Replies

1. 
   zvonsomogyi | Oct 27, 2002 10:17pm | #1

     I hav'nt tried the triton, but it seems like the handles are to high for comfortable hand-held use. It reads like it would be good in a table, but it's kind of expesive.

1. 
   kram59 | Oct 28, 2002 04:05am | #2

   Thanks "Z"

    I have just retired and am in the process of establishing my workshop. Presently, I am comparing routers and the Triton router has received good ratings in FWW and Woodshop News. However before I buy a router I thought I would go out to other woodworkers for their "first-hand" opinions. Your response has been very helpful.

   Thanks

   Mark

2. 
   charlesm | Oct 28, 2002 06:08am | #3

   This could be taken as competition bashing and that is not my intent, so please take this info in the spirit in which it was intended. The positives of this router are many. It has all router manufacturers scrambling to mimic the features. The only negatives I found with my precursory examination are:

   The handles are round and that could make it difficult to control (this is a result of the feature that allows you to use one handle to control the rack & pinion height adjustment).

   The tool is made in Taiwan and has no real history.

   To me it felt a little cheap. I think they could have spent a little more on giving the tool better heft and ergonomics.

   To my eye it is ungainly and could use a makeover.

   These few negatives are, IMHO, what you will see the competitors working on in the next year. Mark your calendars and see if my predictions are correct. Hopefully we will all hear from a current owner who can share more insight.

   Charles M

   Freud, Inc.

1. 
   RSRose | Oct 28, 2002 07:30am | #4

   Charles,

   What features are all the router manufacturers scambling to mimic?

   Rich

1. 
   RSRose | Oct 28, 2002 08:28am | #5

   OK,

   I looked myself and found this:

   http://www.sharpend-uk.com/triton_router_editorial.htm

   R

1. 
   TomMGTC | Oct 28, 2002 03:16pm | #6

   Got a chance to see that router at Highland Hardware recently (before the FWW issue came out) and I was very impressed. Looks like a very well thought out machine and it would be great in a router table. Hope to get a chance to try it out in a couple of weeks.

1. 
   bill_1010 | Oct 28, 2002 03:35pm | #7

   The true measure will be the customer support.  With a "new fangled gadgit" like this router, it will surely stir up some customer support issues. 

2. 
   SgianDubh | Oct 30, 2002 08:37pm | #9

   It has an extra long plunge-- don't recall offhand how long, but long enough that the collet nut can be exposed below the base (or above the table if being used inverted) and supposedly one handed collet nut slackening and tightening. This is why it looks somewhat top heavy. it's also quite powerful at ~3-1/4 HP.

   It can be used as a typical plunge router, or it can be locked into an incremental depth setting mode using a rack and pinion mechanism actuated by one of the round knobs. I've never used one, but I'd like someone to supply me with an example for a test drive, hint, hint, and ha, ha. And could I keep it after I've written my report?

   Triton are a well established and recognised supplier of portable woodworking tools in Europe and Australia (there home base) so their track record is only new in North America. Slainte.Some stuff I've made.

1. 
   RSRose | Oct 30, 2002 09:33pm | #10

   RJ,

   Thanks.

   Yup, it looks like a good design. Not Earth-shattering but thoughtful. If I hadn't recently bought a Bosch (2 hp), I'd probably get one. The Bosch achieves some of the same functionality by supplying two different bases. Less "efficient" but actually quite satisfying. The ability to change the bit with one hand is a good idea, but certainly not reason alone to make one buy the machine. But if it's a good machine over-all it will probably sell well.

   R

1. 
   CWDaymon | Oct 31, 2002 06:10am | #11

   It also locks out the power switch when the collet is extended below the base plate to change a bit, preventing the router from being switched on.

   The provided edge guide is also a circle guide.

   Looks like the latest issues of virtually ALL the woodworking magazines seem to include a very positive write-up of one sort or another on this router. The latest WOOD, Fine Woodworking, Popular Woodworking, Woodworker's Journal and Workbench all seem to have write-ups on this router. I have heard that it is better suited for table use than hand-held use, then again it is a 325HP router and that alone makes it a bit big for hand-held use.

