Router lift recommendations

[cblanton42]

Hello All,
    I'm getting ready to put a router table together, I don't even have the router motor yet so options are wide open but planning on PC 7518.  I've looked at most of the usual suspects, Jess-em, Woodpecker, Rockler, Incra, etc. and all seem pretty solid and similar in operation and I know I'll probably spend more than $300. 
    Does anyone have a favorite router lift and why?

Thanks in advance!
CB

 

[Dick Mahany]

I've had the Milwaukee 5625-20 in a Woodperckers PRLV2 since they first introduced them.  (My lift was rebranded for the Woodcraft Pinnacle label, but is identical to the Woodpeckers version).  It has been a solid, beefy and reliable mount and I like the large diameter dual post mount and gear driven mechanism as opposed to chain drives.  The quick, spring assisted bit change capabilities allow for above the table bit changes, yet can quickly be returned to the below table position.  The fine adjust is precise, repeatable and has a lock to prevent creep.  It is a great lift, and well worth the price IMHO.

Woodpecker also produces similar units branded for Incra and Kreg in addition to their own name.

The Milwaukee 5625 has soft start, variable speed and has spun everything I ever installed on it including 3" panel raising bits. (This thing is a monster and I wouldn't even try to use it hand held out of the table, but that is just me). It runs smooth and has never been a problem in over 10 years.  The PC is also a good choice, however, I have zero experience with it.

This combo has proven to be a reliable and consistent workhorse and I wouldn't change a thing if I ever had to do it again.
It may be pricey at a little under $700US, but seems like a bargain if I compare it to a stand alone OF2200.
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[rst]

I've been using Bench Dog Tools 40-150 ProLift for at least 20 years.  My version has steel inserts and the beast weighs at least 40 lbs. 
I have a PC 7518 with an Eliminator Chuck.  Mine lives in a 30" x 49" table with an Incra wonder fence and a Dust Router vacuum collection.

 

[dltflt]

I had a woodpeckers older style lift.  Just sold it.

 

[PaulH99]

I have a really old JessEm Mast-R-Lift from back when they made them in blue. I have a Porter Cable 3.25 variable speed router permanently mounted. Works with everything that I've ever tried including panel raising bits.

 

[Lettusbee]

What's wrong with chain drive router lifts? 

I've been waiting for Sawstop to release their router table products, and I believe they were going to offer router lifts with a chain drive.  Does chain stretch become an issue?

 

[Jeff Zanin]

I have the JessEm Mast-R-Lift with the Milwaukee 5625.  Very easy and accurate to adjust, nice big table, dust port on the fence.  I just ordered but have not yet received the Mite-R-Slide II and on/off switch.

The only downside is the 5625 doesn't come with a 1/4" collet.  Most of my bits are 1/2" anyway but I have a couple 1/4".  I do have an a 1/4" to 1/2" insert but haven't tried it yet. 

Jeff

 

[pettyconstruction]

I was under the impression that JessEm makes the lifts for woodpecker , or am I mistaken ?
Either way, I don’t think you can go wrong with a JessEm - Woodpecker -Incra or any of the higher end lifts.
As for router motors, PC- Milwaukee - Bosch are good.
Look at a Triton motor also.
Charlie

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Getmaverick]

I have 5 router table set ups. 1 is a 3 sided table I made and 2 are separate.
I have incra lifts in 2. The 2 separate tables have 7518's and the tri table im using Tritons 3 1/4.
The tritons dont need a lift, it's built in. You just need a top plate.

 

[bonnertuckbay]

Would anyone recommend the cms-ge or cms-lv? Why or why not? Thanks

 

[Roseland]

I just don't 'get' router lifts; can anyone explain why it's better to have a router and a lift, than a router that doesn't need a lift? 

I use a Triton router in my table, and I can adjust the height through the table.  It has an automatic spindle lock when you lift the router to the "change cutter" position, so you only need one spanner.

Whilst I like Festool, and have two of their routers, they just aren't designed to work in a table.

Andrew

 

[cblanton42]

Would anyone recommend the cms-ge or cms-lv? Why or why not? Thanks

They are too expensive and you can't mount the 2200 in them are my reasons. 

