router lifts

T

tvgordon

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Joined
Jan 25, 2007
Messages
501
Hi,

I was looking at the woodpecker's website at the incra layout tools and I noticed they sell a router lift for plunge routers.  It's called the plungelift and I wondered if anyone had any experience with it or have heard or read anything about it.

I was going to buy a new router to replace my PC 690 in the router table, but I would like to save $40 to 50 and use my big PC router (that I rarely use anyway).  I don't want to get stuck with something that doesn't work right so any help you can provide is appreciated! :D

Tom.
 
Hi,

  Which big PC router do you have?  From my experience all of the Wood Peckers products are very good.  I have the PRL in my table.

Seth
 
I have the PRL also.  Their Quick Lift also looks like a nice choice.  I would think you would not be disappointed with any of their lifts for your router.
 
I have a Plunge Lift from Woodpeckers with a Freud FT2000e router.  I have had it for several years.  It works just fine.  I do not try to change bits with the router in the table, because the Freud router employs a shaft lock which would be hard to use in the table.  It is very easy to pop the router out and lay it on top of the table for bit changes.  The Woodpecker plates are nice - they have a large selection of twist lock rings to match the size of a wide range of bit diameters.  Woodpeckers products and customer service are great in my expereince.
 
Thanks for your help guys! :D  I've heard woodpecker's products were good but I wanted some input before I bought the lift.

Seth, I have the 3 1/2 hp variable speed plunge Porter Cable (7539?).  I don't use it much because I usually reach for the 2 1/2 hp Bosch or 3 1/2 hp DeWalt.  I've used a PC 690 in the table for years now and it's got to the point where it sometimes comes loose from the base and I would like to use larger bits.  I was sure glad I have a switch mounted to the table the time the router dropped out of it's base!  Luckily it landed on the shelf on it's top and not it's side. :o

Tom.
 
I'm probably in the minority; but I view the lifts as a solution to a nonexistent problem.  I've used a PC 7518 for years in a standard insert plate.  Changing bits couldn't be easier or quicker; lift the plate, unscrew the motor; use the two wrenches to loosen the collet; takes all of 30 seconds if that.  IMHO, two wrenches are easier to use than trying to hold a lock with one hand and use the wrench with the other hand.  I have a 1400 for non-table use and like the ratcheting collar but it's still not as convenient as the two wrenches on the 7518.

Changing heights with the big PC is trivial; loosen the locking lever and rotate the motor.  The 7518's depth ring is graduated in 64ths; easy to eyeball to ~ 1/256.  I played with the Woodpeck 7518 lift at a Woodcraft; nicely made and worked as advertised; just didn't didn't add any utility in my opinion.  Perhaps other routers benefit more from the lifts.

Zaphod
 
woodgeek said:
I have the quicklift and use it with a dedicated Bosch 1617/1618.  Love it!

c.
Click to expand...

I've been using the same setup in a Bench Dog  contractor table for the past year. Works great. The ability to quickly move the router up and down for bit changes is such a time saver. I haven't used a Woodpeckers product yet I didn't like.

Pedro
 
I have had a 7539 for a couple of years and bought the Woodpecker lift about three weeks ago. I like it very much, the only negative with it and the 7539 is you have to lock the plunge after you make your setting and for my set up it is on the back side where you cannot see. I have thought adding a lever to the lock that can be better reached . The RPM setting cannot be seen from the front, but you can feel the clicks so no problem there.                                                                                                  When the router is turned 180 degrees from this, the height adjustment is under the fence  so it must be mounted this way.                                                                                                                                                                                            Highland hardware had 8 mm collets last year that fit the 7539. I found that information here on FOG.
I use the Festool bits and get long life out of them. Most of my 1/2" bits are Whiteside and having both 1/2" and 8mm collets has been handy.
 
Did you buy your router lift from woodpeckers?  I looked around a little and haven't found any dealers discounting the lifts.

Tom.
 
If you are interested in Woodpecker products, do sign up for their e-club as they do offer deals to those members on a regular basis -- usually weekly.
 
Hi,

  tvgordon,  go to the Woodpeckers website click on Join Our E Club. If you sign up (free) they will email you (I know, last thing you need) once a week with specials. They sort of cycle through stuff. When the lifts go on sale they are usually about $30.00 off,sometimes a little more.   The emails are not the pushy type, they contain pics of whats on sale with coupon codes, and also notify you of new products.

Corwin beat me to it, but I am posting anyway ;D

Seth
 
Thanks Corwin and Semenza. I'm always visiting their site but never thought on clicking that button. Now I'm signed up.    8)
 
Matthew Schenker said:
After Festool, Woodpeckers and Incra products are my favorite line of tools.

Matthew
Click to expand...

I like my Incra and Woodpecker products with my Festools, not after.    ;)

 
Matthew,

What conveniences does the lift afford you?  Are you using a PC 7518 with your lift?  I'll concede that very small height adjustments may be quicker via the lift; otherwise, I can't fathom any benefit.  Please illuminate me if I'm overlooking any lift advantages. 

Zaphod
 
Zaphod said:
What conveniences does the lift afford you?  Are you using a PC 7518 with your lift?  I'll concede that very small height adjustments may be quicker via the lift; otherwise, I can't fathom any benefit.  Please illuminate me if I'm overlooking any lift advantages. 
Click to expand...

I'm using the  BenchDog Prolift with my PC 7518. For me, the biggest advantages are ease of use and accuracy.

John
 
  Wow, not a Jesum in the bunch.  I bought a master lift three years ago and love using my router table now.  I still have my Rousseau table and a fixed base PC which I use in very small set-ups or for quick little jobs.  IMHO when you are setting up to do light production, a lift base, top adjustable, 3 1/4 hp variable speed, independently adjustable fence with dust port, and at least one T rail for a after market miter guide are the way to go.  Just my opinion.    Chris
 
The 7539 PC is a plunge router. I would never buy a plunge router for a table, but in my case I had the 7518 before table. After having  Festool routers you look for something to do with the old router on the shelf.  The 7518 has soft start and different speeds,with power, not bad but still a plunge router. This locks you in with your choice of lifts. You live and you learn. Just a reminder if you are buying a router for a table do not get a plunge router.
 
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