Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. With this mechanism, you can accurately carry out height adjustments. If it comes out, youre in business. Below are some of the benefits of using a Router lift in your woodworking project: JessEm so far has been consistent with their router lift, and this product is evidence of how they consider all levels artisans. We are here to help you! Comes with 3 insert ring to reduce the size of the opening in the plate, with the . It is highly recommended but before you purchase, be sure it fits into the router table you have. But in most cases, the motor is permanently attached. We feel that the KREG PRS5000 Precision Router Lift is the best router lift for most people. 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. Standard mounts found on a router lift has a lot of benefits that one cant pass by. First on our list is the multi-functional INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Liftdesigned for professional routing tasks. Router tables are stationary tables used for woodworking. Unless there is a router table designed specifically for a router, its best to go the universal path. Another customer suggested shopping around for rings from other router models as they can be cheaper than the Mast-R-Lift II options (they found a bargain of five reducing rings for under US$100). How do you pick out the best router lift for your routing tasks? Machined from 3/8-inch hard-anodized aluminum Double sealed bearing construction Designed to fit most fixed base routers Comes with an exclusive cam locking system Ensures great accuracy Cons Does not include ample instructions Prevents the router from being flat on it Check prices here Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift (view more images) 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. And while there are a half dozen routers in the running the top brand and performance make Makita a professionals choice. But if you dont mind, the router lift is a fantastic start. Weaker materials will deteriorate quicker; they will also allow more vibrations to occur, which can ruin the lifts accuracy. This can range from about 3.25-3.5, making it perfect to fit many routers users can find in the market. However, the base model doesn't include any featherboards or even a router switch. I recommend. To increase stability while using for router lift, consider the sizes of the mounting plate and make sure it fits perfectly to the router table. The anodized aluminum provides clean cuts while offering long tool life. Terms and Conditions, Many people may use a router as a handheld tool or attach it under a table. The Best Router Lifts for Your Workshop - Bob Vila Are you tired of constantly removing your router from therouter tableeach time you have to change a bit? Anyone looking to get more from their 3-inch router without breaking the bank may want to check out JessEms Rout-R-Lift II. The locking mechanism of your router lift should be top-notch if you wish to enjoy precise and accurate routing sessions. This is the tool for people on a budget and those who dont want to spend much on a router lift. Double sealed bearing construction ensures smooth movement during travel. I am currently using a Bosch 1617EVS in the Bosch fixed base mounted on a cheap Router Table plate in my workstation (not the best, but kinda nice Bosch gives you a base that can be . 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. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. The PORTER-CABLE 6931 is a replacement basefor plunge routers models 690, 9690, and 691. Some of them are brand- and model-specific, while others offer a more universal approach. Thus, you will avoid buying a new router lift when you change your router. Mechanical Router Lift OFL2.0K in KREG format Website Last Modified March 4, 2023. Double sealed bearing construction ensures smooth movement during travel. Router tables are an option when it comes to both manual labor and when using an electric hand sander. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. You should go for a router lift with this system so you will enjoy smooth height adjustments while routing. With a router lift, you can make minor adjustments on the go without removing the router or reaching out to under the table.. They tend to use it for a more extended period of time. On Sale. JessEm made a ground-breaking statement with this product. You need to get yourself a router lift! Easy to assemble and use. The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift is a perfect choice for users who value quality and precision. Not all routers will work with router lifts. The following router lifts are the top-rated products on the market in the category with many rave reviews. Another benefit to the router lift is that it allows you to make more accurate height adjustments because you dont need to climb under the table to make small changes. 10 Best Router Lifts For Woodworking- Reviews & Buyer's Guide I share my best tips about woodworking and DIY., 1. 