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Trim Tuning

Choosing the Best Trim Router

Because of their smaller size and compact design trim routers or laminate trimmers are ideal for nearly every user. Their lightweight and one-handed operation render them simple to use and although they are specialized for trimming, a trim router is, essentially, just a smaller, totally functional mini-router. With it, you can dovetail, mortise, build tenions and joints, rout dadoes and grooves, and perform a number of other operations. Because, however, the tool is such a great deal smaller than a standard router, it also has smaller power and a smaller bit capacity which consequently also means a smaller application base. Despite this, the trim router does what it is designed to do, trim and flush (and much more), with an always simple and superior performance. To help you define your search for the ultimate trim router, the following is a review of the industry's very best based on price, functionality, and overall high-performance.

Bosch's PR20EVSK variable speed trim router is powerful and stable to master a huge range of trim applications. Being precise and supremely well balanced the tool is strikingly comfortable to use, and because its designed for frequent, heavy users, the router is consistently smooth and simple to operate while simultaneously yielding some of the most impressive results in the industry. The tool's aluminum fixed-base ensures durability and accuracy, and with a motor that maintains constant speed under load craftsmen can rely on always consistent high-performance. The router is equip with a straight edge guide to, well, guide the router along the edges of a workpiece up to 3-5/8" from the edge, and, with fast and precise macro and micro depth adjustments, the tool is uncommonly accurate. Altogether the tool is compact and yet heavy-duty as well to absolutely optimize your trim routing experience, and ranging in price from about $110 - $125, the PRO20EVSK combines the best of both heavy-duty performance and light-duty cost.

Porter-Cable makes another trim router with some big guns and a small price-tag. Costing about $65 - $125, their 7310 is a powerhouse in the shop while still being surprisingly easy on your wallet. The 7310 laminate trimmer is reliably strong, and specially designed for precision trimming, small edge forming, and hinge routing applications. Its 5.6 amp, 30,000 RPM motor accounts for the tool's power which, coupled with its sealed ball bearing aluminum base, provides long term durability and strength. The base design also provides maximized visibility of your bits as you work ensuring you are always on the correct mark. Also designed ergonomically, the tool provides craftsmen with the utmost comfort and control during standard or one-handed use making. This ease if operation and overall professional power and performance helps you and this trim router master nearly every routing application under the sun.

On another hand, Makita's 3709 laminate trimmer is a truly smooth operator boasting an intensely powerful 4 amp, 30,000 RPM motor. Ideal for lighter routing applications the trimmer delivers some of the most clean and smooth trimming action conceivable. The trimmer is additionally built with a transparent base providing stability and unimpeded visibility of every trimming edge. This, in turn, provides operators with more control and freedom over the workpiece and an overall precision that is virtually unmatched. The tool's slim design and lightweight (at a meager 3.3 lbs) also accounts for its ease of use and uncommon precision, while the tool's all ball bearing construction renders the tool seriously smooth and always durable. Makita tools are known for their superior standards and this trim router, by all counts, manages your light trimming with proud accuracy and authority. Lastly, ranging in cost from about $110 - $115, a truly sweet price, the router is difficult to resist.

Dewalt builds another trim router ideal for lighter-duty users that ranges in price from about $115 - $150. This router packs all the perks and power to satisfy serious crafters at a price that won't send your budget packing. Indeed, Dewalt's D26670 compact router packs a lot of punch for being such a small tool. At a mere 3.75 lbs the tool still boasts the muscle of a 5.6 amp, 30,000 RPM motor with the durability and good-old-fashioned power to cut through any number of working materials. The tool is completely ideal for lighter trimming, hinge routing, and small edge forming applications, and with comfortable ergonomics, it is simple to use and control through all operations. The router's precision-machined, cast-aluminum fixed base provides ultra support with long-term durability, and with fast and easy depth adjustments the tool is a superior light-duty trimmer with the guns to manage most of the tough stuff as well.

