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I think the major decision factor should be, does the router have variable speed — especially if you're primarily going to use it under a table.
The next issue relates to using the router upside down — how well is the motor on the models you're considering protected from the crap which will fall into it when it's upside down.

I reckon the best thing to do is head down to a tool shop that has a variety of makes and models and pick the buggers up. You probably cant turn them on, but a lot is to be said about holding them - especially if its not going to see 100% table use.

Once you have found a couple you think are comfortable to hold, check out the features. I only have one b*tch and that is the ergonomics of the router. All my routing is done with a Triton nowadays and I wish from time to time that the handles were more like the Hitachi/Bosch. The grip is much more comfortable when using the thing for hours on end.

The Plunge is fine where it is on the Triton, but I find that if I am routing an edge on a round peice of timber (a table top or rounding the edges off of a shelf for example) and dont quite catch up with my feet the adjustment makes it feel like it is slipping/tilting in my hands. No matter how tight the lock is there is still a little play in the winder handle (but the depth stays put) and as far as I can tell, this play is a feature (been to a couple of Bunnings stores and had a play.)

When I get a chance to make a better table, this is where the Triton will go - or on the Woodrat when I pick it up and I'd be easily convinced to get another for either.

Not an expert on routers or routing but this has been my observations for the last coupla months at least.

Gday Pete, can appreciate your quandary.

I would reckon the shortcomings in something like the GMC would be quality of bearings, maybe shortcuts (for economy's sake) in the build quality of the motor, maching of surfaces, etc; all of the sorts of things that you hopefully get when you pay a higher price for a better quality tool.

These things will almost certainly make a difference to the longevity of the tool, but as to compromising safety - I wouldn't necessarily say so. I'd reckon you are just trading off the longevity of the tool for the ability to afford it in the first place, which some will say is fair enough, and others would reckon you're mad.

An example is my router, an hitachi m12v. This model has been around for a number of years, had a good rep as a honest workhorse, and I expect it to last me years. When I bought it I thought that the router being such a versatile tool I would get a lot of use out of it, so I wanted it to last.

When I bought my scrollsaw, I wasn't sure how much I was going to use it so I got the GMC, and was happy with it as an introduction to the craft. When the shortcomings of the saw become a hassle, I did the homework and bought a delta, which I expect to last for a good while. Some people would rather buy quality from the word go, others are happy with "little steps" and are preparted to upgrade as the need arises.

Probably hasn't made your decision any easier I guess, just balance your needs with the hip pocket, and decide what you're prepared to settle for.

Good luck............cheers...............Sean, thoroughly routed

Given you have a ryobi 1200w router, I'd suggest that you go for a good quality router now. You can keep the ryobi for handheld work and use the bigger router in the table.

My recommendation would be to get the triton router and router table. I doub't if you'll find a better combination for the price. The triton router is a dream to use in a table - so much so that I almost never take it out. It is the only router I have - I jumped the GMC intro step and went the whole hog. No regrets.

Trav

I have used one of the big GMC routers in a table in the past and I now own the triton. There is no comparison between the two but as you say the price difference is significant.

The GMC will work but it is nowhere as pleasing to use, its loud, its height (depth) adjustment is fiddly, if you stress it too much it may slip (the height adjjustment that is) and changing bits is no where as easy as the triton.

If you can get yourself to spend the money, I would do it. Also a table router is one of those tools that you will likely want to keep for a while and given how easy it is to get parts for the triton there really is no competition IMHO.

I should say that I own another 3 GMC routers and I find them adequate for certain things but for table mounting you could do better.

regards

Marios

Team,

Thankyou all for your advice. In light of your remarks will go the triton way. Just will not tell SWMBO!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

Thanks again have greatly appreciated the feedback

Hi Amgsir,

Just as an afterthought, Im not sure if these units are still available but the fixed based GMC, i.e. not a plunge router, that was available lastt year babout this time for $39Au is a great under table router. Sorry to the Triton proficinados, it's actually quiter than the triton. As I said I'm not sure if these are still available from GMC, if they are I would recomend it as a great under ytable router.

If on the other hand you need to remove the router occasionaly then I would certainly go for the triton.

after all that the best advice I can give you is to "shop around" and see if you can "try before you buy"

Himzo

havent seen the fixed base ones around for a while but it terms of power theyre still underpowered compared to the triton. Nevertheless everyones who has own raves about them so they cant be that bad for the money... I still saw go the triton and you wont regret it.