Which router

[kevinlightfoot]

My table router has died and I need to buy another which 3 hp would you recommend I already have a makita 3612c but need one specifically for use in a router table in addition to the one I have .It needs to be powerful.I am also intending to build a new router table using a cast iron table top from Axminster I think they are made by UJK technology so any comments on this would be appreciated .The last one I built has lasted a long time but it was made from an old wadkin spindle moulder top and it had to be fettled quite a lot and was never 100 percent.I would like to hear any of your experiences you may have had going along these lines so I can hopefully avoid expensive pitfalls many thanks in anticipation Kevin.

 

[Mrs C]

My Triton TRA001 is fab. I don’t have anything to compare it to as it’s the first and only table router I have owned, but It certainly does the job!

I notice that there is one in the for sale section if you haven’t already spotted it.

 

[Peter Sefton]

The idea of a cast iron top is nice but I think one of the only lifts that will fit your chosen one is the UJK, I am not a fan of the chain driven versions as they clog up over time.
I have a couple of Dewalt 625's in my workshop which are quite powerful in a router table.

Cheers Peter

 

[MikeJhn]

I have the UJK Router table with the lift unit fitted with a Hitachi MV2 Router, so far over seven years, never clog'd or any problems with the chain, the instructions say to use STP motor oil additive on the chain and threaded rods which I did, you would think the viscosity of this would attract dust, but it works and stays clear, the Router just eats anything I throw at it, the Router is fitted with a Muscle Chuck, wonderful piece of kit, just an allen key to change bits above the table.

Sold on my Triton, have two other Hitachi's, two Draper Experts, Katsu, and a Bosch, the Triton was a pain in the preverbal, the automatic lock means getting under the table to unlock the spindle and lock the height, the UJK lift is worth every penny.

Mike

 

[kevinlightfoot]

Thanks for that info I was looking at the dewalt but it only comes with the one collet and I need extra ones,the makita comes with the extra ones I need.Peter which table top would you then recommend?I have read conflicting reviews about the UJK inserts,won't fit properly,nightmare to level etc and of course very expensive,it's not particularly the cost but I want to get it right without too much palarva just bolt on the router and get on with the job.I will take a look at the Triton I mistakenly thought they were only aimed at the D.I.Y end of the market,I perhaps need to broaden my outlook,I have always stuck with the makita brand but perhaps other brands have caught up.

 

[kevinlightfoot]

Thanks Mike see what I mean about conflicting reviews,did you have much trouble fitting the router lift? Some people are saying it's a right faff getting them level.Your set up was the one I have looked at and the Hitachi looks like a good router and slightly less expensive,this kind of info is extremely useful and is coming faster than I can type my reply so sorry for my consecutive posts.

 

[Peter Sefton]

I used to own a UJK and sell them via my shop, the customer feed back is mixed, and some have upgraded to others we offer now, at the same price I should add.

I am slightly biased but fairly experienced with router lifts and associated products. For me if you want to use a plunge router on a lift then the JessEm Prestige is the best on the market either pre drilled or un-drilled if using an old or unusual router.

If using a fixed base router the either JessEm or Incra (both made by JessEm) the Incra is more expensive but has the best insert plates on the market which sit on magnets.

If you just want a plate then Incra are the best and and are available as pre drilled or un-drilled again.

Goggle for reviews and see what comes up or check out the customer reviews on my site if you like.

Cheers Peter

 

[kevinlightfoot]

Thanks Peter,I have decided to use my original table,my problem is that the router I need must have an overall width not exceeding 8 inches including the handles to allow the router to rise to its full extent,the makita is too wide but I think the Hitachi may do the job.Mike I wonder if you could measure yours and let me know before I press the buy It now button,many thanks again for this valuable input,regards Kevin.

 

[MikeJhn]

Kevin

It will be tomorrow now for me to check the width for you, but a bit of a jog of the brain and the Hitachi I have in the table is a M12VE, which does not have the speed control on the handle, so the handles where taken off as its permanently mounted.

Mike

 

[MikeJhn]

The stubs that the handles fit over are approximately 225mm side too side, but they could be cut off if this is going to be a dedicated table router, this would reduce the overall width to approximately 180mm.

Mike

 

[kevinlightfoot]

Brilliant Mike exactly the information I needed,clicking to buy a couple of them this morning,Amazon have them at a very reasonable price,again many thanks to all for their input,regards Kevin.

 

[MikeJhn]

Glad to help.

Mike