Replies

1. 
   Boomer179 | Feb 27, 2008 03:50am | #1

   There is an Australian company named Triton. They make a 2hp router which is perfect for in table use. It was reviewed in FW about 1 year ago and was the editor pick. I bought it and it is great. Best about it is a built in winding stick that allows you to adjust height while mounted in the table, in other words a built in router raiser. You can also change bits while the machine is still mounted. Finally the price is very reasonable. I highly recommend it.

2. 
   JamesS | Feb 27, 2008 07:27am | #2

   Quick......... If the switch is a problem, you can wire it thru a switch on the front of your table???

   James

3. 
   charlesm | Feb 27, 2008 03:33pm | #3

   The FT3000VCE uses the same mounting holes as the one you have (albeit with the addition of two holes) and offers above table bit changes, above table height adjustment and is 3-1/4HP:
   http://www.freudtools.com/p-261-ft3000vce-3-14-hp-variable-speed-plunge-router.aspx
   Or you could get an aftermarket lift kit and bent wrench for the router you already own.

   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.

1. 
   Quickstep | Feb 28, 2008 03:29am | #4

   Thanks for the tip on the Freud FT3000VCE. It looks like it may be the ticket. I've already got a bent wrench for my router, but the collet doesn't come high enough to reach from above. When you say the FT3000VCE uses the same mounting holes albeit with the addition of two new holes, are you saying that the FT3000VCE has five mounting screws?

1. 
   charlesm | Feb 28, 2008 05:31am | #5

   The FT3000VCE has three mounting holes that are the same as the FT2000E and FT2200E. The additional two holes you would need to drill are for the above table height adjust and shaft lock.
   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.

4. 
   harrycu | Feb 28, 2008 07:23pm | #6

   I don't know what ya'll think of John Lucas, but I've been reading a lot of his stuff over at woodshopdemos.com and he just swears by the Triton for router table applications. Of course if I had major tool companies sending me truckloads of free tools every week to "evaluate"...I'm sure I'd talk it up pretty good, too. (just my 2 senses)

   Harry

    

   Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.
1. 
   Boomer179 | Mar 01, 2008 05:15pm | #7

   Harry,I read the Finewoodworking article reviewing table mounted routers last year and bought the Triton based on the strong review FW gave it. Its a fantastic tool! The price is very low considering what you are getting. In fact almost any router raiser kit costs more than the Triton router and is less precise. I would highly recommend this tool and I can assure you nobody is sending me any free anything. FYI it took me almost 9 months to actually get the router because demand was so strong, not a bad sign.

5. 
   graphguy | Mar 01, 2008 05:52pm | #8

   Why do you need a 3.25?  I would challenge any arguement that one is needed for panel making - as that seems to be the typical "why" response.  Unless you are a production woodworking, a 2 1/2 will do any job in a table.  With that said...the best overall, is Triton.

6. 
   BG | Mar 01, 2008 07:13pm | #9

   Quick,
   Just a couple of points you may find useful.

   First, you are correct with regard to your perceptions about making adjustments to the Triton 3.25, your hands do need to go under the table. If you can't do that, move on find another router, however, as far as being complicated or difficult, it's on the same level as peeing at a urinal..the hands quickly know.

   Secondly, I think all routers need to be turned on and that means going under the table. This can be avoided by rewiring or (as I do) use a power strip with an on/off switch. The strip also starts the vac at the same time.

   Third, when the Triton appeared several years ago its design for under table use was clearly superior. I finally bought one 18 months ago for about $210. I'm not in the market for a router so I don't know what is out there now, however, I'm sure there are many routers now that are just as good and maybe better We may not know if the other models are better for another year. You can be sure however, in this competitive market, manufacturers are keenly aware and know they need to be better to survive.

1. 
   Quickstep | Mar 01, 2008 07:32pm | #10

   From what I understand, the shaft lock on the Triton won't work if you leave the router switch on and use an external switch. I'm currently set up with an external switch as well as a foot switch and I want to keep using that setup. I'd like to avoid reaching under the table to engage the switch to use the shaft lock.

1. 
   BG | Mar 02, 2008 01:18am | #11

   Quickstep,
   The toggle switch on the router has a cover over it that stays open when in the on position and closed when in the off position..so you can't accidentally turn the router on. I plug my router into the power strip, set the toggle switch to on and use the switch on the power strip all day long. When I want to change a bit I hit the toggle switch, that closes the cover, crank with my right hand the bit holder above the table, change bits, lower back down, reset toggle switch ...and I'm good to go. I don't think it takes more than a minute.When you say you use an external switch I'm not sure what that means...but if that switch controls power on/off I would think it would work?