Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | Aug 28, 2006 02:30am | #1

   Of the big 3hp routers, the Milwaukee 5625 tends to scoop up the top ratings for table mounting these days. It has above table height adjustments, softstart, VS and is really stout. The Hitachi M12V tends to get best bang for the buck recommendations.

   The Freud FT1700 is the most user friendly router for table mounting I've used. It features an auto collet lock, one handed above table bit changes, above table height adjustment, above table height lock, and also has softstart and VS.  It's a midsize 13 amp 2-1/4hp router with enough power to handle the vast majority of tasks, but it won't match the power of a good 3hp router.

   http://www.epinions.com/content_228357738116
   http://www.epinions.com/content_245903494788

   
   

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   Edited 8/28/2006 2:00 pm ET by Knotscott

2. 
   Routerman | Aug 28, 2006 02:35am | #2

   Lots of choices, see link, might trim it down for you.

3. 
   Troy | Aug 28, 2006 08:38am | #3

   I have the big Dewalt and have been happy with it, I like the collet design and the soft start feature.

   Troy

1. 
   BillA | Aug 29, 2006 05:18am | #6

   Is the Dewalt adjustable from above the table?

1. 
   BruceS | Aug 29, 2006 05:47am | #7

   The DeWalt 621 or 625  unfortunately are not adjustable from the table top unless you install a Router RaiZer,  available at http://www.eagleamerica.com  Part # 415-0600.  It's the router I have in my table.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

   Edited 8/28/2006 10:49 pm ET by BruceS

2. 
   Troy | Aug 29, 2006 06:40am | #8

   No they are not I have mine mounted in a table that is part of my table saw extention so I just have the factory fine ajustment knob and I just reach under the table to change the hight. Some of the fancier rounter table setups would be nice but this set up works ok for me.Troy

4. 
   MRGreer | Aug 28, 2006 06:34pm | #4

   The PC7518 is one of the better routers for table mounting.  It is 5 speed, has slow start, and is easily adjusted from below and is the motor that just about every above the table lift kit fits.  It has a bunch of power, 1/4 and 1/2" collets, electronic speed feedback so that when there is a load the speed doesn't slow down, and is reasonably priced.  I've been using this permanently mounted in my router table for years and am very happy with this unit.

5. 
   derekcohen | Aug 28, 2006 06:47pm | #5

   In addition to power and reliability, the large Triton has the facility for above-table bit changing. It excels in a router table.

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

1. 
   BillA | Sep 03, 2006 12:19am | #10

   What model is the Triton

   PS. Have been to Oz once - spent 3 weeks. A lot of on the Gold Coast and Port McQuarry. Climbed Mt. Warning. A terrific country.

1. 
   derekcohen | Sep 03, 2006 03:34am | #11

   Hi Bill

   Here are links to reviews (by Bill Esposito) on the two Triton models on offer. The larger one is the reputed leader for in-table use:

   http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/tritonrouter.htm

   The smaller, more recent version, is reportedly great for hand use.

   http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/tritonrouter2.htm

   Incidentally, I have a few routers. I go to my Elu 177e for most hand work. I have had this one about 15 years now and it runs as well as when new. A real work horse and the inspiration for router design for decades. However it is not perfect for in-table use. The major drawback being that it must be removed to change bits.

   My in-table router is a modified GMC fixed-base model, no longer manufactured (I bought an end-of-run model extremely cheaply). What I like about this one is it can be removed easily (although it lives in the table), bits can be changed above the tabletop, and height adjustment is a snap (one of my modifications). I imagine that many fixed-base routers could be used similarly.

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

1. 
   BillA | Sep 06, 2006 04:09am | #13

   Derek,

   thanks for the link to the review of the Triton. Sounds like a winner. I think my choice will come down to the Triton and the Milwaukee.

   Regards from (near) Seattle.

    

   Bill

2. 
   Lataxe | Sep 06, 2006 09:48pm | #14

   Derek,

   I second the Triton, which also has the advantages of being Orange and Australian.  It will go with that plane of yours, in a colour-co-ordinated shed.  :-)

   The ability to change the bit with one hand by winding the automatically locking collet above the table, via the built-in winder in one of the plunge handles, is just the apogee of a long list of table-friendly features.

   Lataxe.

6. 
   DocXmas | Aug 30, 2006 05:02am | #9

   I have been using the Milwaukee for the last year and love it plenty of power and easy adjustment from above the table with no fancy add ons.

    

7. 
   bladeburner | Sep 04, 2006 05:28pm | #12

   I have been using the Milwaukee for the last year and love it plenty of power and easy adjustment from above the table with no fancy add ons.

    

   Me too!

    

8. 
   daveinnh | Sep 10, 2006 04:38am | #15

   I have a Fein router in the Benchdog table. I bought it because of a promotional sale.  It's quiet (as routers go), smooth, and powerful. 

   It's probably not the best for a router table even with the optional extension knob I bought.