The ProLift is constructed specifically to fit Bench Dog router tables. The in-built locking system, this model comes with an in-built locking system that works above the router table. When it comes to the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift, 9-1/4-Inch By 11-3/4-Inch, we can only say that this product is for users on a budget and who didnt plan on spending so much on a router lift. If the INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift is that expensive, wouldnt you like to comfortably fix it on your router table? Its durable, accurate, and smooth. PRL V2 (PRECISION ROUTER LIFT) This new router lift features the proven robust construction of the Precision Router Lift combined with the near instant elevation changes of the Quick Lift. The JessEm Mast-R-Lift II Router Lift is an entry-level router-lift designed for routerslooking to own a lift without breaking the bank. Weve also included a buyers guide where we look at the router lift to see what it does and how it works to learn whats important to look for while shopping. The SawStop RT-LFT Four-Post Router Lift with Lock is the last on this list, and I can say that this product has an exclusive lifting system that comes with its complete accessories. With a minimum power of about 3.5HP, you can make any woodworking adjustment and cuts with a simple lift product. 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. Make sure you measure the plate in your existing routing table before you make a purchase and check the model you intend to buy as well. The crank handle and the thumbwheel are the standard height adjustments mechanisms on a router lift. 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. The Bosch RA 1165 is an updated router lift replacingthe RA 1164 and serves as the new base for many fixed-base router models. The Jessem Mast-R-Lift-II has adjustable blocks that securely hold a wide range of router motors. The aluminum construction is lightweight yet durable, and the single piece motor carriage improves stability. A router lift usually comes with a height adjustment mechanism called the ball bearing system. Also, most kits come with interchangeable rings or collars for router bits. It is highly recommended but before you purchase, be sure it fits into the router table you have. If you heavily use a router and you are looking for something different from other routers, the. Great for making small adjustments in height. Users will enjoy above-table adjustments, as well as a locking mechanism, for maintaining a consistent ideal height while routing custom millwork or joinery. There truly is a sweet spot. If you use a plunge router, on the other hand, you are limited to just two types of lift which are the woodpecker Unilift and the Jet/Powermatic EXACTA-lift. See Understanding each feature will help determine which router lift will work best for you. Router lifts features the component called rugged base plate which is needed during the routing process for increased stability. These devices keep pressure and friction on the adjustment screw to a minimum, allowing the user to slowly raise or lower it to the ideal height. Not all routers will work with router lifts. Out of the box, it is set up to accept the ubiquitous Porter-Cable 7518 router, but it can easily be reconfigured to fit 20 other popular models without extra adapters or modifications. When considering the weight of a heavy-duty router, the weight of the lift is an important factor. All rights reserved. Which wood router should one choose when on a budget? Weve chosen six of the most popular router lifts to review for you so you can get some behind the scenes information about how they work. Once the user finds the ideal adjustment for the router bit, locking the motor in place is essential for consistent results. Identically, there are various other models that are tested by the professionals and . In some cases, the user can remove the motor from the plunge base. It has a long-lasting protection guarantee as it comes with an auto-protection against dust and other particles that could ruin the lift. Manufacturers design router lifts to drop into a perfectly milled hole from the top. One of which is the ability to make sure your router insert plates are firm. The lift aids you get accurate readings while routing. Easy to assemble and use. Since that time other manufacturers such as Kreg and Incra have joined the market with top quality router lifts. The lighter it is, the easier it will be to drop in place. The Router Lift FX is an incredible tool that can assist you in trimming or cutting down your wooden project with precision and accuracy. We also found no list of compatible routers anywhere, including their website, so choosing it for your table is a bit risky. The route lift features further improvement on the control of bothsmall and large adjustments compared to the previous version. Both Rockler and Kreg have fairly new lifts out. Ball-bearing systems allow for very smooth movement, and long crank handles make the tiniest adjustments possible. A router lift is an extra router plate designed to fit into the router. Choosing the best one can be challenging, though, because there are plenty of models available and its not something you find in every household. The lift comes with a grip-like carriage fixed onto the router. The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift