Thread: Triton vs Makita vs Dewalt - recommendations?

I'll vote the Triton if it is only used in a table or a sled. I have both the TRA001 and the JOF001; the big unit never leaves the table. Be warned though; reliability of the VSD on these units has suffered since the selling of Triton over 10 years ago. Both of mine work fine.

For table use, the Triton definitely meets your requirements 1 and 3, but 2 (reliability) remains a question mark - experiences vary. I had a MOF-001 completely crap itself after limited use and lots of replacement parts. Some people have had the same issue with the TRA-001, others no problems at all. I tend to think the reliability of Triton has got steadily worse over time, with known issues (like the speed controller) never properly addressed. Triton routers I'd rate as "suit enthusiast", code for "you'll become very familiar with stripping down and repairing your router". Local support (replacement parts) is also dismal - you'll end up getting bits from overseas if you need them.

I have a DeWalt DW621 which has been 100% reliable, but I only have this for handheld use. Not as good as the Triton for table-mounted features. The Makita I've heard good things about, but have never tried.

I have the Makita RP2301FC in a table and also a 3612 that I use out of the table mainly for mortise work. Never had a problem with either of them. I've owned the 3612 for 30 years. Some people swear by the TRA-001 and others swear at them, you only have to do a bit of a search on here to read of 'many' disturbing failures, I can't imagine why anybody would be happy to live with that. Don't think I've ever heard a bad thing about DeWalt. TRA-001; nice features, big risk!

I have the Makita and can't really fault it, everything works as it should. I haven't mounted it in a table yet, but plan to once I decide which table to buy and buy some other tools aswell...

The DeWalt is a modern day Elu, I think they were called, which were the router to get if you were buying a router in their day, however I've not used either.

From what I've gathered, original Triton gear is good, modern day stuff, not so much.

I've got a tra001 and a mof both bought about 6 or 7 years ago. Speed control on both is unstable. Full featured, nice to use and plenty of power but I would not buy a triton router again.

2c...

Thanks guys - I really appreciate the feedback. I've definitely read some hit and miss comments regarding the newer Triton routers. They do have a 3 year warranty now but definitely a fair call that a warranty service where parts are sent out from the UK is a bit lack luster. I think I'll be crossing the TRA001 off the list. Bit of a shame since it seemed to have so many unique features.

The DW621 doesn't seem to be held in stock anywhere in Brisbane which makes it kind of hard to form a hands on opinion of it. I really like the idea of the dust collection port at the top. That said, the Makita has a beefier motor, 15mm greater plunge depth, and LEDs. I should probably flip a coin

Sydney Tools have the DW621.



I have the Elu version of this, the Elu MOF97. The DW621/Elu MOF97 is a fantastic router for hand use. It has excellent dust control and, importantly, is soft start. The DW does both 1/2" and 1/4" bits, unlike my 1/4" Elu.

I also have the Elu version of the DW625, the Elu 177e, which is the big brother of the MOF97. I actually have two of the Elu 177e, one in a router table. It is a great allrounder - great in both the table and hand held. However the DW621/MOF97 is even better hand held.

The point is, get a router for the task it will be used most for. Get a second one for the router table. In the end you will have a better tool for the job.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Sydney Tools have the DW621.

Total Tools and oddly enough Bunnings order them in as well but neither of them have any floor stock.

You opened something of a can of worms Derek - I'm just checking with some UK places to see what shipping would be for a 240V DW625 to Brisbane. It definitely stacks up against the Makita RP2301FC. It's a real shame that it's not sold in Australia and perhaps even crazier is that the DW621 is sold at the RP2301FC price point. Good old Aussie tax. I had a look for some second hand DW625s but they look pretty beat up and the second hand market in Brisbane is woeful.

My most 'important' and immediate use for a large 1/2" router is going to be flattening using a sled and a 50mm wide 6 flute cutter - if the DW625 ends up being a bit too pricey landed here in Aus, I think the Makita RP2301FC will fit the bill.

After buying parts for a Makita, Triton and a Dewalt, I wouldn’t buy Dewalt again. You may have to order Triton spare parts from the UK but prices and delivery times are good, but spare part prices for Dewalt and Dewalt people’s attitudes are atrocious.

Thanks for the input Lappa.

A new DW625 comes in a fairly large case and weighs around 15kg so with shipping comes to around AU$650. The warranty will be non existent as well. Looks like the Makita RP2301FC is going to be the winner.

I have a recent model TRA 001 in a router table and it’s absolute rubbish in my opinion. I have an ancient Makita 3600BR that I’m seriously considering putting back into the router table with an external speed controller.

Had a chance over the weekend to have a look at a few 1/2" routers. Sharing my impressions in case I've missed some obvious pro or con and if it can be of any help to someone else, well that would make my day it would.

DW621 - $549 - not in stock anywhere, but can be ordered in.

DW625 - Apparently us Aussies aren't good enough for this router, so

Ryobi 1600W - $149 -Quite plasticy and the fit and finish leave something to be desired. There is some play in the depth adjustment rod and it's made of plastic. Plunge spring is very stiff but locking seems secure. If the dust collection port and guard are both installed, changing bits seems like it would be annoying. Collet and nut seem to fit together ok. No trigger lock. It does have one of those many step depth turrets as well. Variable speed. 55mm plunge depth. Balance is ok but nothing great. For the price it definitely doesn't seem terrible at all.

