Router choices… and availabilities…
I have recently ordered my first router, the Triton 2.25 HP, with the idea mostly using it in a router table setup. I like the size and features a lot, and FWW certainly gave this router high praise.
My problem; No one has one available to order. Woodcraft and Amazon are the two suppliers in the US, and woodcraft (from whom I ordered mine) has it backordered until 7-27-07 : ( Amazon stopped listing it all together.
What makes this more frustrating in that they had origionally listed “in stock 6-8-07” when I placed the order.
So, my question is… would you reccomend that I get the larger 3.25 HP model which IS in stock for $5 more, but sacrifice the ability to use this as a comfotably sized hand held… or get a different router such as the porter cable 894.
I could also just wait, but I was really hoping to use a router for the mortices and edging on some maple end tables that I’m doing (they want them by the end of the month).
BTW those are handheld operations…
I would really appreciate hearing from any one who owns either triton model/ the porter cable. I’ve heard that the 3.25 hp is a real monster. I don’t plan on using large raised panel bits or anything that requires that much power. I kind of planned on just getting a shaper when the day comes that I need that much HP.
Is there anyone who feels like the porter cable is a better router than the triton? (it’s also $55 more expensive because it takes 2 bases to do what the triton does with one)
Maybe I’ll just save up and get the Festool OF 1400 ; )
thanks for your ever helpful insights-
Vincent
Replies
For the 5 buck difference, I'd get the bigger router for the table.
And I'd probably also order the smaller one for handheld use - so that I can leave the beast in the table.
And I'd tell DW that that's what it takes to make the thing she wants.
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Vincent:
I purchased my 2.25 Triton from Woodworker.com. I just checked their site and the router is on backorder until 6/28/07. I am impressed with this router. My other router is a large Bosch which has served me well for 15 years and continues to do so. I would wait for the small Triton. The height adjustment and bit changing from above the table are significant benefits.
Cheers,
Joe
vince,
I bought the 3.25 for the table as I have the DW621 for handheld along with an old 3/4 BD(hinges mainly). It may be my imagination, but it seems much quieter than when the 621 was in the table. I'm sure your aware that the 3.25 has two height adjustments; macro and micro....setting height is very quick. I change the bit above the table with one wrench...I like the fact that the machine must be switched off to change bits. I have it plugged into a power strip along with a small vac...throw the switch and both go on. The 3.25 delays a second to allow dust to start first.
I'm really enjoying it so far.
Edited 6/14/2007 5:44 pm ET by BG
I've never used a Triton router, although I have read the good reviews, but I have maybe 5 Porter-Cable routers and couldn't be happier. It seems to me that the router bits are probably more imporatant than the router. I use PC's because they are strong basic machines with very few fancy frills to get in the way, and they do all that I ask.
Vincent,
I have been succesfully using the Triton 2.25HP router mounted in a tablefor a few months now.
I have a write-up on a fairly easy router table which incorporates thisparticular router at this link.. if you are interested:
http://www.fineboxes.com/RouterTableProject.htm
Norman
Wow, that's one sweet router table. Since this will obviously be my next project, much thanks for the detailed link. I really like the design of the table... it has everything I would want in a router table. The crosscut sled is especially clever. vincent
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