Laminate trimmer - for hinge mortises?

[Matt P]

I saw a laminate trimmer (Rigid) in Home Depot for about $50. Looks just like a mini-router. Could it be used to mortise hinges in jewelry boxes? Perhaps in conjunction with a Beal Hinge Wizard? Some of the jewelry boxes I make are small (3/8" thick sides, 4x7" dimensions), and I feel like a regular router is just too big to do this... ???
Tx,
Matt

p.s. This forum is great - thank you for all your expertise!

[Mike Henderson]

Sure, I've routed out hinge mortises that way. I lay the hinge in place and mark the boundaries with a marking knife. I then set the depth of cut using the thickness of the hinge - take two hinges, put one leaf under each side of the trimmer, drop the bit 'till it hits the surface - lock. Then I route the mortise by hand and eye but don't try to route all the way to the lines. I then do the final trimming with a small chisel.

I find it quick and easy.

Mike

[I just bought a Bosch Colt (haven't received it yet) and plan to sell my present trimmer - a Ryobi. If interested, PM me. I'll sell it cheap once I get the new one.]