www.ukworkshop.co.uk - Trend T5 Router

Trend T5 Router

Reviews Tools

Written by Gidon

Wednesday, 22 October 2003

Description

Tools

Model: t5
Manufacturer: Trend
Price: £150

User reviews

Average user rating from: 1 user(s)


Overall rating		4.3
Performance		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
Value for Money		4.0

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

Trend T5 Router, Wednesday, 22 October 2003

Written by gidon - View all my reviews - Top 10 Reviewer


Overall rating		4.3
Performance		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
Value for Money		4.0

After my old router packed in I needed a replacement for handheld use only. I have a 1/2" router mounted permanently in my table, so wanted something relatively lightweight but with enough power for typical furniture making tasks.

I wanted something reliable and built to last. There a few in this price range but I was tempted by the Trend due to the wide range of accessories and spare parts readily available for it.

The router package I ordered (T5EK) came with some extras - the handy 8mm collet, fine height adjuster and case.

First impressions of build quality were good. The variable speed control seemed a little cheaply made though, as did the handles. Otherwise very solid. The side fence is also well made and the fine adjuster a nice feature.

I installed a 1/4" 10mm CMT straight bit (nice easy access to collet nut and spindle lock), and switched on. Nice soft start brought the motor to full speed in a second or so. Not as noisy as I'm used to which is a plus. Run along a straight fence with 1/4" depth of cut in some oak was as expected. No vibration to speak of. The plunge action was sticky at the top of its movement. But a little WD-40 sorted that out and it now glides smoothly.

I tried the fence, and again nothing I could find fault with. The two fence feet can be pushed together which is a nice feature and avoids the router becoming unbalanced. The fine adjustment worked well. I haven’t tried the trammel attachment but it looks ok.

I actually had a real task to do with the router - and since I needed a very precise depth of cut I installed the fine height adjuster. Strange arrangement - it attaches to one of the turrets - which seems to mean you can't use the plunge with it attached. But worked well and I could set the bit accurately. Although I had the plunge the whole router into the workpiece which wasn't ideal. I was routing just over 1/4" deep into MDF with a 1/2" bit. The machine did struggle a little - probably should have done it in two passes. But the handling was good. I also tried installing the dust collection attachment. Absolute dream - it attaches easily, doesn't obscure the cutter and it works! My old router's dust collection was hopeless and I just couldn't use it. So this is a bonus - especially when working with MDF. Although my vacuum hose is a little stiff which doesn't help.

Overall I’m very pleased with the router. Built to last, and with the support Trend offers, should last. Fine height adjustment could be better, but it works. Enough power for most handheld tasks. I got mine from DM-tools for £150 with free next day delivery. Please e-mail me if you have any questions.

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