Replies

1. 
   sailalex | Dec 17, 2005 04:34pm | #1

   I have the same router table and one of the advantages is any type router will clamp to the underside of the table. I suppose your question really is what routers have the best (easiest?)depth adjustments for work in a table. I think I saw a thread here about a Milwaukee router that had adjustments that worked from the top down; you might check it out. 

2. 
   Routerman | Dec 17, 2005 11:30pm | #2

   See the selection link for some perspective & 2 motor choices.

3. 
   Burts | Dec 18, 2005 06:00am | #3

   I have four of the Veritas tables - 1 with a Milwaukee 3 horse, 2 with the Makita 3612c. and one with the Triton.  The Milwaukee is definately a good choice.  Another Nice choice especially if you want to stay with the plunge is the makita and also add the Veritas bit jack.  That makes huge adjustments quickly and at the time you can do the very precise ones.  The Jury is still out on the Triton.  I had some concerns with the original model they brought into the US.  The Mfg recently sent me a updated model to see what I though of it.  Unfortunately, I had to head to the hospital and it will be a while before I get to test.  Of the big routers I have had in the Veritas, let me give you the lineup as I see - Best to Worst

   Milwaukee - 3 horse - has built in adjustment and the most power of the group

   Makita 3612c - A real work horse and stronger than a PC 7518

   PC 7518 - Old and tough but way over rated in the power department.

   Hatachi 3 horse - Doesn't appear to be in the quality league with the others I mentioned here but a good performer.

   Not rated:  Triton.  If all the bells and whistles on the triton function as they are suppose to, this would be  a great choice

    

1. 
   brundo | Dec 18, 2005 07:18am | #4

   Hi Burts,
   This more then I expected, however I am surprised there is no mention of DeWalt 625. I have also DW621, but I see advantage in using plunge router on the table. Could you comment on this.I hope you are getting well and thank you!

1. 
   Burts | Dec 18, 2005 08:26am | #5

   I'm not sure why but I have never owned a DW 625.  I had a DW 621 once and it was a fine little machine.  I sold it only because I have made the Bosch 1617evs my primary small router - about 10 of them and their close relatives. 

   I have never heard anything bad about a DW 625 and you can find reams of good comments on it.

   Which is really better  is a great subject of debate.  I find the plungers harder to adjust properly in a table unless you add a bit jack or router raiser.  This will make the routers quiet easy to adjust.  If you remove the springs, the router will move up and down easier, but it also causes some problems with doing adjustments.

   A fixed base like the MIlwaukee is near perfect in that you can easily remove the entire motor for bit changes and at the same time is easily adjusted.

    

2. 
   Anon | Dec 20, 2005 04:51am | #7

   I appreciate the wealth of info. I am just getting ready to upgrade from a slapped-together router table and an old DeWalt that has seen much better days. I plan to get the Veritas steel table and wonder if you've got any experience/ opinion on the Porter-Cable 895? I know FW rated it well but I've also seen comments that there are problems with the fit & finish, overall quality, backlash on height adjustments, etc. Any thoughts you or others have will be much appreciated before jumping into a pricey purchase.

1. 
   Burts | Dec 20, 2005 05:54am | #8

   I've heard good things about the 895 but I have no personal experience with it.  The old 690 series was a real work horse.  I'd be more inclined to go with the Bosch 1617EVS or maybe the new DeWalts.  I'm not convinced that Porter Cable has mastered electronics. 

    

3. 
   JJV | Dec 21, 2005 12:25am | #9

   OK, now I am curious-I have a Triton router and everything seems to be working just fine.  I bought this in 2002 or 2003; can't remember exactly.  How old is the one you have that you have not rated, and what are your gripes? 

   Thanks!Maybe someday I'll know a little something.

1. 
   Burts | Dec 21, 2005 04:15am | #10

   The reason I didn't rate it was to avoid giving an inaccurate rating.  The one that was just replaced was one of the original trirtons.  Among other things, they didn't have a boot over the switch so dust got into the switch and the gears were plastic instead of steel.  Also I had some problems with dust collecting in the plunge pipes making it impossible to put the router in the bit changing mode.  The plastic gears were not even close to being as smooth as the metal gears.

   I have no issues with the power of the router.  One that is working as yours is, it probably the best router for a router table. 

4. 
   Troy | Dec 19, 2005 09:19am | #6

   I have been happy with my Dewalt 625 for use in my router table.

   Troy

5. 
   forestgirl | Dec 24, 2005 09:35am | #11

   It's fascinating to see that so many members here have the Veritas steel table top.  I guess I'm the only one who's so persistent about mentioning it when the "which router table" posts hit the boards, LOL!

   I put a Freud FT2000E 3-1/4 HP in mine (finally -- replaced a PC690) and love it.  The good news is, Freud now makes a router with above-the-table adjustment.  Don't know the model number, I think it's very new.  For any of the ATT-adjustment routers, you'd probably have to drill a hole in the table.

   That table top is so thin, it makes it easy to change bits from the top.  Wrench reaches easily to the collet nut.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)