Thread: router selection question

Texx

I had a similar problem a while back.

Triton router suspended under a home made table and reluctant to move it just for freehand jobs (I have never used a dovetail jig).

I bought a 2HP GMC (now defunct of course) model which has been good as long as I don't overload it. I did notice recently that the shaft is slightly bent. I was alarmed. It seems to make no difference for rounding over and straight lines. I am surprised. I think dovetailing might be more demanding though.

Just something to look out for whatever you buy.

Regards
Paul

Make sure that your new router has both ¼" and 8mm collets if you want to use genuine Leigh bits (recommended).

Power is not so important as with a table model, as you'll only be taking small passes. Weight, however, is a big factor (unless you're getting the router support/vacuum bar accessory), because more than half the machine is over the edge of the jig fingers a lot of the time and the last thing you want for accurate joints is a "tippy" router!

Ray

Have to be variable speed?

DeWalt has a beaut mid-size router but hard to find in Aus now.

Makita have updated their router series and there's a compact 900w with 8mm collet only and an 1850w job. Click

To add: Texx, you didn't want to break the bank.

What's a bank? ;-}

There's also a VS Bosch, 1200w, collet size to 8mm. Click

I've got an older Bosch and it's a gem, but times change and I can't comment on this new cheapie.

was thinking along the lines of some thing lighter than my ryobi ( which by the way is old and a good router )
i will be using the leigh bits and guides on the jig ..
if i get a small router i figure there will still be the odd time when i have to take the ryobi off the table for heavy jobs like the sign i made out of red gum ( see pic below ) .
so i suppose the thing to do would be check the leigh bit sizes then go to the lolly shop and see whats about in budget routers that will take those bits .

You have to ask what you need it for. I have a Bosch half inch which I use in a table. I got an adaptor to give me a quarter inch. And yes dont tell me a quarter is hold alt and press the numbers on the side. Had a couple of goes on 1456 but dont remember the sequence. Amyways using an adaptor is not good. I found the bit slid in the collet. Now that does not impress me. I tightned the thing to excess but it still moved. So you need to have one that fits the cutters.
For mois, Aldi sold one, cheap, two collets and for my needs for the odd door cut out etc, it does just dandy.
So look at your need, Your jig is years old , how often will you use the thing.
I have an angle grinder. Its cut bricks, A door out of a wall and varions steel bolts ec, cost $35. On the last project it failed, not with a bang but with a whimper. Now I had a bit to do so I stripped it. The brushes were down to the nub. It came with a new set, replaced those and its new again.
My neighbor cut his walking boards to make a stool for a water tank, after painting his gutters. It shocked me. I said, What are you doing Tony. His reply was. " The paint lasts 15 years,, Im 63, I aint doing it again.
So look at what you want,what are your needs. Spend several hundred and get the U Bute which you use twice but polish every Sunday. Or buy the alternative and take the wife out like a good lad, and get a descent dinner every Sunday. Ah roast lamb.

Originally Posted by rrobor

You have to ask what you need it for. I have a Bosch half inch which I use in a table. I got an adaptor to give me a quarter inch. And yes dont tell me a quarter is hold alt and press the numbers on the side. Had a couple of goes on 1456 but dont remember the sequence. Amyways using an adaptor is not good. I found the bit slid in the collet. Now that does not impress me. I tightned the thing to excess but it still moved. So you need to have one that fits the cutters.
For mois, Aldi sold one, cheap, two collets and for my needs for the odd door cut out etc, it does just dandy.
So look at your need, Your jig is years old , how often will you use the thing.
I have an angle grinder. Its cut bricks, A door out of a wall and varions steel bolts ec, cost $35. On the last project it failed, not with a bang but with a whimper. Now I had a bit to do so I stripped it. The brushes were down to the nub. It came with a new set, replaced those and its new again.
My neighbor cut his walking boards to make a stool for a water tank, after painting his gutters. It shocked me. I said, What are you doing Tony. His reply was. " The paint lasts 15 years,, Im 63, I aint doing it again.
So look at what you want,what are your needs. Spend several hundred and get the U Bute which you use twice but polish every Sunday. Or buy the alternative and take the wife out like a good lad, and get a descent dinner every Sunday. Ah roast lamb.

i have used collet adapters in my old ryobi a hundred times and never had a problem at all .
the jig has been stored because i am only just getting back into woodwork after a long time off.
i dont polish power tools , i use them .
we dont eat out at all .and it's a long time since i was a lad .

One must ask why you asked a question when it seems your views are fixed. You wish the U Bute. Then get that. Life is about the choices and styles you wish to persue. We differ dramatically on what life is, but hey without that, wouldnt my life be dull.

what i wanted to know is what is worth buying for use on a dovetail jig without buying a rolls royce.
as in not to heavy for hand use , but reasonable quality .that will do the job .
i have seen a smaller triton somewhere that sells for about 140 bucks but have read some where that they have problems in the speed control .
i was looking for brand and model suggestions that would be good for smaller work .
johno