Before you set out to buy a router lift, you must thoughtfully consider the following factors: The first factor you must thoughtfully consider if you are about to make a long-term commitment to a router lift is the material used in its construction. Standard plate size. With a set of hex keys for simple height adjustment, the Rockler Pro router lift allows you to easily make bit changes above the table. One thing we like about the SawStop RT-LFT Four-Post Router Lift with Lock is that of is an exclusive product that comes with different but handy features. Several customers advise that it is cheaper to purchase a kit consisting of a precision router and fixed routers rather than pay a premium charge for the individual pieces. Best Router Lift with Locking Mechanism - JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120. 10+ million models from leading OEMs, compatible with all major CAD software systems. The router offers more accuracy and precision. Router lifts may come with a crank handle and a thumb wheel mechanism which is responsible for the height adjustment mechanism system. Another way a router lift might adjust the height is with a thumbscrew. Some may also require you to purchase extra parts to set them up correctly, which takes time and costs more. This lift has a 9 -inch by 11-inch aluminum plate for universal table fitment. Aluminum is much lighter than steel, so it might be the better choice for a router lift. Find and evaluate OEMs, Custom Manufacturers, Service Companies and Distributors. For its price, the JessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift comes with so many unique features you would find in professional router lifts. The Jessem looks nearly identical to the Incra with the exception of the rings, as expected since Jessem makes the Incra rebranded unit. Thus, professional artisans looking for cutting-edge route-lifters would have a hard time using this lift. The router lift is a very handy and practical way to boost the ease of use and versatility of your router table. 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 JessEm looks good and appears to have good reviews. Router tables offer more control than handheld sanders as you can use both hands to control and move wood on a project. Features a simple adjustable clamp locking mechanism that works best with routers of 8-1/4-inch by the 11-3/4-inch base. Stay up to date on industry news and trends, product announcements and the latest innovations. The reason is that you have to prevent the wood chips from getting into the adjustment tool so the router lift system can last long, longer than you can use. Product Features of the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II. Copyright 2023 House Grail. Infinity Cutting Tools router tables and packages are assembled from some of the best router lifts, router stands, router tables and router fences from manufacturers like Incra, JessEm, and Woodpeckers. Fits all Kreg router tables and many competitive brands. It is Incras collar system that makes it truly interesting. The five sealed ball bearings on the lifting screw and the exclusive cam locking system provide smooth operation with minimal effort. If you take woodworking seriously, a router can be one of the most valuable tools you can own. Easy to assemble and use. Router tables are an option when it comes to both manual labor and when using an electric hand sander. However, the base model doesn't include any featherboards or even a router switch. Its a no-brainer when you find all the fantastic features of this products professional router-lift. Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best router lifts 2023. The durability is top-notch as the lift is made from robust materials. Bearing-guided carriage provides smooth operation. Please verify which router you plan to use before purchasing one of these lifts. All Rights Reserved. Any recommendations are appreciated. Understanding each feature will help determine which router lift will work best for you. This tool features easy installation and it works with large diameter routers. There truly is a sweet spot. There are two types of plates, the one with dimensions of about 9.25 x 11.75 inches and the latter with dimensions of about 8.25 x 11.75 inches. This kit features a lightweight design totaling just 8 pounds and a router table-friendly 9-inch by 11-inch size. Once the user finds the ideal adjustment for the router bit, locking the motor in place is essential for consistent results. Be sure to compare each one carefully before deciding on one. When it comes to long-term durability, material is a significant factor. The Rockler is more expensive and you got to buy more stuff besides what it comes with. I love to make things. Better lifts will allow you to make the table level from above, while budget models will require plastic inserts to level it. It is very ultra-responsive and highly accurate in cutting. You can move it around your workshop with ease. Companies make router lifts from many different materials, including plastic, aluminum, steel, and iron. Anyone looking to get more from their 3-inch router without breaking the bank may want to check out JessEm's Rout-R-Lift II. Check out my blog for some of my latest projects! The Incra Mast-R-Lift-II (made by Jessem) is different (besides color) only in that it has steel throat plates that are held in place by strong magnets, and do not require tools to remove/replace. Weve also included a buyers guide where we look at the router lift to see what it does and how it works to learn whats important to look for while shopping. Most router lifts used a crank handle with the hex end that fits into the lift and allows a user to turn it to raise or lower the router. Before you start shopping for a router lift, there are a few important features to consider. The router is out of the way when not in use and gives me use of the entire table for my other projects., Compatibility: PORTER-CABLE, DeWALT, and Bosch router lifts. Higher quality lifts will be easier to install than budget models, but they will both work about the same when complete. JessEm's Pow-R-Tek Router Motor - (4.2" Motor Dia.) It is