Palm Router Question

[Hammer5573]

I would like to purchase a Bosch Colt palm router but I'm not sure if my Whiteside inlay guide bearing will fit it. I know that Bosch makes its own style of guide bearings for its larger routers. Does this apply to the smaller one..?

[Eric.]

If the Whiteside kit is the same size as the PC and Rockler guide bearing kits...it won't fit in the Colt's base.  The hole is too big.

[wdwerker]

I have the Colt and the Dewalt 611 palm routers. I prefer the Dewalt. I've used it for at least a thousand hours. The plunge base will take the template guides. Or you can order a baseplate for the fixed base that will take the template guides too. The lights inside are nice when you need to see the bit for starting and stopping a cut.

http://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/routers-planers-and-joiners/routers/114-hp-max-torque-variable-speed-compact-router-with-leds/dwp611

[bleedinblue]

 My palm is the Makita and it's base takes pc style guide bearings.  It came in a kit with the fixed and mobile base for relatively cheap.  If using or not using adapters is important to you, don't forget about these other brands.

[gee-dub]

Neither the Colt fixed nor plunge base accept the de facto standard Porter Cable template collars.  I bought the Bosch Quick Change Template Guide Adapter and the insert for the PC collars.  It works OK but, I would not want to trust it for inlay if I were not going to leave it in place most of the time.  I say this because it fits tightly when installed but, uses a wedging mechanism that can end up tight a little this way or that.  This is not within a tolerance that I think is adequate for router inlay "sets" as I think you are describing.

I solved this by getting new plates from Pat Warner. 

I have also made my own with acrylic and Forstner bits.  Pat's router plates are beautifully done. Mine work.  I know many folks like the DeWalt and depending on your use, you may want to go that way as well,  The height adjustment on the DeWalt is superior IMHO. 

I use the Colt for a lot more than inlay so I prefer it for the way it feels in use. 

This is true with all routers.  I think we have all picked up a router that felt tipsy, top heavy, too large / small or plunged awkwardly.  Almost any router will do an edge profile for you.  When it comes to detail work, the router becomes as personal as a hand plane; some fit your grip and body movements well, some don't fit as well.