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. The biggest downside of the SawStop is that its difficult to install correctly, and it took us a long time and several tries, despite having installed multiple router lifts. This is helpful for routing dadosor groovesin cabinet doors for center panels, molding profiles on expensive wood species, and other detail-oriented milling processes. The PRS5000 is an upgrade of the PRS3000, with Kreg paying more attention to accuracy and precision. Well tell you the pros and cons and give you our opinion on which one is the best. Many people ask us how our router table packages can be so inexpensive. This project is to be undertaken at the users own risk. The JessEm looks good and appears to have good reviews. I have the more conventional type of fence with rails on either side of the table top. The product offers optimum versatility and a high level of accuracy for height adjustments on the router. To ensure you get a clean-cut, consider rooting the end of the grains of the wood project you are working on before their edges. See Price On Amazon. Just take the springs out of the Tridon plunge base. 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. The great benefit of a router lift is its ability to adjust the height to the router motor and the router bit to the ideal height for the project. I use a Tridon router on a Kreg plate so no expensive extra lift. Compatibility: Models 4211, 4213, 4215, 43776PC, 43743PC, 43014PC, 43777PC, 42037, 42040, 42046, 42054, and 42237. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. The system works using a one-way lock/unlock mechanism placed on a handy spot on the router lift, Compact and smooth-styled design for all kinds of workshop, Superior lock/unlock system placed on a reachable spot, Works mostly like a piece of mechanical equipment with lesser precision, 9-1/4-Inch x 11-3/4-Inch x 3/8-Inch plate size is compatible with all INCRA Router Tables, Exclusive INCRA MagnaLOCK reducing ring system, Exclusive ball bearing mechanism for super-smooth action, Provides high accuracy when on both the horizontal and vertical axis, Ultra-responsive, direct-drive 16TPI lift screw mechanism, 8-1/4 x 11-3/4 x 3/8 plate size is compatible with all full-size Rockler router tables, The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift weighs just 14.2Ibs, making it easier to mount on your router table and also portable, The router-lift comes with a five sealed ball bearing system that makes it easy for users to adjust the height for greater precision and handling, A self auto-protect feature that ensures durability, Accurate thread tensioning system for better height adjustments, Eliminates friction and vibrations on the router table using the five reducing rings made from steel to flush the lift on the router table and fit perfectly with your router, Eliminates wobble or shaky table using the cam lock system; once you turn the cam lock to the right, the router lift locks the table instinctively, Comfortable height adjustments on the table using the seal ball bearing system, Not an entry-level router-lift for first-timer users, Compatibility: Porter-Cable 690/890 series, Bosch 1617-16-18, DeWalt 610, 616, 618, Dimensions: 8-1/4 x 11-3/4 x 3/8, The high plate does an excellent job of supporting the router lift, Not recommended for people who are looking for a long term investment in router lifts, 38 x 9 14 x 11 34 (9.5 mm x 235mm x 298mm) Hard-anodized aluminum plate wont Sag, resists scratches, Above-table collet access allows fast, easy, above-table bit changes, Accepts 20+ popular routers without requiring pads or adapters, Made from high-quality aluminum plates for optimum durability, Spring-assisted lift system for easy and comfortable heights adjustments. Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best router lifts 2023. Some accessories are hard to find afterward so make sure you have what you need before you make a purchase. The router lift fixes the problem by allowing you to change the routers height from above the table using a crankshaft. Best Basic Table: Skil RAS900 Router Table; 8. The carriage comes with either a crank handle or a thumbwheel that you can use to adjust the height of the router. Its a good system that allows for accurate measurements with little effort. Copyright 2023 House Grail. We use it quite often, and its difficult to turn, so it tends to fatigue the thumb. The lift aids you get accurate readings while routing. Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift - - Amazon.com Tool Review: Kreg Model PRS5000 Router lift Smooth and precise router lift By Owain Harris Aug 21, 2018 Kreg's newest precision router lift is the PRS5000. The JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift features an exclusive cam locking system that prevents dropouts while you are working. The plunge is the moveable part of your router fixed unto the router lift. Rout-R-Lift II - JessEm Tool Company The JessEm 02310 Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift is our pick for the best router lift for the money. Common sizes include 9 inches by 11 inches, and 8 inches by 11 inches. 699.00 * SA-OFL3.0K . The ball bearing system is responsible for precise and stress-free height router height adjustments. Most Advanced Table: JessEm Mast-R-Lift Excel II Compatibility: PORTER-CABLE 690/890, Bosch 1617/1618, DeWALT 610/618/616, and Craftsmans 1754/17540/28190 models. