Thread: Routers & Tables

At least 1.5 hp(1200w)quality brand, 1/2" collet, varible speed with touque control, micro adjustable plunge depth(60mm+), collet plunge through base(triton), easy accessable collet lock button... just to name a few!
Dont buy a cheapy and expect it to last, because once the Rtable bug bites you'll find you'll need a decent router so its cheaper just to buy a reasonable one in the first place...
Theres plenty on the market to be had like,
Triton
Makita 3612c(mine!)
Dewalt 621
Hitachi TR
Festool(rolls royce)
All are around the $450-550 mark except the rolls which is around $1k

Bruce,

A while back many of us bought the GMC R1450? (not 100% on the model number). It is a 1450W fixed base router.
These were a great buy at $40 each and many of us bought more than one!!
This router is perfectly suited to mounting in a table as there is no fiddly plunge mechanism to get in the way. If it is dedicated to table use why pay extra for plunge?
You can change bits above the table and with some small modifications can even adjust height from above also.
It is also variable speed which is necessary for larger router bits.

Do a search on "GMC Fixed Base Router" and you will find a whole lot more info.

Unfortunately you have missed the $40 boat and I believe they now sell for around $160?

Still a great bargain for a dedicated table router when you consider that most of the alternatives are around the $450 - %550 mark as stated by Harry.

If you were willing to part with $500 you could buy the GMC and still have $350 left for a quite decent plunge model for hand held use.

Trust me, you will want at least two routers!!

Jack.

Thanks Guys

Mucho helpful. This newbie dude is learning much from you guys, very much appreciated.

I was just browsing the Carbatec site and am considering one of their routers, the Axminster 1/2". Are they any good?

Cheers
Bruce

The Festool is the router to drool over and it is advertised as being able to be used one handed.
The real workhorse used by many pros for its comfort of use when hand held most of the day and also for use in a router table is the DW625.
For those who know the Trend T9 it is being replaced by the T10 & T11 which are clones of the DW625 and have a larger apeture for using large diameter bits.
Estimated cost is 45% higher than the cheapest DW625 I've seen in UK.
The T9 is OK for occasional use but tiring to use all day compared with the 625.

If you want it for mainly table use, and it seems you can spend a reasonable amount then go for the Triton. Excellent table router, lots of 'grunt' and simple changing of bits above the table. They are a great machine.