Router for table use only?

**Mr Brush** · 26th January 2014, 11:00 AM

The time has come, I fear, to look for a new router....

I currently have a Triton MOF-001 permanently bolted in to my router table (I also have a nice small DeWalt router for handheld use). I originally bought the MOF-001 because of the above table height adjustment, but in reality I've tended to use the fine adjust knob on the router body instead.

The MOF-001 has, frankly, been a pain in the bum. Started playing up after about 12 months, has needed numerous parts replacing since then, vibrates badly (new bearing required), and has now gone into the dreaded "random speed" condition. By this I mean the speed can vary between flat out and slow during a cut, and all without touching the speed control knob. Dangerous, annoying, and likely means the speed controller needs replacing. I understand these are not cheap. I've already had to take this router apart more times than I care to remember, so getting quite good at it now

Choices are (strictly for table use, remember):

(1) Spend more money and time resurrecting the existing MOF-001. Likely have to order parts from the UK, not sure of total cost yet.

(2) Get the bigger TRA001 from Carbatec. Has all the features I need, but I still have a big question about the durability of Triton routers. Can anyone tell me whether the current incarnation are proving reliable or not? Have they fixed the issues with the internal plastic worm gear breaking, and speed controllers packing in?

(3) Try another brand of router, in the quest for durability. Has anyone tried the Makita RP2301FC under a router table, and if so how does it perform? I'm presuming it has some kind of fine height adjust knob similar to the Triton? Can anyone think of any other routers that work well permanently bolted under a table? Sorry, but Festool is out of the price range !

Any ideas/thoughts much appreciated.

Cheers

**Ratbag** · 26th January 2014, 11:15 AM

Aside from the triton, the trend t11 is the only router specifically designed for inversion in a table.

When teamed with a plunge bar and extension "tooless" collet it's just about an unbeatable combination.

**Mr Brush** · 26th January 2014, 11:48 AM

Thanks for the suggestion - I hadn't heard of the Trend before. Presumably only available from Axminster et al in the UK? I'll see what it will cost to get one here.

I'd forgotten about the spindle lock/single tool collet on the Triton (which works well). Looks like the Trend gets around this, but not sure if the Makita (or anything else) can do the same.

Cheers

**Ratbag** · 26th January 2014, 01:20 PM

Trend's T11 is THE definitive version of the DeWalt DW625 & Elu MOF177E.

This family of tools are the most ubiquitous, numerous and most (and best) accessoried on the market.

I consider Toolstop one of the better UK sources, although they're available at considerable expense from Trend's "local" site @ trendmachinery.com.au.

**Mr Brush** · 26th January 2014, 01:54 PM

OK - now the DW625 looks more attractive (if only for reasons of availability). Presumably this could also be fitted with an extension collet, but would it still need 2 spanners to change bits? If the DW625 had a fine height adjust plus reasonable ease of bit changing it might be the go. Or maybe it needs something like this

Router Raizer RZ100 Precise Router Depth Adjustment - Amazon.com

I hadn't realised that the DW625 is still available, but can definitely see the family resemblance to the Trend T11.

I watched a couple of FaceTube videos on the Trend T11, but will read up on it a bit more over the next few days.

The more you look into this the more you realise that the Triton routers really do have all the features required for table use, but (IMHO) they have that huge question mark hanging over them regarding reliability. I want something to last 5-10 years without needing major repairs !

Thanks again for the suggestions.

**Ratbag** · 27th January 2014, 10:44 AM

Trend, Elu & DeWalt acc's are interchangeable. As are those of almost all other accessory manufacturers.

One of the advantages of choosing the world's most used Pro router family I suppose.

Later models have a spindle lock & 17mm spanner for bit change. As the collet may not be easily accessible in hot table an "eliminator" collet may be useful.

Trend has a (slow) over & under table fine height adjustment, greater plunge capacity, and a larger, round base aperture that the others don't.

Which is why it's the most table - friendly model.

**Mr Brush** · 27th January 2014, 12:11 PM

I'll have to check if the current production DW625s have a spindle lock. An extension collet and some means of fine height adjustment both seem to be possible with this router. I actually found a DeWalt height winder thingo online to suit this router.

Cheers

**Ratbag** · 28th January 2014, 08:48 AM

Also consider a Plungebar. This speeds the process immensely, it being now a one handed process.

All new DeWalts have spindle locks.

An eliminator "chuck" negates the need for either spindle locks or spanners, whilst providing an element of spindle extension.

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