The Versatile Alternative To A Router That Beginner Woodworkers Will Love

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Although a wood router may not be on the beginner's first list of tools worth investing in to start working at home, it won't be long before one becomes a consideration. It's a remarkably versatile device that can cut hinge recesses, plus rabbets, and dadoes (types of grooves) for bookshelves and cabinets, and a wide variety of edge moldings. It can also be used for decorative inlays and complex joinery.

Unfortunately, routers can be intimidating when you're just starting out. Many require two hands to operate them, they're heavy, noisy, and it can be difficult to see what the router bit (cutter) is doing. That can be worrying when the tool is running at 20,000 rpm or more. I know, I've been there.

However, there's a much less scary alternative that will do pretty much everything a good wood router will do but is lighter and easier to manage. I'm House Digest's expert carpenter, and in my opinion, the Makita laminate trimmer is well worth considering. While sometimes thought of as a pro tool, its ease of use and flexibility mean it is one that beginner woodworkers will also love.

Budget-friendly worktops and furniture are often made from chipboard or MDF, with a laminate or veneer skin glued on top. During manufacture or when fitting, the excess needs to be cut away. As you might guess, that's the primary purpose of a laminate trimmer. It's a lot like a router, in that it cuts quickly and cleanly, but you only need one hand to hold it so it's much more manageable.

It's not just for trimming laminates, though. Using the correct bit (and there are dozens available), it can do pretty much everything a full-size router can. Okay, there are some limits, and we'll get to those in a moment, but for the beginner woodworker who is working on small- to medium-sized projects, it's a great little tool.

Makita ranks as one of the best power tool brands, with a reputation for excellent build-quality and reliability. The Makita 3709 ¼" Fixed Base Laminate Trimmer is currently a little under $130.00 at Amazon. It has plenty of power, only weighs a fraction over three pounds, has precise height adjustment, and comes with a clear base so it's easy to see what you're doing. A lot of other people seem to like it too, with Amazon buyers giving it a rating of 4.7-stars. One comment in particular echoes my own view: "Much quieter than my full sized router. I can't believe I didn't buy one earlier. It should do everything I ever use a router for."

You are paying something of a premium price for Makita quality, and it's not difficult to find laminate trimmers for less. However, I think budget-friendly power tools can have a hidden cost, and it's not just about the money. I believe investing in quality pays dividends in the long run.

The Makita laminate trimmer has a ¼-inch collet. That defines the size of the bits it uses. Full-size routers have a ½-inch collet so they can use larger bits. They also have considerably more powerful motors, so if you get into large-scale woodworking, they are probably a better choice.

We also shouldn't ignore ¼-inch routers. These sit somewhere between the two in that they are larger than a laminate trimmer but not as powerful as a full-size model. Prices tend to be similar, so choosing can be difficult. My own view is that while a ¼" router might be a little more aggressive and able to take deeper cuts, the laminate trimmer can achieve the same results (if more slowly) while being easier to use.

It's always worth checking specifications carefully, and reading independent reviews can help with your decision. If you only think you'll use one of these tools occasionally, the WEN RT1460 Laminate trimmer, at under 50 bucks, is a viable option. Whichever you choose, remember to buy the best router bits you can afford. Poor-quality bits go blunt quickly and will tear the wood rather than cut it, spoiling your work.