   -Craig

2. 
   BG | Nov 01, 2002 02:24am | #12

   "has an extra long plunge-- don't recall offhand how long, but long enough that the collet nut can be exposed below the base (or above the table if being used inverted) and supposedly one handed collet nut slackening and tightening"

   I think the exposing of the collet nut below the base is only when you are changing bits..it has a safety feature so that it can not be turned on in that position...

1. 
   Sancho | Nov 01, 2002 03:22am | #13

   I found it in the McFeeleys catalogue and they say it is designed for router table

   At Darkworks cut to size made to burn......Putty isnt a option

2. 
   SgianDubh | Nov 01, 2002 10:14am | #15

   BG, I think you are correct, but I'm not sure. As I understand it the machine won't spin if it's plunged too deep, even during operation--some kind of sensor blocks that.  The overthrow depth is just for changing bits. Slainte.Some stuff I've made.

2. 
   kram59 | Oct 30, 2002 08:24pm | #8

   Thanks for the reply Charles .... It appears from the low number of responses that the Triton router has not been out tried by very many U.S. woodworkers. Bottomline, I think I will wait a little longer and so more experienced woodworkers can develop an opinion about this router.

   Thanks again

   mark

3. 
   NormInFujino | Nov 01, 2002 07:43am | #14

   If you want to talk with someone who actually owns one, I know an Australian who loves his. If you'd like, e-mail me (below) and I'll send you his e-mail address.

   nhavens @ despammed . com

   ". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."

   Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Nov 01, 2002 11:57pm | #16

   Hi Norm,

   I don't own one of these routers (have a Makita 3.5Hp variable speed) but can provide info on the general reputation of Triton over here. 

   Trade (*heavy* daily use) tend to stay away from Triton, but they are the supplier of choice with a great reputation in the DIY and recreational woodwork market.  Generally, they have some innovative and thought through designs, with a lot of features on their equipment that is otherwise only available on absolute top-end trade tools.  Their home page is http://www.triton.net.au/front.html - look through for examples.

   They have reasonable customer service (I've heard) although I have never dealt with them.

   Machines with a reputation for better reliability are Makita and Hitachi.

   If I was working in a home workshop, I would not have a problem buying the Triton router. Indeed, the router that they have is well designed and has a lot of positives and very few negatives.  Same for their circ saw, etc. 

   Cheers,

   eddie

   ps:  (edit)  no commercial affiliation.  If there's anyone else living locally that feels this info isn't correct (particularly my perception of their quality & reputation), please post your thoughts also.

   Edited 11/1/2002 5:10:09 PM ET by eddie (aust)

1. 
   NormInFujino | Nov 02, 2002 02:34am | #17

   Eddie, your information is pretty much what I've heard from my acquaintance. He says he likes his Triton router particularly because it allows height adjustment and bit release from above the table, so he doesn't have to remove the router or go underneath to adjust and change bits. . . .if I remember correctly ^o^

   ". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."

   Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township

2. 
   dondownunder | Nov 02, 2002 03:11am | #18

   Eddie

   I tend to agree with your comments but I can only speak anecdotally of Triton as I don't own any of their gear [although I have used the saw/router table (with a Makita) when teaching a friend some of the finer aspects of woodworking on his].

   My impression is that they are firmly aimed at the DIY market, which judging by the attendances at the recent Timber & Working with Wood shows is probably a lot bigger than the trade anyway. They certainly have a good rep for being innovative, for ongoing product improvement & for an ever-increasing range of accessories.

   However as you have alluded to we tradies tend to go with the brands/suppliers we trust because we can't afford down time......but as Sgian said send me one & I'll do a reveiw, except every WW mag I've picked up in the last month has alredy run one.

   Don    

1. 
   TomMGTC | Dec 12, 2002 06:18pm | #19

   I have recently aquired the triton router and have used it a bit and it is fabulous. I got it primarily for table use as I have plenty of other router but found them cumbersome for table use. I couldn't see spending the price of router for one of those router lift gadgets. The triton is an absolute joy to use in a table. Height adjustment is fast, smooth and accurate with both a coarse and fine adjustment.  bit changing is a snap.  just raise the router all the way up, the collet comes up through the table and locks, and the guard over the power switch islocked in place as a safety feature. The variable speed works great and there is plenty of power to turn large bits. I think you would hard pressed to find a better router for table mounting.

    The only thing  I plan to do is add an external switch so I don't have to keep reaching under the table to turn it on. I would have to do that with any router so I can't really call it a drawback.