Thread: Ready to buy!

Hi

IMHO the Triton router is good for router table use. Perhaps even OCCASIONAL hand held use, however I think the Triton router is too big, too cumbersome and too top heavy to be a useful beginners router. Don't get me wrong, it has some great features, but those features do not lend themselves to beginner hand held routing.

I began with a cheapie Skill 1/4" router, ooh about 30 years ago. That one wore out quite quickly. I progressed to my 1/4" AEG router not long after that. I still have and use the AEG router. I did A LOT of HARD work with that router including deep mortices for the treads in Jarrah stair stringers.

You can do virtaully everything you need with a 1/4" router, the only problem is you may need to take more "bites" at the task.

Buy the best you can afford. Festool are certainly one of the top tool makers, but in my opinion they are overpriced in Australia. Almost any of the top European or Japanese routers will work for many years troublefree.

I Purchased a Bosch GOF1300 1/2" router 2 years ago. Soft start and speed control are nice, but the lack of a facility to lock the trigger swicth in the on position is a pain sometimes.

A heavy router is great for stability and when taking heavy cuts, but I expect as a beginner you will not need initially this. Smaller, lighter routers are easier to "manouver" and better for small (hand held) jobs.

As has already been mentioned - if you enjoy woodwork, you will eventually progress to a second router. Your second router could be a Triton and no doubt will be a 1/2" router of some sort.

You need to buy a router with which YOU feel comfortable. Something that fits YOUR hands, somethng that has the switches and levers in the *right* places for YOU. To do this you need to go and *handle* the various routers, check the weight, balance, handles and the overall *feel* of the router. Do this with the quality routers and I am sure at least one will *feel* just right.

There are advantages to both round and round with a straight edge bases. The round bases though are unlikely to have the router bit exactly central, except perhaps for soemthing like Festool quality

Check the accessories that come with the router (and those accessories that may be optional extra purchases). A good edge guide with fine adjustments is most important.

So overall while our opinions may help in your decision, your choice will ultimately be a personal one.

BTW you could also read assorted reviews of routers on the net.

Good luck with your search.