Thread: TRA001 + Gifkins dovetail jig

Hi,
You do not need guide bushes with the Gifkin set up, they come with router bits with guide bearings.
I have the same set up you are talking about and am happy with it.
Regards

ok cool, what gifkins kit did you get?

Hi,
Without checking, The H10 and the A10, then I later got the 5mm box jointer. I also have the Triton box (finger) jointer for 1/4" and 1/2" box joints.
Regards

I have the same set-up and have no serious complaints. It doesn't affect the Gifkins Jig because of its size, but I'm contemplating covering the router table with a thin sheet of aluminium to smooth over the router insert and the sliding mitre cut-out. I like the features on the Triton fence, but when it comes to the table top I think simple (and flat/smooth) is best for most jobs.

The Triton router is good choice because of its ability to change cutters from above without removing the router.

the mounting plate on the rta300 interchangeable onto other tables? looks like it could be, no kreg mounting plate but could work quite well

Originally Posted by Normanj

The Triton router is good choice because of its ability to change cutters from above without removing the router.

Depending on the router mounting plate in your table, it is not hard to change cutters from above on other brand routers. I have a Makita 3612 mounted in a Jessem mounting plate and it is dead easy to use an open spanner to release the cutter from above after removing the round insert that fits into the mounting plate with the special spanner provided. For the vast majority of routing bits, including those used with the Gifkins' jig, I tend to use a tube spanner from above to undo the collet that holds the cutter. Very quick and easy to do.

I also have a Triton router but as I started using the Makita in the router table, that is what I have continued to use and very happily so. I think that aspect of the Triton, whilst being good, is a bit oversold based on my experience with the Makita in a Jessem mounting plate.

I also have a Gifkins with a couple of different sized templates. They are excellent jigs and I have been extremely happy with mine.

When Roger Gifkins did his demos, he always used to lean over the jig and do the cuts opposite to where his eyes were. Partly that would have been for demo reasons but he also emphasised the safety aspect of avoiding flying chips at face level. I reckon that would tire me out after a while so I use my Gifkins jig sitting down in front of it with a perspex guard to which I have fitted a dust extractor.

The mounting plate in my router table is the one that came with the RTA300 so will work great with the TRA001 once it arrives (waiting on it...thanks Auspost!!). I also have a 3620 Makita router also that i hear is similar spec to the 3612 so thats good to hear it mounts well with a jessem plate. My 3620 is only 1/4 collet though so im glad the TRA001 has both 1/4 & 1/2

After reading so many reviews and the Gifkins website over im pretty confident it will work great with the Triton gear. Cant wait to get stuck into it.I will also be getting the TGA150 accessories with the table winder to make things easier.

Did you just purchase the basic Gifkins kit and then purchase additional accessories later on? Im thinking of getting "the lot" as it comes with the dvd's and everything i need to get up and running. I have the intention of using this for years to come so im happy to "invest" in this jig

A photo of your router table setup with perspex guard would be great..did you cut your own perspex? if so where did you buy it from?

Cheers!

Originally Posted by delbs

A photo of your router table setup with perspex guard would be great..did you cut your own perspex? if so where did you buy it from?

Cheers!

I just found this website FYI that i just ordered a sheet of clear perspex for $49, 1Mx1M

Plastic & Perspex - Sheet Rod Tube Cut to Size | Plastic Wholesale

Any point to getting the FJA300? I want to make finger joints and can see that the FJA300 can be picked up around $150ish through ebay. But my intentions are to eventually get the Gifkins and that also does finger joints also with the right parts. Is the FJA300 that good? Or better off waiting for the Gifkins later this year?

For further details on this attachment, please see my Triton page here, about ⅓ of the way down.

This jig certainly "does what it says on the tin," making both ¼" and ½" finger joints repeatedly and accurately, once correctly assembled and set up.

I've uploaded a short clip showing it in use for you here

This link gives you the user manual to look at.

I hope that helps.

Ray