Palm Routers - Woodworking Talk

TomC · 08-26-2009, 06:17 PM

I am looking at purchasing a Bosch Variable speed palm router. Just wondering if anyone has this palm router or other brands and could give me a recommendation. Lowes has it for $119.
Tom

mike65072 · 08-26-2009, 07:55 PM

I looked at several trim routers and finally decided on one from MLCS. Plenty of power, light weight, easy to hold, good price and came with a bunch of accessories. Good luck, Mike

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...n1_router.html

TomC · 08-26-2009, 11:27 PM

Mike,
Thanks for the info. I will take a look at that one.
Tom

Gene Howe · 08-27-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike65072

I looked at several trim routers and finally decided on one from MLCS. Plenty of power, light weight, easy to hold, good price and came with a bunch of accessories. Good luck, Mike

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...n1_router.html

I have a question for ya Mike or, anyone else. Is there a particular reason one would want the 1/8" shank set? What advantage would it have over the same set with a 1/4 shank?
Gene

TheRecklessOne · 08-27-2009, 02:19 PM

I own the Ridgid palm router. I grabbed it in a rush at big orange. I wish I'd done a little research. It works for everything I need it for, but only for about 15 minutes at a time before it gets too hot to even hold. I don't have a good basis for comparison as the only other one I've ever used was a neighbors from Harbor Freight and it would constantly launch the bit out unless you could wrap the shank with a small piece of sandpaper.

Probably not helpful, but just sharing my experience

rrich · 08-27-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRecklessOne

I own the Ridgid palm router. I grabbed it in a rush at big orange. I wish I'd done a little research. It works for everything I need it for, but only for about 15 minutes at a time before it gets too hot to even hold.

Like an idiot, I grabbed a Ryobi also at HD. Plastic everything that bends easily when used. I've ruined a lot of Formica because of that router.

I now have a PC (the small one not the 100) that I'm very happy with.

There is, in reality, no need for variable speed in a laminate trimming (i.e. Palm style) router. It is doubtful that you'll ever be spinning a bit larger that 1" in diameter in that router and you won't need variable speed.

TomC · 08-27-2009, 06:26 PM

Thanks Guys,
Good info.
Tom

mike65072 · 08-27-2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene Howe

I have a question for ya Mike or, anyone else. Is there a particular reason one would want the 1/8" shank set? What advantage would it have over the same set with a 1/4 shank?
Gene

I use the 1/8 inch collet and spiral bits for drywall and plunge cuts in other thin material, 1/4 inch for typical trim routing.

Knucklebuster · 08-29-2009, 11:27 AM

I also have the Bosch Colt and love it. Use it a lot. Highly recommended.

TomC · 08-29-2009, 12:59 PM

Thanks for all the info. I believe I will go with the Bosch.
Tom

firehawkmph · 08-29-2009, 06:53 PM

Tom,
I misread your post at first. I thought you were asking about palm sanders. Just saw the palm part and wasn't thinking.
I have a bosch colt also. I picked it up last year at Hartville Hardware during one of their big tool sales. I always harass the young bosch reps there. They are pretty fun to deal with. I haven't used the colt a lot, but it seems to work well. I would recommend the variable speed, always a good feature on a router.
Mike Hawkins