Theres an above-table lock as well as multiple table insert collars for a variety of bit sizes. We use it quite often, and its difficult to turn, so it tends to fatigue the thumb. Aluminum is much lighter than steel, so it might be the better choice for a router lift. Here are some things to think about before choosing the best router lift for your table. And, when the lift is installed in an enclosed table, they help concentrate dust-collection efforts. However, this quality comes with a cost as the INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift is quite expensive, one of the most expensive on this list. But too light, and it will only be able to be used for light-duty routers. You should look for a router lift made from cast iron or quality aluminum. I was considering a Triton router like this Amazon.com with a Kreg insert/switch. The user can improve the efficacy and productivity of this route lift by fine-tuning the bits' adjustments. Just take the springs out of the Tridon plunge base. Dedicated cam-lock mechanism prevents spindle rotation. Pairs with JessEm Rout-R-Lift II While a 3HP+ machine is arguably best overall, if your projects don't involve spinning a huge raised panel bit a smaller router is fine. If your router allows you to separate the motor from the base, you can attach the motor to a router lift. If you dont own a Rockler table, you should be sure it fits on your table before you purchase. By Tom Scalisi Updated Mar 30, 2021 1:39 PM. A router lift is a mount that drops into a work surface, turning any bench with adequate space underneath into a router table. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Professionals and more serious workers may not get the optimal satisfaction they require while using this product. The product offers optimum versatility and a high level of accuracy for height adjustments on the router. A router lift holds a router upside down so that the router can stay in place while the user manipulates the workpiece across the bit. Some models can be a bit more difficult to crank, but its usually accurate and smooth. Another great choice is the JessEm 02310 Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift, which is our pick for the best value. Users can use the various jigs, templates, and router bits to connect them with many different models. This model works best for professionals or casual users looking for a high-end router lift. Customers did complain about the difficulty of making smooth height adjustments but found this product much easier to use by hand or on a table. When it comes to achieving silky-smooth height adjustments, finding a router lift with a ball-bearing adjustment mechanism is the route to go rather than a basic screw-type spindle. The router base is designed for use with 1617, 1617EVS, 1617EVSPK routers. They attach to the router lift, and then the router motor slides into place with the collars clamping down on the motor for a secure attachment. The Kreg PRS5000 and the Rockler Pro Lift. In this informative review, you will learn all you need to know about these products to help you make the right decision when you invest in a router lift. There is a serious downside to using the INCRA router is that it only works with Rockler tables, so unless you have one, this option is off the table. You can also ask a handyman to drill another hole that fits perfectly. Router lifts are often an afterthought, but they are crucial for opening up your routers versatility. One thing we like about the SawStop RT-LFT Four-Post Router Lift with Lock is that of is an exclusive product that comes with different but handy features. Features a simple adjustable clamp locking mechanism that works best with routers of 8-1/4-inch by the 11-3/4-inch base. All router lift has this information to guide buyers. Now JessEm have upped their game and taken it to a new level with the JESSEM Mast-R-Lift Excel II Router Table Top With Integral Router . The router lift then raises and lowers the router bit using a crankshaft or thumbscrew. Router lifts made from plastics or cheap alloys will break when used for long routing sessions. Connect and transact with thousands of top North American companies today. The KREG PRS5000 works perfectly, and the only negative thing we can think to say about it is that it doesnt fit all routers. Users will enjoy above-table adjustments, as well as a locking mechanism, for maintaining a consistent ideal height while routing custom millwork or joinery. When setting up your cam lock, we recommended following instructions directly for where to position your clamps; customers were able to interchange their piece with different routers, like the Bosch 1617, as long as they paid attention to how they installed it. Since router lifts, router tables, and router bits are so entwined, it is important for customers to understand the unique specifications they need for their specific projects. You must pay attention to the plate size of a router lift before you purchase. This router lift is more of an entry-level router lift in the JessEm series. Mounted it in a SawStop iron TS wing. The ProLift is constructed specifically to fit Bench Dog router tables. One exception, though, is the Milwaukee 5625-29, which at this time of writing, only the Rockler and the JessEm router lift can fit this router and offer over-the-table bit changes. