Thoughts on Jessem Rout-R-Lift II and Router?

[onocoffee]

I'm thinking about modifications to my current workbench and am considering dropping something like the Rout-R-Lift II into the bench. Any thoughts on this particular lift or concerns? Perhaps other considerations? And they list a variety of compatible routers - any suggestions on a proper router?

While budget is a concern, I'd like to know what might be the best path forward - you know, the Buy Once, Cry Once path.

Thanks!

 

[live4ever]

Also consider the Incra-branded version with the Magnalock rings.  Those are pretty slick.

For motor the Porter-Cable 7518 motor was long considered the gold standard for 3-1/4HP but PC discontinued their router line.  Clones of that motor are widely available under various brand names (Bora, etc.).  Woodpeckers also sells one.  Note this assumes you want a dedicated motor for the lift and aren’t intending to use it freehand.  But of course this depends on what other routers you have/plan on having and what your freehand needs are.

 

[smorgasbord]

I have the Jessem MastR-Lift II with my old PC 7518 motor.
It works just fine.

If I were setting up from scratch, though, I'd be looking at the electronically controlled lifts, with DROs but also that you can program to have the bit go to a certain height. Some even have DROs or even electronic control of the fence.

And also think about if a Shaper Origin could have a place in your shop and whether that might reduce the need for a fancy router table setup. If you're doing things like panel raising, though, the router table with a beefy motor is still, I think, the best.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

+1 on the Incra-branded version with the magnetic locking rings. I had the Metric version and really enjoyed using it.

For routers, depending on what you're doing you may be happy with a Bosch 1617EVS.

If you think you'll need more grunt than a 2-1/4hp router, I'd suggest taking a look at a shaper. I bumped to shapers a few years ago and haven't looked back. I do still keep a small 1hp Makita trim router in a Lee Valley router table, but that's reserved for applying a small radius to pieces.

Regarding analog vs. digital, I for one prefer analog. Back when I was using an Incra router table I could easily return to previous setups, so long as I keep a record of fence position, cutter, and lift height. On my current shaper, I can set up tooling just as fast (if not faster) than my previous shaper with a touch screen. So long as you know the major- and minor- diameter of the tooling, setup should be a piece of cake.

 

[lilb93]

I’ve got the Rout-R-Lift II, and it’s been solid. The lift mechanism is smooth and holds settings really well, so I don’t have to keep adjusting. If you're thinking "buy once, cry once," it’s worth it. As for routers, I'd go with something like the Porter-Cable 7518—plenty of power and it’s a beast for most tasks.

 

[MikeGE]

While budget is a concern, I'd like to know what might be the best path forward - you know, the Buy Once, Cry Once path.

 

I like to think of the budget path as "buy once, smile a long time."  My journey to my final router table was expensive as I bought and discarded several options before ending with the Incra-based router table I documented here in this build thread.  In the past four years, I have not found any deficiencies with it that would justify a different design.

I also have an Elektra Beckum TF-904 shaper (spindle moulder), but don't envision the shaper replacing the router table.  There is room in my shop for both, and don't find one easier to set up than the other.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I’ve got the Rout-R-Lift II, and it’s been solid. The lift mechanism is smooth and holds settings really well, so I don’t have to keep adjusting. If you're thinking "buy once, cry once," it’s worth it. As for routers, I'd go with something like the Porter-Cable 7518—plenty of power and it’s a beast for most tasks.

That router has been out of production for 4 years. Both Woodpeckers and Jessem have suitable motors with better speed controls.

 

[onocoffee]

Thank you all for the great insight.

After watching a few videos, I do like the magnetic parts to the Incra version and I don't mind having a dedicated router in the lift (also, outside of that 7-series Makita trim and an old Skil plunge, I don't really have any router to use for the lift). I do like the idea of a router motor with remote located controls so I don't have to reach under to turn on or adjust speed.

I like the notion of a motorized lift and the Shaper sounds interesting but I don't have a firm enough grasp of what it actually is just yet!