I am looking for recommendations for the router and the bits. What size? Plunge vs fixed base? Interchangeable bases? How does dust extraction work? What sort of size router bits would I need 1/4"?
The three main models on the UK market are the Makita RT0700, the Bosch GKS600 and the deWalt. I'd discount the Bosch straight away as it doesn't have variable speed, a very handy feature. I did have a Bosch a number of years back for laminate trimming and it was OK, but as others have said the plunge base is a bit pricey, so when I replaced it it was a straight choice between the DW and the Makita for me. The DW has more power, but against that it is physically quite chunky and I found it uncomfortable in fixed base mode (too big and heavy for prolonged use). So I opted for the Makita in the end
Plunge vs. fixed - the fixed base I need because I still do an amount of laminate trimming work, e.g. trimming laminate worktop ends, but it's also very handy for doing stuff like hinge recessing and general recessing of ironmongery such as flush bolts into doors, where a small base footprint is essential, but all these routers suffer from poor work visibiity in that mode. The plunge base gives me effectively a small plunge router which can be used for various edge profiling tasks, but which will also take a guide bushing allowing it to be used for template work. The Makita has a limited depth of plunge but TBH on the scale of work you can undertake with a 1/4in router it isn't really a minus
Dust extraction - isn't brilliant on either the Bosch or the Makita, in point of fact it tends to get in the way and drag you off line (more so on the fixed base), so I often dispense with it as the amount of dust being produced isn't huge on the smaller cuts
AFAIK the DW and the Makita both accommodate 1/4in shank and 8mm shank cutters (I sometimes use 8mm on my Makita). The Bosch is definitely limited to 1/4in shank only. The small collet sizes (after all all three models are basically up-scaled laminate trimmers) means that you shouldn't really use large diameter cutters on them but limit yourself to, say, 12mm diameter. The vibration you may get trying to run cutters at 30,000 rpm means that having a variable speed option makes for safer routing. The 8mm collet is an optional extra
There are chinese copies of the makita on ebay -actually not bad, there are reviews on ukworkshop.
Prob fine for occasional use, perhaps not if a pro. I belive accessories interchange with makita
Pretty much everything that will fit an RT0700 will fit the Katsu - I bought one as a second (backup) trimmer complete with the fixed, plunge and tilting bases (and mine is 110 volt). Quality isn't bad although the fit and finish isn't as good. Probably a good buy to someone on a budget. Best price is direct from AIM Tools in London (the importer)
.... what is a tilt base and what is it used for?
Bevelling is more easily and safely achieved with a bearing guided bevelling bit IMHO. Actually the tilt base is designed for bevel-edge trimming of laminate overhangs on joinery work. TBH I have yet to find a use for it on anything other than that - it is rather difficult to control and is best used with the base running against a fixed straight edge. There is also an offset base which is used for laminate trimming where tops are being relaminated in-situ and scribes to walls are required. Both rather specialised bases unless you do much lamination
Out of interest it may be worth looking at other tools such as the Trend T4 if all you need is a small plunge router
For site work where a cordless solution is far more flexible I've now gone over to the Makita DSRT50Z which uses 18 volt Li-Ion batteries, It is completely compatible with the RT0700/Katsu bases but has the advantage over the corded tools of incorporating a pair of LED lights giving better visibility of the work ares (essential on poorly lit sites). Decent run time, too
