Table Router

[Shaman]

I currently have a lightweight Bosch plunger which is absolutely great for most of my hand routing but is not quite powerful enough and struggles a bit under my table.
Ideally I am looking for a router with 1000W+ (preferably a plunger) but with no more than 155mm baseplate diameter to fit my table. I'd prefer a 1/4" but a 1/2" machine which takes smaller collets would be fine - though most of these beasts are around 170mm diameter I think.
Money isn't too much of an issue but I certainly don't need the ultimate machine for my projects.
Any recommendations please as the manufacturers sadly do not publish baseplate dimensions.

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi Shaman

Welcome to the forum.

Are you based in the UK? The reason I ask is that it might well be relevant in terms of suggestions.

My favourite router is a DW621 and I use 8mm cutters instead of 1/4", as you get about 60% more steel for your money. Sorry, but I can't provide the measurement for you until Thursday.

Cheers
Neil

 

[Anonymous]

Welcome Shaman

The DW routers are definitely to be recommended, mine has been faultless in the RAT

The Porter cable is, in my opinion, a slightly better router but costs more.

Finally for table work, the Triton is made specifically for the job and is worth considering.

 

[Shaman]

Hi Shaman

Welcome to the forum.

Are you based in the UK? The reason I ask is that it might well be relevant in terms of suggestions.

My favourite router is a DW621 and I use 8mm cutters instead of 1/4", as you get about 60% more steel for your money. Sorry, but I can't provide the measurement for you until Thursday.

Cheers
Neil

Hey thanks Newbie_Neil. I am indeed in the UK.
I have looked at the DW621 and fancy it a lot. I would be extremely grateful if you would be kind enough to measure the little devil for me when you can. Thanks a bunch.
Interesting tip on the 8mm bits too. I do have quite an extensive 1/4" collection which represent a substantial investment though. Several of the Trend Ovolo bits alone were around £50 each.

 

[Shaman]

Hmmm

I found some data on the DW621 which indicates the widest baseplate dimension may be 6 1/4". I calculate this to be 158mm ??
According the handbook my table will take up to a maximum of 157mm. This will be a swine if it's all correct as I really fancy this Dewalt.

I may be able to mill the table a bit to fit if it's only 1mm I guess.

 

[CYC]

I have the Triton TRB001 and I am really happy with it. For the ability to raise the collet above the table and change the bit with one hand alone I would buy it again.
It's a big one though, I think.
You won't lack power with 2000W. It's JUST MADE FOR TABLES. I don't think anyone on this forum is disappointed with the Triton in a router table.

 

[Shaman]

I have the Triton TRB001 and I am really happy with it. For the ability to raise the collet above the table and change the bit with one hand alone I would buy it again.
It's a big one though, I think.
You won't lack power with 2000W. It's JUST MADE FOR TABLES. I don't think anyone on this forum is disappointed with the Triton in a router table.

I've seen rave reviews on that one but it must be over 157mm isn't it?

 

[CYC]

I can't measure right now but I would say that it is yes.
I use a Jessem Mast R Plate and it fits easily using at least 20mm lip opening in my table.

What is this 155mm restriction from, are you calculating the diagonal measurement on your opening in the router table?

 

[Shaman]

I can't measure right now but I would say that it is yes.
I use a Jessem Mast R Plate and it fits easily using at least 20mm lip opening in my table.

What is this 157mm restriction from, are you calculating the diagonal measurement on your opening in the router table?

The table has a low circular turretted recess underneath with internal diameter of 157mm into which the router must be clamped. Therefore the largest measurement accross the base must be no more than 157mm.

Silly restriction but apart from that the table is absolutely fine.

 

[les chicken]

What is the base of the table made of.

Could you not increase the size, it seems a shame to restrict your choice of router because of the table.

I also have the triton and it is one beast in the router table, no need for extension collets or wind up mechanisms.

Les

 

[Shaman]

I think the table is pressed steel.
I agree that it's a shame but I have the table and I have many bits and I want to work on my project not building bespoke tables or purchasing duplicates. The are a few beasts out there I'd love but I don't need them right now.
So far I can see the new Combi Bosch will fit (fixed base only), and the B&D KW850E. Anybody have a comment on that? Nervous about B&D!!

Maybe a B&Q PPro might fit - I'll have a look.

 

[les chicken]

I have read some good reviews for the bosch, register online and I believe you get an extended warranty.

But the bosch as most routers apart from the triton have the motor ventilation at the base and not protected from the dust.

How thick is your table and the recess depth as the triton has quite a large plunge and may still be ok fixed to the bottom with the recess blocked.

Les

 

[Shaman]

But the bosch as most routers apart from the triton have the motor ventilation at the base and not protected from the dust.

How thick is your table and the recess depth as the triton has quite a large plunge and may still be ok fixed to the bottom with the recess blocked.

Les

Good point about the dust - why don't the manufacturers sort that out?

I hadn't thought of fitting over the top of the recess. I will need to look carefully at that idea. The plunge would possibly be OK but the clamping may be problematic. Even if it means making some mods to the table fixtures though it could then give the option of either the Triton or the DW621. I think the Triton uses a sleave for 1/4" bits rather than a collett which is a bit of a disappointment?
I'm still hoping to hear the precise mm dimension for the Dewalt which is closest to a good fit.

 

[Shaman]

Les,
I reckon I'd lose about 12/13mm of plunge by mounting atop the turrett. Not too bad for that m/c??

 

[les chicken]

Just checked my set up.

I have the record rpms record router table the one with the cast iron table etc.

The triton is mounted with the base plate still on and the dimension from the top of the table to the base of the router ignoring the baseplate ( if you follow my gist ) is about 18mm.

So I would think that you would be ok. You could drill through the table and pick up the baseplate holes, I believe some one else did this on the forum :?:

I am sure whoever did this will pick up this thread.

Les

PS I have no problem using the sleeve, it is quicker than changing the collet on my hand held Bosch 1300, which is also a nice machine but does not have the grunt for a table router.

 

[Shaman]

Hey Les,
I'm liking this idea more and more. Drilling the holes would be the most secure way of holding the beast if it can be done neatly and safely.
Never used a sleeve myself but some books I read suggest it's not a good long term setup?