Problems with the Triton TRA001

[Storm]

Hello, I recently purchased the triton TRA001 router specifically for use with the Leigh 1600 dovetail jig.
I choose the triton for its ability to have fine and lockable height adjustment. Plus the other ease of use features.
However I have found that apart from the very sloppy collar plate (no precise and repeatable centering of the plate) the router bit is slipping down! I am using the reducer that is supplied with the Leigh jig. I am wondering if anyone out there has had the same issues.
One other comment the router base is very thin and flimsy!!

Cheers,
Storm

[Stuart]

You sure we are talking about a Triton ?????

(I'm sure you know what router you have - just haven't heard that one before!)

Let's run through it all then

1. Welcome to the forums :D
2. What do you mean about the collar plate? Do you mean the template mounting plate (comes as an optional extra). It fits between the router base, and the plastic plate - never had that move before fwiw.
3. Router base is quite thick Al. Or are you referring to the plastic bit - that's just there to reduce friction
4. If you are using a 1/4" collet, then have a search on here- there have been some questions about this before. You might want to stick with the Triton one, as it grips pretty well. If you want to stay with the Leigh, then ensure that you line up the slot in the reducer with the slot in the collet, and you will need to do it up pretty firmly.

There is a new collet for the Triton- currently available in the US, but we are working getting Triton to make it available here too - it grips like a bastard!!

[Stuart]

Oh, and if you are using the template mounting plate, then it does centre exactly - in the instructions you will find that one of the template guides (the one that just has an inner hole), is actually mounted in the template mounting plate before you do up the screws, then wind the router fully down so the collet passes through this hole (it is a tight fit). This ensures the template mounting plate is centred exactly on the collet. Tighten up the 4 screws of the router base, then you can retract the router, and remove the guide, and you are ready to go.

[Storm]

Thanks Stuart, I have the 2400w TRA001 router. The problem is the Leigh router bits are 7.9mm shanks.
I really should have read the instructions for the template kit, worked well.
Thanks again, good to be here.

[mat]

Storm

If you continue to have problems Carbatec sell a perspex base with the central hole with rebate suitable for the Leigh 711TP template guide. You do need to drill the 4 x mounting holes to screw the base to the router but after that it should be steady as a rock.

[Stuart]

Let us know how you get on with the slipping bits. Remember the force you use to tighted has to compress the normal collet, and the reducer as well - it will take more force than just fitting a 1/2" bit.

[Just George]

I have just got myself an MOF001 for use with my Leigh D1600, I haven't had a chance to use it though:~ . I went for the MOF001 as it's lighter than the TRA001(which I have as well). I hope to get to it next weekend...

[rayintheuk]

I have just got myself an MOF001 for use with my Leigh D1600 ..... I went for the MOF001 as it's lighter than the TRA001(which I have as well).

Several "me too"s here. I've had the TRA001 for a number of years, but always felt it was a little top-heavy for the Leigh D4. As with most router tasks, when you've got the machine hanging out over the edge, stability is a problem and with a narrow "table" such as the D4, using the extended base is not an option. The last thing you want with a dovetail jig is for the router to tip.

I got the MOF001 as soon as it came out over here and was immediately delighted with it. For the Leigh, it simply couldn't be better. Here's a shot of its first use (making a set of drawer parts) with the D4 and Leigh's Isoloc(TM) "Key" template:

http://www.raygirling.com/images/key01.jpg

Ray.

[Stuart]

Too perfect - where's the home-made look with chips and faults etc etc? :roll:


;)

[Storm]

Thanks Ray, I am considering using the big triton for the raouter wing I recently got for my table saw and getting either a Festool 1400 or the smaller Triton. It seems that with the GMC purchase there could be some questions on build quality? Though I must say your photo shows some great work. Is that MDF.
I would be interested if there are people who have used the Festool 1400 with the Leigh jigs. They are way more expensive but seem a good long term investment.
Thanks for your advice, all great!

[rayintheuk]

Thanks Ray, I am considering using the big triton for the router wing I recently got for my table saw and getting either a Festool 1400 or the smaller Triton. It seems that with the GMC purchase there could be some questions on build quality?
Regarding build quality, I've got two of each Triton router (I'm now a Triton demonstrator in the UK). The first two are the ones I bought, the second pair are my supplied demo gear. There are around three years' difference between the TRA001s, but I can't tell the difference when operating them (one is slightly cleaner!). With the MOF001, the plunge button is slightly improved in its operation. HTH in whatever that says about long-term build quality / quality control.


Though I must say your photo shows some great work. Is that MDF.
Yes, those are MDF drawer parts. Drawer fronts and toe-kick plates (plinths) were done in Medite (water-resistant MDF), as was the whole sink base unit. Details of the full job are here (http://www.raygirling.com/custkitc.htm) if you're interested.


I would be interested if there are people who have used the Festool 1400 with the Leigh jigs. They are way more expensive but seem a good long term investment.
I've looked at Festool routers in the past on the basis that you mostly get what you pay for (given that I bought a Leigh D4 Dovetail jig and a Lamello biscuit jointer and wasn't disappointed). However, I just couldn't pull the trigger on one, as I simply couldn't see where the extra money went, especially with less features than the equivalent Tritons.

Ray.

[Storm]

Let me know how you get on.