I've been using a Carbatec Cast Iron Router Table, paired with a Triton TRA-001 for about two years now. Over the time that I've owned this router table, and as I've learnt more about Router Tables, a few shortcomings have appeared with the Carbatec Cast Iron Table (http://ift.tt/1JKOj68). So, I've decided that it's time to invest in a much better system. The main problems with the Carbatec Cast Iron table are:
The Triton has been a vary good router, and has handled some very large bits with no issues. My only wish is that the Triton's above table height adjustment was finer in operation. As designed, the Triton height adjustment is a bit course, making precise bit height adjustment a bit hit and miss.
Now - a slight diversion from the subject at hand, to provide some background ....... Yesterday I had a "brown undies" moment when I was using the router table to put a round-over on some parts for a chest of drawers I'm building. Unfortunately I happened to be using the router table when the transformer on the power pole just down the road from us decided to fry itself. One minute I was minding my own business routing away, and the next the router momentarily increased speed wayyyy above it's normal top speed, and then died in a cloud of smoke and sparks. I also lost the Dust Extractor motor, the Refrigerator, the microwave, and the washing machine - all happened to be running at the time we got the power surge. Fortunately Surge Protectors seem to have protected the computers, TV gear, etc. We spoke to the Electricity Company guys late yesterday, and their rep turned up today to have a look at the damage, and to help us lodge a damages claim against the Elec Company. They've been pretty good so far - they're getting someone to deliver us a new refrigerator on Saturday morning, and we should get vouchers to allow us to buy replacements for the rest of the dead items by the middle of next week. But - enough of my electricity problems.
So, with the big Triton needing to be replaced, I figured that now was the time to think about getting a router lift and a new router that will fit the router lift. So far, I've only found two Router Lifts in the Australian shops. They are:
The Woodpecker PRL V2 is supplied with a 240 volt, 1800 watt (2.4 HP) Fixed Base Router Motor which is included in the total price ($ 1,247.50 inc GST).
The Jessem Mast-R-Lift is $ 1,090 inc GST, and Gregory Machinery have the Swiss-Tec 240 volt, 1800 Watt Fixed Base Router Motor at $ 449 inc GST. So the Jessem would be $ 1,539 inc GST for the lift and router motor combo.
Whatever I end up buying will fit into a new Router Table that I'll start building next week. The new Router Table will be roughly based on the New Yankee Workshop design that seems to have been fairly widely copied. I haven't make a decision regarding a fence yet - I'll probably use my old fence until the bank balance recovers, then think about an Incra Fence.
So, some questions for the forum ...
Looking forward to receiving everyone's input.
Regards,
Roy
- The table seems to have "warped" over time, as it now slopes down from all four edges toward the centre hole. The sag seems to be between 20 and 30 thou depending where you measure around the edge of the router hole. I found the problem last month after cutting some joinery and finding that the joint alignment was out in places. The table was fairly flat (within less than 0.005") when I bought it, so I guess it is this so called "cast iron creep" that I've heard some people mention.
- The table is fairly thick (about 25mm) where the router mounts. This has meant that I need to use some longer shank router bits to get them high enough above the table. With many standard bits (e.g. a CMT 1/2" roundover bit) if the bit is seated in the collet, and then raised 3mm before tightening the collet, then when the bit is set at the correct working height, the Triton's safety mechanism that prevents the router from being turned on when the collet is raised to the above table bit change position, is activated - meaning you can't run the router. One unsafe fix is to insert less of the bit's shank in the collet so that the bit sits higher, allowing the safety mechanism to disengage. The safer option is to buy bits with longer shanks which limits the choice of bits.
- The standard fence and dust collection on the Carbatec Table is pretty poor. I've made my own fence for it, which has been an improvement.
The Triton has been a vary good router, and has handled some very large bits with no issues. My only wish is that the Triton's above table height adjustment was finer in operation. As designed, the Triton height adjustment is a bit course, making precise bit height adjustment a bit hit and miss.
Now - a slight diversion from the subject at hand, to provide some background ....... Yesterday I had a "brown undies" moment when I was using the router table to put a round-over on some parts for a chest of drawers I'm building. Unfortunately I happened to be using the router table when the transformer on the power pole just down the road from us decided to fry itself. One minute I was minding my own business routing away, and the next the router momentarily increased speed wayyyy above it's normal top speed, and then died in a cloud of smoke and sparks. I also lost the Dust Extractor motor, the Refrigerator, the microwave, and the washing machine - all happened to be running at the time we got the power surge. Fortunately Surge Protectors seem to have protected the computers, TV gear, etc. We spoke to the Electricity Company guys late yesterday, and their rep turned up today to have a look at the damage, and to help us lodge a damages claim against the Elec Company. They've been pretty good so far - they're getting someone to deliver us a new refrigerator on Saturday morning, and we should get vouchers to allow us to buy replacements for the rest of the dead items by the middle of next week. But - enough of my electricity problems.
So, with the big Triton needing to be replaced, I figured that now was the time to think about getting a router lift and a new router that will fit the router lift. So far, I've only found two Router Lifts in the Australian shops. They are:
- Incra Woodpecker PRL V2 Router Lift inc Fixed Base Router Motormain_prlv2.jpg
http://ift.tt/1K8aClT
- Jessem Mast-R-Lift Excell II, plus Swiss-Tec Fixed Base Router Motorjess-excel-1.jpg
http://ift.tt/1domFBn
http://ift.tt/1domENZ
The Woodpecker PRL V2 is supplied with a 240 volt, 1800 watt (2.4 HP) Fixed Base Router Motor which is included in the total price ($ 1,247.50 inc GST).
The Jessem Mast-R-Lift is $ 1,090 inc GST, and Gregory Machinery have the Swiss-Tec 240 volt, 1800 Watt Fixed Base Router Motor at $ 449 inc GST. So the Jessem would be $ 1,539 inc GST for the lift and router motor combo.
Whatever I end up buying will fit into a new Router Table that I'll start building next week. The new Router Table will be roughly based on the New Yankee Workshop design that seems to have been fairly widely copied. I haven't make a decision regarding a fence yet - I'll probably use my old fence until the bank balance recovers, then think about an Incra Fence.
So, some questions for the forum ...
- Are there any other Router Lifts that are sold in Australia, and that offer above table bit change, that I should be considering ?
- Can anyone who has had experience with the above Router Lifts (or other model lifts made by these manufacturers) provide any sort of review of these items ?
Looking forward to receiving everyone's input.
Regards,
Roy
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire