Trim Routers

Palm routers and laminate trimmers for small work

The most recent review of trim routers, in the August 2008 issue of Fine Woodworking, joins with five earlier comparison tests in giving top ranking to the Bosch Colt PR20EVSK (*Est. $120) trim router, with electronically controlled variable speed. Reviews praise the 1.0-hp soft-start motor, self-releasing collets and two-stage depth adjustment (fast coarse adjustment, plus fine adjustment). The single-speed Bosch Colt PR10E (*Est. $90) has all the same features except variable speed. Reviews note that a single high speed is usually all that's needed for a trim router. However, the difference in price is relatively small. Both Bosch Colt routers are fairly quiet as well as comfortable for both right- and left-handed users.

The Ridgid R2400 earns some praise in a single-product review at Woodworker's Journal, but doesn't make the cut in any of the big comparison tests. Like other Ridgid power tools, it carries a lifetime warranty once registered, but the Fine Woodworking review notes that changing bits "was a hassle" and the baseplate made the router wobble. If you need to compromise for budget reasons, reviews suggest the Grizzly H7790 (*Est. $45) or the Chicago Electric 44914 (*est. $25).