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#1
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Router Lifts - the next generation?
http://www.jointech.com/
Looks like an advancment to me. Of course it cost almost $500.00, that's just for the lift, no router included. |
#2
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There was so much backlash in the previous version of their lift, they
HAD to engineer a solution: looks like your link shows the fruits of their efforts. David Never Enough Money wrote: http://www.jointech.com/ Looks like an advancment to me. Of course it cost almost $500.00, that's just for the lift, no router included. |
#4
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$500 ffor lift, $100+ for bits, add materials for table, time to make it
etc. Perhaps a Incra, add another coupla hunnert... At what point do we start thinking about a shaper? At $549 on Amazon its a toss-up: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...arden&n=507846 -- Greg "Never Enough Money" wrote in message om... http://www.jointech.com/ Looks like an advancment to me. Of course it cost almost $500.00, that's just for the lift, no router included. |
#5
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And for about $325 you can buy a Triton or Milwaukee router that basically
does the same thing and you end up with a new router. "Never Enough Money" wrote in message om... http://www.jointech.com/ Looks like an advancment to me. Of course it cost almost $500.00, that's just for the lift, no router included. |
#6
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"Never Enough Money" wrote in message om... http://www.jointech.com/ Looks like an advancment to me. Of course it cost almost $500.00, that's just for the lift, no router included. Certainly looks good. I question the ability to zero out a bit though. They state you only have to do it the first time you ever use a bit. Given the variability of putting a bit into the router, I'd think it could easily vary a few thousandths each time nulling any previous settings. I don't seat the bit on the very bottom of my router. Other direct drive units (like Benchdog) have a similar indicator like they have in the Pro series. Nice feature. The Pro series seems to be priced competitively. Well worth considering either model from what I can see here. |
#7
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Greg Millen wrote:
$500 ffor lift, $100+ for bits, add materials for table, time to make it etc. Perhaps a Incra, add another coupla hunnert... At what point do we start thinking about a shaper? At $549 on Amazon its a toss-up: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...arden&n=507846 |
#8
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On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 13:14:49 +1000, "Greg Millen"
calmly ranted: $500 ffor lift, $100+ for bits, add materials for table, time to make it etc. Perhaps a Incra, add another coupla hunnert... At what point do we start thinking about a shaper? At $549 on Amazon its a toss-up: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...arden&n=507846 Or the Griz G1035 for $425 (+$58 freight) "Built with plenty of muscle to take on most shaping challenges, our mid-sized, 1-1/2 H.P. Model G1035 Shaper offers the perfect, low-priced alternative for the serious hobbyist or small-shop owner. The G1035 offers precision wheel adjustment, two spindle speeds, a finely milled cast iron table, interchangeable spindles and sealed ball bearing movement - all for less than the price of a router and router table!" Or the ShopFox G4792 2hp for $675 (+$78) "Designed to compete with the power of larger machines while capitalizing on the mobility of smaller models, this new Shop Fox® shaper offers the perfect balance for serious woodworkers. The extra power of the 2 H.P. motor will have you racing through profiles in even the heaviest hardwoods, and the large 24" x 21" table gives you the added working surface found only on larger shapers. If you've been looking for the perfect shaper to put in your shop, you've found it with the Shop Fox®!" I love my ShopFox mortiser. ('cept for the cloggy chisel/bit interface, but that's true on all brands) Fit 'n finish is vgood. Anywho, that's no toss-up. Drop kick that routah. It's outta heah. -- "If the promise of the Declaration of Independence is ever to be fulfilled, it will be the Libertarian Party which fulfills it. If the Constitution is ever again treated as what it calls itself "The Supreme Law of the Land" then it will be the Libertarian Party which forces it to be treated that way. The Republicans and Democrats won’t do it. So the future of the Libertarian Party is tied to the future of America. If we go down, it goes down with us. If America gets itself back onto the right course, it will be our hands on the tiller." --Michael Badnarik |
#9
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Wow. I got a lot of negative replies on that post. Are we talking
about the same thig? I saw an electronic router lift that is activated with a button, has electronic control for backlash, and a digital readout. Why are folks comparing that to shapers? I must be missing something..... Wouldn't it be more apropriate to compare to JessEm's Rout-R-Lift, or Bench Dog's ProLift, or the Woodpecker's Precision Lift? The routers with built in lifts are a lot less accurate (I think -- on the order of 1/128'th of an inch versus 1/1000'th). (Never Enough Money) wrote in message . com... http://www.jointech.com/ Looks like an advancment to me. Of course it cost almost $500.00, that's just for the lift, no router included. |
#10
