router table

mark86 · 6 Mar 2014

hey i am new to this forum, actually only just registered. i had read a thread about someone making a router table but i have a few questions and was hoping someone might be able to help answer them. really sorry if i ask any questions that have been answered already but i have been trawling the net for weeks now.

before i go ahead and buy a router i want to know what type of router do you need to use to be able to mount it under the table? i was really close to buying one today when i went into B&Q but i noticed they all have a "dead man's switch" so surely that is no good for mounting under the table? can someone tell me which type i need? ideally i don't want to spend to much money.

any suggestions are welcome.

Glynne · 6 Mar 2014

I'd do a Search of routers on the Forum as this has been discussed several times.
Don't worry about your "Deadmans switch"'. Most routers have these and you can get around them with either custom type clips (I.e. Bosch) or by simply using plastic cable ties as I do with a Trend router.
There are lots of things to consider such as height adjustment from above the table, ease of change of bits etc. and more qualified people than me have contributed to the previous threads.
I'd also not rule out buying your first table, especially with some of the offers that come around but have a trawl through some of the threads.

deema · 6 Mar 2014

IMO a good secondhand spindle moulder is far more versatile, and a very cost effective solution. Really good machines can go for a few hundred on eBay. Euro cutters are far cheaper than complex router bits (c£20 / set of cutters and limiters and only c £10 for new cutters when they blunt). Some spindle moulders can take router bits eg Jet. However, I think if you start with a spindle moulder you will not see the necessity of a router table unless you need to take something you can take to site.

If you do decide to have a look at a spindle moulder I would recommend getting feedback from the forum if your not familiar with them on different makes and models you are considering.

Woodmonkey · 6 Mar 2014

Triton tra001 height adjustable and cutter changing from above table. There is a cheaper model with smaller motor would prob do if only using small cutters.

rafezetter · 6 Mar 2014

Woodmonkey":1gn0n5m5 said:
Triton tra001 height adjustable and cutter changing from above table. There is a cheaper model with smaller motor would prob do if only using small cutters.

+1 to this - apparently they are very good, and worth the £200 or so.

Out of interest what part of Brizz are you in?

mark86 · 7 Mar 2014

Thanks for the replies guys. I looked at spindle moulders real briefly and can you only get them as a whole machine? Seem a bit big plus I want to build this.
Does the triton have a dead mans switch? How are people overcoming this if it's mounted under a table?
I have been looking at the Bosch Palm router because it looks like it has an on off switch as a posed to a trigger. Any thoughts on this product? Looked ok in the video.
I live in patchway- cribbs.

Thanks again for everyone's help, much appriceated.

Woodmonkey · 7 Mar 2014

No the triton has an ordinary on/off switch.

mark86 · 8 Mar 2014

I have had a look at Triton MOF001 Dual Mode Precision Router 1400w. I think I can stretch to that price if it's worth it. I have noticed a few comments talking about the collet sizes not being great for the uk? 12mm, 8mm and 1/4 inch? Has anyone had any trouble with these sizes or finding bits of these sizes?