not a versatile router lift, so do not expect it to work with your router unless specified., Also, the router lift may go easy on your purse, but an extra purchase would push the entire cost to the high side. Although it is not made high-quality like most products on the upper part of this list, it still makes a perfect candidate for a classic router lift. When it comes to achieving silky-smooth height adjustments, finding a router lift with a ball-bearing adjustment mechanism is the route to go rather than a basic screw-type spindle. What is the mechanism behind the router lift? But the heavier the lift, the more stable it will be during start-up and while routing. These devices keep pressure and friction on the adjustment screw to a minimum, allowing the user to slowly raise or lower it to the ideal height. The ball bearing system is responsible for precise and stress-free height router height adjustments. looking to own a lift without breaking the bank, designed for professional routing tasks. The model is perfect for heavy-duty routers as it offers seamless rotation and control.. At that point, a screw-type adjustment rod lifts the router up and down, bringing the bit above and below the work surface. It improves the stability, control, and adjustability of a standard router. Added tension to the spindle helps reduce vibration and backlash. First, this router lift wouldnt burn your purse when you get one. But that's not all. The router lift features an offset wrench that allows you to change your bits without bending under the table. This project is to be undertaken at the users own risk. We use it quite often, and its difficult to turn, so it tends to fatigue the thumb. All router lift has this information to guide buyers. This allows users to make quick bit changes, adapt the collars to smaller bits, and hold the collars in place securely. When setting up your cam lock, we recommended following instructions directly for where to position your clamps; customers were able to interchange their piece with different routers, like the Bosch 1617, as long as they paid attention to how they installed it. It fits most fixed-base routers and features an anodized top plate. It has a 16 tooth per inch (TPI) lift screw mechanism for even more control over the table height. These versions of the INCRA Mast-R-Lift II are not compatible with . We feel that the KREG PRS5000 Precision Router Lift is the best router lift for most people. Before getting a router lift, you must be sure the plunge will fit into the lift. The PORTER-CABLE 6931 is a replacement basefor plunge routers models 690, 9690, and 691. Woodworkers in production shops or scenarios can benefit from Incras Mast-R-Lift-II-R router lift. They attach to the router lift, and then the router motor slides into place with the collars clamping down on the motor for a secure attachment. We will keep you posted. Each rotation of the adjusting crank moves the carriage exactly 1/16 inch, so its easy to return to previous settings. Best Deck Sealer For Pressure-Treated Wood. In some cases, the user can remove the motor from the plunge base. A router lift relieves you of constantly bending under your table for you to reach out and adjust the height of your router. When it comes to the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift, 9-1/4-Inch By 11-3/4-Inch, we can only say that this product is for users on a budget and who didnt plan on spending so much on a router lift. The table has a built-in chain mechanism that raises and lowers the table the same distance on all 4 posts at once. This table-mounted type router lift increases the efficiency by hassle-free fine-tuning of the bits measurement. You should look for a router lift made from cast iron or quality aluminum. The Bosch RA 1165 is an updated router lift replacingthe RA 1164 and serves as the new base for many fixed-base router models. The router lift is great to have. Can I use my old Router and Router Table? At $250, . Looks like it has lots of travel. In terms of those slight adjustments, when you rotate the adjusting crank once, it moves the bit upward or downward precisely by 1/16 inches. This kit includes the Rockler Pro router lift, an aluminum router insert plate, and a ring with a set of hex keys on a keychain. 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. The lift is lightweight, thus do not add extra weight to the router table. The KREG PRS5000 works perfectly, and the only negative thing we can think to say about it is that it doesnt fit all routers. The in-built locking system, this model comes with an in-built locking system that works above the router table. Look out for router lifts that work with a bolting system or lever locking system. Some models can be a bit more difficult to crank, but its usually accurate and smooth. The base plate offers extra stability during long routing sessions. Router lifts are often an afterthought, but they are crucial for opening up your routers versatility. You can set the depth of your router bit without needing to measure it. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing. 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. The locking mechanism of your router lift should be top-notch if you wish to enjoy precise and accurate routing sessions. It helps to increase accuracy and precision, which makes your finished products have a professional touch. Top Plate Dimensions: 9 1/4" 11 3/4" x 3/8". Choosing the best one can be challenging, though, because there are plenty of models available and its not something you find in every household. JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift, 9-1/4-Inch by 11-3/4-Inch- Most Compatible Router Lift. The Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R Router Lift features a very precise height-adjusting system that uses a printed gauge that will tell you exactly how much distance the table moved. ADUSTABLE: The RA1165 conveniently allows depth adjustment of bit height from above the table. It also has an auto-protect feature, and it is also a bit portable. Also, the aluminum material is not ferrous and lacks magnetic properties, rendering a magnetic outboard mount dial almost useless.. The