Trim routers (palm routers, laminate trimmers)
For light routing tasks using bits with quarter-inch shanks, and where light weight and maneuverability in tight spaces take priority, the 4-amp single-speed Porter-Cable 310 (*est. $160) had been the favorite for years. However, the newer 5.7-amp Bosch Colt PR20 Palm Router series has now swept the field. The trim routers in this series are the first to offer self-releasing collets and two-stage depth adjustment (fast coarse adjustment, plus fine adjustment). Reviews say they're comfortable for both right- and left-handed users, whereas the Porter-Cable 310 is not as good for lefties. The Porter-Cable also has a smaller hole in the sub-base, making it harder to see the work.
Top-ranked in more reviews than any other trim router, the Bosch Colt PR20EVSK (*est. $120) has variable speed with electronic speed control. In the Taunton 2006 Tool Guide, the Bosch Colt Palm Router is not only the top choice in the readers' survey, but both the Editor's Choice and the Top Value winner as well. Editors praise its comfort for both right- and left-handed users, low noise even at high speed and ease of adjustment and bit changing. At 3.3 pounds it even weighs slightly less than the Porter-Cable 310 (weighing in at 3.75 pounds).
The single-speed Bosch Colt PR10E (*est. $100) has all the same features except the variable speed and electronic speed control. Reviews note that a single high speed is usually all that's needed for a trim router. However, the difference in price is relatively small.
A larger kit is also available for the variable-speed Bosch Colt PR20EVSK. That kit, the Bosch PR20EVSNK (*est. $190) , includes an offset base and several other attachments. Reviews say most woodworkers will find the fixed base sufficient, but if you need the specialized bases this kit also gets high marks for performance.
For light routing tasks using bits with quarter-inch shanks, and where light weight and maneuverability in tight spaces take priority, the 4-amp single-speed Porter-Cable 310 (*est. $160) had been the favorite for years. However, the newer 5.7-amp Bosch Colt PR20 Palm Router series has now swept the field. The trim routers in this series are the first to offer self-releasing collets and two-stage depth adjustment (fast coarse adjustment, plus fine adjustment). Reviews say they're comfortable for both right- and left-handed users, whereas the Porter-Cable 310 is not as good for lefties. The Porter-Cable also has a smaller hole in the sub-base, making it harder to see the work.
Top-ranked in more reviews than any other trim router, the Bosch Colt PR20EVSK (*est. $120) has variable speed with electronic speed control. In the Taunton 2006 Tool Guide, the Bosch Colt Palm Router is not only the top choice in the readers' survey, but both the Editor's Choice and the Top Value winner as well. Editors praise its comfort for both right- and left-handed users, low noise even at high speed and ease of adjustment and bit changing. At 3.3 pounds it even weighs slightly less than the Porter-Cable 310 (weighing in at 3.75 pounds).The single-speed Bosch Colt PR10E (*est. $100) has all the same features except the variable speed and electronic speed control. Reviews note that a single high speed is usually all that's needed for a trim router. However, the difference in price is relatively small.
A larger kit is also available for the variable-speed Bosch Colt PR20EVSK. That kit, the Bosch PR20EVSNK (*est. $190) , includes an offset base and several other attachments. Reviews say most woodworkers will find the fixed base sufficient, but if you need the specialized bases this kit also gets high marks for performance.
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