Router Lifts

[Scott Brandstetter]

I have been wanting to add a router lift to my bench dog router table. The main reason for this is to make changing the bits quicker and easier. I just watched a video on the woodpecker lift and it got me wondering, is the main benefit of a router lift to make adjusting to the final height easier? Does a router lift even aid in the changing of bits.

I ultimately would like to be able to do a quick change of bits above the router table, not below. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Phil Thien]

I have a Rockler which is an older rebranded Jessem and I use a Dewalt motor in it. I change bits above the table.

One word of advice is to watch the insert ring style. Mine spin in and out quickly with a spanner wrench. Many of the ones I'm seeing these days want you to remove and replace three or four screws. That would get old.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I have a Woodpecker PRL-V2. It works as advertised.

[Steve Kinnaird]

I am looking at the Incra products and they use rare earth magnets to hold in the different rings.
And yes, bits are changed above the table.

http://www.incrementaltools.com/INCRA_Mast_R_Lift_II_p/incra%20mast-r-lift%20ii.htm

[Bruce Page]

I have the Bench Dog in my Bench Dog. Aside from the easier above table bit changes, it is rock solid through out its travel range. I added a digital readout that allows for very fine adjustments and repeatability. I need to remove two screws to change the insert rings but don't find it a problem. The newer Bench Dogs might be different.

[Phil Mueller]

I have the Incra Mast-R-Lift II. Change bits from above, insert rings are held by magnets, above table height lock to prevent height drift. Works with many different routers. Works great.

[Hoang N Nguyen]

I have the Incra Mast-R-Lift II. Change bits from above, insert rings are held by magnets, above table height lock to prevent height drift. Works with many different routers. Works great.

I also have this same lift and I love it. I have a craftsman router mounted to it right now but do plan to change out for a better router soon.

[Julie Moriarty]

I have a Jessum that's about 10-15 years old. Attached is a Bosch 1617 router. If you have a wrench with a bent handle and some means for holding in the lock, other than your hand, changing bits is pretty easy. I bent some flat bar that keeps the lock engaged while I change bits and it works very well.
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab233/jules42651/Woodworking/Tools/router_01_zps613a6311.jpg
The long handle adds weight that counters the spring in the lock. The bend on the other end is used to open and close blast gates.

[Prashun Patel]

+4. MastRLiftII rocks!!!

The magnetic insert rings make it easy to swap them out.

[Bill Huber]

I have the Jessem Master R Left II and love it.

Everything is done above the table, when I got it I had a Bosch 1617 in it and now have changed it out for the PC 7518 and the lift handles it just fine.

The lift is made very well, like a battleship as they say.

The inserts are plastic and use a spanner wrench to take them in and out, you can get blank inserts so you can make the insert any size you want and need.

Here is my write-up on it when I got it.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?149596-Jessem-Master-R-lift-II-(long)&highlight=Jessem+lift

[Herb Smith]

Another vote for the Jessem Mast-R-Lift. Solidly built and very easily and precisely adjustable up and down.

[Greg Hines, MD]

I had a question for the folks that have replied to this post. Is there a difference between a Jessem MastR-lift and the Incra version, outside of the magnetic reducer plates?

Doc

[Prashun Patel]

Great question. I believe those two lifts are largely the same. My lift (an Incra) even came with a Jessem owners manual!

The only diff I could see yes, was the mag rings. That's why i went Incra.

[Bill Huber]

I agree with Prashun, the inserts are the only real difference and the color.

I like the plastic inserts, I can make zero clearance inserts with them, put a bit in with the lift all the way down put the blank insert in and then crank the lift up and you got a zero clearance insert.

[Steve Wilde]

I'm currently looking at a table to add to my sawstop, probably the Bench Dogs table, and a router lift too. I really like the look of that Incra mast-r-lift 2, and the cleansweep under table box. Has anyone here used the clean sweep system? i'm wondering if it would even attach to the bench dog table? Also what routers do you guys suggest? I have several of the older porter cable routers that I can't kill, but I'm pretty sure I've read the newer stuff doesn't last nearly as long.
Steve

[Paul Wunder]

+ lost track of how many for Jessem. I have one of their "Router-Lifts" (name?) that I bought a few years ago at a factory sponsored closeout for about $109.00. Very pleased. I use it with a PC 890 series.

[Steve Kinnaird]

+ lost track of how many for Jessem. I have one of their "Router-Lifts" (name?) that I bought a few years ago at a factory sponsored closeout for about $109.00. Very pleased. I use it with a PC 890 series.

That was a GREAT deal !!!

[Cyrus Brewster 7]

i'm wondering if it would even attach to the bench dog table?
Steve

Rocker sells the Jessem Mast r lift II that will fit the bench dog table. It is the Incra version with the magnetic inserts.

[Earl Rumans]

Another vote for the Incra Mast-R-Lift II. I have it with their Clean Sweep system and it really works great. As stated, everything is done above the table and setting bit height couldn't be any easier.

[james glenn]

Another vote for the Jessem Mast-R-Lift II for all of the reasons Bill stated above. I have a digital readout and the precision is excellent.

[Len Rosenberg]

I have the General Excalibur router table and lift. They are both very solid, well made, accurate and easy to use. The insert rings pop in and out with a quarter turn using a tool that comes with the lift. Changing bits above the table is easy and fast. Been using it for a year with no issues. The lift maintains its height setting beautifully.

Len

[Jim Tobias]

Can't beat a Bench Dog in a Bench Dog!! I've had my set up for years and the heavy duty Bench Dog lift is built like a tank but performs like a Maserati. Solid throughout.
Jim

[Gary Muto]

I like the Incra (made by Jessem) It has metal throat plates that are held with magnets. There is a small hole in the throat plate over the magnet that allows you to adjust the throat plate height to the lift plate while everything is in place. I tis the only lift that has that feature and metal throat plates that just pry off for easy access.

[David Helm]

For me the question to be answered first is what size router motor will you be using? Don't have a preference for larger routers, but the Jessem Route R Lift for medium sized routers like the PC 890 series is a gem at a very reasonable price.