Thread: What is the best router

Originally Posted by GregLee

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Also any other recommendations would be gratefully accepted. Just remember I have other routers for handheld use. This router will be strictly table bound so requirements are around ease of adjustment and bit changing whilst fixed to my home made table.

You just described the 2400W Triton

Yes, the smaller router allows above-table height adjustment, but you really want to lock the shaft after setting the height anyway (which requires reaching underneath, and is true for any router), and to turn the switch on & off when changing bits (because of the safety interlock). It may be a bit cheaper, but the extra 1000W of the larger router is worth it in the long run. Both have an excellent microadjustment system, that is independant of the main height adjuster (which is not the case for some other brands)

Both routers are constant speed (ie, as you load them up, they maintain the RPM, which obviously means they vary the power required. Obviously then, the 2400W has much more ability to cope with whatever you throw at it. I'm not knocking the smaller router - I'm planning on getting one for more handheld work, and if someone can only afford 1 router, then perhaps it is a better compromise, but as you have said, you already have other routers

As you are obviously well aware - the Triton allows above-table bit changing, which once experienced, you will never go back! I have to use another router occasionally for handheld use, and every time I have to, I find myself very frustrated by having to use a bit changing system that is not the equal of the Triton.

Thanks Stuart for the info.

I'm very interested in the above table winder option for the smaller Triton Router. Which is why I'm considering it.

Also, I'm not sure I would ever need the extra grunt of the bigger router. Most of my Routing has been edge forming of one type or another and I'm yet to have any trouble even with my previous GMC which was only 1440W or my small Bosch (1100W). Most of my Dado/Rebate cutting is done at the Table Saw so I'm not sure whether I would need the extra 1000W.

So I guess I'll go and have a look at both routers and think a bit harder.

Thinking of ever doing any raised panel work? Them's monster bits (and they are scary enough).

As you say though, if a 1400W router is going to be suitable from your experience, for the work you plan on doing, then why not - it has all the advantages of its bigger cousin, with that extra feature.

I run the 2400w permenently installed in a table and tbh I really dont mind kneeling down from time to time to adjust, unless you're going to be spending your entire working day at the table I dont see the need.
I guess if you suffer dicky knee or a crook back it might be worth while.

top router tho.. its the only orange tool I own and would highly recomend it and they are cheap as compared to other top routers.

Regarding the problem of how to adequately adjust routers (up and down) in a router table, my Dad got himself a scissor style jack from the wreckers and placed this directly under the router. He then taped open the locking mechanism of his Porter-Cable plunge router and uses the jack to "wind" the router up and down as required.

The jack threads are quite fine which is great for precise adjustment and I have yet to see a cheaper and better alternative to router table height adjustment! What do you think? Regards, Luckyduck

There has been a few posts on the board with this mod (ie - the scissor jack)- seems popular.

Personally, my ideal is the router lifter


as this allows you to lock the router shaft itself for accuracy. However, this still doesn't relieve you of the burden of changing router bits. (And I can't afford / justify the $500 odd asking price)

[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/ADMINI%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]

This is the MWE version. Was around $265 at the Sydney Show.

I think that the other posts have this covered, but I'll add my 2c:

I have a number of routers (DeWalt 625, Bosch GOF1300ACE, Makita edge trimmer (a very handy little beast!), Ryobi 1200w (or thereabouts) plunge, a little Dremel - and the big orange Triton beast. This latter lives permanently in the table.

There are times when using lock mitre, panel raising or other shaper-like bits that the extra power is very useful. soft start, variable speed (essential for bigger bits) and constant rpm for a given setting; also not too noisy (but not as quiet or smooth as the Bosch), and has a reasonable micro-adjustment feature. Good value for money IMO.

I've mounted mine so that the power interlock mechanism is easily reached with just a slight stoop, and the above table bit changing facility is a godsend.

I've had this for a while now and would immediately get another if the current one died (not tempting the fates by going further here!).

My GMC Fixed base variable speed router that broke is now sort of fixed. As GMC wouldn't replace or repair my Router even though it was only just out of Warranty (10 days). I thought I would attempt some surgery as I had a fair idea what had died. However. it's now a fixed speed instead of variable speed. The Variable speed circuit had died as expected.

Anyway, I think based on current recommendations that I'll still get the Triton router because I do miss soft start and variable speed.

Thanks for all the responses. As usual great value from all.