wrote in message
oups.com...
I don't know about everyone here, but I still don't see a real
comprehensive analysis in the magazines with the features important to
me as to which router out there is really the best for a router table.
Here are the criteria I think are important. I know I have missed a
few, so I would be interested in other's enhancements.

* Router should have a tabletop height adjuster built in. (Why pay the
cost for a router lift today when so many have the feature. Some cost
more than the router!!)

Right off the bat, this IMHO is not the best scenerio as it addresses this
situation and the one that you mention later about the adjustment hole
filling with saw dust.

The Triton has coarse and fine adjustments but you reach under the table to
make them. Simple. Why have to keep up with an above table adjustment
tool ot holes that fill with saw dust if you don't have to?


* Router should have a good range for all bit types. (The router
should go down far enough for bits that just want to groove or need a
lot of range for their application and up far enough that they don't
need a bit extension.) I have a Dewalt DW625 that used to be touted as
a good router table router. It has a real problem with range and the
ability to go up high enough. I HAVE to have a bit extender which
amplifies the vibration. I also had to install a Router Raizer.

The Triton has never left me with a problem of not being able to adjust the
bit any where I want. It can be used by hand as a fixed base or plunge base
router with the same base.

* Here is something that I don't see mentioned: The ability to release
the bit without turning 3 or 4 turns for the self release mechanism to
work. (Mark Sommerfield uses a Hitachi M12V that I think has that
feature)

With the Triton a 1/8 ~ 1/4 turn of the wrench and the bit is tight or
totally loose.

* A bent wrench to remove the bit from top of the table. I made one
for my MLCS extender. I don't know how you can work without one.

The Triton comes with a bent wrench for removing the bit from the top of the
table.

* An accurate dial built in that allows you to make differential
adjustments from a given position.

The Triton is adjusted with a large knob for coarse adjustments and a "screw
driver tipped looking" dial/knob that points so to speak for fine
adjustments. It can be easily turned, by feel and with out looking, in
1/4, 1/2, or full turn increments.

* A hole for the height adjuster that does not fill in with sawdust
without having to cap the hole. (There can be a gap below the table to
allow the release of sawdust)

Addressed above.

Has anyone used the new Milwaukee 3+ hp router with some of these
features? How about the new Porter Cable (890 series?)

I strongly considered the big Milwaukee when buying. I compared both side
by side and chose the Triton. Had the Triton not worked out for me I would
have returned it for the Milwaukee. I have 1 year from purchase to exercise
this decision. So far, the Triton is staying after 8 months of use.

The Triton also has a rocker switch that has a guard that keeps it from
automatically being turned on while a bit is raised/ lowered for removal.
The switch lights up when poser is connected. The Triton comes standard
with an edge guide fence for hand held use. The Triton Can be use as a
fixed base or plunge router with no base changes. The Triton has a feature
to easily remove the counter balance spring for under table use or replace
for hand held use as a plunge router. The Triton has variable speed numbers
on the dial that represent specific RPM's as indicated in the owners manual.
The motor shaft automatically locks for bit changes when the collet is
raised/lowered past the bottom of the base. The Triton is visually UGLY but
does every thing well IMHO. My Triton replaced a similar sized Bosch router
that I used in 3 separate router tables in the last 15 years.

2 in depth reviews of the Triton. Initially a couple of years there were
bugs to be worked out as indicated by the first review. These bugs have
been worked out and I have seen no problems personally with the newer
models.

http://www.mv.com/users/besposito/woodworking/triton/

http://www.mv.com/users/besposito/wo...on/update.html