Need Advice What's up with 3hp routers?

[Joel]

Is it just me or is the state of affairs with bigger table routers a bit tough? My Incra lift is compatible with the below 3+ hp routers, each of which have some kind of issue as far as I can tell.

(Milwaukee 5625-20 not compatible)
(My Bosch 1617 2.25HP is currently in the table but undersized and I want it available for hand work.)
Woodpckers' SpinRite 3.5HP died after a few months, warranty replacement is 6 weeks out, refund has been offered. Reviews suggest the issue I had isn't uncommon
Triton TFBR001 — 3.25HP great reviews, but apparently out of business?
Bora PM-6200 — 3.25HP same OEM as SpinRite, reviews aren't great
JessEm PowRTek SR05300 — 3.25HP same OEM as SpinRite; doesn't appear to be available anyways
Porter Cable 7518 — 3.25HP There's an older model for sale near me $300 - thinking about taking it.
Grizzly T32461 - same OEM as SpinRite, not much for reviews; at least they sell spare parts

 

[cyclopentadiene]

Did someone purchase Triton? I loved mine but the main power board fried(my fault) and I never got around to ordering one. I used it in my router table over 10 years I used a panel bit and was too close to the aluminum plate (lazy and did not want to change plates for 4 passes) when it started up, the bit stopped and fried the mother board. Cheap $70 fix but I never ordered one and replaced with my PC.

 

[Charlie]

Triton Tools is not out of business. After facing a brief bankruptcy and receivership in late 2025/early 2026, the brand was acquired and restored to its original Australian ownership by Timbecon. Triton routers and parts are currently in production and readily available.

• North American Availability: Crimson Tool is the exclusive distributor in the US and Canada.

 

[cyclopentadiene]

Triton Tools is not out of business. After facing a brief bankruptcy and receivership in late 2025/early 2026, the brand was acquired and restored to its original Australian ownership by Timbecon. Triton routers and parts are currently in production and readily available.

• North American Availability: Crimson Tool is the exclusive distributor in the US and Canada.

Thank you for the info! I purchased a router table insert from rockler for $5 to use their oscillating spindle sander. I went to purchase a sander and all were out of stock. I rarely use one and the unit I have takes up too much bench space. I thought this would be great to double purpose my router table.

 

[Mike Wilkins]

Still rocking my PC 7518 for over 25 years; knock on wood.
I just saw a You Tube video of some new tools from the folks at Kreg Tools, which included a 3 1/2 horse router with 5 speeds. It also featured soft start and circuitry built in to maintain speed when under load. I believe the roll-out is September of this year. Looks promising.

 

[chris_goris]

Depending on what you need to use it for, a shaper may be a better option. There is no comparison between even an underpowered shaper and a overpowered router mounted in a table. I have both, ( PC7518) and a 5 HP shaper, Im not even sure where the PC router is anymore.

 

[danmart77]

I have 2 each Makita 3hp routers and they are like all Makita tools-- trouble free. The model is the 3612 plunge router.

 

[golfdad]

Im a diehard Triton fan. Have used there routers in my table for over 15 years

 

[whitecrane8]

Depending on what you need to use it for, a shaper may be a better option. There is no comparison between even an underpowered shaper and a overpowered router mounted in a table. I have both, ( PC7518) and a 5 HP shaper, Im not even sure where the PC router is anymore.

Yes, a shaper is much better for most applications, especially big stock reduction or production work. Despite the claims, I was never in a production facility that used routers instead of shapers. For most low-volume, light-work DIYers, it really depends on whether you want to invest in router bits or shaper bits. Because shapers are so much less popular than router lifts, many very accurate, cast iron versions are available used for extremely low prices

That said, I'm a 7518 fan boy with one NIB under my bench (as back-up) and another in a table. Many here are seeking the now unobtainable 7518's. You should sell yours and share the love!

 

[chris_goris]

Yes, a shaper is much better for most applications, especially big stock reduction or production work. Despite the claims, I was never in a production facility that used routers instead of shapers. For most low-volume, light-work DIYers, it really depends on whether you want to invest in router bits or shaper bits. Because shapers are so much less popular than router lifts, many very accurate, cast iron versions are available used for extremely low prices

That said, I'm a 7518 fan boy with one NIB under my bench (as back-up) and another in a table. Many here are seeking the now unobtainable 7518's. You should sell yours and share the love!

Its far superior for surface finish as well.

 

[whitecrane8]

Cast iron table shapers, with fence, range in price (used) close to me for between $85 and $300. WAY less than a router, lift, stand, top, and fence. I think what some may not realize is that a 1 HP induction-motor shaper will SIGNIFICANTLY outperform even the most burly 3 HP universal-motor router. For those that fear the cutter costs, I saw a new carbide combination 1/4"-1/2" round-over shaper bit on the Grizzly site for $25. But yes, the bigger shaper bit costs can be eye watering.

 

[ptt49er]

I need a router for a router lift, where should I start looking?

 

[whitecrane8]

I need a router for a router lift, where should I start looking?

What size router lift? What's your budget?

 

[blackhawk]

Yes, a shaper is much better for most applications, especially big stock reduction or production work. Despite the claims, I was never in a production facility that used routers instead of shapers. For most low-volume, light-work DIYers, it really depends on whether you want to invest in router bits or shaper bits. Because shapers are so much less popular than router lifts, many very accurate, cast iron versions are available used for extremely low prices

That said, I'm a 7518 fan boy with one NIB under my bench (as back-up) and another in a table. Many here are seeking the now unobtainable 7518's. You should sell yours and share the love!

I have a Grizzly shaper that came with a collet adapter that allows it to use 1/4" or 1/2" shank router bits. I use router bits about 75% of the time.

 

[ptt49er]

What size router lift? What's your budget?

Looks like it needs to be between 4" and 4.2" in diameter.

Not sure on the budget. Not ready to buy anything right now, but don't want to wish I'd gotten better after I do get one.

 

[chris_goris]

Yes, a shaper is much better for most applications, especially big stock reduction or production work. Despite the claims, I was never in a production facility that used routers instead of shapers. For most low-volume, light-work DIYers, it really depends on whether you want to invest in router bits or shaper bits. Because shapers are so much less popular than router lifts, many very accurate, cast iron versions are available used for extremely low prices

That said, I'm a 7518 fan boy with one NIB under my bench (as back-up) and another in a table. Many here are seeking the now unobtainable 7518's. You should sell yours and share the love!

I would definitely sell mine! Anyone?

 

[whitecrane8]

Looks like it needs to be between 4" and 4.2" in diameter.

Not sure on the budget. Not ready to buy anything right now, but don't want to wish I'd gotten better after I do get one.

What lift do you have? Note above: Chris is selling his un-obtainable 7518 which has a 4.2" motor

 

[whitecrane8]

What lift do you have? Note above: Chris is selling his un-obtainable 7518 which has a 4.2" motor. The 7518 was the gold standard for table routers before it was discontinued. I doubt that you would wish for more in a table router

 

[ptt49er]

What lift do you have? Note above: Chris is selling his un-obtainable 7518 which has a 4.2" motor

I have the Sawstop router table extension on my saw. I could be very interested in that 7518, just not sure when I'll be ready/able to pull the trigger. The boss is still feeling my table saw upgrade

 

[whitecrane8]

I have the Sawstop router table extension on my saw. I could be very interested in that 7518, just not sure when I'll be ready/able to pull the trigger. The boss is still feeling my table saw upgrade

I'd PM Chris. The 7518 was discontinued in 2020 and last made in the US 10 years ago. His is likely one of the US versions