Design Problems with the Triton Router Table (2001) - RTA300

Hi all,
I've finally had a chance to have a fair go at the Router Table RTA300.

The first problem I encountered is when attempting to adjust the fence I kept loosening the Micro Adjusters off their storage place on the back of the fence.
After the fifth of sixth time I've remove the Micro Adjusters from their storage place and put them in my Triton Parts storage box.
Which is currently quite large and quite full.

The second problem I've encountered is the saw chip extraction. The saw dust gets sucked up properly but the saw chips collect at the bottom of the rear extraction assembly. And a pain to have to work the end of the vacuum into the rear assembly from the front to remove the chips.

The third problem is with the small (so far I haven't used the large) insert ring. The wood chips (really splinters) get caught between the insert ring and the router plate. Causing the insert ring to rise and develop a (micro) stop which gets in the way of the work piece.

The forth is the nuts and bolt used to loosen and tighten the mdf fence. I don't know why but I believe the bolt should be locked in place for a single handed loosening and tightening manover. Instead of having to use the other hand to hold the bolt in place.

The fifth is the clean up of the wood chips from the floor. I would appreciate if Triton would manufacture a collection bag for the router as we've discussed the design before.

The sixth is the tention required for the pressure fingers post assembly to actually apply pressure. Each time I move my work piece the pressure finger post assembly gives way too easily causing the fingers to move away from the work piece and in turn does NOT hold my work piece in place as designed.

The seventh is the shear number of attachments for the router table itself.
1) The Router
2) The Router Plate
3) The Jigsaw
4) The Jigsaw Plate
5) The Jigsaw Kit
6) The Sliding Table Insert
8) The Protractor
9) The Biscuit Joiner
10) The Sliding Extention Table

I'd like a storage medium for all these parts. Perhaps someone can design an adjustable storage shelving system which is made specifically for the size and shapes of the Triton attachments.


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Thanks,
Barry G. Sumpter
Proud Tritoneer


[This message has been edited by barrysumpter (edited 09 January 2002).]

Barry one question why dont you get a job at Triton in R&D save you spending all this listing the problems here you could get them fixed before they hit the shop floor.
The Triton router its a big ugly looking thing be great in the bench but its a bit big to use free hand like my Bosch Gof better me thinks .Saw it at Triton demo and even demo guy had trouble working the plunge.
Steve

[This message has been edited by STEPHEN MILLER (edited 09 January 2002).]

[This message has been edited by STEPHEN MILLER (edited 09 January 2002).]

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for the suggestion.

I wouldn't mind working for them. I'd be proud to work for such a well known Aussie Icon. http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/biggrin.gif

Thats all Triton need is a loud mouthed American (customer from hell) telling them how to develop their products. http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

I have heaps of suggestions and do speak to Triton quite often.

I wouldn't mind having access to their problems and suggestions database.

Or seeing how much user testing goes on before implementation.

But thats too much detail for me.
I'll trust Triton to pick the attributes they think will benifit Triton(and us) the most.

And just continue to play my small part in posting constructive suggestions.

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Thanks,
Barry G. Sumpter
Proud Tritoneer

[This message has been edited by barrysumpter (edited 10 January 2002).]

Spoke to Triton today.

Surprise!

First: Micro Adjuster distraction.
Suggested locating storage position elsewhere.
Response - will mention it to designers.

Second: Saw chip extraction.
Suggested redesign to make the read extraction assembly perfectly round by removing the intake valve disfiguring hump.
Response - will pass suggestion on to designers.

Third: wood chips collecting under small insert ring.
Response - no previous issues and will speak to designers.

Forth: addition of nut to tighten mdf to front of fence needs two hands.
Response - Known issue and designers are currently working on it.

Fifth: dust bag for router table.
Missed this opportunity.
Doh!
I'll get em next time. http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/wink.gif

Sixth: Tention require to secure pressure fingers.
Response - Known issue - new design implemented - product available
Removed self tapping screw and stop.
Replaced with bolt and hole in top.
I received 4 at no charge.


Seventh: Storage issue for all the router attachments.
Response - somthing in the works. But couldn't say anymore.

I hope this helps.

------------------
Thanks,
Barry G. Sumpter
Proud Tritoneer



[This message has been edited by barrysumpter (edited 10 January 2002).]

Bazza, you forgot to ask 'em for a job while you had their attention!

Hi John,

I had already spoken and returned from Triton before I read Stephen's reply.

I had my 7 year old daughter with me at the time and we had asked the receptionist to process my entry form, since she was doing them anyway, so I could see how it was done.