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission. small and large adjustments compared to the previous version. These components are known to come with predrilled holes so that users dont have to stress themselves. The PRS5000 comes with an in-built micro-adjust scaling system. The router lift is a very handy and practical way to boost the ease of use and versatility of your router table. These materials are strong enough to support a heavy router motor and resist the tendency to sink. When you make the wrong investment and get a lift thats incompatible with your router, you would experience inconsistencies like vibrations when routing. If you are yet to buy a router, you can check out the pair that is most compatible. Any recommendations are appreciated. On another note, some others have discussed whether this lift will fit in a Kreg router table. Router lifts have many uses, and it is good to understand the versatility and freedom they give you for all of your projects. It is more affordable than its counterpart reviewed above but hosts an equally impressive set of features that make it worthwhile. Once the wrench is locked in place, a micro-adjust thumbwheel lets you make tiny adjustments for complete accuracy. Using a Router lift has its own benefits, and any woodworking professional or enthusiast must have one. The biggest downside to the JessEm is that its a bit hard to turn the crank, and it feels tighter than it should. With a positive lock mechanism that keeps your gear stable and secure for the duration of your job, you can easily take elevation measurements to get precise control over any projects that come across your router table. These mounts are pre-drilled to save you the stress of drilling on your own. Two standard plate sizes fit into every router table; 9 1/4 x 11 3/4 and 8 1/4 x 11 3/4. Each router lift will have a list of tools its compatible with, so you will need to find it for each model you consider. The router offers more accuracy and precision. You can use your old router tables, but you have to consider two things: Professionals also advise that users add a cross bracing under the router table if they want to use a router lift. Handheld routing is not nearly as accurate as table-mounted routing, but its difficult to adjust the cutting bits height or change it without climbing under the table. Height adjustments and bit changes occur above the table, eliminating bench wrenches. The durability is top-notch as the lift is made from robust materials. These inserts work well, but they are not as convenient as above the table controls. When it comes to fixed-based routers, the answer might be yes. You may run into issues like broken plates or parts while uninstalling the router lift. 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. The table has a built-in chain mechanism that raises and lowers the table the same distance on all 4 posts at once. Chain synchronizing 4-post lifting system, Includes collars for use with different routers. It is also essential to clean your bits too. 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. With special level screws and plate thickness, the SawStop RT-LFT Four-Post Router Lift with Lock can function with most router tables models without any problem. But the heavier the lift, the more stable it will be during start-up and while routing. With a minimum power of about 3.5HP, you can make any woodworking adjustment and cuts with a simple lift product. Another innovation is the micro-adjust thumb wheel. Incra vs Kreg -- Router Tables Winner Declared!! It is ideal for elevation measurements and height adjustment processes. Therefore, this makes it a perfect candidate for heavy-duty routers. Universal routers achieve a flexible fitment by offering adapters and collars designed to fit a range of motors. Also, the micro-adjust scale and the index ring found in the router lift will greatly affect the accuracy when it comes to bit heights. When considering the weight of a heavy-duty router, the weight of the lift is an important factor. This router lift is an economical alternative versus compatible routers that commonly cost US$200 or more, wrote one customer. Thomas Register and Commonly, the SawStop RT-LFT Four-Post Router Lift with Lock features adaptive collars. These versions of the INCRA Mast-R-Lift II are not compatible with . Quick and easy set up with straightforward instructions, Can work with plenty of router table options, You will have to count the turns of the height-adjustable handle if you wish to come back to the previous bit position after locking in the bit in a new position, Difficult to center the router on your table if you have bushings on it, Router reducer collars (included): 3 1/4 & 3 1/2, Not compatible with quality routers like the Bosch router. It features a spring-assisted wrench that allows for fast height changes. 