I you were going to buy a router ...

[Simonhi]

... To mostly be used in a router table what would you go for?

I am looking at both the Triton TRA001 and Bosch GMF 1600 CE.

As far as I can see the benefit of the Bosch is having both the fixed and plunge base so that the unit could easily be swapped out when needed (rarely)

The upside of the Triton, despite price, is easy bit changes when mounted in the table (mostly).

Any other thoughts ?

First post ( I think ) so please forgive me if this has been asked before and I can't find the answer.

Many thanks,



Simon.

 

[sunnybob]

i have a 1/2" makita in the table. it is a plunge router but I never take it out the table. It has a screw adjuster so one hole drilled through the plate allows me to raise and lower the router just by turning the nut. easy above table bit changing.

 

[MikeJhn]

The Triton automatically locks when lifted to it full height in a router table, this is convenient for bit changes, it also has an automatic slide on the switch that stops it being switch on when in its fully retracted position, this all sounds wonderful until you have to start grouping around under the table to unlatch both the locks, then you set the height of the bit and have to additionally group around under the table to lock the height, much better to have a dedicated router lift with an above table height lock on a standard 3hp router, over the last three years I have done a lot of routing, the Triton does not get used anymore and I have a Hitachi MV 2 in an Axminster tools UJK professional table and lift, its brilliant, so easy to use, change bits and extract the mess from.

Anyone want to buy a Triton Router table on its manufacturer legs and Router? just does not get used.

Mike

 

[Logger]

I have the triton in my table permanently and can't fault it. Changing bits easy above table and i adjust the height with winder provided, just had to drill one hole for it to slot through.

It is powerful enough for anything, and after 8 months, it is pretty much used daily and done all i've needed from it.

Not used others in table, use makita 1/2 inch and bosch 1/4 inch for other jobs in the workshop or on site.

Nick

 

[MikeJhn]

Until you use a properly set up router table with a dedicated lift, you don't know how easy it can be, the Triton winder is also in the wrong place, you can't adjust the height with the fence in place, major problem when trying to delicately adjust the height, bit changes above the table are the norm, router lock above the table is also the norm, no more grouping around under the table ever.

If you want to buy my Triton set up I will willingly sell it to you, PM me.

Mike

 

[Wuffles]

Until you use a properly set up router table with a dedicated lift, you don't know how easy it can be, the Triton winder is also in the wrong place, you can't adjust the height with the fence in place, major problem when trying to delicately adjust the height, bit changes above the table are the norm, router lock above the table is also the norm, no more grouping around under the table ever.

If you want to buy my Triton set up I will willingly sell it to you, PM me.

Mike

You know you can turn the router 180 degrees and then put it back in the table, doesn't that mean the power switch is at the back but the winder is not under the fence?

I'd know if Triton had put a hole in the plate to try it.

 

[Simonhi]

Cheers for all the advice guys.

I think I am going to go with the Bosch Professional GMF 1600 CE.

Having not owned a router before I think it will fill a number of roles and mean that I don't spend a huge stack of cash from the start. I don't have room for a full sized table nor the capacity in my wallet for a router lift and fancy fence. As nice as they are it would be a bit wasted on me at the moment seeing as this will mostly serve duty in small box making tasks, stopped grooves etc ...

 

[sunnybob]

Trust me, you will be wishing for a lift before the first box is finished. Every bit needs height adjustment every time.

Check the bosch carefully, it might have a screw for adjustment, same as my makita does.

 

[Wuffles]

I assumed the Bosch was a cheap and cheerful model...wow. Are you sure you want to drop that much money on something you might not use very much? Listen to Sunny Bob about the height adjustment.

 

[DiscoStu]

I went for the Triton and haven't regretted it. I like the fact you can use it in the table and raise it from above, the spindle lock is great. The options for lowering are fab. Very powerful and solid.


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[blackrodd]

Only the 8 and 12.7mm collets, I do like the cheap 1/4" bits though for throw away jobs and the quality and range of the
12.7 bits, safer for the bigger jobs.
Rarely use the 8mm bits, as most other users.
Lot of money for an occasional tool, hunt round for better prices!
Rodders

http://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en ... 291-ocs-p/

 

[pcb1962]

the Triton winder is also in the wrong place, you can't adjust the height with the fence in place, major problem when trying to delicately adjust the height,

You've got it back to front

 

[Wuffles]

the Triton winder is also in the wrong place, you can't adjust the height with the fence in place, major problem when trying to delicately adjust the height,

You've got it back to front

Yes, I checked on mine after I suggested that.

 

[sunnybob]

Foer that money I'll sell you my makita, AND the table, AND most of the bits.

