trim router - variable speed or not

[jon_ramp]

If you have one with variable speed - do you use that feature very often.

If you have one without variable speed - are you finding that you wish you did?

I am considering the MLCS Marvel 40 which currently has a promotion with bits included; but, it does not have variable speed.

[cwsmith]

I have the Ridgid trim router which is variable speed. Other than an initial project, I must admit that I don't use it that much. The router does have variable speed, which I feel is a nice feature, but I can't say that I have used it in those few times.

Certainly on a full size router with the wide number or bits I'd be using, the variable speed feature would be a necessity; but on a trim router, I'm not so sure.

CWS

[Uncle Cracker]

Mine is VS, but I must confess that I've never used anything but the highest setting. I suppose a slower setting might be useful if the material being trimmed is prone to burning.

[poolhound]

Its one of those features that you may not use often but you need it when you need it. I have the Colt VS and it is totally awesome.

I dont know anything about the Marvel hopefully there are some owners (or users) here that can respond. All I can tell you is that you need to make sure that the base can be accuratley and consistently set perpendicular to the bit. Its something we take for granted with a large router but can be a PITA with a trim router. I had a DW for a while but I could never keep it setup right. I have no problems and only joy from the Bosch.

[LarryG]

I too have the Bosch Colt. I bought it as part of the "installer's kit" which comes with the variable-speed version. I don't know what I'd have chosen if I were buying the router alone ... possibly the single-speed, but most likely the variable-speed. I've not yet used that feature but as Jon says, it'll be there if I need it.

One thing is certain: if you think you might need or want VS, you'll never be again be able to get it as cheaply as when you buy the router for the first time.

[Whaler]

I'll add another vote for the Bosch Colt VS, I love mine.

[vaking]

Any book about routers will tell you that for router bits with cutting diameter less than 1-1/4" highest speed setting is the best. If you plan to use router bit bigger than that in a trim router - something is wrong with the technique. That is why you keep hearing that variable speed in trim router is nice feature that people will use when they need it but they have not used it yet. I have a rotozip with plunge base - pretty much same as single speed trim router. I also have MLCS speed control which works with rotozip, so I can make it variable if I want to when I want to. The only time I used speed control with rotozip was when I used it with drill bit instead of router bit. I believe that variable speed on a trim router is feature that is "nice but useless". I went even a step further - my 2-1/4 HP dual base router kit that I use for hand-held use all the time is single speed. Fixed base or plunge - I do not expect to use large bits for hand routing. In my shop variable speed is reserved for table routing only.

[cabinetman]

Any book about routers will tell you that for router bits with cutting diameter less than 1-1/4" highest speed setting is the best. If you plan to use router bit bigger than that in a trim router - something is wrong with the technique. That is why you keep hearing that variable speed in trim router is nice feature that people will use when they need it but they have not used it yet. I have a rotozip with plunge base - pretty much same as single speed trim router. I also have MLCS speed control which works with rotozip, so I can make it variable if I want to when I want to. The only time I used speed control with rotozip was when I used it with drill bit instead of router bit. I believe that variable speed on a trim router is feature that is "nice but useless". I went even a step further - my 2-1/4 HP dual base router kit that I use for hand-held use all the time is single speed. Fixed base or plunge - I do not expect to use large bits for hand routing. In my shop variable speed is reserved for table routing only.

That's my vote too. My trim routers are single speed. I've never found the need for VS. Could be one of those features that might help sell.
.

[garymuto]

I have the older Bosch trim router kit with the additional bases. I never saw a need for variable speed or soft start on a small router. I only use varaible speed in a router table when I'm swinging a large diameter bit.

[buckeye95]

I have the VS version of the Bosch Colt that I bought on Amazon reconditioned from Bosch CPO. When I just looked, the new fixed-speed version was $95 while the reconditioned VS is only $90. My reconditioned unit looked factory new when i got it (except for the reconditioned mark on it). This may be an option; get the reconditioned VS version and have the feature "just in case" while keeping $5 too.

Pete