Triton Versus Table Saws

**Graham Sands** · 10th June 2005, 01:00 PM

TRITON VERSUS TABLE SAWS
Based on Mark 3 (New Series)

In view of GMC acquiring Triton and offers from “Woodworker101” and “theinsidevoice” to pass on suggestions to Triton, I submit the following:

The Height Winder and Dust Bag along with shop-made sleds transform the Triton into the table saw category with the following advantages:

Light and easily movable even without wheels.
Accurate and sturdy fence system using dual scales.
Long in-feed and out-feed table area.
Can easily be used as a table when not in use.
Versatile Sliding Extension Table can be quickly removed and hung without taking space. Mini version can be used on Router Table.
Planer Attachment serves as handy 80mm thicknesser/jointer and doesn’t use floor space.
Smooth, rounded non-tarnishing rust free finish, easy on the hands.
Really well made in Australia.

However, there are down-sides, George’s original intent of the Workcentre has been diminished.
The combination of the new 9 1/4” Triton Saw, Sliding Assembly and Height Winder have reduced the depth of cut and the travel in the sliding mode. And, the blade still goes out of alignment when flipped over. My Makita 8 1/4” saw in the old cast aluminium slider is nearly 150mm shorter with similar depth of cut. See attachment. With the 150mm less travel each end of the slide the Triton can now only cross-cut little over 200mm of 70mm thick material.

In view of the above and currently available sliding drop saws I suggest a new workcentre without conversion to slide saw, equipped with a quiet belt-drive 10” saw similar to table saws. Geared hand circular saws are deafening enough by themselves let alone mounted in a sheet metal assembly. As well as dramatically increasing the depth of cut it will allow us to choose from a vast range of blades instead of just a few. It would be nice to use dado kits, zero clearance inserts, have full length 3/4" mitre slots and use tenoning jigs as well.

ROUTER TABLE
As previously mentioned in the thread “Router Table Modification”.....

My biggest bugbear is the flimsy 1·5mm thick plastic insert rings which allow variances in the cut height on small work-pieces and don’t sit flush with the table. All that is needed is a substantial insert around 5mm thick that doesn’t flex and sits flush. Also a smaller diameter insert ring say 15mm and a blank insert ring (same plastic) for making zero clearance inserts would be fantastic. See Attachment.

**Gumby** · 10th June 2005, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by Graham Sands

In view of the above and currently available sliding drop saws I suggest a new workcentre without conversion to slide saw, equipped with a quiet belt-drive 10” saw similar to table saws. .

In other words, make it a Triton version of the TSC-10HB ! Which, if made here, would never be able to compete in price against the imported stuff. In that instance, Triton would be gone. It's hard enough now for them to remain competitive with the way the other machines have come down in price. At least they have a point of difference in that it allows you to completely remove the saw for handheld work and it's light and easy to move around as you said. Without that major point of difference, Triton would be gone unfortunately.

Graham, it sounds to me like you are going to travel the road so many of us in here have travelled. That is to upgrade to a dedicated table saw. Please don't try and take Triton down there with you.

Oh, and the Mark 3 isn't the new series, unless you've been sold a dud

**Jack E** · 10th June 2005, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by Gumby

In other words, make it a Triton version of the TSC-10HB !

Graham,

I think you have just talked yourself into getting a Tablesaw!!

I am sure somebody will reply that they will lose portability. If you fit an induction motor and a top capable of having mitre slots (accurate ones!!) to a triton you will more than likely add enough weight to lose said portability anyway.

You can get a TSC10HB for under $1500 (I just got mine for $1250). Throw in a router wing for $150 and a cheapish router and I am sure you will be in front of the cost of your proposed new triton.

At trade tools you can get a TSC10LB with router wing and fence for under $1000. Not a bad option if you want all the features of a 10HB at a lesser price.

I am trying hard not to be a triton basher but if you want all the features of a Tablesaw, buy a Tablesaw

Jack.

**mic-d** · 10th June 2005, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Gumby

Oh, and the Mark 3 isn't the new series, unless you've been sold a dud

One of the upgraded versions of the MkIII was called "new series". It's also the one I manage to keep working.

Cheers
Michael

**Sturdee** · 10th June 2005, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by Gumby

Oh, and the Mark 3 isn't the new series, unless you've been sold a dud

I agree with what you said Gumby but there is a MK3 New series. It is the same type that I had.

Triton made a MK1, MK2, MK3,MK3 New Series and then the WC 2000.

Peter.

**Gumby** · 10th June 2005, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by Sturdee

I agree with you said Gumby but there is a MK3 New series. It is the same type that I had.

Triton made a MK1, MK2, MK3,MK3 New Series and then the WC 2000.

Peter.

Oh OK Pete, thanks. I took it that he thought the Mk3 was the new series. Apologies for that one Graham.

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