What router and router table

burn · #1 22nd Dec 2003, 03:13 PM

Hi Peoples,

Seeking advice again (thanks to all those who have posted replies to my other questions).

My next major woodworking purchase will be a router and router table - the router will almost always be mounted in the table (I have a small 1/4" bosch for handheld work).

It seems, from what I've read, Triton's router is one of the better routers, but I'm open to any advice.

Now for the table, do I go with Triton (table and stand) or do I go for one of the heavier tables such as those offered by Carbatec or Timbercon?

Thanks in advance

Burn
Always prepared to learn!!

craigb · #2 22nd Dec 2003, 03:19 PM

FWIW and my $.02, I think that the answer as always is; it depends.

It depends on how much money you want to spend and how much space you have.
I have the Triton router table due to a lack of space and it works fine for the things I want to do with it.

If I had more room, I'd probably make my own and there are plenty of plans out on the net for making one.

Craig

Rocker · #3 22nd Dec 2003, 03:40 PM

I agree with Craig, that it is best to make your own router table; I once made the mistake of buying the Carbatec MS-R, which turned out to be a real turkey; I eventually sold it for a song to someone who wanted it for the stand. Someone recently commented unfavourably on the Carbatec RT-660; I think they said that there was much too much play in the tenoning attachment. You can make your own router table for less than $100 and then use the money you have saved to get some decent router bits.

Dean · #4 23rd Dec 2003, 02:25 AM

If you have the $$, lay it down for the Triton Router, it's pretty much designed for table use and packs plenty of power.

I also have the Triton Router Table/Stand, it's ok but eventually I'll build a nice big table when I get around to it

Pantherx · #5 23rd Dec 2003, 02:16 PM

Build your own !

I used my old Triton workcentre as the base a made a MDF/Lamipanel top to insert into the tables locking mechanisms. Used the ideas from Gifkins router table plan (http://www.gifkins.com.au/SimpleRouterTable.pdf).

Added home made fence, dust extraction slot and bought a few tracks from Carbatec for any guides or featherboards I may need.

Everything is removable so I can use freehand with Gifkins dovetail jig for boxmaking or draws.

I agree with the others - save your money & buy good quality router & bits.

burn · #6 23rd Dec 2003, 02:31 PM

OK. It seems a purpose built table is the go.

But what about the Router? Is the Triton worth the price? Is it one of the better models and is it value for money?

Pantherx · #7 23rd Dec 2003, 03:01 PM

I'm really happy with my Dewalt 625E both in the table and freehand.............goes like a dream in soft & hardwood. Good accessories & lots of grunt !

The only thing that frustrates me is that its cumbersome changing bits in the table. This is where the Triton router seems to excel, very easy to change.

You'll pay top dollar for either router and are both excellent & get great reviews - look for the Xmas sales.

craigb · #8 23rd Dec 2003, 03:32 PM

I have the Triton router and it is a great machine especially for use in a table because of the "through the table" bit changing cabability.
However I personnaly find it a bit cumbersome for hand held work so I tend to use my GMC for that task.

When the GMC dies I'll probably go for an Hitachi or Makita for hand held.

Craig

Dean · #9 23rd Dec 2003, 04:53 PM

You might also like to read the review of the Triton Router at www.onlinetoolreviews.com
Very good review there by Bill Esposito.

FAB · #10 23rd Dec 2003, 10:05 PM

I started with the triton in a triton table which worked well at the time but I have now made my own table. I put a Hitachi M12V in the table, the problem I found with the Triton in the table was in fact the changing of the bits. You have to ajust the machine to get the collet lock to engage, so if you use many matched sets in bits like rail & stile bits then you have to go throught the setup again. For what it is worth I still have the Triton and find both routers very good.

burn · #11 27th Dec 2003, 09:48 AM

Well, my question is now moot.

My beautiful wife, (at present definitely SHMBO), gave me a Tritron router, Table and Stand for Christmas. Once I get into it, the stand may be replaced with a hand made one as suggested, but I'm as happy as larry.

Also, I got a big Makita demolition hammer (but an early Christmas present). If your wondering, I've hired kanga's 4-5 times in the last 2 years here in Canberra .... digging holes is now a breeze ... shovel for first 8 inches of soil and then the kanga for the next few feet of hard clay.

I hope everyone else did as well!!!!

Merry Xmas and have a happy new year!