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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    60

    Default Router choice & router bits

    hi everyone,

    I have been spending the last week looking at forums and reviews ( really helpful but also confusing ) and now I would like to make up my mind on a new router. The Ozito router had the worst review and it has served me for 2years now without any problems and was an amazing cheap tool to learn with.

    So 2 things :

    - I am looking for a handheld plunge router 1/2 adaptable to 3/4 ( $200 to $400 ich ). I will be using it mostly but not only for mortises.
    I was first looking at the DW621-XE but I read a few bad reviews about the base ( not practical shape ), weak plastic component needing replacement and also the fact that it requires Dewalt accessories only. I am loving the dust extractor though.

    I still can't make up my mind for the Triton ones .. too heavy for handheld ? how versatile are they ?

    Other suggestions ?

    - My second question is about router bits set that we can find on ebay.
    Which of the router bit set can be trusted quality wise ?

    Thx again to everyone who have helped me so far.

    jon



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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Longreach
    Age
    58
    Posts
    1,108

    Default

    I have a makita 3612 that has served me very well for 16 years, it by the way has the best collet that I have seen to hold long bits with almost zero runout, (measured with a dial indicator). I also have two 2100 watt Ryobi's both variable speed, soft start etc (both very capable.) and 2 hitachi tr12's, a very capable machine, but not my first choice of goto machine.

    If I had the money, I would go for the Makita every time, there is also a variable speed version, but I think it is around 5 to 6 hundred dollars. I have bought all the routers except for the makita second hand for 80 dollars or less by being prepared to wait.

    I don't know about the Dewalt or the triton but there are many happy owners on this forum.

    I guess that add's to your confusion,
    Check my facebook:rhbtimber

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Towradgi
    Posts
    4,835

    Default

    The little Triton is ok for hand held, mind you I am 6' and 130kg. I use it for the jobs where it is to dangerous or awkward to use the spindle moulder.

    I think you mean 1/4" and 1/2" collets. 3/4" bits sound scary, I should know, I have a 3/4" Bore Raised Panel Cutter for the SM, definitely used when 100% awake.

    Router bits, I have been getting Carbitool bits as needed. CMT are good too. Whiteside and Freud as well.

    Occasionally they turn up here or Epay. It has taken over 10 years to get the bits I have, but they'll do me and probably the next bloke's lifetime as well.

    No matter what Router you get, make sure you are comfortable in it's use. Practice on scrap, till you get a feel for the machine and any idiosyncrasies it may have. It is no use picking a router because it's on sale or a salesman tell you it's the bee's knee's when you cannot weild it comfortably. Get in touch with members local to you and ask if you can try their routers, if you are in a club, as the members there.
    Pat
    Work is a necessary evil to be avoided. Mark Twain

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Brookfield, Brisbane
    Age
    49
    Posts
    1,127

    Default

    I have the Triton (a couple actually) and am reasonably happy.

    i did consider the Dewalt when making my purchase however the Triton was much better value (for a hobbiest)

    Bosch have a great looking unit that I would be looking closely at if I was in the market (http://www.carbatec.com.au/bosch-1600w-12-router_c22354)

    as for bits, Freud all the way - the results will bring a smile to your face. Try for a kit from the USA

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Queensland
    Posts
    2,947

    Default

    Have just posted some thoughts on my new M12VE Hitachi in the stuck router bits thread if you are interested.

    See post #12 in this https://www.woodworkforums.com/f20/stuck-router-bits-183007

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    34
    Posts
    6,127

    Default

    +1 for Makita or Hitachi routers
    +1 for Carbitool bits; Aussie made, excellent quality, relatively cheap and they'll make custom bits or modify existing ones if you need.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    60

    Default

    thx guys I managed to fin the Dewalt and the triton for really good price at JustTools so i ll go check them out tomorrow.
    I am struggling to find any hitachi around melbourne ...

    elanjacobs this company is amazing i just spent a good 30min on their website but is this actually good prices for router bits ? if so i ll have to reconsider my budget.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    34
    Posts
    6,127

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Upsy View Post
    thx guys I managed to fin the Dewalt and the triton for really good price at JustTools so i ll go check them out tomorrow.
    I am struggling to find any hitachi around melbourne ...

    elanjacobs this company is amazing i just spent a good 30min on their website but is this actually good prices for router bits ? if so i ll have to reconsider my budget.
    Total Tools have Hitachi and Makita

    List prices for a 50x19mm 1/2" shear flush trim bit:
    CMT: $60 from Carbatec
    Carbitool: $52.50
    Freud: $43.80US plus shipping from routerbitworld.com (US site)
    Amana: $45.50US plus shipping from routerbitworld.com (US site)


    Carbitool also have a budget line which isn't as extensive, but covers the most common bits and is a fair bit cheaper than their standard bits. They also have a sharpening service at their store in Moorabbin (if you ask nicely they'll usually sharpen router bits on the spot)

    Invest in good bits for the ones you'll use often, it'll work out cheaper in the long run.

    Usual disclaimer: prices are a guide, you may find then cheaper elsewhere. Also I'm not affiliated with any of the companies etc.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Townsville, Nth Qld
    Posts
    4,236

    Default

    Strongly agree with elanjacobs above, from personal experience. I particularly like the old Hitachi TR-12 workhorse - you can still get good ones 2nd hand.

    Have also found Carbitool bits well made, plenty of Carbide on them for resharpening when necessary. Suggest you PM Template Tom and get his views too
    regards,

    Dengy

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    650

    Default

    + 1 for the triton.

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    60

    Default

    Ok so I was definitely tossing between the dewalt and the triton ( i was really happy with the $60 ozito for 3 years so that should definitely make me super happy ) and realised that bunnings has the dewalt router for $100 more expensive than JustTools. With their "we'll beat any price by 10%" policy it should be worse it I think. I ll look that up tomorrow

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Brookfield, Brisbane
    Age
    49
    Posts
    1,127

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Upsy View Post
    bunnings has the dewalt router for $100 more expensive than JustTools. With their "we'll beat any price by 10%" policy it should be worse it I think. I ll look that up tomorrow
    How did you go.

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Dundowran Beach
    Age
    76
    Posts
    19,922

    Thumbs up

    Of my 4 routers the Triton is my favourite. I like all its features and I can vary the speed.

    Ease of bit installation when used in a table is the best there is!!

    My faithful Hitachi TR12 is a very robust machine. When I first bought it I considered it to
    be the pick of routers.

    I have a B&D 1/4" router that has given good service but the locking mechanism on the plunge feauture no longer locks.

    The 1/4" Ozito I won in a raffle. Consider the ticket a charitable donation!!

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    60

    Default

    Turns out the dewalt is no longer an "in stock" product. needs to orger it so the 10% thing doesn't work. It is actually a good thing cause i keep ready that the base of the router is a really struggle to find accessories for.

    I still haven't been to JustTools so I will and consider one of the triton and see where i can find a hitachi as well to compare

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    60

    Default

    Also jut discovered the shop : "Discount Trader" the MOF and TRA triton router are $339 seems really good

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