I've been scratching my head for days about choosing a router for a table. I have a DeWalt 625 1/2" that I've had for years and I've started to use this on a mafell/bosch rail system and don't want to mess about swapping routers between rail base and table. I also have a knackered Electra Beckum spindle moulder that needs a rewire. I also have a very old trend craftsman router table and a no name router that I haven't got around to fit as its a pain to set up the height etc.
So my plan is a) dump the spindle moulder, probably sell it for spares or if the quote for the rewind comes in about 70 from Doncaster rewinds, sell it as a worker. b) sell the trend craftsman table, it has the base and NVR etc. c) buy a dedicated powerful (2kW or greater) router for a new table with ease of set up a priority. I don't mind reaching under the table if necessary but must be easy to adjust. I will be fitting a NVR switch to whatever I eventually choose.
Options 1
First I looked at buying another DW625 and a router raizer. The routers go for about £250, router raizer about 85 quid and probably need a collet extender for another 60 quid or so, total about 400 quid. Good points is that it comes with 1/4 and 1/2 collets and I have a spare machine if one breaks until I get another one. Height adjustment is from underneath but that's a minor issue, I'm a sprightly 55 and my knees are my own. The trend T11 comes under this option too being another ELU clone but with the benefit of above ground adjustment but at 40 quid more. Some say you don't need the collet extension if you take the plunge spring and a few other bits off as you get a bit more travel so probably similar overall cost. May be able to do this with the DW too?
Option 2 - wait for the very shiny
xact motor/lift and plate kit to come back into stock at Rutlands. Very powerful industrial grade kit, but 500 quid but no need to buy a plate. The downside is no dust extraction and a bit niche so availability after guarantee runs out may be a bit lacking. Comes with both collets so no further purchases.This option appeals to me as it is probably the most elegant, precise and the least fiddly but at a price.
Option 3 - I looked at several US and UK fixed base routers, or kits that came with both fixed and plunge, most came with above table height adjustment, some said "fine" adjustment implying you still need to go underneath for major adjustment. Possibly not but the blurb wasn't clear. I looked at US Porter cable, DW, Bosch and UK Bosch. Pricing was good on the US side even with the terrible exchange rate and carriage but although I already have a 110v transformer, their is a question mark whether they would work on 50Hz, probably but you get less warranty etc, as well so a risk. The UK Bosch GMF 1600 was not as powerful, expensive at £370 ish and seems to have had some serious reliability issues for some.
Option 4 - Triton TRA001. £210 quid plus £10 more for the 1/4" adapter sleeve as it comes with 1/2" and 8mm collets. Apart from a bit of fiddling underneath with the power switch, the rest is above the table and its 2.4kW. There's some talk of issues however I haven't read any routers machine's reviews yet without a few horror stories and there does seem to be a lot of satisfied customers.
So for me currently it's the Triton in first place with the Xact combo second if your feeling flush and its in stock. The Xact motor alone is £200 so if you paired it with a cheaper lift or made your own then it may be a closer call.
I nearly bought the Triton but I don't have to buy for a while yet so may think about it a while...... You can't rush decisions like this
