I’ve just recently gotten into woodworking, and a few months ago built a router table. I bolted in a old craftsman router to the underside of the table, which worked well enough, except that making adjustments was a pain. So I’ve been looking into getting a router lift, and realized that it would probably be a good idea to get a new router too.
From reading around hear it sounds like the PC 7518 with a Benchdog lift is the best setup, but I think thats more than I’d like to spend. Instead I’ve been looking at the JessEm Rout-R-Lift FX and a Dewalt 618. Does anyone have any experiance with this setup? Is there a better router in the 2 1/4 HP range? I’ve been very happy with the other Dewalt tools I have So I’m inclined to stick with them.
Lastly, I’m just a hobbiest, and so I think this setup will be sufficent. However I’m concerned that a cheap lift will acutaly make my life more difficult, if it doesn’t stay set properly.
Replies
I have the Dewalt 618 Kit. I am very happy with it. I also have a Milwaukee that i am more partial to and am purchasing the Routr-lift to put it in. In my opinion if you are going to have a dedicated router for your table, Milwaukee makes a 3hp model that you may want to look into. I am fairly new to wood working too and sure that there are plenty of guys on this site that can give you advice. I for one have gotten alot of good info from here.
Good Luck!
Fredg
Meckser,
If you have a Woodcraft near by, you should take a look at the Triton. Either the 2.5 or 3.25 was made for the router table...no lifts needed, about $200.
First, know that something is going on with Triton. Bankrupcy is the rumor. But spare parts are not available and one of their distributors said inventory is non-existant right now. I do not think they are out of business. Nor do I believe they will disappear. I was very pleased with their product until mine failed.
The Triton does not have a built-in lift. The 2-1/4 HP has an above the table micro adjustment. Triton service rep said NOT to use this feature as a lift. I did, and the plastic worm gear stripped out after about an hour of use.
The larger Triton 3+ HP has no above the table adjustments.
Look at the Milwaukee 5625-20 (3+HP) and a lift like the INCRA-Jessem Mast-R-Lift. Can you budget $550-$600. If not, skip the lift and fab your own table top, bolting the Milwaukee to the top. The 5625-20 does have a built-in lift.! You may decide you don't need a lift. If you still want one, when funds are available, add a lift.
Greg
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Edited 5/17/2009 11:01 pm by Cincinnati
It's somewhat misleading to say that the larger Triton has no above the table adjustments -- depends what you mean. It doesn't have a hand crank that fits into the tabletop, but it does have a control on the router itself that raises the collet well clear of the table to allow bit changes there.
Jim
Greg,I'm hoping Triton survives, between my Triton and Hitachi I've got an Irish flag thing going...up Leitrim. Anyhow, the OP mentioned he was a new with the hobby, had a craftsman and a table. I started in the same place with my 70's router hell bent to avoid taking the router out and the use of two wrenches to change a 1/4" bit...and forget about fine adjustment. Given he has access to underneath his table top( which is required with the Craftsman) he might be surprised with the Triton features. Granted it's not above the table adjustments, but I can change a bit in about 20 seconds and adjust height just as fast. Frankly, I don't know what the other routers do anymore, its been a few years since I've looked.I do have a larger issue with router setup designs. There appears to be a lot of add-ons to router set ups in the marketplace. It's all good stuff but when you back off and take a longer look it's the equivalent of converting a contractor saw into a European slider. I know I'm over the top here but after I got my set up complete I watch the Two Router Guys show. They just have a simple setup and make stuff...
Edited 5/19/2009 4:35 am ET by BG
The Triton 2.25hp does sound like pretty much exactly what I want, and it would save me the expensive/hassle of having to buy a separate router and lift, I'm going to head down to Woodcraft today to take a look. As far as I can tell Cincinnati's issue with the gear stripping, while disappointing sounds like it is an isolated incident, as after searching around I haven't found anyone else who had this problem, or am I mistaken and have other people run into this issue? Of course the other issue is the whole bankruptcy of Triton's parent company GMC. Apparently Triton got spunoff to a group of investors that include some of the original owners. However it also sounds like all of the manufacturing is up in the air, and while it sounds like eventually everything will get back to normal, it may take awhile. So after the Triton, my next choice is the Dewalt 618, with the Rousseau 3002 Router Lift LS. Anyone have any comments on this setup?
I have the Dewalt 618 under my router table bolted to a JessEm plate, I went that route so I could upgrade to Rout-R-Lift FX later ( hindsight being 20/20 I would have got the lift right off, oh well Xmas is coming). I got my 618 in a package with three bases, then a couple of years later I bought a second 618 with only the fixed base, that gives me a few different setup scenarios, it works for me in my hobby shop. Both routers have performed excellent for my needs.
Mike
One thing to consider: If you don't buy a lift with the router, you will need a table insert plate. I chose Aluminum and it cost $90 plus shipping. This is a big chunk of the price of a lift. I wish I'd have purchased the lift first.Greg
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I've currently just got my router bolted to the underside of my table, and that seems to work perfectly, so I don't really see the point of a insert plate.
