Laminate Trimmer vs Rotary Tool

[PALefty]

My Dremel bit the dust and I need to replace it with something. Since this died after such little actual usage, I don't think I will go the Dremel route again (though this one was a gift). If I go rotarty tool.. I am thinking the Rotozip (by Bosch). But then I am thinking... what is the real difference between one of these as compared to a laminate trimmer (such as the Bosch Colt). The both spin at about the same rate. The LT can handle bigger bits and is more heavy duty. The rotary tools seem to have more attachments.. Other than that.. how much difference is there between the two?

Can the Bosch Colt use Rotozip bits?

[sacherjj]

I have the single speed Colt and it is a traditional 1/4" collet. I believe it should take those bits fine with a 1/8" adapter. It definitely has more power than a Rotozip. If you are getting one, I would go with the variable speed. I only got the single speed, because I couldn't pass them up for $3 during the $80 coupon fiasco.

[vaking]

I have rotozip with plunge base working as a trim router. There is no real difference between motors, both are about 30000rpm. Laminate trimmer is about 1hp, rotozip is 5 amps, which means rotozip has same power. The difference is what they come with and what is available as accessory. Rotozip comes with 1/8" and 1/4" collet, trim router comes with 1/4" collet only. They handle same bits but for the trimmer you will need 1/8" collet adapter to use small bits. Rotozip does not come with plunge base, you have to get it separately. Instead it comes with circle cutter attachement and drywall cutting handle. Trim router comes with several bases. There are more attachements for rotozip but they are more for construction type use. Trim routers have some specialized things made for them, say undercutting gizmo to install laminate on countertops without visible seams.
BTW, rotozip as well as dremel are Bosch. I would not be surprized if motor in Colt and rotozip is literally same.

[just4funsies]

I'm almost ashamed to say it, in light of the reputation many of their tools have, but I have been pleasantly surprised with the service I've gotten from a HF laminate trim router! Nothing fancy, but it is easy to use with one hand, accepts 1/4" trim bits (I use GOOD quality bits), and works like a champ! IIRC, it's $39 regular price, but goes on sale for $19, and is $15 with a 20-off coupon! Too cheap to pass up. I bought it for one particular job, but it just won't quit...

[Jim Boyd]

I think you are trying to compare two different tools made for different tasks. Your only solution is to get both

[PALefty]

I have the single speed Colt and it is a traditional 1/4" collet. I believe it should take those bits fine with a 1/8" adapter. It definitely has more power than a Rotozip. If you are getting one, I would go with the variable speed. I only got the single speed, because I couldn't pass them up for $3 during the $80 coupon fiasco.

Is there a 1/8" adapter available? If so, is it for the Bosch Colt, or would one from another manuf fit? Yes- variable would be the only way to go. I don't think I will ever live down missing the $80 fiasco!

[PALefty]

I have rotozip with plunge base working as a trim router. There is no real difference between motors, both are about 30000rpm. Laminate trimmer is about 1hp, rotozip is 5 amps, which means rotozip has same power. The difference is what they come with and what is available as accessory. Rotozip comes with 1/8" and 1/4" collet, trim router comes with 1/4" collet only. They handle same bits but for the trimmer you will need 1/8" collet adapter to use small bits. Rotozip does not come with plunge base, you have to get it separately. Instead it comes with circle cutter attachement and drywall cutting handle. Trim router comes with several bases. There are more attachements for rotozip but they are more for construction type use. Trim routers have some specialized things made for them, say undercutting gizmo to install laminate on countertops without visible seams.
BTW, rotozip as well as dremel are Bosch. I would not be surprized if motor in Colt and rotozip is literally same.

Yes, that is pretty much what I thought. It seems silly to have to buy both of them as they are so similar. I guess it just depends on your bit selection and what attachments you want to use.

Interesting. I didn't know Bosch made the Dremel as well. I guess they own the market and keep the attachments just a little bit different to get you to buy more than one...

[PALefty]

I'm almost ashamed to say it, in light of the reputation many of their tools have, but I have been pleasantly surprised with the service I've gotten from a HF laminate trim router! Nothing fancy, but it is easy to use with one hand, accepts 1/4" trim bits (I use GOOD quality bits), and works like a champ! IIRC, it's $39 regular price, but goes on sale for $19, and is $15 with a 20-off coupon! Too cheap to pass up. I bought it for one particular job, but it just won't quit...