following router lifts are the top-rated products on the market in the category with many rave reviews. Thomasnet Is A Registered Trademark Of Thomas Publishing Join us while we look at precision, travel distance, installation, and more to help you make an educated decision. Other models feature friction locks that put pressure on the adjustment spindle to prevent it from loosening and lowering the router. The router lift is made of anodized aluminum. The route lift features further improvement on the control of bothsmall and large adjustments compared to the previous version. Weaker materials will deteriorate quicker; they will also allow more vibrations to occur, which can ruin the lifts accuracy. Two standard plate sizes fit into every router table; 9 1/4 x 11 3/4 and 8 1/4 x 11 3/4. Some models feature cam locking systems that lock the adjustment spindle and mechanisms in place to prevent vibration from inadvertently adjusting the height. For its price,the JessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift comes with so many unique features you would find in professional router lifts. However, you should note that the JessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift is only compatible with a few routers. As the last line of defense in keeping your home powered during an outage, reliability is an absolute must with any portable generator. The Lift usually replaces the standard insert plate in a router table and works with any of the 20+ most known router models. BACKYARD WOODSHOP 14.7K subscribers Subscribe 129K views 5 years ago I compare Incra Ls Positioner, against the Kreg Router Fence and. Many of the best router lifts come with adapters for fitting a variety of routers. The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift is considered a tool for professionals, and beginners shouldnt purchase this product. If you have plans to remove the router lift from the base frequently, you should not buy a lift that is difficult to install. You can seamlessly alter the height of your bits with better precision. The best router lifts for professionals are from steel. The INCRA Mast-R-Lift-II Router Lift has a five-ball bearing system that gives users total control. Bench Dog Tools(such as the Bench Dog tools 40-150 prolift) and Kreg router lift also provide great options for quality router table lifts. It is highly recommended but before you purchase, be sure it fits into the router table you have. Thus, it saves you time and makes it easier to use your router. The more complex the installation the more chance there is for error and the more parts you need to purchase, the better the chance they wont be available. Buildeazy accepts no responsibility for any injury to any person occurring while using or undertaking this project or any other Buildeazy project, either directly or indirectly. 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. See all products JOINERY ACCESSORIES You would make all adjustments to the height the same way. It features a double-sealed ball-bearing design that allows for smooth and accurate adjustments while protecting the bearings against sawdust and unnecessary maintenance. If you are a professional craftsman or a beginner with lots of workshop hours working with a router, you should consider getting a router for the following reasons: The router lift has a heavy base plate, which prevents vibrations when you use the router. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER. If you are into craft equipment from JessEm, you should check out the Mast-R-Lift. With a router lift, you can make minor adjustments on the go without removing the router or reaching out to under the table.. Its perfect for those still experimenting with a router and not looking to make a long-term commitment. The user can improve the efficacy and productivity of this route lift by fine-tuning the bits' adjustments. 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. We hope you have enjoyed reading over our reviews and found them helpful in your pursuit of a new router lift. See Price On Amazon. Since 2003. Overall, the JessEm Rout-R-Lift II router lift (US$219.99, Amazon) earns the best lift title as its able to be used with most 3.5-inch diameter motors and is impressively priced under US$200. Its six-depth stop position provides accurate height adjustments allowing this router lift to protect from accidents without the need to buy a new router lift. All professional woodworkers and enthusiast need stability during their time on the project. Fast and precise height adjustments using the handle, Not compatible with a wide range of routers, It lacks some essential parts that would lead to more purchase, Compact-size design that doesnt take up a lot of space on your router table, Designed for swift and easy assembly, you wouldnt have to spend hours trying to fix the router lift together, It comes with a pack of leveling screws and a machine for easy assembly, Works with a superior lock/unlock system. Its like a manually controlled whack-a-mole, but it allows you to make all height adjustments and change the bit from above the table. It's made from quality parts that can also rival high-end router lifts. Made by Kreg Tools,the Kreg PRS5000 with precision router lift, and cam lock height adjustment is an anodized aluminum, ball-bearing router lift that makes router setup easy thanks to the above table bit changer. They hold the router motor upside down, with the router bit protruding above the surface. Whichever router lift you choose, ensure that it has a locking function to avoid frustration from a bit lowering from vibrations, causing inconsistent results from one end of a workpiece to the other. While the Rout-R-Lift II might not cost a ton, it doesnt sacrifice where it counts. 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. Every router lift has a specific plunge size. This router lift from Kreg provides more configuration reliability for a multitude of tasks. With customer reviews that read, Its probably one of the best router lifts currently made, the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 router lift is a reliable piece of equipment in any workshop.