Thread: Router recommendations for box making.

What tasks will the router and router table used for?

Yes you get both the 1/4" and 1/2" collets.
One advantage of this system is that the bit change is above the table, so no getting down on your knees to change bits.
This is the same as the triton as it is the only router with this capability. the awkward part with the triton is using the locking part on the handle.
The only reason for getting on you knees for the round body motor is to change the speed when using larger diameter bits.

Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

What tasks will the router and router table used for?

Box making, mostly small boxes with the occasional A4 sized document box.

The typical router tasks, routing dados / rebates for top & bottom panels, inlay banding; round over bits for trims, flush trim; ogee profile; perhaps the most taxing will be routing with 3/4" round nose bits for trays in pen boxes. Not all tasks will be performed using the table. I currently use the B&D with the fence and assorted jigs to achieve the tasks.

I'm not looking to run large bits to flatten slabs, or large panel rail & stile bits etc.

Originally Posted by Jim Carroll

Yes you get both the 1/4" and 1/2" collets.
One advantage of this system is that the bit change is above the table, so no getting down on your knees to change bits.
This is the same as the triton as it is the only router with this capability. the awkward part with the triton is using the locking part on the handle.
The only reason for getting on you knees for the round body motor is to change the speed when using larger diameter bits.

Thx Jim.

I have recently built a new router table, I’ve also come from a triton setup with an upgrade collet to address the slippage mine had. Was great with exception the everything mentioned above

This time I went for a kreg table top and fence but with a kreg lift kit and the AUK variable speed controller on the external power box. The AUKrouter came with the two different collet sizes and is fantastic for above the table changes.

I then made a frame from recycled materials I had and have purchased a new gifkins kit with box cutters to get me started. I’ll build a dust collection box around it and add some pipes soon enough with doors and drawers

The fence is a kreg fence but I picked up the Jessem rollers as they pull the work piece into the fence and don’t allow kick back as they only roll one direction. Not so much handy for when using the gifkins itself but for the accessory and detail cuts for the rest of the box work I’ll be doing

I went down the partial kreg setup because from what I could tell the lift functionality was identical to the incra and Jessem lifts but actually in stock in country where the rest had wait times. Also I didn’t have access to a cnc or a reliable method to cut the lift recess out of the top for a neat finish. I think it’s turned out to be a capable setup for my future needs and managed to re use timber and rollers from another bench build I had left over.









Cheers
Nathan

Thx Nathan. I must admit I'm leaning towards the setup you have, including the remote router control, with the exception of setting it up as a wing on my TS - purely because space is a premium.

How do you find the noise levels with the AUK router?

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

Thx Nathan. I must admit I'm leaning towards the setup you have, including the remote router control, with the exception of setting it up as a wing on my TS - purely because space is a premium.

How do you find the noise levels with the AUK router?

Yeah I do like the control and the big power buttons help. I have the incra TS-LS on the table saw but it was easier for me to build what I have now than to get the parts needed to embed it. But yeah good idea if you can integrate the two

It can be loud but it’s smooth, like it doesn’t scream like my triton did which could be just age or make of the components but so far dialling back the speed to reduce the noise so far hasn’t compromised any cuts I’ve made

It’s a great setup I’m really enjoying the new mods these router tables are providing since my first triton years ago

Cheers
Nathan

Hi MT, I have one of these Makita routers makita-rp2301fc-2100w-12mm-plunge-router , mounted on a jessem JessEm Rout-R-Plate - Gregory Machinery plate in a homemade table.

This model of Makita has it's own screw for raising and lowering without the need for a lift, it's a very well made router, I'd like another one for handheld use.

Just another option.

Originally Posted by barramonday

Hi MT, I have one of these Makita routers makita-rp2301fc-2100w-12mm-plunge-router , mounted on a jessem JessEm Rout-R-Plate - Gregory Machinery plate in a homemade table.

This model of Makita has it's own screw for raising and lowering without the need for a lift, it's a very well made router, I'd like another one for handheld use.

Just another option.

It appears that both the MAKITA 1850W Plunge Router RP1800 and the MAKITA 2100W Plunge Router RP2301FC have the M6 x 135 mm screw to adjust the depth of cut from above the table. Not sure that it will survive repetitive use in a table, occasional use may be OK. No provision to lock in position either, well not without accessing the unit under the table. I am tempted by either router model as a hand-held unit though.

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

A water-cooled CNC with VFD would be nice - but minister of finance approval might not be achieved. I've followed Chris' threads on the CNC spindle router table, well worth considering.

Thanks for the compliments and a new totally different one should be ready within a month.

I went the Kreg lift and Carbatec motor. I could not see any real difference in the available makes so the clincher was Carbatec had both in stock.

When i want something i gotta have it NOW

Hi Mobyturns,

I use the AUK motor in an Incra Mastr-Lift II. The lift is very solid and beautifully made. Got it from Timbecon during one of their sales. I love the magnetic Clean Sweep router plates.

The AUK I bought from PWS and again I’ve been very happy with it. Much quieter than my previous router (a Triton TRA002). I haven’t yet fitted a dust box but I’m expecting that shortly.

I like the remote on/off - which I’ve placed above the router table for super-easy access. As I make mostly boxes I didn’t go with the variable speed control - I don’t use large router bits often enough to need it and after 12 months I’m happy with the decision.

Worst thing about this setup is that I like it so much I’m always looking for ways to use it.

Regards,

Brian

Originally Posted by homey

Worst thing about this setup is that I like it so much I’m always looking for ways to use it.

Regards,

Brian

Great "problem" to have.

Originally Posted by double.d

I went the Kreg lift and Carbatec motor. I could not see any real difference in the available makes so the clincher was Carbatec had both in stock.

When i want something i gotta have it NOW

Yes, with the paucity of information, images, or even access to manuals, it is very difficult to differentiate one from the other.

I suspect the AUK, Carbatec and Sherwood round body spindles / routers are basically the same unit from the external appearance and very limited images - however the build specifications may be quite different. The joys of modern retail!