The Perfect Router and Table?

rolanddds

I've been doing woodworking on and off for 20 years as a hobbyist, and my plain old 20 yr laminate surface table is warped and time for a upgrade. As I get older it sure seems like a lift would be nice perk for the table. And then I heard about the Triton that evidently you can raise and change bits above the table. Sounds good, does it work well? Are there other routers that you can work above the table and not buy a lift? The sad part is I still have the same Milwaukee ( 2 hp) that I bought 20 years ago and works great. And then there is the table and the fence to consider? Miter slots or not? T-Tracks? I've never had either? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Tom

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curiousgeorge

Hi Tom,
I have the Triton 2 1/4 in my table and it is a great machine. There are others, but I can't speak from experience on them. As for the miter slots or T-tracks, I do not have either on my table except for the T-track on the fence I made. I have not found an instance where I thought they would really be needed on my table even when making cope and stick. Some like 'em and some don't. I guess it really comes down to how many bells and whistles you want on your table.

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George
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xplorx4

Hay Tom, I have a Ridgid router it can be adjusted from above the table also. I have so far been satisfied with this router, but I am new and don't have anything to base it against. I know there are others that have the lift built in.

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"We are all one decision away from Stupid!!"

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dutchman 46

Hello Tom, I agree with Jerry and George, Anytime that you put slot, and T'tracks, You have a great place to trap sawdust and shavings. Your always having to clean. A fence that clamps on and a 90 degree sled, with a clamp, is better, and more useful .
Thats My Opinion, And i usually fell that my opinion isn't bad. But remember, its the only one i have!

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kolias

I have both T-Tracks and 1 miter track next to my insert. I don't find that they collect any sawdust and find them very handy.

To change the bid I just lift the insert / router and do my change, takes a minute.

I would not have a table without T-Tracks / miter. Although you may not need them now, you will in the future

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Nicolas

Capt Splinter

Hi Tom,
I have the Triton 2 1/4 also. I love how it works. I made my own router table and hope to be able to post pics soon. I do not have any tracks but I did buy the Rockler close-out fence they are selling for $29. It comes with the attach hardware for the tracks. I don't use the hardware, and just clamp it in place when I need it.
The safety shields that come installed on the Triton while free-handing really get in the way when mounted on the table, so I took them off. I left the dust collection attachment in place, and ran my little shop vac hose to it. This works pretty well.
Good luck,
George

curiousgeorge

Kolias,
For my own personal edification, for what purpose(s) will they be needed in the future that can't be done without them? As I stated before, I can see using them on your fence, but not on the table itself.

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rolanddds

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the feedback. It sounds like everybody is different and it comes down to personal choice and maybe what you are use to. I'd like to hear more about the 90 degree sled from Howard without a miter slot. I'm not sure how that works. Does it have a spacer so it runs on the fence at a level above the bit? Anybody else use a sled like this?

Tom

rolanddds

Hey George,

Do you ever use the T trak on your fence? Featherboards perhaps?

Tom

curiousgeorge

Yes. Feather boards, sometimes a stop block or a bit guard. Here is a video you might enjoy on "Router Table Tips, Tricks and Techniques". It's podcast #32...

Podcast — Woodworking Online

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