Trend T3 router

[Dave Tinley]

I am seeking input from those of you that have or have used a Trend T3 small router.
It appears that it being a plunge router and small as it is, it would be good for inlay work - maybe ???


Thanks
Dave

[Saul Harris]

My girlfriend just got one (OK, technically, I got it for her but she is the user). She intends to use it with her Trend Rout-A-Sketch. It seems to be fine for the small stuff she is doing. What are you looking for it to perform for you?

[Dave Tinley]

Thanks Saul-

I am mainly looking at it for doing inlay and edgebanding.
I have a PC laminate trimer, but the idea of the Trend being a plunge version looks real handy. Especially for starting and stopping cuts.

Dave

[Ian Barley]

Trend are "the" router specialists over here in the Uk although I am not that much of a fan. They make good quality kit and are good at marketing it at top prices.

This router has been available in the UK for ages. I do not have one but am sure that the Trend unit will be good quality. I do have a Bosch router which is pretty much identical in format and use it all the time. Most of my routing work is light stuff - 1/4" roundover by the mile. The Bosch unit is great for this sort of task being lightweight and not too fierce so there is no fight for control. I would think that for your suggested use the Trend will do just fine.

[Noel Hegan]

Hi Dave, I've had a T3 for a few years. Don't use it too often but when I do it works well. It'll certainly suit inlay and other detailed work. A further bonus is that the body dis-engages from the plunge mechanisn and it can be used in a similar fashion to a die grinder. Only downside it that it does not have a spindle lock, so a 2 spanner job. A micro adjust is also available for it as an option.
Otherwise a great wee router.

[Michael Ballent]

Have you seen the Micro Fence plunge base for laminate routers :) or if you are a machinist you could make one your self ;)

[Jamie Buxton]

You might consider Dremel's plunge base for Dremel tools. I know a luthier who uses one for doing inlay work. Also from the luthier world is a base from Stewart-Macdonald -- http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Dremel_rotary_tools,_attachments/1/Precision_Router_Base.html

[Dave Tinley]

Thanks for all the replies.

Michael-
Yes, I looked at the Micro Fence, but at $350.00 I just cant justify that. I am sure it may be a great tool but I can darn near buy two Trend t3's.

Thanks again'
Dave





Have you seen the Micro Fence plunge base for laminate routers :) or if you are a machinist you could make one your self ;)

[Jim DeLaney]

Thanks for all the replies.

Michael-
Yes, I looked at the Micro Fence, but at $350.00 I just cant justify that. I am sure it may be a great tool but I can darn near buy two Trend t3's.

Thanks again'
Dave


I think Klingspor has the Trend router for something like $89. If it's the same router, then you could nearly get four of them for the price of the Micro base.