Best Router Table Setup Advice

[Josh Baldwin]

Hey everyone, so I currently have a router table that I built myself with cabinets, fence, dust collection, etc. It works great, but it's not the easiest to adjust. I have a buddy of mine who wants to buy it and I've been wanting to buy a nicer fully built one myself.

I've always wanted the MLCS Ultimate Powerlift Pro with Bluetooth because it seems like it would make using the router table SO much quicker, easier and more accurate.
https://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/powerlift_phenolic_blue_ultimate.html

I've looked at all of the other brands out there like Jessem, Incra, etc and they're almost the same price or in some cases more with far less functionality. Does anyone have experience with these tables from MLCS? I know there are concerns about if the electronics stop working then the whole thing is unusable, but I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has this setup to see whether that's been a problem or not.

I'm also totally up for your recommendations of other setups if you think they're better. Thanks as always for all the help!

[Aaron Liebling]

Likewise needing a better router table solution, I went with the incra - it has wheels and cabinet dust collection, both of which matter for me. I would had loved a table saw extension but had no room for it in my confined workspace.

Note: incra delivery times are 20+ weeks(!!!).

[Josh Baldwin]

Likewise needing a better router table solution, I went with the incra - it has wheels and cabinet dust collection, both of which matter for me. I would had loved a table saw extension but had no room for it in my confined workspace.

Note: incra delivery times are 20+ weeks(!!!).
Damn that's definitely a serious wait time. It's interesting that the Incra tables seem to be deeper rather than wider like most of them out there. I guess it makes it easier to run dados in the middle of pieces, so that make sense.

[Aaron Liebling]

It's also room for the LS positioner.

Note: I still haven't received mine (that wait time!), so if someone has a better suggestion - especially one that's actually available, I'll switch. Again, I really wanted both the wheels and the cabinet dust collection.

[Alan Lightstone]

I have the Ready2Rout lift and fence. A similar system to the MLCS but with digital fence movement. I do find it useful. I do worry that if it breaks the company will do nothing for me.

As far as I know, it's been discontinued for several years, and I don't think many people bought it.

There are nice things about being able to adjust the fence and lift digitally by 0.01 or less. It does take up a bunch of space behind the fence (as certainly does the Incra which I once had), so using it as an extension table for your table saw limits things.

The Ready2Rout system was made of some plastic which never struck me as robust. I don't know what the MLCS system is made of. I do look at their ads with some curiosity, since I own a somewhat similar system.

The Incra LS positioner was a nice system. I just found I never really used it to its real capabilities. And there was no matching system for the lift. I also had a Woodpeckers lift, which I really didn't like.

Hope that helps.

[Jim Becker]

Personally, I'd be more comfortable with a manually adjusted lift...while there are mechanical parts that could go bad someday, there's less risk than with an electronic system, especially one that's a private label solution from a small business entity. I'm NOT saying there is any issue with quality or anything bad about the vendor...they have been in the business for a very long time and the fact that they are still here is meaningful. I'm speaking purely about risk over time. I happen to have an older BenchDog lift (in a BenchDog cast iron table) and other than needing cleaning/lubrication from time to time, it's been a solid performer. I admittedly do not use the router table all that much, but when I do, it's smooth sailing. Any of the popular brand lifts will be a good fit and all provide adjustment that you can get right where you need it to be, even though you might be measuring manually and cutting test pieces. Those little things can actually be beneficial because they calm the pace of work which reduces risk of mistakes.

BTW, a key datapoint for choosing a lift for your router table is what router motor you plan on using. Check compatibility before you plunk down your money.

[Cliff Polubinsky]

It's also room for the LS positioner.

Note: I still haven't received mine (that wait time!), so if someone has a better suggestion - especially one that's actually available, I'll switch. Again, I really wanted both the wheels and the cabinet dust collection.

There's an Incra Ultra fence on the auction site. I have the Ultra and it's comparable to the LS 17. Differences are the adjuster is at the back and the fine adjustment doesn't click. I've had it for years and wouldn't go back to a regular fence. The fine adjustment and repeatability is extremely useful.

