Posts Tagged ‘triton router’

This is a new video just out from Eagle America.  One of the reasons I like video is that you can get a good idea of how big the tool is and how easy it is to work with when you are watching someone hold it and make adjustments.  I do have to say though that this is one big router.  I have written several articles over the years that talk about using such big routers verses shapers and why woodworkers want such a big router.  I am still a bit confused but that is not the topic of this video.  The video is really to help you determine if this is a router that you would be interested in.  It does have some really cool features if you use it in a triton table.  Everything seems to snap together and work as design.  I have not seen the triton table for sale anywhere so this may be a bit of a challenge to find.

Summary of the video

• Suited perfectly for table mounting and free hand use
• Variable plunge settings with micro adjustment (really cool)
• Awesome integration onto router plate
• above the table bit changes since the collet comes all the way up above the insert.  A lot of people are buying lifts so that they can get this feature.
• Circle cutting
• All kinds of interesting attachements

Technical Specifications

• Power: 2400W
• Speed: 8000 to 21000 RPM under load
• Soft Start: Yes
• Electronic Speed Control: Yes
• Collet: 1/2″ with 1/4″ reducer
• Depth Adjustment:
  • Winder handle rack and pinion
  • Micro winder
  • Conventional “free” plunge
• Plunge Range: 0-68mm
• Bit Changes: Through base single wrench action with auto shaft lock
• Micro Adjustment: Infinite
• Spindle Lock: Auto
• Safety On/Off Switch: Yes
• Removable Plunge Spring: Yes
• Guide: Extended base plate with adjustable fence
• Weight: 6 kg
• $269 at http://www.eagleamerica.com/product/v806-0001

Reviews are somewhat mixed from Amazon and date back over a chunk of 7 years.  Some of the reviews do not reflect changes made to the router as the manufacturers improve design features, so factor that into your thought pattern.

• Latest model seems perfect
• nice design, lousy manufacturing
• Very pleased with the Triton Router
• Good router but plunge stroke is not as advertised
• New thinking on router design from down under
• I love this router

Ever heard of the triton router line of routers?  They are made in Australia and have a pretty good reputation.  One of the coolest features is that you can make above the table bit changes and work a bit faster on your router table.

I do have one problem with it though, and that problem is that it is a big honking router.  It’s not just this router, but I generally have a problem with big honking routers in general.  I have written several articles in the past debating the use of large routers in router tables.  In my opinion, I really do not understand why someone would want one this big.  That is neither here nor there because most people will do what they want, and that is all well and good.  The weight is the main issue when you mount it to a acrylic or phenolic router insert plate.  If you store the router on the plate and IN the table, you will have some problems since the weight of the router will eventually sag the plate.

So here is the newest dilemma, I suggest getting a aluminum plate to solve this problem.  A customer writes me and says that he upgraded his table with a metal insert but left his Triton in the table for a few months.  So guess what?  I was astonished, it bent.  Maybe it was the grade aluminum used, maybe there was something else on the table or maybe the stars were aligned wrong, but it bent the plate.  I mention this so I can stand on my soap box and say HEY don’t store your router in the table!  It’s kind of like saying ” I told you so” but that is wrong and no one wants to hear that.  I could say, why dont you buy a shaper if you have to have a big honking horse under the hood?  But know one wants to hear that either.  But there is a moral to the story, and a technique if I may add one too.

Use a 2 1/4 horsepower router (pick your favorite), don’t shave off more than 1/4″ in one pass ( or less if you can) , since you will most likely burn the wood anyhow.  Slow down and enjoy the project and take small passes.  You will save a hundred bucks and some sanity to go with it.  Other than that, its a great router.

Here is another link to a review of this router to be totally fair  Review