Although the most expensive of this group at $400 (for the basic tool and $525 for a larger set), Festool's MFK 700 is one of the most innovative and down-right radical tools on the market today. This trim router has a modular design which enables the tool to easily transform (with just a few turns of the locking knob) from a vertical position to a horizontal position. Every component of the tool, in fact, can be attached and detached without any extra tools. The trimmer is ultra lightweight and maneuverable making it ideal for not only laminate trimming, but also edge banding, and routing out grooves for inlays. The trim router also has a pleasantly exceptional dust removal system in which the dust extraction connector swivels allowing the dust extractor hose to move freely. This swiveling prevents binding and clogging, thus, you have a cleaner tool, a cleaner work environment, and cleaner results. The tool utilizes a (locking) super fine micro-adjustment knob allowing you to fine tune your cut depths with an accuracy of 1/10 of a millimeter. I repeat: 1/10 of a millimeter; this is extremely precise. Festool's MFK 700 additionally boasts variable speed control, remarkable versatility, and the smooth durability of a ridiculously high-performance tool. In this router, Festool has given craftsmen a tool with huge spunk and superior performance, and although the price is high, those who have experienced the Festool difference assert it is worth every single penny.

Each of these trim routers is designed for the utmost in high-performance and will undoubtedly produce the most professional results with every use. Despite being on a budget, or being one that spares no expense, one of these trim routers is sure to meet your needs.

About the Author

Specializing in tool parts & web communications, Mallory joined M&M Tool 4 yrs ago adding to their over 150 yrs combined experience. For over 70 yrs M&M Tool has provided the best service to the tool industry with replacement parts, sales, & service to woodworking products, machinery & power tools like Dewalt's D26670 trim router & Festool's 574288 MFK 700 trim router. Visit M&M Tool's power tool recommender to find what equipment best suits you.

Evinrude Outboard 135hp starflite tune up?

I have a 1973 evinrude 135 hp starflite v4 outboard. It starts and runs well but probably needs a tune up and wanted some advice on what I should do. Engine is clean and well maintained at one time but sat for a while. Probably needs an impeller kit and I noticed one of the coils is cracked. What would be standard tune up for this model. What electrical components should be replaced to make it more reliable. Any ideas on where to buy these parts online. What's the best oil to use and mixture ratio. How about the best octain rating and is 10% ethanol going to cause problems. How do you maintain the power tilt/trim unit. Engine is mounted on a 16' 72 baja cobra so it should really be a blast. Thanks for your time.

1. Compression test. Look for even PSI across all cylinders.

2. Spark test - not a "spark plug" test - get an inline tester and set the gap for 7/16".

3. Carb rebuild - after sitting awhile, the jets will be clogged from gasoline turned to varnish. These carbs are remarkably simple devices - don't be intimidated.

4. Lower unit oil change. A small amount of shavings on the plug magnet is normal, but if you see metal fragments, the gearcase should be disassembled for inspection. If there's water in the oil, you'll want to replace the seals.

5. Water pump impeller (full pump kit if the inner housing is scored).

6. Test the overtemp warning circuit - find the temp switch at the end of a tan wire near the top of the cylinder head ( I think this model has 2), peel back the rubber sleeve and touch the bare wire to the head with the key in the run position, a steady tone should sound.

7. Inspect fuel lines for signs of aging, replace any that are stiff.

8. Inspect the wiring for cracked, missing, chafed insulation, bare wires, etc.

9. If you have to use E10 gasoline, go ahead and rebuild the fuel pump now - kit about $12, some gasket remover and permatex #2, and about a half hour to complete the job.

10. Decarb - tune-up per the factory service manual includes removing the cylinder heads to manually clean the cylinders and piston crowns, but everybody does it now with Seafoam - if you need step-by-step, just ask in a separate question.

No reason you can't do all the maintenance on this engine, but I highly recommend a service manual - will pay for itself many times over. The OEM manual is by far the best, seloc is cheaper, but not as good.

You can get a service manual, ignition components, carb kits, and fuel & water pump kits at http://www.iboats.com - I buy parts from them, they're quick to ship & as good pricing as anywhere.

Drain the fuel tank - burn it a few gallons at a time in your pickup truck - it's not as sensitive to fuel quality as that old-school 2-stroke.

After your carb & fuel pump rebuild, E-10 gasoline won't give you any problems, but try not to mix it with MTBE or non-oxygenated gasoline in the same tank.

Use only 87 octane fuel mixed 50:1 with TCW-3 certified oil. Higher octanes will give you a less complete burn.

Use only Champion QL77JC4 spark plugs gapped at .030. This is not just a personal brand preferance - johnnyrudes really do better with champs.

Prop the engine to where it will turn 5500 RPMs at WOT - any higher will be overreving, which means running lean, higher combustion temps leading to piston failure. Any lower will be lugging, which means incomplete burn, coked up cylinders, sticky rings leading to (you guessed it) piston failure.

Have fun!

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