Router lift recommendations

[retfr8flyr]

I also have the Incra Master Lift II and their whole system. I use the PC 7518 in mine and it's a great combination. I tried the Triton in my table but it was just too inconvenient, with their safety switch, so I went ahead and got the Incra lift. I really like the metal throat plates that Incra uses, makes bit changes very easy. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the same setup over again.

 

[ben_r_]

IMO the Incra with the CleanSweep magnetic inserts is the best option out there! Add a box under the router and a dust collection point in the fence and its amazing how youll have pretty much zero dust after any type of table routing operation.

 

[TealaG]

I have the Bosch 1617 router and thought I could get away without a lift.  It was such a pain in the butt.  You always had to reach down, unlock the latch, move the router, check, remember to lock the latch (which I rarely remembered to do), deal with drift because the latch wasn't locked etc. 

I got the Incra lift.  Not only is it easier to use because you do everything from the top (including lock/unlock of the lift mechanism), I believe I can make finer adjustments (or at least I can see how much I'm moving since there's a dial that shows how much adjustment I'm making.  Also, I have more range of adjustment than I had with the Bosch mounting.

It could be my imagination, but it's lots faster and easier to get the router to adjust exactly to where I need it.  This means that I have less emotional resistance to using my router table and can get more done.  That alone was worth the price and time to install.  I'm now considering the device that will measure how high/low you're moving the router to avoid multiple measurements.  But that may be a "want to have" vs a "need to have".

 

[Jeff Zanin]

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.

Ordered and received, thanks for the part number.

Jeff

 

[mwildt]

I do not have a routerlift, but I agree with the trouble of having to adjust my Bosch 1617 due to the clamp mechanism. Not been too much of an issue but it's there.

I installed a Milescraft router dust router suction system in my portable Bench Dog router table. Cheap and it works great. If you don't have dust collection under the table take a look at that one. It was less than $30.

 

[rst]

I'm with mwildt regarding the dust router system.  I bought mine when Keen was selling them and have it connected to my self made table.  It collects at least 90+% of chips from my Incra Wonder fence and positioner.  I use a Festool router table split hose to connect to my vacs.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I'm with mwildt regarding the dust router system.  I bought mine when Keen was selling them and have it connected to my self made table.  It collects at least 90+% of chips from my Incra Wonder fence and positioner.  I use a Festool router table split hose to connect to my vacs.

Ditto! 

IMO this method of gathering the dust before it envolpes the entire motor (as with a box that surrounds the motor) is better for the motor.