Popular Woodworking 2003-02 № 132, страница 30

Australian Router Trying to Turn the Router World Upside Down

Beyond being a capable and comfortable router for both hand and table use, the Triton TRA001 offers convenience and safety features we consider well worth having. Then to sweeten the pot the manufacturer tossed in some well-thought-out extras, increasing the value.

This is the only router on the market today that allows you to "dial" in the full plunge depth, extending the collet past the base plate so you can loosen it from below the base rather than between the posts. Similar features are available on router lift mechanisms, but at a high price, making this plunger an attractive option for router-table work.

When the router is in its fully plunged position, the spindle lock is automatically engaged (allowing one-wrench bit changes). And for added safety a lock-out door covers the power switch, making it impossible to accidentally start the router.

The Triton router also offers three different plunging mechanisms: a free-plunge setting, a standard plunge lock lever to lock the depth position in place, and a rack-and-pinion "winder" adjustment operated through the right handle of the router that allows a controlled plunge, rather than a free plunge. For detail work, a micro-adjustment mechanism works in the rack-and-pinion mode, allowing adjustments of approximately V32" per half-turn of the knob.

When used in a router table, there's an easily removable plunge spring (back out a screw, pop off the cap and remove the spring) for no-resistance bit-height adjustments.

Other features include a versatile turret depth-stop system, a quality metal fence system that can be used as an edge guide with a 6" reach or as a circle-cutting jig. One nice touch with the fence is it requires no tools to attach it to the router. Plus you get a i^" carbide straight router bit. This tool is loaded!

Then we plugged it in and made some chips. We were pleased with the power and performance of the router. It proved a smooth operating machine, and the plunge adjustments are slick and easy to operate once you get comfortable with the tool.

Dust collection also has been included, with two clear shields and a base-integral dust collection hook-up (1¹/2" dia.). We ran a ¹/2" x V2" groove in plywood with and without dust collection. Efficiency was about 90 percent with the hook-up, which is more than adequate by our standards.

Triton is a new tool brand to us, and if we

SPECIFICATIONS

Triton TRA001 Plunge Router Street price: $329 Motor: 3¹/4 hp, 15 amp, 8K to 20K rpm with soft start, elec. feedback Collets: V4" and V2" Plunge depth: 2²¹/32" Weight: 13.5 pounds Performance: ••••O Price range: $$$$$ Triton Workshop Systems: 888-874-8661, or tritonwoodworking.com

had more experience with the brand's long-term capabilities, this tool would likely earn a five for performance. While priced at the higher end of this router category, the special features, plus the bit and quality edge guide nicely offset the price, making this router not only an innovative tool, but a good value as well.

For more information, circle #155 on Free Information Card.

HOW WE RATE TOOLS

We test new tools and products with an honest, real-world workout. We start from the box, assemble the tool if necessary, and read the manuals to see how clear they are. Then we put the tools to use in our shop, building projects.Then our staff shares the result with you.

We rate performance on a one-to-five scale, with "five" indicating that we consider it to be the leader in its category. For price range, five dollar signs means the tool is priced high in the category, with one dollar sign indicating a low price.Three dollar signs is an average price.

If all your questions aren't answered here, e-mail me at david.thiel@fwpubs.com or call me at 513-531-2690, ext. 1255.You also can visit our web site at popularwoodworking.com to read previous tool reviews and sign up for our free e-mail newsletter (focusing on tools) that's sent out every other week.

—David Thiel, senior editor

30 Popular Woodworking February 2003