Triton has a CMS like system

[peter halle]

While scrolling around Facebook Marketplace I came across something I hadn't noticed before - Triton has a CMS like setup that will accept modules including routers and also a tables module or a sliding mini saw on rails above the table.  They are available thru dealers online ( I looked at Beaver Industrial).  The reason I went looking was because there is someone in Minneapolis selling two at what appears to be really good prices versus new.  Here is that link for those who do Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1030761804682693/?ref=category_feed&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=general_listing&tracking=%7B%22qid%22%3A%22-2531178430776606459%22%2C%22mf_story_key%22%3A%2225633442566255296%22%2C%22commerce_rank_obj%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22target_id%5C%22%3A25633442566255296%2C%5C%22target_type%5C%22%3A8%2C%5C%22primary_position%5C%22%3A199%2C%5C%22ranking_signature%5C%22%3A7052124538564887914%2C%5C%22commerce_channel%5C%22%3A504%2C%5C%22value%5C%22%3A4.9834660732854e-5%2C%5C%22upsell_type%5C%22%3Anull%2C%5C%22candidate_retrieval_source_map%5C%22%3A%7B%5C%2225633442566255296%5C%22%3A3011%7D%2C%5C%22grouping_info%5C%22%3Anull%7D%22%2C%22ftmd_400706%22%3A%22111112l%22%7D

Peter

 

[MikeGE]

I don't have FB, so I can't view the link you provided.  However, if the link relates in any way to the TWX7 setup, I cannot say enough bad things about it. 
When I was setting up my garage shop, I wanted a table saw, router table, and work surface that could be setup and then stored away when not being used so I could park my cars.  The newest insert was not available then, else I would have likely bought it as well.  I thought the Triton TWX7 system would be perfect for my shop.  I was sooooooo wrong and deeply regret the purchase. 

At first, I was happy with it because I was finally able to cut up scrap wood for easier disposal.  Little did I realize at the time that this would likely be the most suitable use for the table saw insert.  Despite my best efforts, and I am no stranger to using contractor saws, I was not able to use the saw to consistently or accurately rip and cut 18mm plywood for a cabinet project.

Everything required for accurate and repeatable cuts is external to the inserts.  The rails for the rip fence and T-track for the miter fence are on the main chassis.  The inserts float in the opening and are "locked" into place by cam locks.  Every time I changed an insert for another task, I had to re-calibrate the rip and miter fences.  It was impossible for me to remove and install the saw insert in the same exact location so the fences would still be accurate, so this required several test cuts to set each end of the fence as needed.  I kept a half sheet of 12mm B/C plywood for making test cuts each time I changed an insert.  In my opinion, and based on weeks of frustration, this setup is only marginally useful for cutting plywood for concrete formwork.

In the end, I went in a different direction with my shop tools and location.  I tried to offload the entire Triton setup for about two years without success.  I started at €500 and continued to relist it with a lower price every few months to €50 without any interest, but lots of views.  I used the same free online listing service that I used for other items, which sold in hours or minutes.  Eventually I gave it to a distant family member under the condition that he never return it to me.

 

[peter halle]

[member=70363]MikeGE[/member], yes that is the setup that is for sale.  We don't have as large of an exposure to Triton here as those in Europe although some products have gotten a warm response - the large Triton router for instance.  Glad to read about a real world response.

Peter

 

[Svar]

The inserts float in the opening and are "locked" into place by cam locks.

Perhaps there are different models of this system. From what I see the saw insert has horizontal locating pins that drop into slots. That should insure repeatability, unless manufacturing tolerances are poor. It seems like something easy to fix.

 

[MikeGE]

Perhaps there are different models of this system. From what I see the saw insert has horizontal locating pins that drop into slots. That should insure repeatability, unless manufacturing tolerances are poor. It seems like something easy to fix.

I wrote cam locks, but I meant finger locks.  The inserts do have plastic pins and bobbin guides that mate with the chassis, but my inserts were a loose fit in the chassis even after being locked into place.  On the contractor saw insert, the c-clips on two of the plastic bobbin guides would not stay on and the guides would fall away every time I moved the saw.  I bought new clips from the local hardware store, but the machining on the bobbin guide shaft was so poor that they would not stay in the groove.

The router table insert has plastic rings, but only one set of M4 grub screws to adjust the plate height.  When changing plates to accommodate router cutters, the screws must be moved to the new plate and adjusted so the plate is flush with the router table.  I spent a whopping €0.48 at the local hardware store to buy two more sets of M4 grub screws.  Of all the places for Triton to save money, the grub screws seemed a bit strange to me.

I'm no stranger to modifying machines to suit me, but the Triton TWX7 setup was a bridge too far for me.  I bought the TRA001 router for use with this setup, but never got as far as using the router before abandoning this effort.  I eventually built a dedicated router table (documented on FOG) and used a motor better suited for the table.

I could go on with the frustration I had with my Triton TWX7, but my therapist strongly recommended that I avoid this.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Back when Triton started out here in Melb the Work Centre was pretty ground breaking for DIY'ers as there was nothing like it on the market, but I think their later products have sort of had their day in comparison to what's available now. I made the expensive mistake of buying their later sliding table saw setup a few years ago and sold it pretty much immediately as it was just awful.

Probably the only product of late that I'd consider exceptional is the 180mm planer, it's a beast and is beautifully constructed.

The other gear, not so much.