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What would you all say is the best router for jigs like binding machines, precision bases and even home built CNC routers or any other jigs you might come up with where a full size router wouldn't work.

I have a PC 7310 that I like just fine, don't know if the "best" or not.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

All of the basic laminate trimmers on the market are about 5-6 amps and "they" designate them at 3/4 HP.

They all have different features which make one more desirable over the other. I think the Bosch colt has a really good depth control feature which I think is one of the most important features.

Of course the important factor is the stability of the bearings in the router. I've found my makita to be a good laminate router for all your mentioned needs. But over working it of course would put unnecessary wear on the bearings and cause the runout of the tool to render it pretty much worthless.

If I were to buy another one, I'd probably get the Bosch colt because of the depth control it offers.

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I have about 7 Makita's, two PC's, two Ryobi's and a couple Bosch Colts. The Colts, and Makitas are my fav's.

wow... did I really just say "fav's" I'm like a 13 year old girl.

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

And it's a shame John that you aren't building guitars for yourself anymore. All those tools collecting.....er.....dust

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

I've had my eye on the colt every time I go through Lowes. I'm kind of surprised that no one has suggested the PC 310?

I think it's mostly the cost of the 310. It's much more $$ than most other laminate trimmers and it really doesn't offer any better features AFAIK

Look on amazon as you can usually find a better price (and free shipping too) there.

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Was there earlier today,$165. I thought I read that PC quit making them some where on a forum. And after seeing them in the precision router discussion desided to look it up.

I'll chime in here and give my vote to the Home Depot Ridgid laminate trimmer. It's very well made, has some useful attachments, nice features like variable speed and soft start. It's also decently priced.

Cheers,
Chad

i do really like my bosch colt. the only problem i have had is that it gets quite warm when in use even for a short period of time. im not sure if the bearings are tight or what, but it performs just great and might not be a big deal. if you decide to use it in a williams jig and use the dave white modification (lam trimmer mounted through a lazy susan) you will have to do some grinding on the base to get it to fit through a 6" lazy susan. not a big deal and does not hinder its use outside of the jig. hope that hepls.

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sweat the small stuff.

Chris buddy the Porter Cable 310 has a very loyal following on this forum but PC apparently announced that they will no longer be manufacturing it. At least that is what I read here some time ago.

I have a couple of them and they are great with one small annoyance, at least for me, sometimes the collet requires a tonk to release the bit.

With the PC 310 no longer available I plan on looking at the Colt as well.

I have an older Bosch and 2 PC-310's. I think the PC is better in quality. I just seems to have more power than my Boasch, and I like the height adjustment much better. This older Bosch had an issue with the height adjustment and the casting for the base was also sometimes not properly square. I haven't seen the Colt yet, but I suppose it could be a good tool. I hope the bearings are better than in the older version though...

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

My 7310 also does that as well as my other PC router. It even states in the instruction to tap the collet nut to release the bit. So if I want a PC310 then now's the time to get one?

There are several places around here where you can no longer get the PC310. I think there's only a couple places online where you can buy one. I grabbed one a couple months ago just to have a spare. It will sit in the box until I need it "someday".

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

Yep Chris if you want a PC 310 (aka: R2D2) if you can still find one I would snag it up.

One of the many things that I like about the 310 is the very low, in comparison to other laminate trimmers, center of gravity. And as Don so rightly said they are very powerful too.

I am wondering what PC plans to replace this excellent laminate trimmer with. Anyone know?

Since PC is owned by DeWalt, they'll probably default to the DeWalt trimmer, which no one seems to have mentioned. Anyone have one of those? Maybe they'll paint the 310 yellow and call it a DeWalt.

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Waddy

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Sound Clips of most of my guitars

When Did DeWalt buy PC? I thought Delta owned PC and DeWalt owned B&D. I did notice that the DeWalt laminate trimmer now looks like the PC 7310.
Well I ordered 2 PC 310s from Amazon.com since I've only heard good things about them for years. I have a few jigs planned that I can use them in I guess. I'm still interested in the Colt too. I have a 7310 and like the fact that it seems to be a nice smooth running motor and does a nice job of routing but the center of gravity seems a bit high. How's the feel of the Colt?

I'm also a fan of both the PC 310 and the Bosch Colt. You can buy new Colts on eBay for about $70.

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

I have a reconditioned Colt from CPO Bosch on the web and I like it. I think that it is enough lam trimmer for what I need it for certainly the price was right. They come with a full factory warranty and CPO is a great source for good tools for those on a budget.

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Jim Howell
Charlotte, NC

I have a Dewalt DW 670. It works decently, but I find it a little top heavy and it also gets quite warm after a short time. The new ones look shorter so likely not nearly as top heavy.