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"Never Enough Money" wrote in message m... Wow. I got a lot of negative replies on that post. Are we talking about the same thig? I saw an electronic router lift that is activated with a button, has electronic control for backlash, and a digital readout. Why are folks comparing that to shapers? I must be missing something..... Wouldn't it be more apropriate to compare to JessEm's Rout-R-Lift, or Bench Dog's ProLift, or the Woodpecker's Precision Lift? The routers with built in lifts are a lot less accurate (I think -- on the order of 1/128'th of an inch versus 1/1000'th). For the price of the lift, router table, and router it would be cheaper to buy a shaper. I think in the case of all the router lifts it will simply be a matter time before they become obsolete. They are an expensive fix for a problem that is being addressed my many router manufacturers already. PC, Milwaukee, Bosch, and Triton have already eliminated a need for a lift at all. The electronic lifts with electronic read out and electronic back lash control is way overkill. |
#11
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"Leon" wrote in message The electronic lifts with electronic read out and electronic back lash control is way overkill. But its new and since is it digital it MUST be better. Good craftsmanship will always be well done by a craftsman. A hack with craftsman's tools is still a hack. (I think I'm in the middle. OK, low middle) |
#12
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You are correct; plenty of negative comments were made. And yes, the
Jessem should be compared to the PRL. David Never Enough Money wrote: Wow. I got a lot of negative replies on that post. Are we talking about the same thig? I saw an electronic router lift that is activated with a button, has electronic control for backlash, and a digital readout. Why are folks comparing that to shapers? I must be missing something..... Wouldn't it be more apropriate to compare to JessEm's Rout-R-Lift, or Bench Dog's ProLift, or the Woodpecker's Precision Lift? The routers with built in lifts are a lot less accurate (I think -- on the order of 1/128'th of an inch versus 1/1000'th). (Never Enough Money) wrote in message . com... http://www.jointech.com/ Looks like an advancment to me. Of course it cost almost $500.00, that's just for the lift, no router included. |
#13
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On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 21:25:39 GMT, "Leon"
wrote: For the price of the lift, router table, and router it would be cheaper to buy a shaper. What can a shaper not do that a table-mounted router w/ a lift can do? My sense is that a shaper can only work on the edge of wood -- e.g., not cutting a groove. Wrong? I've been considering a new router and getting the Veritas® Router Bit Jack, about which I cannot quite figure out how it can be so relatively inexpensive, assuming it meets the normal good LV standards. And, I like the foot pedal setup. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...gory=1,43 000 Leon, I did find an old post where you mentioned having the Bit Jack. Still happy w/ it? What router are you using w/ it? TIA. -- Igor |
#14
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On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 22:29:30 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" wrote:
Good craftsmanship will always be well done by a craftsman. A hack with craftsman's tools is still a hack. (I think I'm in the middle. OK, low middle) OTOH, I think my middle is getting lower. |
#15
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"Leon" wrote in message
m... a matter time before they become obsolete. They are an expensive fix for a problem that is being addressed my many router manufacturers already. PC, Milwaukee, Bosch, and Triton have already eliminated a need for a lift at all. The electronic lifts with electronic read out and electronic back lash control is way overkill. In defence of that router lift, they also showed a model with the same construction but is mechanically operated, not digital. It was $200 less I believe. |
#16
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Never Enough Money wrote:
http://www.jointech.com/ Looks like an advancment to me. Of course it cost almost $500.00, that's just for the lift, no router included. Looks like someone(s) lacking basic wooddorking skills will soon be out five hunnert dollars. UA100, who to be truthful, has relied on a $250,000 router (at work of course) from time to time... |
#17
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Greg Millen wrote:
At what point do we start thinking about a shaper? At $549 on Amazon its a toss-up: Yahbut, which would you rather have, An Ultimate Router Table or something creamy colored (coloured Greg) from Amazondotcom? UA100, owner/builder of An Ultimate Router Table... |
#18
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igor:
What can a shaper not do that a table-mounted router w/ a lift can do? My sense is that a shaper can only work on the edge of wood -- e.g., not cutting a groove. Wrong? With a collet a shaper can cut grooves. UA100 |
#19
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On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 19:49:01 -0500, Unisaw A100
wrote: igor: What can a shaper not do that a table-mounted router w/ a lift can do? My sense is that a shaper can only work on the edge of wood -- e.g., not cutting a groove. Wrong? With a collet a shaper can cut grooves. UA100 RPM's are a little low for smaller bits though. really, router tables and shapers are different beasts, with some overlap of function. if you're doing mostly small work, short run and need maximum versatility you prolly want a router table. if you're making a lot of chips, using big profile cutters and need the machine to run all day you'd better get a shaper. |