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 five sealed ball bearings on the lifting screw and the exclusive cam locking system provide smooth operation with minimal effort. One of the distinct advantages of this router is that you can adjust heights and even change out yourrouter bitsabove the table.. The Rockler Router Lift FX The Best Router for Router Table Mounting (2023 Guide) Looks like it has lots of travel. A router lift is a mount that drops into a work surface, turning any bench with adequate space underneath into a router table. Premium Router Table Packages w/ Router Lift - Infinity Tools If you have plans to remove the router lift from the base frequently, you should not buy a lift that is difficult to install. For other router modes like the Porter Cable 7518, users need to reduce the collar to adjust the diameter so the router can fit perfectly. Router tables offer more control than handheld sanders as you can use both hands to control and move wood on a project. Always buy router lifts that have a sawdust collection system that is compatible with vacuum hoses. Kreg router table vs Rocker router table. or something else? Understanding each feature will help determine which router lift will work best for you. PRL V2 (Precision Router Lift) - Woodpeck It only weighs 1 pound and fits many popular routers. This allows users to make quick bit changes, adapt the collars to smaller bits, and hold the collars in place securely. Key features: Variable speed: 8,000 to 24,000 RPM It glides smoothly on a bearing guided carriage, and it features 3 inches of travel, making it very versatile. It also fits a variety of router motors between 3 inches and 4 inches in diameter. These lifts can be the way to go if you tend to use different routers, arent sure which size you own, or plan to upgrade and would like a bit of flexibility. Routers offer the ability to cut complex molding profiles and joinery. Rogers lifts are known to be heavy products weighing up to 20 pounds. Each of the products comes with a DeWalt that never shakes. Router lifts allow you to raise and lower your router motors a lot easier and faster. 38" x 9 14" x 11 34" (9.5 mm x 235mm x 298mm) hard-anodized aluminum plate won't sag, resists scratches. The cam lock feature intuitively locks the router table at one spot when you turn it to the right. Mounted it in a SawStop iron TS wing. Check out my blog for some of my latest projects! Which wood router should one choose when on a budget? Both Jessem and Incra lifts rock a clamping system made of 4 aluminum blocks which can be adjusted accordingly to your router size. Before you start shopping for a router lift, there are a few important features to consider. The ball bearing mechanism allows for smooth movement as the lift up and down. And, weighing just 10 pounds, its easy to lift in and out of a workbench when necessary. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. A router lift is a valuable addition to the already existing tools in your workshop. Hand-made furniture, remodeling projects, and consulting on all your home needs! There truly is a sweet spot. 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. It allows you to change your routing bits from above the table and complete control over all adjustments. The noise-canceling MDF table ensures you wont disturb neighbors as you complete your projects. A router lift will save you lots of valuable time and enhance the speed and accuracy of your router. The most important thing to consider before choosing your router lift is if it will fit your router and your router table. Router lifts made from plastics or cheap alloys will break when used for long routing sessions. You would make all adjustments to the height the same way. For a truly dialed-in router lift, JessEms Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift is tough to beat. You must pay attention to the plate size of a router lift before you purchase. You can set the depth of your router bit without needing to measure it. A good router lift can be as important as a routing table when it comes to woodworking. One customer praised its quality as hands down, the best tabletop router table on the market, and another wrote, Well-designed product. I'm looking at router lifts and trying to discern if there is a big advantage/disadvantage over the major players (Rockler, Jess-Em, Kreg, Woodpeckers, etc). You attach the mounting plate to your router table and fit the router to the lift carriage. The router lift is made of anodized aluminum. This mechanism is handy when making tiny adjustments. Advice on the difference between router lifts : woodworking - reddit But that's not all. It has all the features a professional router lift has for optimal function. Tool Review: Kreg Model PRS5000 Router lift - FineWoodworking Look out for router lifts that work with a bolting system or lever locking system. 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. That is why it is down on the list. Can I use my old Router and Router Table? 