Router mounting plate

[stuartpaul]

Currently running a Triton in one of those plastic 'domed top' insert plates. Need to look at renewing the top (don't ask!) and at the same time thinking of a different plate to provide a flatter surface overall.

Whilst the Triton is quite good for adjustability (mines getting old, worn and temperamental - bit like me) I'm thinking about the Woodpecker lift as it says you only loose 3/8" off maximum rise. Also means if I move away from Triton I'll have the adjustability I want.

Is it any good?

I've heard that they also do a flat plate with no adjustment but haven't been able to track one down.

 

[xraymtb]

Woodpeckers do a flat plate (no lift) - it can be sourced within the UK at...

http://www.woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/woodpeckers.htm

Not sure how much it is - I was thinking about one myself but have to build the rest of the router table first.

Otherwise I would go for another aluminium insert - Tilgear do one for about £35.

 

[p111dom]

The woodpeckers range is probable the best quality you'll fing IMO. Better than the routerlift sold by Axminster. The lifting one is overly engineered and fabulous to look at and use if you're into that sort of thing. The twist clip rings are the same on both the lift and just the plate and again they are superf if not expensive. I would have to check the price.

 

[p111dom]

£180 for the lift

£60 for the rings on their own

$99 for the plate. Can't find a price in the UK at the moment but I think £69 rings a bell if it hasn't gone up.

I think that this may be one purchase you might be better off getting direct from the US.

 

[xraymtb]

Based on the current exchange rate $99 is about £55. Add in postage for a lump of alu from the US, and the potential VAT/import duty, and the non-lift plate is better bought in the UK (presuming it is £69).

 

[Derek Willis.]

/members/images/1112/Gallery/Picture_251_%28845_x_634%29.jpg

My picture, re-produced here again shows the raised portion is flattened, and below is a copy of Email from Technical at Axminster in reply to my query.

Derek, Sorry for the delay. The crowning of the plate is very slight, enough to raise the center piece so the wood will not snag on the way out. The weight of the router may then cause the plate to flatten out as shown in your photos. The only problem you would encounter is if the plate develops a hollow. Simon Ayers Technical Sales Axminster Tool Centre Phone: 0800 371

Derek.
/members/images/1112/Gallery/Picture_251_%28845_x_634%29.jpg

This is the router plate as stocked by Axminster.

 

[xraymtb]

Got a quick reply from Roger at Woodworkers Workshop.

Both the Incra and Woodpeckers aluminium plates are £72.85 and £72 respectively plus £5-6 delivery.

The Woodpeckers phenolic is only £42.50.

Based upon that, I would say it works out cheaper (or at least the same price) and quicker to order from the UK in this instance.

 

[John McM]

Personally I would get an ali plate if I was doing it again. Axminster now do this

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... =1&jump=44

I'd also stick with the Triton router then you'd not need any lifts. Is yours in need of a service?

 

[OPJ]

Personally I would get an ali plate if I was doing it again. Axminster now do this

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... =1&jump=44

...But, it's £10 cheaper from Tilgear!! :wink:

 

[stuartpaul]

Thanks for the responses.

I'll certainly look at the flat plate, - nice to see I can get it from a UK source. May even push the boat out and look at one of the table packages.

Considering whether I want to stay with the Triton. It's been a good workhorse but when they wear a bit they seem to be a real bu**er to adjust accurately. I do like the one handed above table bit change though!

 

[wizer]

yeh I think I'd give up the big Triton for above the table height adjustment. A lot of money to upgrade tho...

 

[p111dom]

I know I've said it before but Trend T11. Adjustment from the top and it's a great router both in and out of the table. You just need a way of changing the bit easily.

 

[stuartpaul]

I know I've said it before but Trend T11. Adjustment from the top and it's a great router both in and out of the table. You just need a way of changing the bit easily.

And this for me is a real issue. I had a Axminster router lift and it really was a very good bit of kit and could be adjusted with ease. However, even with a collet extension fitted changing bits was always a voyage of discovery and skinned knuckles!

Even with a few problems setting up accurately the Triton wins hands down for bit changing every time. One of the reasons for thinking about the Woodpecker adjustable and maybe fit a Triton to have the best of both worlds

 

[tnimble]

I know I've said it before but Trend T11. Adjustment from the top and it's a great router both in and out of the table. You just need a way of changing the bit easily.

The Freud FT3000VCE does both, but about nobody seems to know that piece of machine exists around europe (odd for an Italian company, with the router done in Spain is only widely sold and known in the USA).

 

[p111dom]

Even with a few problems setting up accurately the Triton wins hands down for bit changing every time. One of the reasons for thinking about the Woodpecker adjustable and maybe fit a Triton to have the best of both worlds

Or you could save the £150+ on the router raising plate and hinge the top to get access to the collet like this.

£3 for 3 hinges and £1 for a gas strut from the scrapy. £146+ in your pocket.

 

[Shultzy]

Check out these guys on the woodworking channel router workshop. They have a small router table and the speed in which they change bits is amazing, no lift or Triton .

http://www.woodworkingchannel.com/dolph ... ibrary.php