Triton Router - when is 1400W not enough

[aesmith]

Hi,

I'm considering the small Triton router for hobby use ..

(1) To remain table-mounted most of the time
(2) To enable me to use 1/2" shank bits should the need arise
(3) Occasional hand-held use, for example where I need a 1/2" cutter

I've read lots of discussion on here about router choice, so I don't want to go over old ground.

My question is really about the power - what types of jobs could come up where 1400W wasn't enough? Are there some jobs or cutter types where you have do make the cut with one pass, and need more oomph?

For reference, I currently have an Elu '96 so clearly even the small Triton should be substantially more powerful. The power outlet on my vacuum cleaner only supports up to 2000W, so over 2000W gives me some additional problems.

Thanks in advance,

 

[Anonymous]

Hi tony

I don't see many (any) jobs where the power will not be enough as long as you are sensible with feed rates. Of course, a panel raising but might strech it a bit - although, i have often raised panles with a 1250W B&Q router in the table.
I also use an 800W Trend (1/4") quite often and never feel that the power is insufficient

 

[Scrit]

My question is really about the power - what types of jobs could come up where 1400W wasn't enough? Are there some jobs or cutter types where you have do make the cut with one pass, and need more oomph?

A couple of jobs where 1400 watts is not enough are kitchen worktop joints (or at least a Ryobi 1350watt wasn't man enough for the task) and large panel raiser cutters where the smaller machines struggle. Yes, you can make many more passes, but for worktops in particular that starts risking the jig moving (or getting rained on in winter as the job is invariably done outside)

Scrit

 

[Jake]

I bought the little triton a few weeks ago.

I was using it the other night to rout out some radiused formers for steam bending some wood - cutting 1/4 circle segments from 1 inch ply with a 1/2 inch cutter. It was bogging down and stalling when I was trying to cut through in 4 passes (two on one side, flip the board and two on the other as cut depth wasn't great as it was a standard short cutter, and I had the regular fence base screwed to some 12mm ply to swing the router on).

The little one isn't impressing me for hand work as much as its big brother does in the table. The plunge mechanism seems very sticky and it can be right pain to get it to engage so the rotating handle does actually work.

I haven't used it that much yet, so my view may change as I get used to it.

 

[Paul Chapman]

I have an Elu MOF 96 and a 2000W DeWalt 625. Since getting the 2000W DeWalt I find myself using it for most things. In many instances it's not that the smaller Elu can't cope, more that the 2000W machine feels so much more comfortable to use when it has power in reserve. I tend to use the smaller router now for jobs where its smaller physical size makes it more convenient.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[mailee]

I agree with you Paul. I too have the Elu 96 and the De Walt 625 and find that the 800 Watt router just isn't enough for some jobs. I too mostly use the larger router but do have an Hitachi MV 12 in the table. I originally had the 1250 Power Pro in the table but it would bog down at the sight of wood. :wink:

 

[aesmith]

Thanks for all the comments. I'm not sure I'm much clearer on my decision, so maybe I'll look out for a second-hand Elu or Dewalt. I don't want to spend 150 quid and then wish I had something more powerful.