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R Designed for Rockler Tables. Pay attention to the instructions and mounting your router is fast and easy., Dimensions: MDF top 16 x 24 feet; router plate 9 x 11 x inches. It also has an auto-protect feature, and it is also a bit portable. What a router lift does is turn any workbench with enough space into a router table. Compatibility: routers with 9-1/4-in. We also source locally made router table components (like our router . Remember, if you plan on changing your router or table in the future, you will have to check the compatibility again, so you may want to look at some of the options youll have. There are two types of plates, the one with dimensions of about 9.25 x 11.75 inches and the latter with dimensions of about 8.25 x 11.75 inches. The durability is top-notch as the lift is made from robust materials. To help you make the right choice when you get a router lift, here are some frequently asked questions about router lifts: A router lift comes with a mounting plate and a carriage system that mainly use the ball bearing mechanism. Several customers advise that it is cheaper to purchase a kit consisting of a precision router and fixed routers rather than pay a premium charge for the individual pieces. It has all the features a professional router lift has for optimal function. Standard mounts found on a router lift has a lot of benefits that one cant pass by. We hope you have enjoyed reading over our reviews and found them helpful in your pursuit of a new router lift. Its perfect for those still experimenting with a router and not looking to make a long-term commitment. The most important thing to consider before choosing your router lift is if it will fit your router and your router table. Many of the best router lifts come with adapters for fitting a variety of routers. A router lift is an extra router plate designed to fit into the router. The JessEm looks good and appears to have good reviews. Router tables are stationary tables used for woodworking. The Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R Router Lift features a very precise height-adjusting system that uses a printed gauge that will tell you exactly how much distance the table moved. The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift is a fantastic router lift. If you acquire an Incra router table and a router that can fit into the lift, getting this product is recommended, but it is a terrible choice for some people, especially if they are on a budget. First, this router lift wouldnt burn your purse when you get one. But if you are more concerned about precise and accurate cuts, you should check out the fixed-type routers. Kreg Router Tools - Router Bits, Router Table Tops, Table Inserts Routing System Components From router bits to parts for a custom router setup, take your routing to the next level with our Routing System Components. Another way a router lift might adjust the height is with a thumbscrew. Rogers lifts are known to be heavy products weighing up to 20 pounds. Always buy router lifts that have a sawdust collection system that is compatible with vacuum hoses. Here is a list of the best router lifts, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best router lift for your needs. You can zero this system at any routing point to get the baseline setup of your bit. The carriage comes with either a crank handle or a thumbwheel that you can use to adjust the height of the router. If you have plans to remove the router lift from the base frequently, you should not buy a lift that is difficult to install. Please verify which router you plan to use before purchasing one of these lifts. Dont assume the router lift plate will accurately fit your router tables opening. If you are into craft equipment from JessEm, you should check out the Mast-R-Lift. Precise adjustment without backlash . Due to a router lifts design, the lifts work surface supports all of the weight. Also, the aluminum material is not ferrous and lacks magnetic properties, rendering a magnetic outboard mount dial almost useless.. This router lift is an economical alternative versus compatible routers that commonly cost US$200 or more, wrote one customer. With this mechanism, you can accurately carry out height adjustments. This JessEm bundle is compatible with PORTER-CABLE, DeWALT, and Bosch router lifts and includes a 10-piece twist lock insert rings set. 6. This responsibility falls greatly on the low-friction ball bearing system. When you make the wrong investment and get a lift thats incompatible with your router, you would experience inconsistencies like vibrations when routing. House Grail is reader-supported. I recommend. Bearing-guided carriage provides smooth operation. At that point, a screw-type adjustment rod lifts the router up and