Did we ever do a poll for a router lift?
I would really like to do one with all the current models available. I can't seem to find where to set one up and which names to include. I have Incra, Kreg, woodpecker, Mcls, and Jess-em. Please give me any other names to include as I hope the "other" category that doesn't help anyone.
I want to include as many as possible and also is it possible to add which features are best?
Jessem - have had 4 of their various models - all worked well, smooth mechanisms, easy to adjust, installation of router bits is simple above the table top, and graduated scale is accurate for adjusting bit height.
I am very pleased with the two I now own.
I have played with a few of the other models, but they dont seem to have the fit and finish that Jessem does.
Don't forget Triton Routers, as they have their own lifting mechanism. And since Triton started using the metal lifting gear early in 2011, it has performed very well for me for more than the past two years. I have both the 3 1/4hp and the 2 1/4hp models and they BOTH are set up for above-the-table adjustments.
1+ with Mike's comment. Triton and Freud have built-in lifts. With those brands, the collet extends fully so bit changes are easy. All adjustments are topside.
My PC 890 also has a built-in lift. It works fairly well provided you don't depend on the number of turns to set an exact bit height as the mechanism is too coarse.
Incra mast-r-lift II.
Best one on the market, no need for a poll. ;-)
Seriously, it has the best ring system (held in by rare earth magnets and adjustable for level), accommodates 16 or more different models of routers, and even has a pretty cool "snugger" feature in case the plate opening is router a bit too sloppy.
@HorizontalMike… I was going to post a question about that combination. I'd been looking at a PC7518 + Kreg/Jessem/Woodpecker/Incra/etc lift for a long time, but that's a $650 combo. Learned about the Triton 3.25hp with the through the table adjustment recently. How are you liking that setup? Does the above the table winder only allow for micro-adjustments? As I understand it, if you want to quickly make large adjustments, it's easier to do it below the table, is that correct?
I was at a local retailer recently who sells the Triton and the sales guy actually recommended I get the 7518+Woodpecker combo. They don't sell either one of those so they were actually losing a sale. I'm kind of leaning that way right now, but I was hoping to get more feedback on the Triton setup since it's about half the price.
@EdwardR - thanks for the feedback. Honestly I'm leaning towards the 7518 + whatever lift combo just because that's the defacto standard, but if there's decent feedback on the Triton I think it may be worth a shot.
To touch on something that comicsniper said, many of these seem to be just rebadges of each other. The Woodpecker and Kreg lifts looks nearly identical (the're both called the Precision Router Lift too). Same thin with the Incra and Jessem "Mast-R-Lift".
Also, one thing to note about the Rockler lift - it's only compatible with mid-size routers. PC890 or Dewalt 718 size are okay, but PC7518 is a no go.
you can add shop-made router lifts to the list. They are a very practical solution, and can be made with simple hardware and better design. Check out this one from woodgears. Tilting router lift
The Rockler FX is indeed a Jessem, small routers only. I didn't like it because of the slop and poorly conceived inserts.
The Incra and Woodpecker models of the PRL are the same thing, except the Incra has the nicer inserts. I LOVE my Woodpecker PRLv2. I would have gotten the Incra, but they don't make it to the size of the Benchdog table/wing..
Same goes for the Mast-R-Lift. Lots of crossover here.
Similar to b2 I made my router lift from a bottle jack. It cost me about 10 bucks for the jack and the rest was scrap wood I had around the shop. It is exceedingly accurate and can be fine adjusted by the wood wheel tapped into the head of the jack. The only thing that takes a bit of reaching around is to lock the router at its desired height if the set up height will be required for more than a couple hours as the jack will lose some pressure and the bit will descend.
I believe jessem also makes the lifts for the Incra using some of Inca's design features. I have both and really like the magnetic plates used on the Incra Master lift II.
I have a Bosch mounted in the master Lift II and a PC 7518 mounted in the Jessem. For 99% of what I do the Master Lift gets used since the power of the 7518 is overkill for all except panel raising and a few other applications.
The Master Lift is so extremely easy to operate and is easily raised and lowered with one finger and locks securely.
Incra does have a couple of manufacturers make lifts for them, jessem and woodpecker, but as stated, where the incra lifts shine is in the ring inserts.
@GTBUZZ: "...@HorizontalMike… I was going to post a question about that combination. I'd been looking at a PC7518 + Kreg/Jessem/Woodpecker/Incra/etc lift for a long time, but that's a $650 combo. Learned about the Triton 3.25hp with the through the table adjustment recently. How are you liking that setup? Does the above the table winder only allow for micro-adjustments? As I understand it, if you want to quickly make large adjustments, it's easier to do it below the table, is that correct?..."
When I bought my 3.1/4hp Triton, it was less than $200. The above table lifting is as small as 1/128 in. and the crank takes care of all lifting, even to raise the router for changing bits. I do not believe you have to go the below-the-table route for large adjustments. IMO, that might be some left over animosity from when Triton had many lifting failures with those plastic worms pre-2011 models. With the new metal worm gear, that no longer applies. And even if you found one with a plastic worm, Triton was great about sending out a metal replacement FREE. I had bought mine a a WC off the shelf and had to call for a replacement worm. That was why I did the LJs review, to inform others of this very needed and NEW upgrade to the Triton routers. I love mine.
BTW, on my smaller 2 1/4hp Triton, I had it in my horizontal mortising machine and did indeed use the manual adjustments on the router when setting bit depth:
Hi @HorizontalMike I really like the look of those knurled grips to tighten your router fence down where did you buy those from ??
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