One thing to consider: If you don't buy a lift with the router, you will need a table insert plate. I chose Aluminum and it cost $90 plus shipping. This is a big chunk of the price of a lift. I wish I'd have purchased the lift first.
And I thought I was the only one that did things like that, oh well live and learn and keep on smiling.
Mike
"...between my Triton and Hitachi I've got an Irish flag thing going"Triton is an Australian Company.
Sorry Blarney!Greg
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And Hitachi is Japanese. He's referring to the colors...
-Steve
Man I sure missed that one.Greg
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So this is turning out to be a far more difficult decision than I had ever expected. I went to Woodcraft the other day and looked at the Triton, and while it seems like it has a alot of great features, it doesn't seem to be that well built, So that combined with the questionable future of the company means that I don't really want to get one. So now I'm thinking of getting a Milwaukee 5625 and just mounting it to the underside of the table, and using its built-in lift ability. Of course finding a local store that has one on display that I could go look at is proving difficult.
I'm a hobbiest as well and a bit on the cheap side. I have a Bench Dog router cabinet, $300 off craigslist, a PC 7518 that came with two bases (sold one for $20), I got it of craigslist for $150, and finally the Bench Dog lift from someone on another WWing site for $225. I really do believe that you would have a hard time improving on either the lift or the router, the table is really flat, and the fence is good so no complaints there either.
This setup will definately outlast me.
I know this doesn't answer you question but it might be an option if you live near a decent size city.
mousejockeyOver the Hill? What Hill? I didn't see any Hill!
Well I finally decided on the Milwaukee 5625, seems like the perfect choice, its nice and big, has some above the table ability so I don't need a lift right away, but I can get one if need be later on down the road.
Only thing is that I wanted to actually see one before I buy it, and that is proving to be impossible. I've been to 5 or 6 stores that carry Milwaukee, but none of them have it. Even the Milwaukee Factory Store didn't have one and said that they were back ordered from the factory.So does anyone know of any stores in the Philly/NJ area that might have one?
I recently purchased a Milwaukee 5625 and am pleased with it. Got it from Amazon. My plunge router is Festool. I sure like the features on the Mil 5625.
JP
And when looking do not forget the Bosch? My biggie router is one..
http://bosch.cpotools.com/routers/?ref=googaw896&kw={keyword}}&gclid=CNray9rZ45oCFSAgDQod3j-NCA&keyword=bosch%20router
And my table routers are all PC The standard models.. I forget what HP.. Maybe 1 and a half;;
They cut anything I do! They can turn a Whiteside 2 plus inch LockMiter bit without a fuss!
And I have two Ryobi routers that cost $99 each and work great.
And I never found a plunge router that was 'SPOT ON" including the FesssTool..
Edited 5/30/2009 5:40 am by WillGeorge
Steve
After reading all of the inputs, I'm getting the feeling knotters just don't like Makita stuff. A couple of the guys who do custom work in my shop from time to time have all PC stuff. For me, the handles are 90 degrees off for working with a fence. This doesn't matter with a table as you know but... I sure like the 3612c from Makita. It is a bear and the price is right.
I like the Hitachi stuff but I've had lots of routers over the years and the only one from 1980 is still kickin' a$$ --the 3612(no variable speed round base). The others have crapped out and sit in a box. I don't know??
What's the point? I have a 3hp in the table for 6 years and it just won't quit. Happy. Maybe another choice?
dan
I had one of the old square base Makita 3612's - it was my first router table: clamped it upside down in the vise and used the edge guide as a fence. Worked great.
I know I'm over the top here but .. LOL
What keeps us young and into woodworking!
Go to Amazon.com and look at routers. You can read loads of owner/user reviews of each router.
JP
I have a RouterLift FX with a Milwaukee 2 1/4HP router in it and I'm completely happy with it.
I was looking at the Triton, the FWW article on routers for tables seemed to think that they were wonderful, but I've heard some people have had reliability issues with them.I was thinking of going to Woodcraft to have a look see, but its a rather long drive for me. Last time I was there I didn't remember seeing alot of routers/lifts. Does anyone know if they typically have some setup to look at?I've looked at Amazon too, and all of the 2.25 routers from PC, Dewalt, Milwake and Bosch seem to have similar ratings.
I have the 3 1/4 Triton, it performs as well as advertised. The problem is that they recently wend out of business. Best of luckRon in Peabody
Triton intellectual properties are said to have been acquired by a holding company of investors which plans to continue marketing the product. Who knows how successful they'll be.
Jim
I would recommend a Porter Cable 890 series router, on a good plate.
You can adjust the height, and change bits from above the table. In a kit with a plunge base it will cost less, and is more versatile. Since it was designed from Porter Cable's 690 series, which is the midsize router that has the most aftermarket accessories there are a lot of accessories that fit it.
Yeah, the Bosch combo (2 1/4) is a very nice
set up.
As your just getting started, Get a quality combo and
just bolt it on.
There are endless toys in your future, don't spend it
all in one place.
don't spend it all in one place.
Unless you feel like 'I HAD TO'
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