Renegade 1600W - $128 - Very, very, rough and ready exterior. Plunge action is stiffer than the Ryobi. Collet looks like its machined ok, and the spindle spins but at this price point I'd be concerned about just what the run out is. I think the depth rod is plastic but I can't quite remember. There is some side to side play with the rod. The depth stop turret is also one of the multi step ones. No trigger lock, trigger action is a bit crunchy sounding. Balance isn't terrible. Not 100% sure about plunge depth but it seemed around 50-60mm. Variable speed. biggest thing going for it is the price. It costs less than my 1/4" Makita. If I needed a router for a one off or to beat up because some other router called my mum names, I'd get one. Renegade is the store brand of Trade Tools, I think they're only here in QLD. Seems similar to the Ryobi in many aspects, same Chinese manufacturer?

Hitachi M12VE - $529 - As can be expected from a more upmarket tool, fit and finish are nice. Variable speed and a nice big on/off sliding switch. Plunge action is smooth but stiffer than the Makita RP2301FC. Far better than the plunging action on the Ryobi or TradeTools router. Depth rod is metal and secures with little pressure from the side screw. There's a little plastic slider that can be used to set the depth, seems a little imprecise, maybe it takes a bit of practice. There's also a threaded rod that has nuts that can be secured to set the cut height, seems like a good feature to secure the router against moving when used under a table. Balance is quite nice for a heavy router. The depth stop turret is also a multi step one. Plunge depth is 65mm. Overall, quite a nice router. And it has a 3 year warranty.

Makita RP2301FC - $549 - I had a look at this one last. Of course being the same price as the Dewalt I had pretty high expectations regarding the build quality. The only thing I didn't like was the trigger button on the handle. It is a two stage trigger, so harder to accidentally turn on and it doesn't become a negative because it can be locked on depending on how you release the safety and trigger buttons. The only other throw back is the three stage depth stop turret. The depth adjustment rod is threaded with a quick slide button, locking mechanism, and micro adjustment. I may be biased since I have a 1/4" Makita with the same setup but I absolutely love the threaded rod system. Turning the rod doesn't feel crunchy, smooth all the way. There are also LEDs on the unit, seems like it might be helpful. Like the Hitachi, the height of the router can be fixed with a separate screw. There is also a screw presented through the base of the router that can be used to adjust the height - two features that seem like good ideas for table use. The plunge depth is 70mm. And let's talk about the plunge action. It is silky and feels 'right'. Maybe I'm just a big sissy man but plunging the RP2301FC was super easy compared to any other router I've laid hands on, my 1/4" Makita is far stiffer. I can definitely see that being a big bonus when doing more delicate jobs. The balance is also excellent, I'd rate it as good as or better than the Hitachi. Between this and the Hitachi M12VE though, I'd say the Makita is a clear winner. Price difference is only $20 and you get 5mm more plunge depth, easier to read and set depth height, above table depth adjustment, LEDs to light up the work area, and for me, better ergonomics.

I'll the 1/2" router in a few weeks, will do an update when I put my money where my mouth is

Hey guys, excuse the elementary question but I've missed some episodes on routers (about a decade's worth )

Do some of these models have a built-in lift mechanism from the bottom so that they can be mounted on a router table upside down and not have to buy or build a lift? And if they do does it work well?

Thanks
Spyro

First Spyro:

Yes there are several with various features for table mounting. There are also things like the router raizer which retrofit standard routers to add under table lift. If your primary use is table work look at the thread on mounting CNC spindles. It is a much better solution. Another way is to buy say a makita fixed base router second hand on gumtree for about $100 and then buy a lift. That is probably the best cheap solution. The triton tra and mof routers both do what you say. I own both. I don't recommend that solution...

Now about router selection:

Here is my biased and largely uninformed opinion. Worth what you paid for it...

You really need to decide what features are musts and which you can do without. From what you have said above it looks like you are trying for a do it all router.

My first router was a $50 ozito kit. I bought it specifically to see if I'd use a router. I got a LOT out of it and subsequently bought the 2 tritons I mentioned above. The tritons are feature laden but not reliable. Mine are the legendary older better quality units but they are starting to play up. The ozito collet is borderline dangerous. I can not tighten it so the bits never move. It still gets used sometimes but it's really limited due to the collet.

The bottom line is you can't have many features, great quality and low price in one machine. Renegade and Ryobi are completely different propositions to a makita or hitachi. As I have suggested in other threads second hand machines are available on gumtree for such tiny money I can't understand why anyone would buy new. Mid size quality routers are on offer for about the $100 mark.

If I were doing this again I'd buy either a cnc spindle or a s/h makita fixed base and leave it in the table, while buying a nice hitachi or makita for hand held use. You could buy 3 second hand routers for the price of a new one.

Also time and again I hear that only makita really bothers with parts support. My bosch blue drill no longer reverses. I would not be surprised if I can not get parts for it at all...conversely I reburbished a makita 1900B power plane a while back and getting parts was trivial. Manufacturers regard these as pretty much throw away now. You could burn out several $100 makitas before you have spent as much as one new one...