Palm router - any recommendations?

Wouldchuk · 15 Mar 2012

I am interested in acquiring a smaller palm router to compliment the large Makita which i have mounted in the router table and another larger Erbauer plunge that I use rarely - I find its too large for the majority of jobs and something smaller and more controllable would do the job better.

I've seen a Bosch package within the Axminster catalogue which includes a variety of flexible base systems etc for a very reasonable price (150 quid ish i think) but I had read reviews which questioned the quality of the height-adjustment and stability of some of the bases.

I wonder if anyone has any recommendations for similar - that;s probably the sort of price range, but i can always have the arm twisted.... :roll:

Grateful for any thoughts

paultnl · 15 Mar 2012

I find my Trend T4 ideal for smaller jobs and you can get them on ebay for under £100

Chems · 15 Mar 2012

Edit: I thought we were talking about the T5 . . . .

paultnl · 15 Mar 2012

Just checked the bay £79.99 brand new.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TREND-T4EK-VA ... 4163966812

eribaMotters · 16 Mar 2012

I bought one of the Bosch as an X-Mas present to myself, to supplement my router table mounted 1/2" Elu and a 1/4" DeWalt. The bases are varied and very useful, but I doubt I will ever use the router to its full potential. I use the standard square base when chamfering or bevelling to remove arras edges. I turned the round base out using a metalwork lathe to accept an old Elu bush, enabling me to use it with my hinge jigs. The fine height adjustment does lack the quality feel of something like the Lamello [my first choice but the cost of a decent holiday], but you soon get used to it.

Colin

Wouldchuk · 16 Mar 2012

Ah! That is very helpful thanks - I hadnt spotted the T4 - and at 80 quid that is a very good price.

Like you Colin, i am dubious I would use it for much other than edge mouldings, light grooving etc so Im thinking of coming down in price and saving that for some more timber..... (or the next time i put a board through the windscreen!!)

Thanks all