Triton update?

[stuartpaul]

Anybody know what's happening with Triton?

I'm thinking of replacing my (Triton) router and wonder if it's worth trying to search another one out. All sites to date seem to say currently out of stock.

Failing a new Triton what's the next best table mounted router? Considering going to a woodpecker router lift as it doesn't take much out of the 'plunge' depth and should enable bit changing from above (I don't like using extensions having had a bad experience).

Thanks

Stuart

 

[Duncan A]

Stuart

The Woodworking Centre in Northants had both the 2000W and the 1400W on the shelf when I was over there a couple of days ago: www.woodworkingcentreshop.co.uk/acatalo ... Tools.html.
Not discounted, though.

Duncan

 

[devonwoody]

The Australian forum gives the impression that Triton (an Australian business) have ceased trading from their manufacturing base, could be that Adminstrators are selling off stock or looking for an investor.

 

[OPJ]

They were trading at the Yandles show in Somerset a few weekends back. As Silverline now have some 'control' over them, I think they're now based in Yeovil - that was the impression we got from the rep there anyway.

 

[Harbo]

I think Argee did a situation report on them a few weeks ago - I cannot find it though?


Rod

 

[DaveL]

I think this is the post you were looking for.

 

[Argee]

As Silverline now have some 'control' over them, I think they're now based in Yeovil - that was the impression we got from the rep there anyway.

Silverline have no "control" over Triton, Olly, they were taking over the UK distribution and sales when the Australian parent company (GMC) went into receivership. They may still have some demo kit, but they obviously don't have much - if any - stock, as evidenced by the fact that no Triton products are any longer mentioned on their website.

I've rung their rep and e-mailed the company too, but I've been ignored. That's their prerogative, of course, but they were dead keen until Ally Pally.

To give you an idea of the state of play generally, members of another forum I participate in from Australia are getting me to mail spares out to them. My stock is now practically exhausted and my belief is that we'll not see any more stock in the UK once all the existing, difficult-to-find, small pockets of it are empty.

Ray

 

[kafkaian]

To give you an idea of the state of play generally, members of another forum I participate in from Australia are getting me to mail spares out to them. My stock is now practically exhausted and my belief is that we'll not see any more stock in the UK once all the existing, difficult-to-find, small pockets of it are empty.

Ray

Depressing Ray. I have had good use out of my saw, saw table and router. What do you reckon on expendable/serviceable parts like motor brushes? Pretty generic or a generally just as dire?

 

[BradNaylor]

Surely if the Triton range and brand is of any value, some other power tools company will simply buy the rights to the name and products from the liquidator and recommence trading.

My suspicion is however, that nobody will because the brand and range were never really up to much to start with. Reasonable hobbyist quality but certainly not up to the rigours of professional use.

Now that they've gone bust, I supect that the more innovative features, such as the rise and fall on the big router, will simply be pinched by other manufacturers safe in the knowledge that no-one will sue them.

Cheers
Brad

 

[kafkaian]

Now that they've gone bust, I supect that the more innovative features, such as the rise and fall on the big router, will simply be pinched by other manufacturers safe in the knowledge that no-one will sue them.

....or that they can simply buy the rights off the administrators at a reasonable cost.

I need a portable set up currently, so the Triton saw and table is perfect until I get a bigger workshop. The router (TRA001) has been as robust and reliable in my table as my DeWalt 625 is as a tool-to-job alternative! So from my experience, they've been tremendous value for money and solid workhorses. Not all their stuff is any good of course, but you pick and choose accordingly.

 

[devonwoody]

My triton router has had nearly 7 years use, and sawdust in switch has been the only hiccup. the 2000 workcentre I parted with 2 years ago but will still go on for years because any brand of circular saw should fit the setup.
I think if the economic climate was different the administrator would have got a buyer for the business, so we shall have to wait and see how the recession turns out in time.

 

[Argee]

What do you reckon on expendable/serviceable parts like motor brushes? Pretty generic or a generally just as dire?

