Official Luthiers Forum!

We decided to replace the laminate trimmer on the binding tower with a Ridgid since it has much better fine adjustments. I checked Home Despot and found a nice deal for the trimmer and a palm sander. It's a one day sale so if you're in need of a new trimmer check it out: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-5-5- ... /202488411.

I like to have several of same model trimmer to use for various shop applications. A few years ago, when I could no longer get the Makita model I liked, I bought Rigid trimmers. I've had a total of 5 I think. At first they were O.K. However, 1 by 1 the brushes froze and could not be removed without total disassembly. Something about the metals they use in the brush assembly. They corrode and interact. The last straw was when I opened a brand new box that I'd had for a year or so and the brushes were already frozen. Granted I live in a moist environment, but I have many, many tools that have no issue with the brushes. You can also register the Rigids for free repair, but I don't want to have them constantly repaired. I've gone to the new Makita compact routers, which are really nice. Especially the cordless one. I have a couple of corded ones and 1 cordless. The cordless has become my go to router for small jobs. Luckily a lot of new tools are becoming available as brushless models. 1 less thing to go wrong.--Bob

_________________
“ The meaning of life is to find your gift and the purpose of life is to give it away” Pablo Picasso

I've gone the other way. Instead of buying the new models, I've been finding the old Rockwell 64's and it's many permutations on eBay. They were the "non-professional" model geared for the homeowner, and many of them spent most of their life on the shelf. I've bought a few that looked "new in the box" condition. They eventually morphed into the PC 309 with a smaller base (that will fit the 64, 4601, etc.) When I could buy them for $25-35 and they looked to be in good condition I would pick them up. The first thing I would do when I find one is unscrew the top and lubricate the upper bearing and also work some white grease into the lower bearing. They are after all 50 years old in some cases.
I think I have a baker's dozen of this type and maybe a dozen other trimmers of various makes and I think my wife would want to enroll me in a 12 step program if she didn't have her own addictions (spinning wheels).
Here Is one on eBay that looks lightly used and doesn't look like too bad a deal (if you allow $10 for shipping and $10 for a used classical bearing bit, then the router would be the princely sum of $24) if someone cares to roll the dice. ( disclaimer: I know nothing more than what the add states, and no involvement with the seller)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Rockwe ... Sw7bZeVYI7

I totally agree with Clay on the eBay finds. I've purchased quite few tools on eBay that look like they were never used . Definitely a go to place to look.

_________________
“ The meaning of life is to find your gift and the purpose of life is to give it away” Pablo Picasso

been lucky that I had no problem. They are warranted for life so be sure you register them.

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

John

They are only registered for life if you buy them at Home Cheapo. I wanted a RIGID drill/driver combination and had read about all the warranty stuff on the HC website. HC didn't offer the drill/driver combo I wanted so I ordered it elsewhere and threw in the router for good measure. I registered them with RIGID - which included batteries too, at the time, 3 years ago.

They wrote back and said no warranty unless HC

Ed

that is were I get them on line

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

A friend of mine bought a relatively expensive Ridgid drill/driver at Home Depot because they guaranteed the batteries in addition to the unit. This was very unusual and most of us who use these things on a daily basis know it is the batteries that usually fail first. He is the kind who mails in warranty cards, keeps receipts and all the required documentation. After making him jump through hoops, and hemming and hawing, they did replace his batteries, but they told him it was a one time only replacement. He swore he would never buy a Ridgid tool again.
Among the many cordless drills I've bought I have owned a Ridgid. It didn't have a battery warranty (I never send those cards in anyway) and the batteries died after about a year. I always had better luck with Makita cordless drills, but I think I've had the best luck with a small cheap 12 volt Ryobi drill. The batteries have lasted longer than any of the others.
As I have said several times before, I'm not impressed with Ridgid trimmers, but I've only used the older ones.

I've got a Ridgid. Haven't had a problem with it yet, but it sure gets hot fast. Also could use a plunge base....