#21
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Prometheus wrote:
On 23 Oct 2004 14:19:19 -0700, (Never Enough Money) wrote: The routers with built in lifts are a lot less accurate (I think -- on the order of 1/128'th of an inch versus 1/1000'th). Not to nitpick, but a 128th of an inch is only about .0008" I was under the impression that anything closer than a 64th (.0016") was considered extremely accurate and fine craftsmanship when it comes to woodworking. What is it you intend to rout that needs a tolerance of .0001"? Not to nitpick, but I think you have an extra "0" to the right of the decimal in each of your numbers above. But I absolutely agree with your point. This is WOOD working, not metal fabrication. -- Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently. |
#22
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You will get more variation from other factors. Your Router / Lift
combination doesn't have to be super accurate. A slight warp in the board, a little sawdust under it or between the fence, some flex on the tabletop or fence, sanding, effects of humidity, etc. will negate the accuracy to 1/1000" from any tool. And, what about the rest of your project? Anything you cut with other tools will be less accurate, and as soon as you start sanding..... So, reasonable accuracy and a well built, easy to use accessory is the key. I use a PC690 under my table without a lift. Eye-balling, a ruler with 1/64ths graduations and most importantly, set-up pieces and test pieces, does the trick for me. Would I like a lift? Yes, and will probably buy one some time. But the height adjustment accuracy won't be the top priority. Michel. The routers with built in lifts are a lot less accurate (I think -- on the order of 1/128'th of an inch versus 1/1000'th). |
#23
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Just so we remain completely accurate....
My caculator says 1/128 = 0.0078 = ~ 0.008. You had an extra zero. That's eight times less accurate than a 1/1000'th machine. Similarly 1/64 is close to 0.016, not 0.0016, as you say. Prometheus wrote in message . .. On 23 Oct 2004 14:19:19 -0700, (Never Enough Money) wrote: Wow. I got a lot of negative replies on that post. Are we talking about the same thig? I saw an electronic router lift that is activated with a button, has electronic control for backlash, and a digital readout. Why are folks comparing that to shapers? I must be missing something..... Because it's way too expensive for a router accessory. It puts a regular router into a shaper's price range, without the extra power and sturdy base. Wouldn't it be more apropriate to compare to JessEm's Rout-R-Lift, or Bench Dog's ProLift, or the Woodpecker's Precision Lift? The routers with built in lifts are a lot less accurate (I think -- on the order of 1/128'th of an inch versus 1/1000'th). Not to nitpick, but a 128th of an inch is only about .0008" I was under the impression that anything closer than a 64th (.0016") was considered extremely accurate and fine craftsmanship when it comes to woodworking. What is it you intend to rout that needs a tolerance of .0001"? It's also important to note that there is going to be an accuracy tolerance on the lift, and it is not going to be one thousandth. I run a couple of $60,000 saws, and the initial tolerance is .002 for those. No way is a router lift going to beat that for $500. You still have to measure when you set up- it'd just be easier to fine tune. (Never Enough Money) wrote in message . com... http://www.jointech.com/ Looks like an advancment to me. Of course it cost almost $500.00, that's just for the lift, no router included. |
#24
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Ouch.
Actually, after all the "professional" feedback, this woodworker will NOT drop money for the lift. Even if the feedback had been "it's great you've got to get it" it would probably not have happened -- it's so low down on the priority lists. The real question is what kind of woodworker, I'll refrain from the derogatory term "worddorker", would by a $250,000 router? That seems high even for a factory floor. Is it for mouldings? Surely it does more than route. BTW, I am tired of reaching under my table and repeatedly adjusting measuring, adjusting-measuring, etc. until I creep in on an accurate enough setting...... Also question to the whole group, not just UA100: given all the anti-router lift pro-shaper feedback, I'd say none of you uses a router lift. I find that difficult to beleive. Surely there's someone out there willing to 'fess up. Unisaw A100 wrote in message . .. Never Enough Money wrote: http://www.jointech.com/ Looks like an advancment to me. Of course it cost almost $500.00, that's just for the lift, no router included. Looks like someone(s) lacking basic wooddorking skills will soon be out five hunnert dollars. UA100, who to be truthful, has relied on a $250,000 router (at work of course) from time to time... |
#25
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Prometheus wrote in message
