Thread: router mainly for table use

Hitachi, Makita, Bosch, all good.
Tritons are also worth a look.
There is a big one & a smaller one.
The big ones are good for mounting in a table.

I have a Hitachi.

For dedicated table work the big Triton is the one. Good adjustment, single spanner above table bit changing, and lots more.

Originally Posted by Termite

For dedicated table work the big Triton is the one. Good adjustment, single spanner above table bit changing, and lots more.

I second that.

Wow, quick replies.

I'm a bit surprised about the triton recommendation. I've got a mk3 NS and RTA300. I know the triton router has some nice features (like the trough base collet access and winder depth adjustment) but how are they for strength ?

Thank you very much for your replies.

BIG TRITON!!!!!thewave:

Originally Posted by artme

BIG TRITON!!!!!thewave:

What he said, they are unstoppable, wouldn't be without mine!

Damian
The Triton router was specifically designed with the router table in mind so if you wish to leave it in the table then that is the one to go for. I have the Makita and the Hitachi for hand held routing. Have had them both in the table but since the introduction of the latest Triton they were removed.
Just as a point of interest there is more to routing other than table routing and therefore if you are only going for one router then you may have to consider the Makita or Hitachi. The router is limited to certain procedures when it is in the table, there is a great deal more that can be achieved with the router in a position to use template guides. That of course is my opinion others are still not convinced. I should point out that the Triton router was never designed for hand routing as at the time it was produced there were no facilities for inserting the guides. This was an after thought. I also use the 'Ski' mode which was not convenient to use on the Triton.
So really you have a lot to consider when purchasing a Router there is no such thing as the ideal router suitable for all routing needs.
Tom

Well as I said I can muddle along with the ozito for hand routing until I sort myself out. Previous experience is that you either clamp the job or clamp the tool and move the other. Right now I have some stuff that a mounted router can help with. Likewise when I use my circular saw I often find it more convenient to clamp the saw and feed the job. I'm prepared to believe that will change in future, guess it depends on what your doing.

Sounds like the triton has some fans. Thank you all for your replies.

I agree with all the above comments. I have a makita that lives in the table and a big ryobi that I use for hand held jobs, also a 1/4 inch Archer for small work.

My advice is get what you can afford, as long as it takes a 1/2 inch shank and is not less than 1850watts. Prefferably variable speed, but not essential.

Just my 2 cents worth

Robert

At the joinery I work weve got makitas.
like these ones....
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWA:IT&ih=020
One of them sits in a table with a special plate over the inlet so dust doesn't drop into it. I don't know if that comes with it, or whether it was specially made for it.

In anycase, I think there a great machine. I like the chuck lock button so you don't have to fiddle with two spanners.

Have say 4 of them setup , so we don't have to change bits and settings over all the time.

We have an old hitachi too. It good except that we get a bind on the plunge shafts there...fills with dust and locks up on occation. Bit annoying. Its pretty old though.

Another router thats handy too are little trimmers. No problems with makita again. Theres about 5 of them in the shop, setup permanently with radius bits for arising edges quickly etc.
Actually most things in the shop are makitas.

This machine is also as good as any and better than most for use outside the table. It has variable speed and micro height adjustment. It also is quite compact with a low centre of gravity and this makes it easier to control.