Tibby Singh is on Trend with the latest tool technology.
Trend is a brand that needs no introduction and its route to success has been from manufacturing routing equipment. Innovation is the core value at Trend Tool Technology and more recently the company introduced its T18S 18V Cordless Range consisting of an impressive 11 Cordless Tools:
- ¼” Router
- Mitre Saw
- Circular Saw
- Biscuit Jointer
- Angle Grinder
- Impact Driver
- Combi Drill
- LED Site Light
- Random Orbital Sander
- Detail Sander
- Third Sheet Sander
In this review I will focus on the Cordless 1/4” router and the Mitre Saw. My first ever router was a Trend Corded router, which is still going strong. I remember having a conversation on site about how cordless tools will be the future but found it hard to imagine a cordless router or mitre saw as these require substantial power. Now the day has come, where I write my first product review of both.
The box of the ¼” Cordless Router isn’t the smallest, but I’m probably comparing it to the box of the corded router. However, upon opening it, I was taken back to see how small and light in weight it is. Then I realised the box is a fair size as it comes with a variety of accessories that all have their allocated space.
I was keen to get it running and it felt strange not having to run around looking for a socket. It runs off Trend’s T18 TX Lithium-Ion batteries which have a light indication and is available in 2, 4 and 5Ah. The 4Ah is more suitable for routing applications.
It is relatively quiet for a router, and you can feel the power kick in. A router can be a dangerous tool, so it has a safety on/off switch. It has an expected variable speed from 1-6 which increases its versatility when working with variety of materials.
Its versatility is further enhanced due to its dual base, a plunge and trim base. Just when I thought things couldn’t get better, I realise it’s a two in one. The bases can be interchanged in a matter of seconds and securely locks in place. When it has the trim base on, it is smaller and lighter making it ideal for light duties such as edge mouldings. On the other hand, the plunge base is designed for heavier duty tasks such as mortising and rabbeting. It has an impressive 60mm plunge depth which is the deepest on the market.
Both the bases have the expected depth settings from a micro adjustable setting on the trim base with engraved increments, to an adjustable depth stop on the plunge base for rapid repeatable cutting depths.
On trim routers, the base usually has a small surface area which can sometimes become unbalanced. Trend has solved this problem by having an elongated base that prevents tipping. Another top feature is its flat top design, so when it comes to changing bits, you can turn it upside down and it will balance perfectly making it easier and safer to do so.
Something that opened my eyes was the built-in twin LED lights. This is very popular in many other tools these days so it’s great they have incorporated this in the router which is always used for precision tasks. Routing is associated with dust, so one of the many accessories included is an extraction adapter to help reduce harmful dust particles.
I think it’s my new favourite tool and at first it felt like a chore getting the router out and setting it up but now it’s the opposite, I feel like getting a groove on every time.
Trend Cordless Mitre Saw
Another groovy tool is Trend’s Cordless Mitre Saw. Again, I couldn’t believe how compact and light it is, weighing under 10kg. The 5Ah batteries are recommended with this to increase the efficiency as there’s extended power capacity.
I wouldn’t say it’s cut out for 1st fix tasks but it’s second to none for 2nd fix tasks. However, size doesn’t matter because this loves big wood – to be precise, it can cut up to 210mm wide and 51mm deep stock. The main reason for this is its sliding arm. Even if the timbers are long in length, it has slot-in work support extension bars that are discrete. In addition, it has a deep fence for maximum support and a work clamp to secure materials when cutting.
The mitre saw cuts mitres from -47 to +47 degrees with pre-set indentations at the common angles, which are 0, 15, 22.5 and 45 degrees. As well as having the ability to cut compound mitres from 0 to +45 degrees.
Although it’s small it seems to have all the functions a chop saw twice its size would have, such as trenching. This is great to know because it’s something I often use, especially when it comes to assembling door linings together with housing joints.
It’s hit home the level of detail Trend have put into this as it even has a mounted laser. This is always handy as it allows quick alignment. There’s also a dust bag with zip for easy emptying and you can set it up to an extractor.
Trend’s Cordless Mitre Saw is certainly cut out for multiple tasks and, just like the router, it doesn’t feel like a chore setting it up, whether it’s high up on the scaffolding or down below.
After getting a feel for both Trend’s Cordless Router, and Mitre Saw, it’s clear the manufacturer’s route to success continues.
For further information on the Trend Tool Technology range of cordless solutions visit https://www.trend-uk.com/
Tibby Singh – www.TibbySingh.com
