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Here's the thing: I do quite love my Bosch plunge router, and while it needs a bit of a clean and a tune-up (the plunge isn't as smooth as it used to be, I suspect it's a tad dusty), it's all I need for most routing apps, but...only has a 1/4" and 8mm collet. I've got a cheap, nasty Green Bosch 'laminate trimmer' shaped small router that's top heavy, single speed, not powerful enough for most things, and very annoying (and only has a 6mm collet, no 1/4" available, and I only have 1 6mm shaft bit..6mm is small).

So now here I am, with a couple of transformers, pondering the situation. And wondering what would be more useful. I think that for most of my work, I'd be more than fine with Porter-Cable's 0310 production laminate trimmer, and I seem to recall Mario and a few others raving about how great the machine was, save perhaps for a slightly stiff bit release collet on some models. And I figure that for most everything I do that's acoustic-guitar related it's fine (be nice and small and useful for mounting in a binding trim setup, certainly).

But there's this niggling "But a 1/2" collet would be realy darn handy for table routing functionality and the electrics I build?" voice annoying me. Which leads me to the 690, variable speed-fixed base model. I don't really need plunge functinality for most of the stuff I do. But there's the D-handle option, although that just looks awkard to me. So...thoughts there? Could I use a 310 for 'light duty' router table work like brace shaping/cutting? I'm guessing routing serious hardwoods (bridges, fretboards) would be out, but flush-trimming, say, headstocks should be fine.

Any thoughts on the matter? Tips/hints/whatever? I could get both, I suppose, but that's a significantly larger investment..

Mattia, I use three PC 690's. One in my router table, and do my brace shaping with it, dovetail cavity, and neck dovetail male. Plenty powerful and I like the 1/2 inch capability but use mainly 1/4 inch.

The second is in my Mark Ketts' binding jig, dedicated.

The third is for handheld routing, I sometimes use the pattern following bits and trim soundboards and back overhangs. The Ketts jig will do it too. This is smoother though handheld.

My other routers are the DeWalt Laminate trimmer, three of those as well. One is set with PC bushings for the tapered tail wedge trim and never gets reset.

The other two are set up for binding, one for binding, the other for purfling. I find myself changing these all the time. I like them, but of course the problem area of the neck on the back of the guitar gives them fits.

I modified one base to ride on a small shoe of the plastic material and with a steady hand, it does an amazing job. Good thing is the bits, simple and cheap, the bearing is on the trimmer.

Edit: Well, before someone states the obvious, yes, the Kett's jig can do it all, but I haven't used it, just bought it set it up and have all these guitars sitting in line waiting for me to get up the courage to make the plunge with the new setup...... (big chicken)Dickey38395.6996412037

I have a DeWalt 625 plunge in my router table. For just about everything
else I use one of 4 Porter Cable 310's. They really are terrific laminate
trimmers. All four are set up with dedicated tasks so I don't have to keep
adjusting. As far as I know there is no laminate trimmer out there that
compares with the 310. They are not cheap but they are worth it. Good
luck on the choices.

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Sylvan
http://www.wellsguitars.com

You will never go wrong with ANY PC tool. They are built like tanks and will last a lifetime. I've got the 3-1/4 HP unit in my router table and the 690 in my Kett binding jig. I don't have a PC laminate trimmer but it's on my short list

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

I've got a Porter Cable router, not sure of the model number... I only use it to route the shape of the head, and sometimes in making jigs and templates, but it is a very nice machine. I've always liked their tools.

Regards,
Joshua French

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Instagram: @jfrenchluthier
Web: https://www.jfrenchguitars.com/

Mattia,

I have 2 of the PC 690 routers and they are a great tool. You can buy the 690 (I ordered mine from Rockler) with interchangeable fixed and plunge bases. This should cover you on all bases (bad pun)!

As for a laminate trimmer, I have the DeWalt, and it is also very nice.

Sorry! Had to play with fonts and colors!

Heh..yeah, I've seen the two-base kit, but I've already got a good plunge router, and other than truss rod slots, I can't really think of where I really need to plunge route anything. Maybe pickup cavities on solidbodies, but again, I hog out excess with drills/forstners first, so..

I'm undecided as to whether it's worth the extra 50 bucks or not. Hmm..

For you guys with DeWalt lam trimmers: what model do you have?

The DW670, it has both vertical and horizontal adjustments with bearing guide and inexpensive bits.

Also you can drop a guide bushing in the base and use it to cut tail wedges very nicely. www.amazon.com gets $99 for them.

Mattia,

I have the DW670, like Bruce, for use in my binding routing fixture.

I suggest that if you have friends in the States, you have them order it for you (Amazon won't ship it to Europe)and ship it over, or pick one up on your next visit.

I priced one locally and it was over 200 euros!

Bruce: just when I'd sprung for the binding router bit set! Either way, sounds interesting. How's the weight distribution, though? It looks like it might be a tad top-heavy..

Russ: yes, I'd noticed that! Since I doubt I'll be ready to route more binding/have a real need for the things before I go over to the states, I'll get some stuff when I'm over there anyway.

Looks like a DeWalt lam trim and a PC 690 fixed-base might be my 'best buy' situation; the 310 looks to be really lovely, but I'm not entirely sure it's worth the 60% additional cost. Although the weight balance/distribution looks a bit better on it.

I know that this isn't the revered model 310, but Home Depot has the Porter Cable Model 7310 for $70 with two bits. Anybody have experience with this model?

[QUOTE=BruceH] I know that this isn't the revered model 310, but Home Depot has the Porter Cable Model 7310 for $70 with two bits. Anybody have experience with this model?[/QUOTE]
Bruce, that is a bargain and you better jump on it. I recently bought one and it is great. It adjusts easily and is a big step up over my Chicago Electric and Ryobi laminate trimmers.

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

Aside from a collet that sticks (like the 310), the 7310 is a nice tool. I have three (and all the collets stick) and would buy a couple more at that price... Bob Steidl38397.9416782407

I bought the 7310. It looks and feels like a pretty good unit. Well worth the $70. As far as the collet sticking, does anyone even make a router with a collet that doesn't stick?   

I had rather have a collet that sticks tahn one slips