Thread: I want one, but which one?

If it will be staying in the table almost all the time, get the biggy. It's a bit big for easy hand held use but super in the table. You can always buy a cheapo little router for the occassional hand held job.

Buy the larger one. It's a fantastic table mounted router and you won't regret spending the extra money for all that extra power. If you want through-the-table raise & lower look here. http://tinyurl.com/lv8vg Now only $100.00 from Professional Woodworker Supplies.
http://www.woodworksupplies.com.au/category3_1.htm

The other day when the Triton demonstrator was showing us some of the new kit he had a 1400w router in the router table. What was interesting was that he hardly ever used the height winder thingie. His hand was always under the table to make the micro adjustments.

Now whether this was just due to habit or what I'm not sure.

Definitely go for the larger one; the through table height adjuster is much over-rated. If the table has a reasonable aperture in the front, then using the standard large- or micro-adjust knobs is little more than a slight stoop.

Also, if you ever want to use larger panel raising, lock mortice or any other of the larger bits, then you'll be glad that you have the extra power. The extra $100 or thereabouts - what's that? less than one big bit or maybe the cost of a couple of smaller ones! Don't woos out now, you'll regret it later!

Get both

Oh, ok if it is one or the other, it has to be the bigger one.

Steve is right on the money - router bits cost more. I have spent a lot more (2, 3, 4 times as much? not sure any more) on router bits than I have on the router. They are the real tool(s)

As they said... the big one.

Carry Pine

Originally Posted by Packrat Pete

Hi guys,
I hope in the near future to build a router table. I have always been planning to put a Triton in it but I can't decide which one. Do I choose the 3-1/4 HP for the grunt or the 1400w for the above table height setting (and $100 cheaper of course ). I can't decide! What are your views.

Cheers

When operating hand held you can get a feel for the tool under load, which you can't get a feel for with table mounted routers.

If you are tending to use dense timbers then go the biggest you can afford, but if you are using softer woods and operating a lot hand held you can go the 1400w

Thanks gents, you have confirmed my feelings as well. The 3HP triton will be used exclusively in the table as I have two other routers for handheld work. Appreciate the prompt feedback.

Cheers
Pete.