Thread: Plunge Router Decision

hi - I got the big Triton specifically to mount in a router table - you remove a spring from the plunge mechanism and away you go. The collet locks when raised for a one-spanner change of bits, and you can adjust the height from above the table using a winding mechanism and handle. It is (I think) designed to be fitted to router tables, so seemed the most appropriate choice. Do I like it? Sure do - works great..

The New Triton router was specifically designed to be placed in the table mode.

Not many forumites will have experience of all three machines due to the fact that most of us are Aussies and Freud and Rigid are rather thin on the ground Down Under.

The big Triton really shines in a router table; for handheld use it's a bit too big. The on/off switch is a real pain in the ####/absolute safety essential....it's something to get used to. There are very few accessories that can be fitted to this machine; not even a precision fence. The rack and pinion plunge mode is only really good in a table.

Ok, now the good points: very stable due to its abnormally large baseplate. The three position turret depth stop actually allows three individually accurately measured depths. NO SLOP on the plunge columns. Built in fine height adjuster. Large plunge range. The fence also acts as a circle cutter and a baseplate extension. Did I mention the NO SLOP in the plunge columns? I hate sloppy columns. These have no slop. The short wide motor in conjunction with the large baseplate reduces the top heavy feel of normal plunge routers.

But the biggest selling point is that this is THE BEST ROUTER EVER FOR FITTING IN A ROUTER TABLE. Huge power, excellent variable speed, above the table height adjustment (normally only found on a router lift), single spanner above the table cutter changing. Fantastic dust extraction.

The three models in the Triton range share the same baseplate; the baby Triton doesn't have the rack and pinion mode just the normal free plunge, other than that the only other differences between the models are power and depth of plunge.

I now have two Tritons, the big one for table use only and the baby for handheld use. I bought the baby one a couple of weeks ago and I am impressed enough with it's performance that I am selling a 1/2" Ryobi and a 1/4" cheapy as these have been outclassed. Once they've gone I'll be down to 4 machines.......

If the Freud doesn't have any slop in the plunge columns then this would probably be the better machine for handheld use; it's of a more user friendly design and there are many many accessories for it, but if it's going in a table then go Triton.

I am awaiting delivery of a Triton TRB001 from Graysonline. It has cost me about $248 including freight so I am very happy. They currently have one listed and may have more to come. I am wondering if this was a c ancelled UK order as I believe the TRB001 is the UK version of our TRA001. I have been using a GMC 2050W router on my table and am well satisfied with it's performance but bit changes and height adjustment are a pain. There have been quite a few complaints about the triton routers over the years but the improved collet overcomes some of the complaints and I believe there are many more positive than negative comments. Even at $399 from Carbatec the price compares well with many other large routers. Can't wait to try it out!