Which router for table?

[Allen Bookout]

I have been wondering what you decided on Jim. You may like to buy locally but if not keep an eye on heavydutytools. At least you have some places near to buy stuff like this. I have to order anything other than the general homeowner size of tools. Keep us informed, especially after you try out whatever you get.

[Frank Pellow]

Originally Posted by Matt Dunlap

Jim,

After getting to play with the smaller Triton router, I would say it's safe to say that the 3 1/4 router from Triton would be a great deal and matches up with everything you want.

Amazon doesn't have it in stock, but you can get it for about $300 at Router Table Depot. Also, I think they have the table mounting plate for it too.

Unless Triton has recently introduced a new 3.25 hp model, that router will not match everything that Jim wants. When I bought my Triton 2.25 hp router last winter I also looked at the 3.25 but found that it was an older design without many of the features supported by the 2.25.

The 2.25 hp Triton router will do almost everything that you want Jim. The only thing that it won't do in your list is to support a 3.5 inch panel bit. The maximum width bit supported by the 2.25 hp Triton is 3.125 inches. It certainly has enough power. I was worried that it would not so, before I bought the router, I tested the power on a friend's by routing a piece of oak using a 1.5 inch straight bit at a depth of over ½ inch on Rick Thom's router table. The router did this with absolutely no slow down. That’s sufficient power for any job that I can concieve throwing at a router. I bought the Triton 2.25 hp for $200 (Canadian) so the price is certainly right. Also, if you believe magazine tests at all (and I do a little bit), this router was the run away "winner" of the contest between table mounted routers in the Feb 2007 issue of Family Woodworking.

[Frank Pellow]

Originally Posted by Jesse Cloud

Hey Jim,
I think Matt's on the right track with the Triton. I haven't used it myself, but lots of the folks on the Festool forum get a Triton for their table. If Festool fanatics are going for the Triton over Festool, then it must be darned good.

Personally, I have a PC7538 in my table. It does the job, but I wind up skinning my knuckles every time I change bits.

I am one of those Festool fans, who uses the Triton 2.25 in my router table. I love my Festool 1400 router for hand-held work, but the Triton certainly bea
ts any of the Festool routers in a table.

[Jim DeLaney]

Originally Posted by Al Navas

Sometimes, decisions along this line can take a loooong time to reach; as a result, my best wishes for a speedy find...

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...t=router+table...Al

Unfortunately, Al, they've (Keith) kicked me off Sawmill Creek, so I can only visit there as a guest, and cannot view pictures or post anything.

[Frank Pellow]

Originally Posted by Jim DeLaney

The place where Ilooked at it was closing out their whole stock of Triton. According to the department manager, they were talked into carrying them several years ago, and promised manufacturer/distributor support that never happened. He said they get a new catalog and an order blank every few months, but no on-site presence, and no participation in their open houses. They also don't (can't?) stock any parts, or provide any service for them, even though they're factory authorized service center for many other brands. That whole conversation pretty much turned me off the Triton - at least until I do a LOT more research.

Jim, people that I know have had good experiences by contacting Triton USA directly, so I have no worries about parts and service. I have not had to do so myself.

[Al Navas]

Originally Posted by Jim DeLaney

Unfortunately, Al, they've (Keith) kicked me off Sawmill Creek, so I can only visit there as a guest, and cannot view pictures or post anything.

No problem, Jim. I can summarize as follows: One post asking if THE perfect hand-held router exists, for use very seldom. After 18 posts by people truly wanting to help, still going back and forth... This individual works with wood once every year to two years, so I am sure the decision would be a tough one.

In my reply post I suggested to just go and BUY a router (i.e., DECIDE), based on all the terrific input received. Hopefully, I helped the individual in some small way to reach a decision .



Al

[Gila Jorge Wilson]

I use a 3HP Makita in a Rebel Table for my fixed router...and can handle most any jobs I need a table unit for...plenty of horsepower for any job...
although I have two other routers, I just acquired yet another router..this a
2.25HP Bosch Plunge combo set...and an extra D Handle...I have yet another Bosch router to use the D Handle on then have two fixed bases to sell...

[Chris Mire]

Gila, welcome aboard!!

chris