5 Best Router Lifts (Easily Lift and Drop Your Router) Due to the nice lifting housing installed in this product, it can accept different types of medium to small-sized routers such as Porter-cable, bosch, Dewalt, etc. If you dont own a Rockler table, you should be sure it fits on your table before you purchase. Some models have sealed ball bearings with a bit of grease built-in, but if not, its a good idea to give the adjustment spindle and ball-bearing mechanism a quick spray of a lubricant before using the lift. This model is the R model and not the regular version; therefore, if you dont own a Rockler table, it may be hard to fit it into any other table. Its made from quality parts that can also rival high-end router lifts. The sealed bearings also ensure you can easily adjust the height without moving under the table. This allows universal kits to fit motors from just over 4 inches in diameter to some as small as 3 inches. Rout-R-Lift Prestige for Plunge Based Routers - Imperial and Metric Options. With jig bases and templates, the PORTER-CABLE 4216 router lift is a multi-compatible router model with a wood capacity of -inch to 1 -inch. With no tools needed for the insert rings, this easy-to-adjust router bit simply clicks into place. Its a no-brainer when you find all the fantastic features of this products professional router-lift. The Precision Lift has some desirable features, like ball-bearing adjustments made in 1/16-inch increments from above the table. The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift is a fantastic router lift. What is the mechanism behind the router lift? Just to be sure, check it beforehand. Now that you know a bit more about the features that make the best router lifts and how to choose one, there may be more questions on your mind. Compatibility: 1617, 1617EVS, 1617EVSPK, 1618 and 1618EVS routers. With the handle for raising and lowering your lift, you can turn to the right to lock the router in place and work for long hours. 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. A router lift usually comes with a height adjustment mechanism called the ball bearing system. 5 Best Router Lifts of [2022-2023] - For Kreg, Bosch, Skil, Makita Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R Designed for Rockler Tables. The plates need to fit the openings in the top of these tables. Sometimes, having the money to invest or the space to store a router table is not an option, but, thankfully, a professional router lift can serve as a great replacement. But too light, and it will only be able to be used for light-duty routers. This table-mounted type router lift increases the efficiency by hassle-free fine-tuning of the bits measurement. Did you test Rocklers Pro lifts?If so how did they compare to the ones you tested? At $250, . You can seamlessly alter the height of your bits with better precision. How do I find the router lift that is compatible with my router? You don't want to buy a router lift that won't fit your router. In general, a router lift that weighs between 10 and 15 pounds is best because it will offer stability and easy handling. Kreg PRS5000 vs Jessem Router Lift 2 | Router Forums Using my Rockler router fence. Best for Casual Use: GoPlus Electric Aluminum Router Table; 10. I do recommend it. Whats more? These rings drop into the surface of the router lift and close off some of the gap between the bit and the table surface. 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. This drop-in kit features an 8-inch by 11-inch aluminum work surface that will fit in many smaller router tables, and it also is suitable for custom setups on smaller workbenches. The lift is compatible with most router tables and has a fantastic lifespan., The only drawback of this model is the absence of a dial indicator for height adjustments and zeroing. The in-built locking system, this model comes with an in-built locking system that works above the router table. The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift has a five-ball bearing system that gives users total control. Best Professional Router Lift - Incra Mast-R-Lift II. However, you should note that the JessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift is only compatible with a few routers. If you want to upgrade to a different top later, you don't want to buy new plates or, gasp, new lift. 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. The Woodpeckers Precision PRL-V2-420 Router Lift is our premium choice router lift. Incra Master Lift vs JessEm Master Lift | Woodworking Talk It helps to increase accuracy and precision, which makes your finished products have a professional touch. The Best Wood Routers for Beginners in the Workshop. Better lifts will allow you to make the table level from above, while budget models will require plastic inserts to level it. 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. The sealed bearing protects the lift against dust/work debris, increasing the machines lifespan. If you are also getting a custom router table,you should make sure this route lift fits perfectly without reeling the crank gauge. The Best Router Lifts for Your Router Table (Including JessEm, Kreg Will my table be compatible with my router lift? Kreg/Bosch/Woodpeckers/JessEm Router Lift - All Trusted Tools Woodworkers in production shops or scenarios can benefit from Incras Mast-R-Lift-II-R router lift. Router lifts features the component called rugged base plate which is needed during the routing process for increased stability. Unique clamping system fits most fixed-base router . The new Mast-R-Lift II fits most fixed base router motors on the market right out of the box.