[snip] It's also important to note that there is going to be an accuracy tolerance on the lift, and it is not going to be one thousandth. I run a couple of $60,000 saws, and the initial tolerance is .002 for those. No way is a router lift going to beat that for $500. You still have to measure when you set up- it'd just be easier to fine tune. Good point. I may be mixing up the term accuracy with the term precision. However, from a logical point of view it is incorrect to say a $600,000 saw can be a $500 in everything. The $60K mama probably has much more horsepower and a bunch of other stuff -- that's true. But just like a hang-glider can make a sharper turn than and F-16 Figher, a $500 saw might be able to beat a $60,000 saw at _some_ things. I'm debating your logic _not_ whether your statement that a $60K saw is better than a $500 one. If the router in question is much lighter or smaller it is possible that a $500 lift on a $250 router could be comparable to a $60K setup that is much bigger an requires more mechanics to solve the precision/accuracy problems. Just my, 2 cents - not trying to start a posting war. |
#26
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#27
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"Never Enough Money" wrote in message The real question is what kind of woodworker, I'll refrain from the derogatory term "worddorker", would by a $250,000 router? That seems high even for a factory floor. Is it for mouldings? Surely it does more than route. I don't think any home shop will have one, but it is not all that out of rance for a procution ship. I've beenin factories that make speaker cabinets. I'd guess at an investment of $15,000,000 or more. And that was not one of the biggest. Also question to the whole group, not just UA100: given all the anti-router lift pro-shaper feedback, I'd say none of you uses a router lift. I find that difficult to beleive. Surely there's someone out there willing to 'fess up. I have a Benchdog. Paid $230 for it. Did I need it? No. Did I want it? YES. I enjoy using it and it makes adjustment easy and I can sneak up on any measurement. Would I pay $500 for a digital? No, I have a limit to my toys and could not justify that much money for my use. Benchdog seems to have eliminated that model and now only sells the "pro lift" at about $100 more. Ed http://pages.cthome.net/edhome |
#28
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Never Enough Money wrote:
Ouch. Sorry. Was it a wee bit close to the balls? The real question is what kind of woodworker, I'll refrain from the derogatory term "worddorker", would by a $250,000 router? A very high end custom architectural wooddo..., err, woodworker. Most people never see our work unless their daddy is a gazzilionaire or they work for some Fortunate 500 company. OK, maybe if you've ever been to Lambeau Field/go to Vegas/are a patron of the arts... That seems high even for a factory floor. The extra $100M or so gives you a larger table. We're somewheres in the 5' X 14' (ish)/might be 12'. Another $25M gets you multiple tooling (a carriage that's pre-loaded with all the goodies you will need/not just one bit at a time. Is it for mouldings? We do an enormous amount of radius work, everything from radius moldings to radius millwork walls. The CNC allows for making shaper jigs, radius plates and just about anything Al Gore's AutoCAD (2004 of course) can dish out. Surely it does more than route. It line bores. It has a saw head but for the most part it routs and shapes. Believe it or don't but mostly what goes through it is plain old particleboard. The thing here is that the parts and pieces have some consistency in which case we can measure it in a RCH/less than a gnat's ass. Before CAD/CNC we spent a hellva lotta time ($$$) on our knees making full size shaper templates. I am/was quite good at swinging a big radii with a 100' steel tape and trammel bar. Gladly I no longer need to express these/those skills. BTW, I am tired of reaching under my table and repeatedly adjusting measuring, adjusting-measuring, etc. until I creep in on an accurate enough setting...... A'yup. That's why I bought a router lift. :-) Also question to the whole group, not just UA100: given all the anti-router lift pro-shaper feedback, I'd say none of you uses a router lift. I'm not sure I speak for the other nay sayers but you've mis-understood my comments. I'm all over the router lift/recommend it at the drop of a hat/can't say enough nice things about it/built a god damned shrine for mine. It's the digi part that I think has gone 'round the bend. There are things you will learn in your shop. Most of these things will surprise you onna 'count of you'll try it once/twice/three times and you'll find on time number four you've got it aced. Getting your router cranked just right is one of those things that just ain't that hard to do. I find that difficult to beleive. Surely there's someone out there willing to 'fess up. Can I consider myself fess'd? UA100 |
#29
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#30
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Fri, Oct 22, 2004, 6:02pm (EDT-3)
(Never=A0Enough=A0Money) says: http://www.jointech.com/ Looks like an advancment to me. Of course it cost almost $500.00, that's just for the lift, no router included. At that kind of money, I think I'd just have dedicated routers in tables, at all heights I'd be using. Probably cheaper. JOAT Eagles can soar ... but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines. |
#31
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#32
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On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 23:33:02 GMT, igor wrote:
On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 22:29:30 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" wrote: Good craftsmanship will always be well done by a craftsman. A hack with craftsman's tools is still a hack. (I think I'm in the middle. OK, low middle) OTOH, I think my middle is getting lower. I thought that mine was, but realized it was the 4x4's that I raised my bench with... *g* |
