Router users - Update 20.3.10

[Classic Finn]

Found this from Bosch.

We are wondering if this would be a handy little router to purchase? Use for edge trimming maybe?

Its called the Bosch GKF 600

600 W - 33000 min-1 1,5 kg 6/8 mm

[afreegreek]

only if you already have a regular size router and some reason to have a small one like.. the regular one won't fit into where you want to go.. otherwise they are a waste of money.

[tonyj]

I have the US version of this, or a close cousin, model called a Colt. It is a great tool and very versatile. I don't think they are a waste of money at all, and in fact, find a lot more use in my shop than the larger routers which I find to be overkill (in size and heft) for many of the procedures on a teardrop.

But no soapbox here--I am very pleased with this size trim router (and I own 2 trim routers and 4 full size routers).

[halfdome, Danny]

Heikki, it looks like a nice solid unit and if you have a need for angle routing then go for it.
Porter Cable sells a kit that has a trim router with a normal base, angle base and one that you can trim counter top scribe.
Sometimes I use it a lot, other times it just sits on the shelf, but I'm happy it's in my collection of routers.
What I like about trim routers vs regular ones is less hand fatigue.
Never liked the "D" handle ones with the feeling of less control.
One can never have too many routers.
Danny

[Lou Park]

I could see this thing making great hand pulls that are cut
in one direction with a curved inside. Not bad.
Lou

[zapj]

I have to agree with tonyj about size and over kill of larger routers. Aside from my hefty ones I purchased a trim router from Harbor Freight for a ridiculously small amount of money. I found many uses including trimming the 1/4 ply roof material flush with the side walls. I was able to stand on the ground and feel very comfortable holding it with one hand while trimming above my shoulders.

[Larwyn]

I have several routers, including a Bosch Colt trim router similar to the one pictured above. I really like the little Bosch and have no regrets about buying it.

I think we all see things from our own perspective. The little Bosch router and even clamps have been declared a waste of money, while $150 saw blades and $250 door handles have been declared just fine. I suppose it's actually up to the individual to decide how to spend his own money, especially when the main goal of this forum is to discuss building a camping trailer which, in itself, would be considered by much of the world's population to be a complete waste of money.......

[synaps3]

I suppose it's actually up to the individual to decide how to spend his own money, especially when the main goal of this forum is to discuss building a camping trailer which, in itself, would be considered by much of the world's population to be a complete waste of money.......

You should have heard my mother when I told her I was building a camper trailer. She was not thrilled.

[aggie79]

Like Larwyn said, it is really a personal preference.

I have a trim router, and like it. That said, if you were to only own one router, I would buy something other than a trim router.

Most of the time I reach for my cheap Porter Cable fixed base router. It seems to hit the sweet spot of being the right size, weight, and power. I do use an offset base plate rather than one that came with it.

The trim router is nice, but sometimes its small base can be difficult to keep from rocking.

[Classic Finn]

I suppose it's actually up to the individual to decide how to spend his own money, especially when the main goal of this forum is to discuss building a camping trailer which, in itself, would be considered by much of the world's population to be a complete waste of money.......

You should have heard my mother when I told her I was building a camper trailer. She was not thrilled.

Dave hopefully your mother will be thrilled when you take her camping

[afreegreek]

I have several routers, including a Bosch Colt trim router similar to the one pictured above. I really like the little Bosch and have no regrets about buying it.

I think we all see things from our own perspective. The little Bosch router and even clamps have been declared a waste of money, while $150 saw blades and $250 door handles have been declared just fine. I suppose it's actually up to the individual to decide how to spend his own money, especially when the main goal of this forum is to discuss building a camping trailer which, in itself, would be considered by much of the world's population to be a complete waste of money.......

those door handles aren't going on my boat. neither are the cherry doors. but because I have a good blade I don't have to run to the jointer after every cut. that would get boring after the ten minutes. and yes, if you only got one router, one that will only take 1/4" bit is a waste of money be it a trim router or a full size Craftsman.. but hey, what do I know.. I only do this crap all day every day...

[/img]

[Larwyn]

I have several routers, including a Bosch Colt trim router similar to the one pictured above. I really like the little Bosch and have no regrets about buying it.

I think we all see things from our own perspective. The little Bosch router and even clamps have been declared a waste of money, while $150 saw blades and $250 door handles have been declared just fine. I suppose it's actually up to the individual to decide how to spend his own money, especially when the main goal of this forum is to discuss building a camping trailer which, in itself, would be considered by much of the world's population to be a complete waste of money.......

those door handles aren't going on my boat. neither are the cherry doors. but because I have a good blade I don't have to run to the jointer after every cut. that would get boring after the ten minutes. and yes, if you only got one router, one that will only take 1/4" bit is a waste of money be it a trim router or a full size Craftsman.. but hey, what do I know.. I only do this crap all day every day...

[/img]

boat? that's just a hole in the water that is always just a bit larger than the money it would take to fill it! Save a bit for a Guinness and enjoy St. Pat's day....

[wannabefree]

I have the US version, too. It has become my go-to router for small stuff -- anything that takes a 1/4 inch bit under 3/4 diameter. Fine adjustment can be a bit tricky. That's its only fault.

If it's going to be your only router I would recommend something a bit larger; say 1.5HP. Bosch makes a great one in that size that comes with a screw base and a plunge base.

[Grid Runner Adventures]

i spy a harbor freight block plane.. got mine all nice and sharpened up right here too. anyone have the harbor freight spoke shave?

I got to modify it just cant get it to cooperate nicely with me.

[Classic Finn]

Ok I,ll Hijack my thread a bit After a family discussion and a trip out to the local Hardware Builders Shop we came home with this. A fellow colleague of mine stated if you buy a router buy a good one so this is what we did some price haggling over.

Low n Behold here is the Bosch GOF 1300 CE Professional. We got a very good deal on it and with a box of 15 Bosch Original Bits. This was the only one to our budget. Also a display Model (Last One)



Here,s the specs:

Features:
- Powerful 1300-watt router for precise routing with genuine cutting depth fine adjustment over a 1 /10 mm scale
- Constant Electronic for constant speed under load
- Speed preselection and smooth start for optimum adjustment of the cutting speed to suit the material
- Exact centring of the template guide to router bit for precise working with templates
- Fast fine adjustment of routing depth using setting wheels
- Long, free-moving router cage guide in die-cast housing plunging without jamming
- Dust-protected ball bearings with metal bearing seat for long service life
- Template guide bayonet lock for tool-free changes
- Parallel guide with 1 /10-mm fine adjustment made of die-cast aluminium

Comes with:
Parallel guide with fine adjustment
½ inch collet with nut
Dust extraction adapter
Template Guide 17 mm
1 /4 inch centring pin
Spanner

Specifications:
No-load speed: 12000 - 24000 rpm
Maximum router cage stroke: 58mm
Rated power input: 1300w
Weight: 4.80 kg