Member Login
Member Login
Member Login
|
Posted: 1/11/2021 8:47:48 AM EST
I'm going to embark on a couple of projects that will have me spending a lot of time at the router table. With the bit changes and tweaking the height adjustments, I think it's time I look into a good router lift.
There are quite a few out there so I'd like some input from those who have used them. Thanks |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/11/2021 8:53:20 AM EST
[Last Edit: 1/11/2021 8:54:09 AM EST by Jerret_S]
I think my dad bought the Kreg brand one. I'm not sure that he has used it yet. I need one as well so I will follow this as well. The Kreg one is pretty pricey.
My dad also bought a bosch router but it has handles and the switches in the handle so it wont work with it. So make sure you buy the appropriate router motor. Also make sure you can adjust the height from above. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/11/2021 8:54:37 AM EST
I have a Jessem lift and I can't say enough good things about it. Very accurate and easy to adjust.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/11/2021 9:07:14 AM EST
Quote History Originally Posted By medicdubs: I have a Jessem lift and I can't say enough good things about it. Very accurate and easy to adjust. Which JessEm do you have: The Rout-R-Lift or the Mast-R-Lift? |
|
|
|
OK, USA
|
Posted: 1/11/2021 9:15:31 AM EST
I have an Incra Master Lift II. It is very nice. Above the table height adjustment is very easy and small incremental adjustment is nice. This lift will also facilitate a wide range of router motors. I haven't used any other brands, but I highly recommend this one.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/11/2021 9:37:53 AM EST
[Last Edit: 1/11/2021 9:38:28 AM EST by Desert_AIP]
I have the Incra version of the Woodpecker lift.
Essentially the Woodpecker with magnetic inserts. It's fantastic, and unfortunately, discontinued. The Woodpecker lift is great. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/14/2021 8:26:08 PM EST
I have the Jessem and so far no complaints. Got the variable speed 3.5 HP motor they sell too. Pretty quiet for a big router.
Before I had a Woodhaven and a PC 3.5 plunge router. There weren’t that many options back then. I don’t even know if woodhaven is still around. No comparison between the two I have a Jointech fence. It’s a good fence, but they’re out of business. Once I get my 3D printer set up, the first thing I will design (not necessarily print) will be the zero clearance inserts for the fence. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/15/2021 2:19:13 PM EST
Quote History Originally Posted By JQ66: I have the Jessem and so far no complaints. Got the variable speed 3.5 HP motor they sell too. Pretty quiet for a big router. Before I had a Woodhaven and a PC 3.5 plunge router. There weren’t that many options back then. I don’t even know if woodhaven is still around. No comparison between the two I have a Jointech fence. It’s a good fence, but they’re out of business. Once I get my 3D printer set up, the first thing I will design (not necessarily print) will be the zero clearance inserts for the fence. The big PC has been the commercial shops go to router for many years. Use the largest shaft bits you can for each cut. They really help with harmonics as that thing spins at tens of thousands of RPM with a load mostly on one side. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2021 6:01:12 AM EST
Quote History Originally Posted By brickeyee: The big PC has been the commercial shops go to router for many years. Use the largest shaft bits you can for each cut. They really help with harmonics as that thing spins at tens of thousands of RPM with a load mostly on one side. Right now I have a Bosch 2.25hp that I use in my current table. But when I get the lift, I’m probably going to buy a dedicated machine. Not sure yet since my router table is actually an extension that I hang in the end of my workbench via French cleat. Because of limited space in the garage, the router table stands up on end with the legs folded when not in use. I’m afraid the sheer weight of the router in the base (while the table is stowed vertically) will damage the lift. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2021 6:25:56 AM EST
Jessem master lift here with a Porter Cable 7518 also a jesses phenolic top and their fence
|
|
|
|
MO, USA
|
Posted: 1/18/2021 3:28:54 PM EST
If money is a concern you can get a triton router. Has a built in left. Above table adjustment with included asks. Above table bit change with auto locking.
Down sides are bit adjustment has some slip which changing directions, height lock is under table. And power switch on router has to be turned off to raise bit all the way to lock it. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/21/2021 9:17:05 AM EST
Quote History Originally Posted By deLuna_tic: Right now I have a Bosch 2.25hp that I use in my current table. But when I get the lift, I’m probably going to buy a dedicated machine. Not sure yet since my router table is actually an extension that I hang in the end of my workbench via French cleat. Because of limited space in the garage, the router table stands up on end with the legs folded when not in use. I’m afraid the sheer weight of the router in the base (while the table is stowed vertically) will damage the lift. The Jessem 3.5 HP motor I bought is incredibly quiet and smooth. It is a dedicated router table motor by design. Maybe part of that is the overall structure of the lift? But I have been very impressed with this. The Incra or Woodpecker lift would probably be equally as good as they are all very similar . Those two are US made , so at least you’re not helping Trudeau. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/22/2021 8:25:06 PM EST
[Last Edit: 1/22/2021 8:35:35 PM EST by ydididothis]
I have a Jessem Mast R Lift that I bought from the recommendation of @Covertness. I bought the lift, table, fence, miter sled, and feed wheels. I then integrated it into my own cabinet. It's a pretty solid unit with the large variable speed Porter Cable router. The fence adjustment knobs suck balls, I switched them out in favor of woodpecker knobs.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/22/2021 8:34:53 PM EST
Quote History Originally Posted By deLuna_tic: Right now I have a Bosch 2.25hp that I use in my current table. But when I get the lift, I’m probably going to buy a dedicated machine. Not sure yet since my router table is actually an extension that I hang in the end of my workbench via French cleat. Because of limited space in the garage, the router table stands up on end with the legs folded when not in use. I’m afraid the sheer weight of the router in the base (while the table is stowed vertically) will damage the lift. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By deLuna_tic: Originally Posted By brickeyee: The big PC has been the commercial shops go to router for many years. Use the largest shaft bits you can for each cut. They really help with harmonics as that thing spins at tens of thousands of RPM with a load mostly on one side. Right now I have a Bosch 2.25hp that I use in my current table. But when I get the lift, I’m probably going to buy a dedicated machine. Not sure yet since my router table is actually an extension that I hang in the end of my workbench via French cleat. Because of limited space in the garage, the router table stands up on end with the legs folded when not in use. I’m afraid the sheer weight of the router in the base (while the table is stowed vertically) will damage the lift. With the Mast R Lift you won't have to worry about storing vertical. I often roll my router cabinet into my enclosed trailer to jobsite's to make doors, drawers, and custom trim. |
|
|
|
AR15.COM is the world’s largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2021 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