#33
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#34
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On Sun, 24 Oct 2004 09:21:06 -0700, wrote:
On 24 Oct 2004 07:41:02 -0700, (Never Enough Money) wrote: Prometheus wrote in message [snip] It's also important to note that there is going to be an accuracy tolerance on the lift, and it is not going to be one thousandth. I run a couple of $60,000 saws, and the initial tolerance is .002 for those. No way is a router lift going to beat that for $500. You still have to measure when you set up- it'd just be easier to fine tune. Good point. I may be mixing up the term accuracy with the term precision. However, from a logical point of view it is incorrect to say a $600,000 saw can be a $500 in everything. The $60K mama probably has much more horsepower and a bunch of other stuff -- that's true. But just like a hang-glider can make a sharper turn than and F-16 Figher, a $500 saw might be able to beat a $60,000 saw at _some_ things. I'm debating your logic _not_ whether your statement that a $60K saw is better than a $500 one. If the router in question is much lighter or smaller it is possible that a $500 lift on a $250 router could be comparable to a $60K setup that is much bigger an requires more mechanics to solve the precision/accuracy problems. Just my, 2 cents - not trying to start a posting war. I think what 5 figures gives you aside from a half a ton of iron is CNC.... and a major tax write off.. |
#35
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"igor" wrote in message ... Leon, I did find an old post where you mentioned having the Bit Jack. Still happy w/ it? What router are you using w/ it? TIA. -- Igor Nope, I ultimately was not happy with it. It, IMHO is a good idea and is well built but the router being lifted from one side and or the threaded adjustment shaft in the router causes it to easily bind. I found that it made adjusting the bit height about 10% easier than using nothing at all. I was using an old and large Bosch 1611 plunge router. I ended up buying a Triton and I am Very happy with its features in particular ease of height adjustments and bit changes above the table without removing the router. |
#36
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"Upscale" wrote in message ... "Leon" wrote in message m... a matter time before they become obsolete. They are an expensive fix for a problem that is being addressed my many router manufacturers already. PC, Milwaukee, Bosch, and Triton have already eliminated a need for a lift at all. The electronic lifts with electronic read out and electronic back lash control is way overkill. In defence of that router lift, they also showed a model with the same construction but is mechanically operated, not digital. It was $200 less I believe. IMHO still too high. You can buy a new router with router lift features built in, in the $300 range. |
#37
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"J T" wrote in message ... Sun, Oct 24, 2004, 9:44am (MJT) says: snip most importantly, set-up pieces and test pieces, does the trick for me. snip That's about what I was thinking. I don't have a router lift, and don't need one. But, if I ever do, I've always figured on making one from an old car scissors jack I have sitting around. IIRC the latest WoodSmith or Shop Notes magazine has router lift plans that use a pipe clamp and short pipe for lifting the router. |
#38
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On Sun, 24 Oct 2004 19:17:50 GMT, "Leon"
wrote: Nope, I ultimately was not happy with it. It, IMHO is a good idea and is well built but the router being lifted from one side and or the threaded adjustment shaft in the router causes it to easily bind. I found that it made adjusting the bit height about 10% easier than using nothing at all. I was using an old and large Bosch 1611 plunge router. I ended up buying a Triton and I am Very happy with its features in particular ease of height adjustments and bit changes above the table without removing the router. Leon -- Thanks for the comments. I am still intrigued by it, especially the foot pedal because it seems it would make it easier/safer to do non-full-length operations, among other things. From what you wrote, seems that the best chance would be with a smaller router with limited integrated adjustment means. Also, FWIW, I noted at Amazon some negative comments about the Triton -- though everyone seemed to like the basic design. Apparently qc issues, but they were from 18 months ago. Considering some of your posts about how determined you are to get service if you find a tool lacking - components failing -- I assume you did not confront these problems with your router. Again, thanks. -- Igor |
#39
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On Sun, 24 Oct 2004 07:50:00 -0400, alexy wrote:
Prometheus wrote: On 23 Oct 2004 14:19:19 -0700, (Never Enough Money) wrote: The routers with built in lifts are a lot less accurate (I think -- on the order of 1/128'th of an inch versus 1/1000'th). Not to nitpick, but a 128th of an inch is only about .0008" I was under the impression that anything closer than a 64th (.0016") was considered extremely accurate and fine craftsmanship when it comes to woodworking. What is it you intend to rout that needs a tolerance of .0001"? Not to nitpick, but I think you have an extra "0" to the right of the decimal in each of your numbers above. But I absolutely agree with your point. This is WOOD working, not metal fabrication. By Jove, you're right! Thanks for the correction... |
#40
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