down, bringing the bit above and below the work surface. . With a minimum power of about 3.5HP, you can make any woodworking adjustment and cuts with a simple lift product. Router lifts have many uses, and it is good to understand the versatility and freedom they give you for all of your projects. This model features a smaller 8-1/4-Inch by the 11-3/4-Inch top plate with reliable two sealed ball bearings. Its not bulky and wouldnt take up all the space on an average routing table. You attach the mounting plate to your router table and fit the router to the lift carriage. One thing to keep in mind is that a rockler table will only fit a router lift sold by rockler, I don't recall the size offhand but the kreg is a more "standard" size that fit the incra, jessem or woodpecker lifts. How do you pick out the best router lift for your routing tasks? The ball bearing mechanism allows for smooth movement as the lift up and down. And while there are a half dozen routers in the running the top brand and performance make Makita a professionals choice. Incra vs Kreg -- Router Tables Winner Declared!! The INCRA MagnaLOCK reducing ring system magnetically snaps rings into place so you can change them instantly, and it includes 5 steel reducing rings for using different sized routers. The SawStop RT-LFT Four-Post Router Lift features a durable phenolic router table resting on 4 threaded steel posts. California Do Not Track Notice. It is ideal for elevation measurements and height adjustment processes. Compatibility: 1617, 1617EVS, 1617EVSPK, 1618 and 1618EVS routers. It glides smoothly on a bearing guided carriage, and it features 3 inches of travel, making it very versatile. It does come with just one insert collar, but users can purchase additional collars from JessEm. The router lift contains a reinforced CNC machined phenolic top plate. I have a sawstop cabinet saw with wood side tables. The top plate of this router lift is made of hard-anodized aluminum. However, the base model doesn't include any featherboards or even a router switch. Users are always enthusiastic about this router lift because it is a product that wont die off quickly. The Rout-R II router lift with double sealed bearing construction was specifically designed for use with PORTER-CABLE, Bosch, DeWALT, and Craftsman routers. Its durable, accurate, and smooth. Its a little heavier than our top model, but installation is quick and straightforward and results in an accurate lift with easy, precise height adjustment. I've been a carpenter for over 10 years and I'm still loving it. Comes with 3 insert ring to reduce the size of the opening in the plate, with the . Woodpeckers PRL-V2-420PRL Router Lift - Best High End Lift 5. The cam lock feature intuitively locks the router table at one spot when you turn it to the right. You would think that the price tag is because the INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift will be compatible with almost all sizes, brands, and types, but that is not the case. looking to own a lift without breaking the bank, designed for professional routing tasks. The durability is top-notch as the lift is made from robust materials. On another note, some others have discussed whether this lift will fit in a Kreg router table. The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift makes possible minute height adjustment, which delivers excellent control and accuracy to the user. You would make all adjustments to the height the same way. The lift replaces the standard insert plate (9-14" x 11-34" x 38") in all Kreg router tables plus many popular brands. What is a router lift without a height adjustment system? Rout-R-Lift Prestige for Plunge Based Routers - Imperial and Metric Options. Understanding each feature will help determine which router lift will work best for you. A good router lift can be as important as a routing table when it comes to woodworking. Following is a collection of some of the most frequently asked questions about router table lifts, so be sure to check for an answer to your question below. Router Lift OFL 2.0K . Precision indexing ring with micro-adjust scale simplifies bit height changes. If that is indeed the only real difference, I'd choose the Incra due to the Magnalock rings if you have any plans to also go with the Cleansweep. The Rout-R-Lift II comes in 5 different styles depending on the router and router diameter you plan to use. Before getting a router lift, you must be sure the plunge will fit into the lift. Hand-made furniture, remodeling projects, and consulting on all your home needs! Chain synchronizing 4-post lifting system, Includes collars for use with different routers. This is helpful for routing dadosor groovesin cabinet doors for center panels, molding profiles on expensive wood species, and other detail-oriented milling processes. Fits most routers, . Before you start shopping for a router lift, there are a few important features to consider. If you have more than one router or may have to change your router during your work, then you should invest in a router lift with multiple insert holes and adapters.