I’m looking for recommendations on a Router for a Router Table

I do not have the Triton TRA001 but Roger Gifkins….....Gifkins Dovetail Jig... famous world over… swears by his…...I already had 14 routers so I was not allowed to buy a Triton when they were re-released….from all reports… a great router for the table…

-- Drink twice... and don't bother to cut... @ larrysworkshop.wordpress.com For lovers of all things timber...

I have the smaller Triton and it’s excellent.

-- Laziness minus Apathy equals Efficiency

Another data point for the smaller Triton.

I think the only better choice would be something like the Porter Cable with an after market lift. Possibly nicer but many times over more expensive.

The only other one I know of that is even more inexpensive is the little Ryobi that has an above the table adjustment. Not in the same league though.

-- Woodworking shouldn't cost a fortune: http://lowbudgetwoodworker.blogspot.com/

I’ve heard nothing but good about the Triton, but I had already bought the PC7518 and the Woodpecker PRL V2. I love my set up.

I have the Hitachi M12V and the Woodpecker Plunge-Lift. They have replaced the M12V with the M12V2. Also I have just noticed that Woodpeckers no longer list the Plunge-Lift. I highly recommend the Woodpeckers inserts and lifts. They are very well built. The Rockler tops I have seen in the past had a different opening size from the standard size supplied by Woodpecker. Good luck.

-- Scott in Texas

I have the PC 890 fixed base mounted in the vertical table to a predrilled bench dog plate. I bought the 20 buck wrench from PC to unlock and raise and lower the router. The 20 buck lifting wrench also came with a offset wrench for changing the bits. Of all of the PC routers I have this one works the best in the vertical table. The variable speed works well with the raised panel bits that I use on the vertical table vs the MLCS horizontal table that I have. I pickup the 890 “refrubed” from Amazon a couple of years ago for less than 100 bucks, case manual and all. I think it was a store return that could not be sold as new. It showed no use at all.

-- Life is to short to own an ugly boat.

Many routers have about table height adjust, but the Tritons and the Freud FT1700 & FT3000 are the only routers I know of that offer an auto collet lock and extended collet that protrudes above the table for easy one handed bit changes. They also allow above table height adjust and have above table height lock.

My FT1700 stays in my router table most of the time because it’s so convenient to use in the RT. If you can swing it, go for a big 15 amp unit with loads of power….like the FT3000 or big Triton.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

You’ll really like the Triton… I love mine… smooth, powerful, easy adjustment, auto-lock spindle. It’s well thought out and works like a dream.

-- There is a fine line between eroticism and nausea...

Many routers will accommodate above the table bit changes, incuding my PC 890. However, nothing provides the smooth, precise height adjustment you get with a good router lift (like my woodpecker PRL).

Router lifts are not available for every router. My advice – get a good lift and then get a router that works with that lift.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

I like Rich’s comment, I have the PRL-V2 with the PC 7518 mounted. Did a lot of research, I really wanted the Incra with the mag inserts, but the show price was to good to pass up. If you can get the Incra do it. The one thing about the Woodpecker I don’t like is the process for changing inserts.

-- bigfish "I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it." Vincent Van Gogh

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your input. I had planned to continue using my current system until I could justify the expense of a lift and associated router. However, when I saw this 3 ¼ HP Triton for $199 I thought that’s just too tempting to wait any longer for an improved system. With an easier system of adjustment and bit change, I think I’ll probably use the router table first rather than as a last resort. Thanks again.

-- Dan - Valparaiso, Indiana, "A smart man changes his mind, a fool never does."

Trditon is a good choice. Remember to read and understand the adjustment process.
here in a woodshop where 50 hands are using equipment the adjustment mechanism is tricky and not understood by old timeers.
the adjustment has been messed up so much that the Triton is not used any more as it was at the dealer constantly. one user is fine, 50 a problem.

-- Bruce. a mind is like a book it is only useful when open.

Better yet… $175

http://www.ptreeusa.com/edirect_020811.htm

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

I’ve had the Triton TRA001 hanging under my router table for two years. The adjustments take a bit of getting used to but if I ever need a replacement the Triton is what I’ll get

-- Ken

I would recommend at least a 2.5 hp or higher router for a table.

The Triton 3 hp was really made to be a table router (from what I can see) and gets pretty good reviews on that. I have the Milwaukee 5625-20 (3.5hp) and it is another router that excellent for a table and I did not spend much more money than the Triton….

I have the Milwaukee on a woodpecker side lift ( I have also added a TS extension for a router table and have ordered a motor lift from MLCS for that one. (April 15th or so).

I would definitely recommend a good lift…..I had a table without one and it is alot of work to change bits…raise or lower the depth of cut…ect. It is really a convenience to now have a lift…bit changes are from above the table now and I can sneak up to the depth without having to do alot of under table manipulation…..I am looking forward to the motor lift as my friend bought one and it really is nice to use…especially on the plunge cuts. I figure that I can do all my dados at the TS now…either using a dado blade or the router with lift.

-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!