Katsu 1/4 trim router for router table

[Croolis]

I have a Makita RT0702CX4/2 (that I got for £96, current prices seem to be ~£130 owww).

I was going to use that in a router table that I am finally going to set up. But I see those Katsu ones for cheap. I've seen folks on here mention them more or less favourably for the price but I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on them for the router table role specifically?

It would be nice to be able to not have to unhitch my trim router from the table every time I need it.

Thx for replies.

 

[Eshmiel]

What jobs will your router table be doing? They're often used for the "heavier" routing work that isn't too safe to do with a handheld router, so the usual router table has a 1/2" collet router of 3HP in it ..... although these days there are smaller router tables, for reasons I never really grasp. In short, a router table is generally but one step down from the more powerful and bigger-biting shaper machine so power and large bit capacity matter.

If you too want to use the router table for "heavier" jobs then the 1hp Makita trimmer you mention is unlikely to be the ideal machine for it, then. But if you're going to do only smaller work in that router table, perhaps it'll do. How to fit it in so its usable will be the issue. That Katsu seems similar to the Makita other than in price (and probably quality - you get what you pay for) so same issues.

 

[JSW]

Go for it, I've had the Katsu for 10 years now and it's in daily use, as long as you understand that it's a trimmer, not a full blown 2hp 1/2" router, you'll be fine.
Really simple to set up a small platform with a quick release for the Katsu, so it doesn't turn into a one trick pony, just clamp to a bench and away you go

 

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

I have a Makita RT0702CX4/2 (that I got for £96, current prices seem to be ~£130 owww).

I was going to use that in a router table that I am finally going to set up. But I see those Katsu ones for cheap. I've seen folks on here mention them more or less favourably for the price but I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on them for the router table role specifically?

It would be nice to be able to not have to unhitch my trim router from the table every time I need it.

Thx for replies.

I have built a router table with a Katsu (I also have the Makita). The router is fitted with an 8mm collet. This makes the set up so much more substantial and capable of lateral forces.

This lift from Temu ...







Enclosed cabinet for dust control with fence ...



Router ...



With accessories in drawer ...



Dust control from fence and cabinet to Festool CT26A



All set at the end of a MFT ..



It makes a quick and useful alternative to my main router table.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[kinverkid]

I have a Katsu router. Had it for a few years. Only for light use though. I bought a couple of spare holders/mounts which makes it a doddle to change its use from hand-held to the holder permanently table-mounted. I do have another permanently mounted 1/2" which I last used about two years ago. But that's just because I rarely need to use a large router for what I dabble in.

 

[Vulcan]

I bought the Katsu, wasn’t impressed so I replaced it with the entry level Trend Router which is much better. Less noise and lower vibration.

 

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

I bought the Katsu, wasn’t impressed so I replaced it with the entry level Trend Router which is much better. Less noise and lower vibration.

The quality of these clones is variable. I purchased one some years back because of the hullabaloo on this forum. I also have the Makita it copies.

I measured the run out on both and ended up replacing the collet on the copy with one from a specialist CNC company. Run out then equalled the excellent Makita, and it ended up as smooth. Really, I could not tell the difference between the routers after that (other than the positioning of the switches).

Several months back I decided to use the clone in a router table for convenience - my main router table is built into the outfeed of a Hammer K3 slider, and often difficult to access in my space-challenged workshop. Then it occurred to me that it could be upgraded to use 8mm bits. A new collet pops in. 8mm offers several times the stability of 1/4". This little router table is not intended to replace the 1/2" beastie I have, but more than holds its own for smaller work where one wants less set up effort. Its 1 hp, or there abouts, is powerful enough if you respect this and just take several small bites at a time.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Co1]

I have built a router table with a Katsu (I also have the Makita). The router is fitted with an 8mm collet. This makes the set up so much more substantial and capable of lateral forces.

This lift from Temu ...







Enclosed cabinet for dust control with fence ...



Router ...



With accessories in drawer ...



Dust control from fence and cabinet to Festool CT26A



All set at the end of a MFT ..



It makes a quick and useful alternative to my main router table.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Any chance of a link to that lift? Thanks.

 

[rob1693]

Any chance of a link to that lift? Thanks.

Same one on ali express

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006080185682.html