Triton JOF001 1,010-Watt Compact Precision Plunge Router

I bought this router a little while ago, and felt I simply had to write a response to the review above by Jayman, as it's full of errors. Sounds like he's not been using properly and has been getting frustrated. Hopefully there's some advice in here that will help him to use this properly and get the most out of it. I personally think it's a cracking tool for anyone starting out, especially for the price.

(1) By using a light oil spray (WD40) then this would solve the issue of the sticking. When you get any router out of a box for first time most will stick as they are new and need to be worn in - just like a car engine. If you use the oil the router works a treat and this is a little tip you will pick up from a lot of pro's. It might even be that he is routing in the wrong direction? The logo should be facing the opposite direction. If the logo is facing you then it will be very stiff when plunging, and make it almost inoperable.

(2) I do slightly agree with Jayman on the soft start, in the sense that it does start immediately, but compared with others it just produces a small kick. But it does do what it says and build up slowly. Another router I have used produced such a large force that it literally jumped out of my hand!

(3) The collet has two stop positions, which is a fault by the user. I had the same problem until I realised. It feels as if you have undone the collet, but actually you need to undo it more (with the spanner) with the spindle lock still engaged. The spindle lock will only fully engage when the depth turret guage is fully pushed back and out of the way of the plunger guides. I'm not sure if this is included within the manual, I couldn't find it to check.

(4) Once again just light oil on the clasps will make the nylon guides run smoothly with the fence and plate rail. Jayman is right there is no micro adjustment on the fence but it doesn't say that there should be? Normally you would measure the point you wished to rout and set the fence accordingly with the router bit. The same way as you would with a straight edge using a circular saw, jigsaw etc. The only micro adjustment is on setting the plunge depth or in connection with the height winder.

(5) I don't understand this complaint, as the on/off switch is absolutely fine, in fact I think it's brilliant. Unless of course you are a left-hander, in which case it might be a bit tricky to get used to, but even then you should be able to train hand to operate pushing slider back with thumb and turning router on with finger. It's not hard! The safety switch is a great feature, and easy to use if you are routing in the right direction.

(6) Yes a case would be have been nice touch, but no doubt they would have put the price up and make us pay for it. So as most probably don't use it isn't it better to not include? I keep mine out all the time anyway (like most I don't pack my tools away in their cases as i'd be forever unpacking and repacking) and have made my own boxes for all the bits and collets.

(7) I would slightly agree with this, I think it's a common problem though not just for the Triton. But, it does still do the job in hand, so is there actually an issue here? I've seen other manufacturers use metal nuts, but to be honest they are just as bad if not worse!

Overall I think it's a great buy, the finish I am getting is wonderful. Just make sure you know how to use it properly, there are lots of videos/forums online that will offer good tips for anyone starting out. I would definitly recommend.

Hope this helps, Willem

Solid piece of equipment - sounds & feels like it should be £200. Came with a strong wide fence, not the usual bars & clamps really good for panels. Really like the pushin button to lock the spindle which is very easy to access.
Weight is light & perfectly balenced and smooth soft start. Highly recommended.

I agree with almost all of what Will said about this product in his review of 28 July 2011. I disagree only with the point about the on/off switch; I think the switch is in a slightly awkward position, but that's hardly a big problem. Otherwise my early impressions are all positive. The bit change is particularly easy, aided by the clever positioning of the power cable which allows the user to stand the router upside down without it wanting to topple over. I have used the fence a couple of times and it is really solid. For clarity, the router comes with the fence and winder handle for adjusting the depth of cut from above the table. The latter works great. I have come across softer starts than this one, but it is still controlable.

Only time will tell about the longevity of this machine, but brush changes look like a doddle. All in all, I don't see a comparable router in this price range.