If you do work with composite woods such as plywood, particleboard, or medium-density fiberboard, then you are probably familiar with edge banding and veneer. These thin materials are designed to be applied as an outer layer, covering rough or unsightly edges on furniture and other woodworking projects. But strips of edge banding will not always come in exactly the right thickness for your project; in fact, they quite often protrude over the edge you are trying to finish.
There are a number of methods you could use to cut your banding down to size, but they can be tricky. A tool like a router can get the job done, but may also be unwieldy and come with the risk of accidentally damaging your surface. That’s why your best bet when working with edge banding is an edge banding trimmer. These are simple tools made specifically for the purpose of trimming banding, and they will always be the safest bet for finishing your edges quickly and easily.
They do not tend to be too expensive either. Taking factors like durability, size, and cost into account, we are going to show you five great options to consider when buying an edge banding trimmer.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Quad Trimmer With Carbon Steel Blades
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2. Edge Supply Edge Banding Trimmer
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3. ANDGOO Edge Banding Trimmer
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4. Yosoo Edge Banding Trimmer
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5. Luomorgo 2 Pcs Edge Banding Trimmer & Handle Edge Trimmer
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1. Quad Trimmer With Carbon Steel Blades
Specification
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 7.25 x 2.55 inches |
| Weight | 3.84 ounces |
An edge banding trimmer is a fairly simple tool, but it is important to make sure yours is high quality and well-designed to avoid damaging your project. This trimmer is the all-around best for the job for our money. One of its best features is its rounded, ergonomic design. This makes it easy to hold and grip while you are trimming your edge. The blades it comes with are carbon steel and do a good job of providing a clean cut once you get a feel for using the trimmer. Another great aspect of this device is its simple design that does not include any small parts to lose. Some edge banding trimmers use springs to hold their pieces together and allow you to adjust for width. But those springs can be easy to misplace, and this trimmer forgoes them entirely with a simple yet durable design. Its blades are fully replaceable as well, and the price point is reasonable.
WHAT WE LIKE
The ergonomic shape and double-sided design of this trimmer make it a great option for your next woodworking project. Some other trimmers can be awkward to hold and use, but this one provides great results quite consistently. Using an edge banding trimmer can take a bit of practice, so make sure you have the hang of it before you test it out on an important piece. But once you know how to use it, you should be able to get consistent results.
PROS
- Ergonomic design
- Reasonable price
- Double-sided
CONS
- Does not come with replacement blades
- Blades do not last as long as we would like
2. Edge Supply Edge Banding Trimmer – Best for a perfect finish
Specification
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 3.46 x 1.65 inches |
| Weight | 0.639 ounces |
This edge supply edge banding trimmer has a bit of a different design than many others on the market. Instead of using a straight razor blade to slice along the banding, this trimmer uses a circular blade that sits against the top of your surface and cuts the banding to be flush with the edge. There are a number of nice advantages to this design. First, it will be able to trim curved edges much more easily than a straight blade. Since a curved surface will always be at an angle to a straight edge, cuts can be uneven. The circular blade design eliminates this problem by cutting from the inside of the banding and easily rolling along the surface. Second, it will be easier to avoid rough cutting in general with this kind of trimmer. Both types can provide even, reliable trimming, but a circular blade will eliminate some of the learning curves. This trimmer does, however, carry a higher price tag.
WHAT WE LIKE
The added versatility afforded by this trimmer’s circular blade is a great perk. If you plan on trimming banding or veneer on curved edges at all, then you will have an easier time using this tool. If you have trouble getting the hang of other kinds of trimmers, this one is a great alternative to try as well.
PROS
- The circular blade design is versatile
- Lightweight
- Design works with pretty much any edge width
CONS
- Small
- Can be hard to grip
- More expensive than other trimmers
3. ANDGOO Edge Banding Trimmer – Best for Plastic and PVC
Specification
| Dimensions | 4.17 x 2.36 x 1.93 inches |
| Weight | 3.84 ounces |
This next trimmer is a great choice if you need a blade for thicker material. It has sharp carbon steel blades that will cut through banding smoothly and easily, and it is made out of a durable PVC. Another great feature of this trimmer is the extra set of blades it comes with. The first set of blades should last for a while, but having an extra pair for when you need it comes in very handy. The trimmer has a nice shape and is pretty easy to grip, making for smooth cutting. One design aspect to consider here is that the trimmer is not held together very strongly, making it a bit easy to lose and prone to coming apart when not in use. But, there is a money-back guarantee, allowing you to receive a full refund if you are not satisfied.
WHAT WE LIKE
This trimmer is solid and effective all around. Its easy-to-grip shape in combination with some sharp, durable blades makes for a trimmer that will get the job done no matter what kind of banding you throw at it. If you need a tool for some thicker banding materials and are worried about getting a clean-cut, consider picking this one up.
PROS
- Sharp blades
- Comes with a set of replacement blades
- Durable materials
CONS
- Prone to coming apart
- Can leave unintended marks on surfaces the plastic comes in contact with
4. Yosoo Edge Banding Trimmer – Best in Lightweight trimmer
Specification
| Dimensions | 3.94 x 2.09 x 1.89 inches |
| Weight | 4.2 ounces |
This next trimmer is nice and lightweight, made out of a durable PVC material like the previous one. The blades included with this trimmer are made out of carbon steel, and a replacement set is included. The body of the trimmer is easy to grip and will make fairly smooth cuts. It is advertised as being able to cut banding material that is less than half a millimeter thick, and it will work with edges between 15 and 40 millimeters thick. The price of this trimmer is very affordable as well.
WHAT WE LIKE
This trimmer has a nice simple design and stays together well. It is cheaper than many other trimmers available, making it a great option if you need an edge banding trimmer but do not want to spend a lot of money.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Comes with replacement blades
CONS
- Some reports of blades dulling quickly
- Some reports of blades cutting unevenly
5. Luomorgo 2 Pcs Edge Banding Trimmer & Handle Edge Trimmer – Best in Double slices trimmer
Specification
| Dimensions | 6.93 x 3.58 x 2.36 inches |
| Weight | 6.4 ounces |
Finally, we have this Luomorgo set that includes an edge banding trimmer and a handle edge trimmer. Both are made of sturdy molded PVC. This set is very affordable when compared to some of the other trimmers on this list. You get the two different types of trimmers for a relatively little price increase, making it a great value if you need both. Both work well, although the included handle edge trimmer is easier to use and a bit less prone to mistakes than the edge banding trimmer.
WHAT WE LIKE
The cost-effectiveness of this set is one of the main things it has going for it. You get two solid tools for less than some edge banding trimmers themselves. If you will use both kinds of tools, then this one is worth looking into.
PROS
- Affordable
- Includes two types of trimmers
- Comes with replacement blades
CONS
- The edge banding trimmer is prone to coming apart
- Blades dull fairly quickly
- A bit bulky
Conclusion
There are a lot of edge banding trimmers out there, and many of them look pretty similar. If you are looking for the best all-around trimmer you can get for a great price, then the Q.TRIM quad trimmer is probably for you. It has a durable, ergonomic design, and you really can’t go wrong with it. Stop cutting your banding with a knife and marking up your material. All you need is a nice banding trimmer.
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I am a woodworker with over 19 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.
