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I'd rather put the $300 somewhere else so if you want to save big bucks on a lift, the Triton is the way to go. But even at $267, it's still an exellent value for those who want to use it in a router table. My only complaint would be that the safety cover on the switch can be a bit awkward to operate when the router is mounted in a table, if you don't get the cover slid all the way behind the switch, it will snap back once you start the router and shut it off. One thing you need to be aware of before you drill your table insert is that the screw pattern in the base is not aligned with the handles, so you need to turn the drilling template slightly if you want the router squared up with the insert.
This is a big, heavy router and can probably be difficult to handle due to the weight. I have seen comments from people saying that the weight can be a possible problem if you use a phenolic table insert, but I don't know if this is really a problem or not. I haven't used it for free-hand routing, but those of you who have never handled a 3 ¼ router before: Be aware. First of all, you might want to shop around a bit, you can find this router way cheaper than $267 (got mine for $210). I really don't know if it's as accurate as a $300 dedicated lift device, but the precision has been more than adequate for the work I do on my router table (mostly cope-and-stick doors). And those of you who have busted your knuckles when slipping with the chuck wrench under a router table will simply love the above-table bit change feature.When reading the other reviews, I saw some comments on the quality, but I haven't run into any issues like that. However, the soft start is a very nice feature that will make free-hand work much easier and safer.
I might upgrade to an aluminum insert later on, but so far, so good. As already mentioned in other reviews, you just take the spring out and you'll have a router with a built-in lift. This is no problem once you get used to it though, the cover will stay in place as long as you push it far enough. Those of you who are concerned may want to look at the 2 ¼ hp little brother instead, which as an extra feature can be adjusted through the base.So in short: This router is an easy 5 stars if you plan to use it in a router table. I decided to line up the holes with the insert and install the router slightly turned though, as it makes it a bit easier to reach and operate the switch cover.I use this router in a Kreg precision router table, which is another excellent product that I was able to buy with the money I saved by not having to buy a separate lift.
While the instructions are pretty useless, Triton phone support is outstanding - great, knowledgeable people more than willing to help you out. Since this model has a fine height adjustment knob, how big a deal would it be to simply reach under the table and twist the knob (instead of inserting a nice fancy crank from above). Nothing particularly soft about it. Is this a problem. The advantage of this is its power. You can do above the table bit changes - really simply and easily. Sometimes I have to remind myself, it's not about having cool tools - it's about making things with tools that work well.I bought this beast and I could not be happier.
It is huge. My only less than enthusiastic observation (other than the useless instruction manual) is that it isn't really a soft start - it's more of a delayed start. It is really well built. Put that together with the power and the build quality and you have a real winner.Oh, and one other thing. No, not at all - just an observation.But here's the best part - the feature that makes it so very, very perfect for use as a dedicated router in a router table. I was locked in an obsessive debate over whether to buy this router or its smaller sibling as a dedicated router for my Lee Valley/Veritas router table.
A few others seemed to agree with me. It is powerful. The advantage of the smaller 2 ¼ HP model is all the goodies that come with it. A clear, built-in dust collection shroud, an interesting edge guide, and a ½" straight cutting bit round out the package you get. Plus, it has built-in above the table height adjustment that seemed awfully sexy - and a good value.But then I thought about it. It has great features.
But once you figure out for yourself how it works (not always entirely intuitive) you realize what a well engineered product it is. It is, unfortunately, sold with largely useless instructions.
The Triton 3 1/4 hp Precision Router delivers what it promises. I will not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. It is powerfull, quiet and very easy to set up and use. The ability to remove and replace bits above the table and the shaft lock feature along with the precision adjustment knob are inovative and easy to use.
The router motor is not very loud, to me, and sounds extremely smooth when winding up and slowing down, like a mini jet turbine. If it's good enough for Kreg to use with their table it's good enough for me. The first thing I noticed about the TRA 3.25HP router was the quality of appearance and how it felt. I used them yesterday and it worked perfect, dead on. The router is extremely sturdy, smartly designed, easy to use, and powerful. I finally decided to purchase this router after seeing it attached to the bottom of a Kreg precision router table on YouTube - the table I want. I also love the handle winder plunge feature. In fact, it's such a simple yet brilliant idea.
Plus it included a 1/2" straight bit. Maybe if you placed it on the end of your shop table and bashed it stoutly with a hammer.Some customers wrote the depth stop & turret are cheap and useless, once again, completely not so. The plastic is extremely rigid\hard. This is a complete lie. Excellent customer support. I will admit I had my reservations about purchasing this router after reviewing about 6 other routers via magazine, internet, etc.
I kept saying to myself, "Wow, this is a beautiful router" My wife thought I was nuts because I kept repeating myself. I love this router. The micro height adjustment is also awesome. I couldn't wait to try and bend it after reading some reviews about it and let me tell you, NO WAY can you bend the fence plate with your hands, not a chance. I also emailed a Triton technician and the guy was extremely helpful in pointing me to the right Triton router model. Some other customers are writing the upper plastic assembly is cheap, not so by any means.
I purchased mine for $200 and no shipping.Great job Triton. Sure it might crack, if you drop it on the cement just like anything else, but, professionals don't drop expensive shop equipment.Some customers are writing the included metal fence plate is "cheap and flimsy".
I had to buy a separate hose (I believe 1 1/2 inches) and then buy a 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 attachment so I could attach it to the shop vac. Those are wonderful systems, but if you're a weekend garage woodworker like me, this is the ultimate table router for $300 less.Another added bonus is the built-in dust collection. I mounted it on a Rockler X-Large router plate which is 1/4 inch thick aluminum, but it has a very slight bow in the middle. This is an awesome router for the money (paid$200). It is so smooth and has more than enough power to make any cut including raised panels. As long as you mount the correct handle towards the open side of your router table, it is so easy to reach underneath, give it a twist and then change your bit above the table.The only alternative to this router is to buy a Porter Cable or Milwaukee which are over $100 more and then buy a router lift which will cost another $150 to $250. Also, the dust collection is a nice feature, but it only works fairly well.One note of caution, this is a very heavy router because it is a large plunge router. I would recommend getting a 3/8 inch thick aluminum router plate.
I have it mounted in a table and love it. This is a great feature for me since I have it mounted in the extension of my table saw. Also, make sure your router table has plenty of support and reinforcement. The only bummer was that it did not come with an attachment to hook it directly to my shop vac.
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