Brushes should be generic, but it might pay to look for some suitable replacements now, so that they're to hand if/when needed, rather than trying to match a pair when there's nothing left to match with!

Surely if the Triton range and brand is of any value, some other power tools company will simply buy the rights to the name and products from the liquidator and recommence trading.

Please don't call me Shirley!

It's not that simple, I'm afraid. Some of the tools have patents held by more than one individual and quite how much of that title has passed - if any - to the receivers is not clear.

My suspicion is however, that nobody will because the brand and range were never really up to much to start with. Reasonable hobbyist quality but certainly not up to the rigours of professional use.

As I said on another thread, the worst thing that's happened is that the owners of GMC have been allowed to put in a holding bid, which effectively still gives them control of the Triton brand, but relieves them of all previous debts and responsibilities. Make no mistake, they're "quick buck" merchants by nature, hence what has happened to the company as a whole, because the products aren't in that sort of market. Incidentally, if a small consortium which includes a Japanese-based element gets a look-in, that would be good news. However, the lack of progress is not a good sign at all in this shambles of a process.

Now that they've gone bust, I supect that the more innovative features, such as the rise and fall on the big router, will simply be pinched by other manufacturers safe in the knowledge that no-one will sue them.

Possibly, but the manufacturers of the routers (DURQ) are by no means foolish and if I were them, I'd be re-marketing to a North American company right now. Again, there are probably all sorts of patent and exclusivity conditions kicking about, which long-life companies simply won't want to start trying to work around.

My best guess, if the US or Japan doesn't get involved, is that they'll re-appear as Lamborghini tools (no, not the car maker, but his fashion-designer son), which, AFAIK, Silverline distribute also. We'll have to wait and see.

Ray.

 

[OPJ]

Sorry for the misunderstanding, Ray. But, thanks for clearing things up. I thought something strange was going on when I didn't see you on the Triton stand at Yandles... The rep there even admitted he wasn't a woodworker and didn't seem to know too much about using the tools. Everything was being sold at full-price too.

 

[kafkaian]

Brushes should be generic, but it might pay to look for some suitable replacements now, so that they're to hand if/when needed, rather than trying to match a pair when there's nothing left to match with!

Thanks Ray. Who should I go to though?

Well all I can say is: "what a shame!". I know Triton weren't everyone's cup of tea, but they were quirky and different, and had a real eye for innovative and unique design. On the whole, I am really pleased with the orange stuff I've got. The router is a dream and the saw table set up cuts really accurately for the portable equipment it is, and great for taking over to mates and relatives to help them out on situ. The router table and fence however, I'm not keen on and will be replacing as soon as possible. But boy do I love that TRA001 router.

 

[Argee]

Thanks Ray. Who should I go to though?

I'll remove a set from one of my TRA routers and measure them for you. Most generic suppliers require dimensions and I think I may know of a supplier.

I'm a bit busy tomorrow, but I'll do it ASAP. HTH

Ray

 

[kafkaian]

Thanks Ray. Who should I go to though?

I'll remove a set from one of my TRA routers and measure them for you. Most generic suppliers require dimensions and I think I may know of a supplier.

I'm a bit busy tomorrow, but I'll do it ASAP. HTH

Ray

Bostin'

 

[stuartpaul]

So, - on the basis of all the above I may well be better off using another make in my new table.

Bit of a shame as the Triton is good in a table.

Anyone have any suggestions for a good table mounted router? I'm probably going to use the woodpecker lift thingy to make adjustment easier and still allow bit changing from above.

 

[wizer]

The Dewalt is often highly spoke of and if you're putting it into a lift, then you've got prety much all the benefits of the Triton and more.

 

[mahking51]

Hi Ray,
thanks for al that.
Are there any 'pockets of supply' for the vice jaws clamp thingy?
Martin

 

[wizer]

that's a good point I was hoping to buy some log jaws for the super jaws