Router tables

[rod.norman]

Hi, I’m currently incorporating a router table into my workbench but I’m considering upgrading my plunge router that I was going to use and was wondering what others feel is the best router for mounting in a table situation and whether 1/4” or 1/2” would be best.

thanks

 

[Rorton]

1/2 for table mounting. You just have so many more options, including getting a collet to use 1/4 bits if you need to.

 

[clive griffiths]

Hi, I’m currently incorporating a router table into my workbench but I’m considering upgrading my plunge router that I was going to use and was wondering what others feel is the best router for mounting in a table situation and whether 1/4” or 1/2” would be best.

thanks

You need to visit Peter Seftons site ,these routers are probably the best there is.

Clive.

 

[Spectric]

If you search these forums this topic has been well covered, @MikeK has an amazing setup that I suspect you could use indoors without creating much dust and using all top quality components, there is a link to his build here as well. Yes look at Woodworkers workshop and you will not be disapointed, Routing & Table Saw Systems and Jessem, Incra and Woodpecker all top quality.

Before making a decision do a price comparison, when I did the Jessem package at £665 or the remote speed controller version at £765 may at first seem expensive but when you add up a 1/2 router, the lifter and a muscle chuck comes out at around £600 with Triton router or £720 with a 625 the difference is minimal and as I said in a previous post, had I not already got a router this would have been the route I would have gone.

 

[southendwoodworker]

What do you plan to use your router table for and what is your budget?

 

[rod.norman]

What do you plan to use your router table for and what is your budget?

Hi I don’t really have a budget and just a hobby to pass the time on the weekends. Like everyone I don’t mind a bargin but I like to make sure the quality is right and I only pay once (so to speak)

 

[Chippymint]

With out doubt have a look at the Trend range of tables and routers. Trend is one of the best router companies in the world. Not only does it offer a variety of options you get superb support and product longevity and quality. There's a product for every budget and not to mention a superb range of routing accessories.

Get one of their latest catalogues - far better than traipsing through websites and it's a routing reference for the routing world. A spot-on Trend stockists is Miles Tools and Machinery based in Yeovil Somerset - very friendly and helpful staff.

Good luck

 

[yetloh]

I have the big Festool which is terrific, smooth great control and lots of really good features. I have used quite a few routers but this is easily the best. It is a lot of money but for me, worth it.

Jim

 

[southendwoodworker]

i built a cheap router table a few weeks back using a triton mof001. it's simple, supports 1/4, 8mm and 1/2 size bits. The triton mof001 and the tra001 are designed to be mounted under a table and come with a handle thingy that allows you to adjust the height from above the table which is very handy. No fancy lift mechanism is needed because the routers got a mechanism built in. Is it as good as a jessom - nope, but its still pretty good Ive found so far.

The price (roughly):
£170 for router (comes with 1/4 and 8mm collets)
£30 for nvr
£10 for track
£50 for router plate
£20 for a 1/2 collet

a link to some photos: My first proper router table

 

[rod.norman]

I didn’t realise that the triton MOf could take the 1/2” collet as it’s sold as 1/4” and 8mm? However I like what you built so fingers crossed my will end up something similar. For the extract where did you get the adaptor on the back of your fence, I have bought everything else but couldn’t find the part sold on it’s own.

 

[rod.norman]

I didn’t realise that the triton MOf could take the 1/2” collet as it’s sold as 1/4” and 8mm? However I like what you built so fingers crossed my will end up something similar. For the extract where did you get the adaptor on the back of your fence, I have bought everything else but couldn’t find the part sold on it’s own.

 

[southendwoodworker]

I didn’t realise that the triton MOf could take the 1/2” collet as it’s sold as 1/4” and 8mm? However I like what you built so fingers crossed my will end up something similar. For the extract where did you get the adaptor on the back of your fence, I have bought everything else but couldn’t find the part sold on it’s own.

note: from my understanding the american mof001s come with a 1/4 and 1/2, but the uk ones 1/4 and 8mm, so when reading reviews keep that in mind. here is the exact one i got: https://ffx.co.uk/product/Get/Triton-721116-5024763128561-Router-Collet-1-2In-Trc120-1-2In-Collet


The back of the fence, i used one of these:
https://www.rockler.com/rockler-drill-press-fencebut I replaced the front with ply. its about 60cm long

I got it from yandles for £20 (which was a steal) when they were doing a black friday sale, but they appear to now sell for £60-70ish

its handy, but not necessary, you can make a fence yourself out of ply, t-tracks and either a home made stop or one from banggood/aliexpress. theres a ton of youtube videos thatll give inspiration on the different types

 

[gcusick]

I have the (sorry in advance) Xact router and lift from Rutland. I added a Musclechuck, and modified the motor to remote the speed control pot (my background is electronic engineering), both to avoid grovelling around under the table. I’d bought the kit before I became aware of Peter Sefton’s company, and possibly before the remote-control motor was available.

It works pretty well for me, though it is necessary to clean the lift leadscrew from time to time. Next mod is to add a stepper motor to drive the height contro.

The Musclechuck is brilliant - saves all that faffing with spanners. I only wish they’d make a 1/4in version for my Makita palm router.

 

[mikej460]

Similar to @southendwoodworker I built this to support a Triton TRA001. I spent a bit more money on an Incra plate (built for the Triton) plus template and tracks from Woodworkers Workshop. The Triton raiser works really well.

 

[yetloh]

I see the Triton MOf001 is rated at 1400w. I reckon that's about the minimum size for serious table use, and the OPs table certainly looks like it is intended for serious work. For me, I regard a 1/2" collet as vital, I hate 1/4" bits, they simply don't have the rigidity for a decent cut if put under any significant stress. Router tables are about accuracy and productivity which means hard work so 1/2 cutters are worth every penny extra that they cost.

Jim