What Router

[Chop n Join]

Hi
I am building a router table.
The kit I already have comprises of, a Jessem Rout-R-Lift and a Incra fence.
I am looking for recommendations for a router for table use.
Any other info regarding the build would be useful.
Thank you.

 

[halken]

get one of the dicounted tritons if you can still find them i know there are some still about, what part of the country are you in

 

[George_N]

Hi Chop n Join, welcome to the forum. Usual advice around here is that the big Triton is best for the router table and it doesn't need the Rout r lift as it has a built in rack and pinion mechanism for raising and lowering the bit and above the table bit changing. Other favourites are the Dewalt 625 or the Trend T11 (same machine?). HTH

 

[Argee]

You don't say what you intend to make on your new table, or what size and type of bits you'll be using - both could affect the answers you'll get.

Ordinarily, a variable-speed router around 2,000 watts would be the way to go. You don't say whether you inherited the Jessem or have bought it - is it a "must have" in your plans?

I would ordinarily recommend the larger of the two Triton routers (TRA001), but it would be a total waste of its features to put it into a Jessem lift. I'd say look for a powerful router with the easiest bit-changing possible, as I'm sure you'll need to access the collet below the table when using the lift.

Ray.

 

[Chop n Join]

Hi

Thank you for your replies.

I am in Kent.

I bought the Jessem because I liked the idea of the accuracy.

I intend to use 1/4" and 1/2" bits. I have built up quite a collection.

As for use, anything that my limited skills can attempt, such as doors and cabinets, fitted furniture, etc.

I wondered if there are any dedicated machines, rather than just bolting on a plunge router.

Thank you again.

 

[George_N]

I wondered if there are any dedicated machines, rather than just bolting on a plunge router.

Thank you again.

That sounds like a spindle moulder, which may well be more versatile and powerful than a router table but you have already made the investment in router bits and Router lift/Incra fence. The good thing about a router in a table is that you can take it out and use it hand held if the need arises.

 

[pooka]

One thing to consider is that with your Jessem router lift you can go for a fixed base router in your table should you wish to as obviously the Jessem will provide all the movement you need (if I am thinking of the right Jessem router lift that is). A plunge router is certainly worthwhile if you plan to use it out of the table at times though. I'm not sure if there is much difference in cost between a fixed base router versus a plunge router but if so then you may be able to save yourself some money there depending on your plans.

Personally I have a DeWalt 625 plunge router in my table, and it works well. It is a hefty investment though if the router lives permanently in the table (and detaching it from the Jessem lift as and when you need to use the router hand-held could become a chore), so if cost is an issue then it might not be the best choice, It does work very well hand-held though.

When I bought the DeWalt I had a tough time choosing between it and the Hitachi M12 - the M12 seemed to be a very good (plunge) router and was a bit cheaper than the DeWalt as far as I can remember at the time, so it might be worth considering too.

 

[OLD]

The Jessem Rout-R-Lift allows bit changing from the top but most routers do not allow the chuck to come through the plate so you can get your spanners on, so a shaft extension is required .This means you want top quality bearings in the router and speed control so go for trade quality.
I use a makita in mine.

 

[pooka]

As regards extensions, the eXtreme eXtensions (http://www.routertechnologies.com/extreme extension.htm) tends to get good reviews, and it allows bit changes with an allen key once it is installed.

I believe that some router lifts, when used with some fixed-base routers, allow the router to be raised high enough to facilitate bit changes above the table without an extension, which would be very handy. Might be another factor to consider when deciding on a router, but would obviously need careful investigation of the lift and any prospective routers to see if they allow this when combined,

 

[Chop n Join]

Hi

A lot of people are recommending the Triton TRB001.

It has some nice features but is there a problem with the build quality?

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/view ... ght=trb001

Thank you for your input.

 

[Chop n Join]

Hi

After reading a a lot of recommendations and posts by users, I went for the Triton TRB001.

I found stock in B&Q. Got it for £99.

What a bargain!

I can see now why users like it so much.

I know there has been an issue with the fine adjust for some, this is not going to affect me at all because I am using the Rout-R-Lift.

Thank you all for your help.