator the ability to use it like a full-size router.

The downside to the CM, and it might be a biggie for some, is that the subbase is not compatible with PC sized template bushings. I don’t mind making a compatible subbase, so its not a deal breaker for me, but others might pass. Still an annoyance either way.
Reg price is 89.99, but sears coupon codes and sales are plentiful. It can probably be had for less than $80. Of course, most trimmers seem to be $80-$110, so price isn’t likely to be THE factor in choosing.

The Ridgid R2401 is also one of my contenders. Many of the same features as the Craftsman. LEDs and an extra subbase are included. The Ridgid is $110 making it the most expensive option (currently). But it does include some extra bells and whistles, is PC compatible, and has a lifetime warranty. Looks like a nice tool.

The other two products I’ve looked into are the PC and Dewalt models. Neither look like bad tools. In fact I almost pulled the trigger on the PC when it was selling for $60 recently on Amazon. I probably should have. However, both tools are now in the $90+ range making them hard to choose over other products with more features and/or better user ratings.

So for me its between the Ridgid, Bosch, and Craftsman. I’m likely to go with the Ridgid, but am holding out for sale pricing.

I’ve got an old PC model 310…been going strong for 10+ years. I’ve changed brushes twice. I use it for a palm router mostly, but I did do a counter install once. The outside looks like crop nowdays…but the little beggar just won’t quit. If you can find one on CL, I think you’ll be pleased.

-- One of these hammers oughta fix that...

I have a craftsman,three porter cables,the best of ,is the PC model 310.
I am not a fan of Craftsman routers ,but the trimmer is a good tool.
I have seen some great deals on Bosch Colt (on eBay) and watched them go for great price, I don’t think you could go wrong with a Colt.
Three of mine are used just for wood threading.

-- E J ------- Always Keep a Firm Grip on Your Tool

I have the Ridgid, and I like it a fair bit. If you use it for a while it gets on the hot side but overall a fairly good, $100 router. Though it seems like the Bosch Colt is the most popular and gets great reviews.

Thanks everyone. I was thinking about getting the Bosch Colt but wanted o get a consensus of oppinion before I pulled the trigger.

-- ♫♪♪♫♫ Saddletramp, saddletramp, I'm as free as the breeze and I ride where I please, saddletramp ♪♪♪♫♪ ...... Bob W....NW Michigan (Traverse City area)