Porter-Cable 310 Production Laminate Trimmer

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

A laminate trimmer is important for fine jobs with lighter application. The Porter-Cable 310 is ideal for the job with its easy one-handed operation and durable ball bearing construction. Constructed with flat top to ensure efficient and secure bit changes and housed with precision machined aluminum in order to protect the motor by reducing heat, this laminate router is easy to operate and durable. Not only does this router complete a range of laminate applications, but it also features a micrometer ring for simple fine-tuning within .015 inches so accuracy is assured with beveled-edge trimming operations. Packaged with the router is motor 3102, base 3101, two wrenches 44745, and an operator's manual.

From the Manufacturer

Porter-Cable 310 production laminate trimmer.

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 4.5 inches ; 3.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000222Z4
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 310
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,040 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #47 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Routers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as it gets., January 23, 2005

By 

Luke T. Evans (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 310 Production Laminate Trimmer (Tools & Home Improvement)

Since Porter Cable has pushed its 7310 laminate trimmer as its primary trim router, the 310 has become less familiar with the general public but has remained the production stop standard for professional woodworkers. With its outstanding quality and precision construction, I imagine that the $159 310 is significantly more expensive to produce than the 7310, and is thus not at a competetive price point with the $100 trimmers made by DeWalt, Bosch, and others. Those routers are OK, but they pale in comparison with the 310. See my review of the 7310 for a critique of this second-rate machine.

The 310 is a small little horse of a router. It has micro adjustment and is exceptionaly accurate. It has none of the numerous flaws that plague the 7310 and the other "Rotozip" style trimmers. Against the advice of my cabinetmaker colleagues, I originally purchased a 7310 as my sole laminate trimmer, thinking I'd save a few bucks. I was so unimpressed with it and its inaccurate base and adjustment mechanism that I sidelined it for 1/8" roundover work and purchased a 310 instead. I now own three 310's and have them set up for my commonly needed tasks. One cabinetmaker in my shop has a dozen 310 trimmers. Now that's an enthusiastic fan!

As for the complaints by other reviewers about the collet not letting go of the bits, that's a problem I have not yet encountered. Sometimes I have to tap the collet with the wrench and then the bit comes right out. Of the 20 or so guys in my shop that have this router, none have complained about bits that refuse to come free. Perhaps the other reviewers left the bit in for a very long time and the bit shanks rusted to the collet??? Not sure, but hasn't been a problem for me.

The only bummer about the 310 is that PC has discontinued production of the excellent optional bases for the machine. The offset and angle bases as well as the laminate slitter are the finest available. I say "available" because even though they are no longer sold complete by PC, you can buy the individual parts and assemble your own, though this isn't cheap. Used and new-old-stock bases are also available on Ebay and other sources, but their relatively high prices attest to the die-hard following this router has among professional woodworkers. Don't let that put you off though, since most trim work is straight trimming and these bases are rarely needed. If you ever find that you really need, say, an offset base, go ahead and splurge on the parts and build your own.

I just can't say enough about this router. You can spend $100 on a second-rate glorified "Rotozip" trimmer or spend $159 on this little gem and be set for years to come. Well worth every penny!

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great unit, May 27, 2000

By 

Paul Vasquez (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 310 Production Laminate Trimmer (Tools & Home Improvement)

I purchased this after reading the Wood mag review and looking at most of the other brands. The only limitation I've found so far is my bits. This thing has plenty of power, fits my medium-sized hands well, and is very precise. The flat top makes bit changes very easy. I had to add a homemade plexi base and deburr the depth adjustment a bit but this is a great tool. I use it for most of my free hand routing, though caution is needed when starting--maintain a firm grip.

48 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps the only router you will ever need!, January 24, 2001

By 

"flybynightcoppercompany" (Portland, Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 310 Production Laminate Trimmer (Tools & Home Improvement)

Well, the time finally came when I had to replace my 30 year old Craftsman router. The main shaft was exhibiting a little too much wobble for my tastes - this, after I rebuilt the works with new bearings.

I've had my eyes on the Bosch 1617 for a couple of years... nice router, but pretty heavy and the knobs felt too big to my average (yea, just average) hands. Then it occured me, "Jeez, all I ever do with my old router is edge work and pattern rout material in a table setup. Do I really NEED 2 hp and all that tool weight? Why not check out the trim router offerings?"

With the exception of this one model, they all (DeWalt, Bosch, PC) seem to have very similar builds, features and "feel". They just seem like Dremels or Roto-Zips that will hold router bits. The depth settings were so-so in their accuracy; the feel was just not what I was looking for...

Then, but what should my eyes fall upon, but the 25 year old design of the Porter-Cable 310 "Production Laminate Trimmer" - looks pretty much like a 690 on anti-steroids. Weighs in at less than half the weight at 3-3/4 lbs, has the ring depth adjustment just like the 690, the on/off in the same placement, round base, all ball-bearing, cast and machined body (not plastic like the other trimmers), and turns @ 27,500 rpm with its little 2/3 hp motor. And, only $150 bucks. WHAT!?! $$150$$?!?! I can get the Bosch for that just about that amount; guess I won't be saving any green with this purchase. Pry out the wallets boys & girls.

Hmmm, could this one be what I'm looking for though? I do, afterall, seem to be gravitating to smaller, less beastly tools of late. But would the 2/3 hp be enough? Would it mount up in my table? Can I make bushings and other accessories work? The short answer is, "Yes!" to all of the above - accepts P-C bushings, mounts up to a table just fine.

Zowie! This little router really packs a punch! Kind of like driving a sporty little roadster instead of a Mack truck. Boy does this thing handle!

Mounted it up to my table and ran off some test cuts > A-OK. Will be making up a plexi/lexan/polycarb aux. base with knobs for it. Someday maybe I'll go the mega-hp router route, but for now I'm enjoying my new pint-sized screamer (actually it is MUCH quieter and smoother than my old Craftsman).