 

[Simonhi]

Now you've all got me thinking !!!

Sunnybob, It is adjustable through the table, and the micro adjustment works also when the depth lock is set on either the fixed or plunge base. I suppose it appeals as It will fulfill many roles and I'm kind of a buy once sorta bloke. My first mitre saw was a Kapex.

Waffles, Whilst it will be occasional use I still don't want to buy something wishing I had bought better. It's not cost effective for me to buy a cheap router then sell to the buy something better.

Discostu, if I don't go for the Bosch it will definitely be the Triton, in fact it's knowing that the Triton is half the price of the Bosch that is making it a hard decision.

Blackrodd, again, cheers for the advice, it's the occasional use that is making it hard to decide. Shopping round get the router for a little under £360.00 which is still a chunk of change. I picked up,a couple of 1/4" shank 1/8" straight cutters for running small grooves. They were from Axminster so I'll give them a few test cuts before committing to any proper work.

I do appreciate all the advice guys, that's what makes forums like this a good place to come for advice, far better than manufacture paid for reviews.

Cheers again,


Simon.

 

[Wuffles]

Now you've all got me thinking !!!

Sunnybob, It is adjustable through the table, and the micro adjustment works also when the depth lock is set on either the fixed or plunge base. I suppose it appeals as It will fulfill many roles and I'm kind of a buy once sorta bloke. My first mitre saw was a Kapex.

Waffles, Whilst it will be occasional use I still don't want to buy something wishing I had bought better. It's not cost effective for me to buy a cheap router then sell to the buy something better.

Discostu, if I don't go for the Bosch it will definitely be the Triton, in fact it's knowing that the Triton is half the price of the Bosch that is making it a hard decision.

Blackrodd, again, cheers for the advice, it's the occasional use that is making it hard to decide. Shopping round get the router for a little under £360.00 which is still a chunk of change. I picked up,a couple of 1/4" shank 1/8" straight cutters for running small grooves. They were from Axminster so I'll give them a few test cuts before committing to any proper work.

I do appreciate all the advice guys, that's what makes forums like this a good place to come for advice, far better than manufacture paid for reviews.

Cheers again,


Simon.

It's not a particularly special router though was more my point. For the money I mean.

I've been down the Bosch route, I started out with one, moved to a bigger one and then got all Festooly on the routers, but my most recent purchase was a Triton just to sit in a table. I figured if I'm ever skint, I can sell the OF2200 and just use the Triton out of the table for what I use the big Festool for - which is essentially in a router sled. So I get the whole investment thing. Think guide bushes, collet sizes (like Rodders mentioned) and warranty if you're only planning to buy one. If there's one thing that's true though, you won't only have one router in the end so remain flexible.

At least you're considering alternatives and reading reviews, there's not much more a bunch of fellas just trying to help can ask for

 

[Simonhi]

Hi Wuffles,

As I said earlier all advice is gratefully received. Whilst I'm fairly new to power tools I've been using hand tools for a good while and have an ethos of buy once !!!

If it was you cash would you go for the Triton router and keep it dedicated in the table and then possibly buy a second router (possibly OF1400) for hand held duty ?

On the rare occasion that I might need a hand held router it would not be too great a hardship to take the Triton out of the table.

It would save me a few quid to spend on decent cutters.

 

[Stu_2]

I use a Trend T11, which has a through-the-table adjuster, which is a pleasure to use. I've also got the quick release kit fitted, so it's really quick and easy to pull it in out out of the table.

 

[sunnybob]

You have the bases covered, its just thats a LOT of money for an occasional tool.
To give a comparison, I bought the makita rp 1801XK for £225 from ebay last year

But if your heart is set on it, go buy it.

 

[Wuffles]

Hi Wuffles,

As I said earlier all advice is gratefully received. Whilst I'm fairly new to power tools I've been using hand tools for a good while and have an ethos of buy once !!!

If it was you cash would you go for the Triton router and keep it dedicated in the table and then possibly buy a second router (possibly OF1400) for hand held duty ?

On the rare occasion that I might need a hand held router it would not be too great a hardship to take the Triton out of the table.

It would save me a few quid to spend on decent cutters.

Do you know what, I don't know how good the triton is outside a table, so it's difficult to say. I've been spoilt

I'll have to try it on a slab and see if it can do the job just as well as the OF2200, it probably can.

In answer to your question, yes, why not get the triton and put it in a table for dedicated use, get a smaller something for handheld use if you find yourself needing it. You could probably get away with an OF1010 for handheld over the OF1400, or even one of the little Makita or Bosch trimmers?

Which is probably what I should do

Hope that helps.


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