The router we’ve used for years was suitable for many tasks, but it was too large and heavy to use on the many small pieces that went into the Penobscot 14 we built. We did some research and were intrigued by the compact routers designed for trim work, so we picked one up and gave it a try. We were very pleased with the range of projects it could do. DeWalt's DWP611 weighs 4.6 pounds and has a 1-1/4 hp motor.
Kent Lewis
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Many of the discoveries that the author has made are the same ones made by countless other boatbuilders over the years. In my tool-poor early years I struggled with a single standard-size router, knowing that it was too heavy and bulky to fit into many of the tight spaces on boats. Close to thirty years ago I decided to give a laminate trimmer a try. Since then, I’ve never looked back. The larger router is good (maybe better) for doing long runs at the bench, but for shaping small parts, or parts attached to the boat, the little guy is the ticket. I’m glad that I have my standard router, but if I had to choose one or the other, I think I would have to go with the laminate trimmer. Mine is a different brand from the one described in this article, but I’m sure I could be happy with the one in this piece.
The Dewalt comes with a plunge base as well, as does the Porter Cable. I bought Grizzly’s version, which I have become very fond of. Also has 7 amp motor (if memory serves), and has the plunge base. I have 2 gripes about it, however: 1) it has a plastic rather than rubber cord, which is much stiffer/less flexible, and 2) it does not take the standard PC template bushings, nor is there an accessory base available. I make do with homemade bases when I need to use a pattern bit.
A pox on all tools with plastic cords. Why has there been no uprising to protest this outrage?
A couple of years ago I replaced my clunky old Bosch trimmer with a Ridgid like the above. Love it: easy to load bits, easy to adjust, soft start, built in light, adjustable speed, all in all a big upgrade in convenience and performance. I also made an offset base for it, sorta teardrop shaped with a little handle at the narrow end: makes those edge trimming operations more secure. Right now I’m using the trimmer to put threads on a set of legs for an Axel Thygesen roll-up table.
We have a couple of laminate trimmers at work, Makitas and a Bosch, all are good tools. They are really great for inletting work.