 

[cblanton42]

I use a Triton router in my table, and I can adjust the height through the table.  It has an automatic spindle lock when you lift the router to the "change cutter" position, so you only need one spanner.

I forgot about the Triton having that feature, they're kind of a new brand around here.  I'll take a look at that again.

Thanks,
CB

 

[ear3]

Triton all the way!!!  It's really surprising that American tool manufacturers haven't adopted this feature yet -- maybe because Triton still has such a small market share?  Or maybe there's some collusion with the router lift folks [tongue]?

Putting aside the above the table adjustment features of the Triton, it's also just a beast of a router, and has handled anything I've been able to throw at it for the 4 years I've had it.

I use a Triton router in my table, and I can adjust the height through the table.  It has an automatic spindle lock when you lift the router to the "change cutter" position, so you only need one spanner.

I forgot about the Triton having that feature, they're kind of a new brand around here.  I'll take a look at that again.

Thanks,
CB

 

[lunchman]

I was under the impression that JessEm makes the lifts for woodpecker , or am I mistaken ?

Jessem manufactures the lifts for Incra.

I recently bought a JessEm setup - Mast-R-Lift II, table, fence, stand. It's mated with my Bosch 1617 router. Have only used it a few times, but it beats the heck out of the portable Bosch router table I was using. Being able to dial in the bit height and the ease of bit changes is excellent.

Rockler is also introducing a new lift under their own brand name, I received mail from them a few weeks ago.

The choice for me was between Woodpeckers and JessEm/Incra. A free shipping promotion from Lee Valley sealed the deal.

-Dom

 

[grbmds]

I purchased the Incra Master Lift II (which I believe is Jessem's lift) in combination with an Incra table and positioner. It is extremely accurate, both for depth adjustment (the lift) and horizontal placement (the Incra fence). While the up and down crank adjustment on the lift takes quite a few turns to raise completely to change bits, that's exactly what makes it so accurate. I can make very minute depth adjustments to get the depth just perfect. I believe this lift is compatible with quite a few routers, but you would have to check on whether it handles the router you own or are going to buy.

 

[promark747]

I use a Triton router in my table, and I can adjust the height through the table.  It has an automatic spindle lock when you lift the router to the "change cutter" position, so you only need one spanner.

I forgot about the Triton having that feature, they're kind of a new brand around here.  I'll take a look at that again.

Thanks,
CB

Personally, I’m not a fan of the spindle lock and one-wrench method. I think the torque introduced when tightening and loosening isn’t good for certain router plate setups where the router isn’t locked into the plate but held with clamps (e.g., Veritas).  I prefer the two-wrench method where the forces offset.

My main table is an Incra (Jessem) with the Magnalock insert rings. I also recommend the Rockler undertable dust container. It’s pricy at about $85 but beautifully made in the US out of precision metal parts.

 

[Cheese]

The only downside is the 5625 doesn't come with a 1/4" collet.  Most of my bits are 1/2" anyway but I have a couple 1/4".  I do have an a 1/4" to 1/2" insert but haven't tried it yet. 

The part number for the 1/4" collet is 48-66-1015, it's a separate purchase. [sad]

I'll put another plug in for the Milwaukee 5625, it's a beast.

 

[derekcohen]

Here's another way to go. Definitely lo-fi

My router table is built into the extension of my Hammer K3 slider. The router is a 20 year old Elu 177e (variable speed, soft start, 2 1/4 h.p) ...

Bits are changed above table curtesy of a MuscleChuck. Easy Peasy. And the chuck is raised and lowered with a Router Raizer ...

Definitely low end, but it all works smoothly.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Dick Mahany]

Here's another way to go. Definitely lo-fi

My router table is built into the extension of my Hammer K3 slider. The router is a 20 year old Elu 177e (variable speed, soft start, 2 1/4 h.p) ...

Bits are changed above table curtesy of a MuscleChuck. Easy Peasy. And the chuck is raised and lowered with a Router Raizer ...

Definitely low end, but it all works smoothly.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Those Elu routers are great and I often wished that they were available in the US back then.  The Router Raizer and a Rosseuau base plate were my first router "lift" and although it may seem lo-tech, that combination served me without fail for many years. 

Your set up certainly has merit and is an excellent alternative.
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