Let's Talk Routers

kablerj · Post by **kablerj** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 10:50 am

I am planning to buy the SS router table 555995 http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... rtable.htm
I’ve been watching ebay and CL to no avail. Looks like I’ll be getting new.

I already have the router fence 521963. It came new-in-box with the 520 I got from CL. Don’t know why the guy had the fence and not the table.

For a router, I’m wanting something in the 3hp range because I’m going to be using some larger cutters for raised panels, and custom trim.

I like the Triton TRA001. http://www.rockler.com/triton-3-1-4-hp- ... nge-router But I thought I’d check with you fellows for any recommendations before I pull the trigger.

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 11:21 am

The PC 7518 (motor only) is a great router table unit. Requires a lift, though.

BuckeyeDennis · Post by **BuckeyeDennis** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 11:22 am

Benush26 has had a TRA-001 for a while, and gives it very high marks. You can see his comments at this thread. I bought one partially on the strength of Ben's recommendation, but I haven't gotten it mated up to my SS OPR table yet.

I bought mine back in July at Menards on closeout for $209. I just checked, and my local store still has a display model available at that price. No shipping available, though. If you have a Menards locally, I'd check there before buying.

kablerj · Post by **kablerj** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 12:11 pm

BuckeyeDennis wrote: If you have a Menards locally, I'd check there before buying.

Thanks Dennis. Unfortunately no Menards in PA.

bffulgham · Post by **bffulgham** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 2:54 pm

You might take a look at this thread where the SS router table was discussed some.

I think you might have some issues with the physical size of the Triton with the SS table. I had issues with my Milwaukee 2 3/4 HP....

john_001 · Post by **john_001** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 3:11 pm

Are you planning to leave the router on the table, or do you want to be able to "borrow" it for hand-held work? If the former, you probably don't need a plunge router.

kablerj · Post by **kablerj** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 6:24 pm

bffulgham wrote:You might take a look at this thread where the SS router table was discussed some.

I think you might have some issues with the physical size of the Triton with the SS table. I had issues with my Milwaukee 2 3/4 HP....

That thread appears to be about the Mark V Router Table Kit http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... rtable.htm

I am talking about the Pro Fence System Router Table http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... rtable.htm

Which table are you using? The Pro Fence System Router Table appears to be thicker. But the size of the Triton might still be a problem.

I think a call to the mother ship is in order.

benush26 · Post by **benush26** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 8:25 pm

The Triton is a beast! If you have any illusions of using it hand held, I hope you can arm wrestle an NFL middle linebacker. Under the table it is a SWEET deal. The nice things being no need for a router lift since it is built into the operation, MASSIVE power, and support in the US by Kreg.
A few things
1. If you want that TRA001 from Menards, just call one that has a couple in stock and ask to have the boxed one sent to you. a friend has router envy, called a Menards (we have none in the state), talked to a person in the power tools section and had it sent FedEx for an additional $18.
2. If you have plans to use it as a handheld, you might consider the Triton 2 1/2 HP model. A local HD had one about a year back and it seems like a reasonable size for handling.
3. I too considered the SS router table because I have the INCRA LS system, but I found it way too expensive and did not like the included router plate. Instead I bought an INCRA router table (21 x 28) which includes their 3/8" aluminum plate and am currently adapting it to the M7. In a nutshell, I'm reducing the width to 19 3/4" to fit between the main table and aux table and using the metal brackets that came with the unit to straddle the tubes. Very conveniently, a 3/4" thick piece of MDF brings the table top flush with the SS main table. I found the table on a great deal through Amz delivered for $140 (that included the plate for the Triton). I think current Amz cost is $170. I do admit that I would prefer the mounting offered by SS's table, but at more than double the cost with a less than stellar router plate (and a desire to play "build a jig

), I like the idea of building something.
I had planned to build the table from 18" melamine coated book shelves, but the deal I found made the cost of the INCRA table nearly free.
As I get more free time, I plan to finish it this weekend or next and will post pictures.

Be well,
Ben

kablerj · Post by **kablerj** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 9:43 pm

benush26 wrote:The Triton is a beast! If you have any illusions of using it hand held, I hope you can arm wrestle an NFL middle linebacker.

No Ben. I have a smaller router for handheld. The Triton is strictly for table work.

Yes please post pictures. I'm looking forward to seeing them.

benush26 · Post by **benush26** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 10:00 pm

First let me apologize for the mess in the garage. I am still trying to find my things while sorting out what is crap just left behind and what needs to "salvaged" and yet still trying to recover work space.

The DeWalt 611 versus the Triton TRA001

[ATTACH]26664[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]26665[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]26666[/ATTACH]

I tried to aim from different angles so you can get a better idea of the size differential

Be well,
Ben

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