Thread: Router Recommendations for Weekend Warrior

I am not going to recommend any thing in particular but what I would suggest is that you look at routers with a 1/2" collet and a deep plunge to allow for use in a table.

I bought my first router in 1990, and it was not until this year that I started setting up a table. Other things to look for is a NVR switch to safely turn on and off the router when in table mode and how easy it is to adjust the height (or depth) of the bit. Better routers have a micro adjuster for 0.1mm adjustment.

Hi Sam. I have both a Bosch (blue) and a deWalt router and could recommend both. Bosch has been permanently under the router table for a while and does well. I do have an extension collet for some bits and this may help if you have height problems. The deWalt is in my ute and gets a considerable workout because it mostly does morticing work. An old boss had the 3612 Makita and it too was unbreakable. Have you considered 2nd hand, you might pick up some router bits as well.

Originally Posted by Mountain Ash

Hi Sam. I have both a Bosch (blue) and a deWalt router and could recommend both. Bosch has been permanently under the router table for a while and does well. I do have an extension collet for some bits and this may help if you have height problems. The deWalt is in my ute and gets a considerable workout because it mostly does morticing work. An old boss had the 3612 Makita and it too was unbreakable. Have you considered 2nd hand, you might pick up some router bits as well.

I haven't had a look at the 2nd hand jobs on offer, I do tend to buy brand new with my tools as I've had one or two bad experiences. I do like the Makita brand but didn't know what their routers were like compared to other ones out there. I may chuck another 100quid on the budget for this one. I'm also going to upgrade the table saw to a cabinet one. I think I'll start another thread for that though... Thanks for the replies!

The most convenient router for the table is the Triton due to the quick and easy up and down adjustments you can do via the knobs and they also have the fine adjustment screw built in. You can change the bits from above the table using one spanner on the chuck.
I have the MOF001 in my table and that one is small enough to use handheld as well. If you go up to the TRA001 they get a bit big and heavy for freehand work and unless you intend to do a lot of heavy routing with large bits the TRA is not required. There are some people who have had problems with the build of their Tritons but apart from a speed control issue I had early on I have not had any other mechanical problems with it. I do treat my tools with a lot of care so maybe that's why I haven't had any dramas.
The other good brands such as Makita, Dewalt, Hitachi (just naming the brands in a similar price range) all make good quality machines but just don't have some of the convenient features Triton have.
When you get your router you will need router bits and this is where the money can add up quickly. You can buy one of the cheap sets to quickly get you routing and then you can get an idea of which profiles you will need, but then buy those profiles in the quality brands. Best to buy as many profiles as you can with 1/2" shank for rigidity.
Once you get the router and put it in your table you will probably be reluctant to take it out when you want to do freehand work and end up buying another router for this, as I did.

+1 on the Triton MOF001. I find it to be a good all round but I do have a little Makita for trim work.

You can't go past the big Makita (RP2301FC) for table work. Although you can't change bits above the table it does have above the table height adjustment. All the negative reports on Triton would be a deal breaker for me. The later (current) versions seem to be even worse than the early ones to the point that one member on here even threw his relatively late model in the bin to avoid further frustration.

Never had a problem with my Makita's in over 20 years.

Originally Posted by aldav

Never had a problem with my Makita's in over 20 years.

Agreed, I've had little trouble with the Makita tools I've had.

You can change all routers above the table if adding a Muscle Chuck.


Regards from Perth

Derek

I'm with you on makita tools I use nothing else when in the cabinet making trade and continue to have mostly makita tools so far the only tool to go to heaven was my 25 plus years jig saw.

if you don't care for the frills or something that you don't use regularly consider looking at the Maktec stuff. I'm generally a Makita fan also, but am generally impressed with the few Maktec stuff I have. The biggest downside I've noticed is they are not as well insulated as the Makita stuff so tools that are handheld eg a reciprocating saw you end up having to use gloves as it gets pretty warm. For a router in a table its obviously not going to be an issue.

Originally Posted by aldav

You can't go past the big Makita (RP2301FC) for table work.

This is 15 Amp yeah?, all my plugs are 10 Amp....

Unlikely to be 15 Amp. Are you looking at specs for the US with their 110V supply?

Originally Posted by SadSam71

This is 15 Amp yeah?, all my plugs are 10 Amp....

No, comes fitted with a 10 amp plug.

Sydney Tools website, Just noticed it says 15 Amp power.

Sydney Tools
Whats Bosch like?, I have one of their Jigsaw's which I love.