has a five-ball bearing system that gives users total control. Reviewers caution against compatibility issues with other router lifts, as the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II cannot be used with a plunge router, but is compatible with the JessEm Pow-R-Tek router table. I recommend. The Best Wood Routers for Beginners in the Workshop. I learn a new skill every day and can talk your ear off about it! Kreg and most users claim that the Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift is an upgrade from the last version of PRS3000, and this time around, the company paid more attention to the users complaints about precision and accuracy. First, lets look at some benefits of using a router lift. The lift aids you get accurate readings while routing. With this level of adjustability, you'll be able to get your router table to the perfect height for all-day work in the shop. Bosch 1617/1618 (3.5" Motor Dia.) Two standard plate sizes fit into every router table; 9 1/4 x 11 3/4 and 8 1/4 x 11 3/4. The durability is top-notch as the lift is made from robust materials. Its perfect for those still experimenting with a router and not looking to make a long-term commitment. Here are some things to think about before choosing the best router lift for your table. Fits all Kreg router tables and many competitive brands. This model works best for professionals or casual users looking for a high-end router lift. The heavier the lift, the more awkward itll be to lift and drop into place. It lifts the bit high enough to change it from above the table, and the sealed double ball bearing construction ensures smooth travel between heights. Also, while router lifts can be installed in any flat work surface with the right measurements and tools, theyre specially designed to fit router tables. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. The table has a built-in chain mechanism that raises and lowers the table the same distance on all 4 posts at once. The product offers optimum versatility and a high level of accuracy for height adjustments on the router. The downside to the JessEm 02310 is that to install it in some tables, you need a specific plastic lift that only JessEm sells at a very high price. Not all router lifts are compatible with every router type. We use it quite often, and its difficult to turn, so it tends to fatigue the thumb. The plates need to fit the openings in the top of these tables. The top plate of this router lift is made of hard-anodized aluminum. DeWalt 610/618/616 (3.5" Motor Dia.) These rings drop into the surface of the router lift and close off some of the gap between the bit and the table surface. Best Budget Router Lift - JessEm Rout-R-Lift II. Many people ask us how our router table packages can be so inexpensive. We will keep you posted. Best Router Lift with Locking Mechanism - JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120. If it comes out, youre in business. Since 2003. 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. Rout-R-Lift Prestige for Plunge Based Routers - Imperial and Metric Options. Universal routers achieve a flexible fitment by offering adapters and collars designed to fit a range of motors. This is the tool for people on a budget and those who dont want to spend much on a router lift. The plunge is the moveable part of your router fixed unto the router lift. With the KREG PRS5000 Precision Router Lift, you advance your routing capabilities as it gives you control whenever you are doing router setup changes and changing the bits. Before you start shopping for a router lift, there are a few important features to consider. Another handy accessory in woodworking is a bench dog. If the materials of your router lift are rugged, you are assured as a user to experience very low vibration as well as low noise. I dont do a lot of routing so I dont need the best out there. One customer complimented, I installed this in my all-in-one work center. It glides smoothly on a bearing guided carriage, and it features 3 inches of travel, making it very versatile. Common sizes include 9 inches by 11 inches, and 8 inches by 11 inches. You can upgrade to other sophisticated router lifts when you are buoyant enough.. Always buy router lifts that have a sawdust collection system that is compatible with vacuum hoses. One of the most critical factors you must consider when getting a router is choosing between plunge and fixed types. $419.99 USD. It also includes 3 self-leveling Twist-Lock rings for installing the lift on any table. The router lift is made of anodized aluminum. Pivoting Router Lift OFL3.0K in KREG format - pivot-5- to 50- for router motors with neck holder 43 mm exact height fine adjustment & magnetic reduction plates. First on our list is the multi-functional INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Liftdesigned for professional routing tasks. What is the mechanism behind the router lift? It also fits a variety of router motors between 3 inches and 4 inches in diameter. With router bit depth adjustment, theres no need for constant height adjustments. What To Look For In Router Lifts WWW17 WOOD magazine WOOD magazine 87K. 10+ million models from leading OEMs, compatible with all major CAD software systems. Ben PS this is my current setup. Well tell you the pros and cons and give you our opinion on