Best trim router for a saddle slotting jig

[Joey McKenzie]

This is my first post so I hope I don't mess this up! I am going to build a new saddle slot mounting rig to upgrade my current dremel based setup. I will most likely build a fairly simple jig as I usually only cut a few saddle slots a year. I would like to buy a trim router that has good visibility of the bit during the job.... some routers/bases seem almost impossible to view the cut. I noticed a few have an open on one side "horseshoe" shaped base that looks like it would have better visibility. I would love to hear any advise and/or photos of fairly simple saddle slotting setups - hoping to knock this out in the next few days.

Thanks - love this site as well as Frets.com!

[Allan Bacon]

First  Welcome!

I've been using this small router from MLCS. Not for guitar building, but some small inlay work.  (https://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pa... ) It wouldn't take much to replace the sole plate on the fixed base with a clear acrylic one.

Another route would be to make this adapter that uses a Dremel. You use a counter sunk head bolt through the bottom plate and some wing nuts with washers to support the top bar that the Dremel mounts in.

[Joey McKenzie]

Thanks for the info Allan - looks like a strong contender. Appreciate you sending along the base templates as well! 

[Mark Fogleman]

I'm liking my Dewalt 611 router. It has an led mounted under it so you can see what you're doing.

[Joey McKenzie]

Thanks Mark! I love the idea of an LED - will definitely look into the Dewalt. Does the base allow for decent visibility in general?

[Mark Fogleman]

No problem with seeing your work. Pics on this page show your view  https://www.dewalt.com/en-us/products/power-tools/routers-planers-a...

[Joey McKenzie]

This looks great! One other question if you don't mind.... it says in the description: "Adjustment ring enables controlled bit depth changes to within 1/64".

I'm assuming the stock height adjustment on its own would be good enough for cutting saddle slots without buying an additional plunge base or the like?

Thanks - Joey

[Mark Fogleman]

It's infinitely adjustable. You also have a micro adjustment ring for routing incremented depths. It adds the step-stop function to a fixed router like you have on a plunge style. This guy does a good job showing it but doesn't explain very clearly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFDiGkE_Gik

[Joey McKenzie]

Thanks a bunch Mark - the video cleared things up for me nicely.

[Mike Kolb]

I'll be shopping for a laminate trimmer soon, so this is an interesting thread to follow.  I've sorta' given-up on Dremels for anything but the loosest of work since the overall "slop" factor seems too high... and maybe higher with the latest versions,

[Joey McKenzie]

I have been lucky enough to for several years cutting good saddles with a dremel setup, but my latest saddle slot came out looking like a dovetail! Should have enough room to clean it up with a new rig...

[Roger Häggström]

My Dremels are in a drawer, sometimes used for simple tasks, since I bought two Dremel size Proxxon instead. Much better quality.

[Joey McKenzie]

I've heard good things about the Proxxon - I need to check that out as well. Thanks Roger!