Not a bad idea. Considering how long the dremel lasted.. the HF couldn't be too much different. At least that would take care of my immediate need. I have to cut some laminate floor around a heat register. The cut bits for the dremel were working fine. Didn't last too long... but they were doing the job.

I don't believe there is a current 20% coupon this week though. Maybe next week...

[sacherjj]

Is there a 1/8" adapter available? If so, is it for the Bosch Colt, or would one from another manuf fit? Yes- variable would be the only way to go. I don't think I will ever live down missing the $80 fiasco!

I know i have seen them somewhere, I just can't remember where. I don't see why it would have to be a Bosch adaptor. Should be pretty standard.

This one was out of stock: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013

[HauntedBranch]

Flex shaft availability

If you need to use the tool for precise work, you might want to consider the availability of a flex shaft attachment. Dremel has one and I believe Rotozip now does as well. They definately come in handy for certain tasks.

My experience with Dremel, by the way, has been quite different. Mine has been exposed to lots of wood and stone dust and been through dry locust and slate without a problem. I am feeling lucky after hearing your story.

[PALefty]

If you need to use the tool for precise work, you might want to consider the availability of a flex shaft attachment. Dremel has one and I believe Rotozip now does as well. They definately come in handy for certain tasks.

My experience with Dremel, by the way, has been quite different. Mine has been exposed to lots of wood and stone dust and been through dry locust and slate without a problem. I am feeling lucky after hearing your story.

I have never tried one of those attachments.. but I certainly had instances when they would have been useful. Working along a wall would be one example.

What originally 'went' on the dremel was the spindle lock. It would no longer hold the spindle so that I could remove the bit. I had to keep unscrew and open the unit and hold the spindle tight with pliers. After doing this a few times successfully, my last attempt did something to the motor. It didn't rotate smoothly and started smoking. So in the end, I killed it... but it was the poor spindle lock that drove me to it.

[vaking]

Yes- variable would be the only way to go.

There was a time I thought so too, but now I am strongly convinced that the last thing you need is a variable speed trim router. When I got plunge base for my rotozip I also got an external speed controller because how could I possibly live without a variable speed? More than a year later that external speed controller holds the prize for the most useless piece of equipment in my shop.
Have you heard about charts that specify which speed is correct for which bit? Those charts are saying that bits up to 1-1/4" diameter should be used at full speed. If you slow down a small bit you will only increase tear-out. I tested my rotozip with bits up to 1/2" radius roundover (that is 1-1/4" diameter bit) and am positive that full speed is best. To take advantage of a variable speed you have to use bigger bits. But keep in mind few facts:
Big bits in general should only be used in a table and bits bigger than 1-1/4" I consider big;
That trim router is a little thing that does not have enough power for big bits anyway;
That trim router does not accept 1/2" shank and big bits with 1/4" shank are not recommended in any setup.
In conclusion - variable speed is a must for a router in a table, it is optional feature but not a must for a full size hand-held router and it is a total waste for a trim router.

[messmaker]

MCLS sells the adapter in ?. It is # 271 and goes for $4.

[scorrpio]

I have a Dremel Multi-Pro (corded, variable speed), and it has so far survived ~10 years of abuse, working on everything from steel to drywall. Got right angle, flex shaft, plunge base/edge guide and other attachments for it, all seen some use.
I dunno about laminate trimmers - never used one. But I figure that between my Dremel and my regular Dewalt router, I'll hardly need something else.

[PALefty]

I have a Dremel Multi-Pro (corded, variable speed), and it has so far survived ~10 years of abuse, working on everything from steel to drywall. Got right angle, flex shaft, plunge base/edge guide and other attachments for it, all seen some use.
I dunno about laminate trimmers - never used one. But I figure that between my Dremel and my regular Dewalt router, I'll hardly need something else.

I wonder why my spindle lock went so soon. I got the Dremel maybe two or three years ago for X-mas. Used maybe 15-20 times at the most in those few years. It would no longer 'hold' in the lock position. Every time I used the wrench to loosen the nut, the spindle-lock would break free... like the inside was worn down. Spindle locks are nice to have but after this, I have much less faith in them.

While we are on the subject of routers... would it be possible to use my new router for something like this (my small laminate floor work)? I didn't really notice a 1/2 or 1/4 bit comparable to the cutting bits for the Rotozip/Dremel and thought it might be unsafe to use such a small dia bit in a real router. If it is just a matter of buying an appropriate adapter, then I would be happy to have a chance to inaugurate my new tool.