Help buying first router

[topgun]

This will be my first router so would like some advice from expert board members. A bit of background so you can see where I am coming from and direction I am aiming for. This way members can hopefully give structured advice on what router I should purchase.

I am new to woodworking and just started my first ever piece. Thoroughly enjoyable and would like to take up the hobby. I live in a very small unit. This means future projects will be focused on smaller furniture - boxes, inlaying and a big maybe for a couple of larger pieces like an entertainment unit or book shelf. Routing jobs will be hand held as there is no room in my apartment for a table with router mounted underneath.

Based on my requirements can anyone offer advice on routers to look into.

I have found this baby triton on ebay Triton JOF001 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TRITON-LIGHTWEIGHT-PLUNGE-ROUTER-1010-WATT-JOF001AUP-/150890664774?pt=AU_Power_Tools&hash=item2321c8d346)for ~$180. What do people think? Is there any shop in Brisbane where I can view and hold it.

What about the Ryobi (http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_ryobi-1250-watt-plunge-action-router-kit_5840.aspx?filter=categoryname--Routers)from bunnings for ~$140.

Any other routers I should look into. Please use non-technical words otherwise it will go straight over my head.

I don't have the budget to spend hundreds and hundreds but I am not a fan of buying a low quality product. I prefer if things last a few years and has lots of good use from it before replacement.

[Chief Tiff]

Hi Topgun,

I've been thinking about getting that exact model myself. I own the big brother which is permanently mounted in a table. My two 1/4" routers are el cheapo things that I've had for years and I'm looking to upgrade.

What I have been looking for is a router with very little play in the plunge columns; unfortunately every router I've picked up recently is as sloppy as hell. My big Triton however has very thick columns and hardly moves at all. The model you're looking at appears to be similar. I've fiddled with the Ryobi and don't like it; too wobbly!

Carbatec are a Triton distributer and they have little franchised dealers all over the country. The main Carba Tec shops should have one on display for you to play with. However, walking into a store to inspect something knowing you'll be buying it elsewhere could be considered a bit rude......

[les88]

I have used this router and it is very good. You say that you live in an apartment with not much room. Any router will scream this may be a problem for you. If you are going to use the router for small work such as inlaying I would look at a Dremel. Bunnings stock them so you could feel the weight etc. Also a full size router if not fitted with soft start will kick when starting making it difficult to use.

Good luck with your projects
les

[topgun]

Thanks for the replies.

How much is the baby triton going for at carbatec. If it is similar price as eBay stores then I am more than happy to buy from them. Does it have soft start?

Not really interested in the dremel. I would like to also route planks of wood to make things like boxes, bedside table, and other small sized furniture.

Noise isn't really a problem for my unit. I live in a block of 5. It is 2 levels but the whole bottom level is carpark. I have my own seperate entrance, balcony, yard etc. I have been doing my woodworking on my patio landing which is exactly 1.08 meters squared so that I do not leave wood chippings in my unit.

[Handyjack]

There are a couple of routers for sale in the Market Place that could be of interest to you.
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[Superbunny]

Yep, I got the small Triton and it does have a soft start, I use mine exclusively in my Leigh Mortice and Tenon jig and it handles all I give it and more. I also had it in my router table for 12 months before that. I would buy one again if it died on me.:D:D

SB

[topgun]

Superbunny, I see you are located at caboolture. If you don't mind me asking, where did you buy your baby triton from and for how much.

[Superbunny]

Superbunny, I see you are located at caboolture. If you don't mind me asking, where did you buy your baby triton from and for how much.

From bunnings when they were the agent for triton, and at a discount as they were letting go of old stock.:D:D

SB

[GCP310]

whats the dust extraction like on the baby triton. i am looking for a new router, but it must have an dust extraction hood that actually works.

thanks

GP