Afterwards, we went down stairs and as I was speaking to Matt the parts man, my daughter wanted to return upstairs to see the pictures of Triton Projects.

The receptionist asked my daughter if she wanted a job. I believe aluding to the 100+ entry forms the receptionist was going thru.

It took all my strenth NOT to yell out from down stairs:

" 'I' could certainly use a job!".

I distinctly remember an adrinilin flush coursing thru my mind.

As if I had just steped thru a fabric in the space time continum where a decision should be made that would affect the future of this time line.

Could this have been yet another missed opportunity?

Or perhaps I've been inhaling far too much Merbau dust.

Or maybe it was just the caffein kicking in. http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/wink.gif

How funny to remember this now.

Peace, Prosperity, and Compassion.




------------------
Thanks,
Barry G. Sumpter
Proud Tritoneer

Barry - I agree with all your comments about the Router Table - I've had the same problems, and the large-holed insert is worse if anything...
I've reverted to using the home-made finger boards I had on my original table. Had to make new boards for the fence to do it, but it works. I contacted the Triton reps at their last local night (introducing the router) and was told of the mod, and was offered some replacements - they took my address but I've heard nothing yet. Given your experience I'll contact them direct.
I've taped a king-size black garbage bag under my (original) stand - it works fine, but is a bummer to move the stand around.
Hang in there - the man who never made a comment never made anything!

Hi all, B)

Just saw a related post regarding
Sixth: Tention require to secure pressure fingers in my response 'Spoke to Triton today' post on 10th Janary.

As UI mentioned the finger post assembly has been updated. But haven't had the chance to test as yet.

Has anyone else tested the new design?



------------------
Thanks,
Barry G. Sumpter
Proud Tritoneer

Barry,
I eventually got a full set of the new pressure finger holders - they work no better than the originals - at least when trying to work with hardwood (jarrah).
I'm going to re-use the finger boards I made for the old table - they're cumbersome to fit and get in the way constantly, but at least they clamp the work piece where it needs to be clamped!
I'm also investigating the RouterMaster Workcentre advertised in 'Australian Woodworker', but they're a bit slow in sending brochures and prices.
Hang in there,

Johnno

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnno

Barry - I agree with all your comments about the Router Table - I've had the same problems, and the large-holed insert is worse if anything...
I've reverted to using the home-made finger boards I had on my original table. Had to make new boards for the fence to do it, but it works. I contacted the Triton reps at their last local night (introducing the router) and was told of the mod, and was offered some replacements - they took my address but I've heard nothing yet. Given your experience I'll contact them direct.
I've taped a king-size black garbage bag under my (original) stand - it works fine, but is a bummer to move the stand around.
Hang in there - the man who never made a comment never made anything!

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An idea and a caution. The idea, use 4 or 5 cheap magnets to secure the garbage bag under your Triton Table. Caution, allow ventillation for the Router motor. I figure you dont want to suck all the rubbish through the router. I taped a hood and milk carton out through the side of the garbage bag. Also, with my Triton router, an early model, a lot of MDF dust got into the on/off switch and I didn't have the know how to get the orange cover off for cleaning, I had to take it in to have someone smarter than I fiddle with it.

Gotta be a new record - 5 years!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stuart

Gotta be a new record - 5 years!

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Indeed! :q

Has anyone had any issues with the flatness of the router table?
I’ve noticed a bit of flex when routing pieces.
It’s not a lot but it is noticeable .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ranger

Has anyone had any issues with the flatness of the router table?
I’ve noticed a bit of flex when routing pieces.
It’s not a lot but it is noticeable .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Yes. I've got a post on here from a few years ago, although its not much value now because the pics had disappeared. I just couldn't get a decent sliding dovetail joint - eventually found the cause to be flex/dip in the router table. My fix was to put a sheet of 3mm (or so) stainless steel over the top. It gave me PERFECT sliding dovetail joints.

It really annoyed me that I had to do this on a piece of equipment that wasn't exactly 'cheap'. That fix did get me buy for around 12 years or so until I upgraded just a few months ago.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by I_wanna_Shed

Yes. I've got a post on here from a few years ago, although its not much value now because the pics had disappeared. I just couldn't get a decent sliding dovetail joint - eventually found the cause to be flex/dip in the router table. My fix was to put a sheet of 3mm (or so) stainless steel over the top. It gave me PERFECT sliding dovetail joints.

It really annoyed me that I had to do this on a piece of equipment that wasn't exactly 'cheap'. That fix did get me buy for around 12 years or so until I upgraded just a few months ago.

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Good to have confirmation that the top flexes. Might have a look around at options or even replacing the top with a laminex top


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