which one is the best. The installation on both sides of the table isn't ideal if I want a wide table. Copyright 2023 House Grail. House Grail is reader-supported. Best Deck Sealer For Pressure-Treated Wood. If you have plans to remove the router lift from the base frequently, you should not buy a lift that is difficult to install. Thus, if you are a heavy user looking for something out of the ordinary, then this model will be an appropriate match. Insert Size 8 1/4" x 11 3/4" Compatible Routers Porter-Cable 7518/7519 WITH OPTIONAL ADAPTER: Bosch 1617/1618 series Dewalt 610/618 series Porter-Cable 690/890 series $360 It includes several collars that allow you to use the lift with different sized router motors, and it also comes with the required hex wrenches. A router lift will save you lots of valuable time and enhance the speed and accuracy of your router. Router Lift OFL 2.0K . This allows universal kits to fit motors from just over 4 inches in diameter to some as small as 3 inches. Best Professional Router Lift - Incra Mast-R-Lift II. Compatibility: with a 4.2'' (13.19'' circumference) motor diameter i.e. 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. With lesser work-surface materials like plastic or laminated MDF, this can cause the lift to sag and create a depression in the work surface. The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift is a perfect choice for users who value quality and precision. Best Portable Table: Bosch RA1141 Portable Router Table; 9. The more lift adapters you have, the easier it will be to find a router that will work with your router lift. It is also essential to clean your bits too. The ball bearing system is responsible for precise and stress-free height router height adjustments. Top Plate Dimensions: 9 1/4" 11 3/4" x 3/8". Quote Tom King Mentors 7k LocationLake Gaston, NC Posted February 6, 2018 This lift is made out of aluminum with a phenolic top plate. It features a micro-adjusting wheel that helps you connect it with varying models. Join us while we look at precision, travel distance, installation, and more to help you make an educated decision. It does come with just one insert collar, but users can purchase additional collars from JessEm. Some customers complained that installing this piece into their bearing-guided carriage was difficult because it was too big for their router table. We hope you have enjoyed reading over our reviews and found them helpful in your pursuit of a new router lift. Thats not always the case for plunge-base routers. And while there are a half dozen routers in the running the top brand and performance make Makita a professionals choice. Some models can be a bit more difficult to crank, but its usually accurate and smooth. Down sides are cost of Jessem accessories. The right router lift also comes with a solid mount where you can bolt in your router plates. Anyone looking to get more from their 3-inch router without breaking the bank may want to check out JessEms Rout-R-Lift II. If you are yet to buy a router, you can check out the pair that is most compatible. Like all router lifts, the shaft mounts with a hydraulic press attached to the router lift plate via a screw for a rigid, solid mount. Makita 1101 (3.218" Motor Dia.) Best Basic Table: Skil RAS900 Router Table; 8. The lift comes with unique features that make your end product have a professional finish. When you need to change your router table or your bench dog table, and you dont want to spend too much while doing it, consider getting the Router Lift FX. Is it possible to remove the router from the base? Easiness of Use Dont assume the router lift plate will accurately fit your router tables opening. Best Router Lift for Adjustments - KREG PRS5000 Precision. It also features above-table height adjustments and an adjustment lock for convenience and accuracy. This model features a smaller 8-1/4-Inch by the 11-3/4-Inch top plate with reliable two sealed ball bearings. The router lift will make a good fit for users looking to upgrade their lift or get a new routing table. The JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift features an exclusive cam locking system that prevents dropouts while you are working. You would make all adjustments to the height the same way. Comparable to the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II but at a more affordable pricing point, the Rout-R-Lift II router lift is made with a phenolic plate rather than anodized aluminum and also has smaller elevation measurements. Router tables are stationary tables used for woodworking. It is the userss responsibility to apply for any required permits or consents and to build in accordance with the local building code.Although all due care is taken, no responsibility is accepted by Buildeazy for any wrongful information, omissions, or any other irregularities regarding any plan set or Buildeazy article. The router base is designed for use with 1617, 1617EVS, 1617EVSPK routers. For a router to work with a router lift, it must be able to separate from the base. All router lift has this information to guide buyers. Router lifts eliminate most of the problems router table users experience daily. Double ball bearing construction allows for extremely smooth and accurate movement. It has elevated my precision while reducing setup times.. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.