Since the LS 17 has a 22 week lead time, get the Ultra and order the LS, then sell the Ultra when the LS is delivered.

Cliff

[Josh Baldwin]

I have the Ready2Rout lift and fence. A similar system to the MLCS but with digital fence movement. I do find it useful. I do worry that if it breaks the company will do nothing for me.

As far as I know, it's been discontinued for several years, and I don't think many people bought it.

There are nice things about being able to adjust the fence and lift digitally by 0.01 or less. It does take up a bunch of space behind the fence (as certainly does the Incra which I once had), so using it as an extension table for your table saw limits things.

The Ready2Rout system was made of some plastic which never struck me as robust. I don't know what the MLCS system is made of. I do look at their ads with some curiosity, since I own a somewhat similar system.

The Incra LS positioner was a nice system. I just found I never really used it to its real capabilities. And there was no matching system for the lift. I also had a Woodpeckers lift, which I really didn't like.

Hope that helps.

Hey Alan thanks for the info. I'm definitely torn on which system to get. I wish more people had the MLCS setup so I could see if it has been a good product or not.

[Jeff Monson]

I'm with Jim on the manual adjustment, while that foot pedal looks nice I'd be concerned with how long a life it would last. Using a tablet to adjust the height seems like a waste of time? I'm a fan of cast tops, my last table setup was a bench dog lift and cast top. I sold it last fall and replaced it with the Grizzly cast top and lift with the wings, this setup I really like. Its in the same price range and worth a look if you havent checked it out.

[Josh Baldwin]

Personally, I'd be more comfortable with a manually adjusted lift...while there are mechanical parts that could go bad someday, there's less risk than with an electronic system, especially one that's a private label solution from a small business entity. I'm NOT saying there is any issue with quality or anything bad about the vendor...they have been in the business for a very long time and the fact that they are still here is meaningful. I'm speaking purely about risk over time. I happen to have an older BenchDog lift (in a BenchDog cast iron table) and other than needing cleaning/lubrication from time to time, it's been a solid performer. I admittedly do not use the router table all that much, but when I do, it's smooth sailing. Any of the popular brand lifts will be a good fit and all provide adjustment that you can get right where you need it to be, even though you might be measuring manually and cutting test pieces. Those little things can actually be beneficial because they calm the pace of work which reduces risk of mistakes.

BTW, a key datapoint for choosing a lift for your router table is what router motor you plan on using. Check compatibility before you plunk down your money.
Hey Jim thanks as always for the help. If I went with the MLCS I would use the router that comes with it. I'm also worried about parts going bad or something going wrong in the future. But I guess if it happens I'll just convert it to a manual! Haha. I was hoping to see some reviews from people that own it, but no luck so far. Do you know how long MLCS has been around? I know they're not new, but don't really know their history. I just hate constantly cranking mine slightly up and down to try to get perfect measurements. The thought of pressing a button just seems to make so much sense, but I'm definitely still on the fence about it. Would you recommend going cast iron vs phenolic for an extra $100? I actually prefer the maintenance free phenolic, but I'm worried about sagging over time. Anyway thanks for the advice!

[Earl McLain]

It's also room for the LS positioner.

Note: I still haven't received mine (that wait time!), so if someone has a better suggestion - especially one that's actually available, I'll switch. Again, I really wanted both the wheels and the cabinet dust collection.

I just took an LS 17 super system off a spare router table last weekend (converting the table to a sharpening station). I’ve got a 25” on my other table, so will likely sell the 17”. Shipping would likely be brutal from IN to CA though!

I agree with Jim B on the manual lift, have had Incra-Jessem for several years and it still is easy to do quick gross adjustments by swirling my index finger. For fine adjustments, quarter turn is 1/64”, and a few thousandths is east to hit.
earl

[Josh Baldwin]

I'm with Jim on the manual adjustment, while that foot pedal looks nice I'd be concerned with how long a life it would last. Using a tablet to adjust the height seems like a waste of time? I'm a fan of cast tops, my last table setup was a bench dog lift and cast top. I sold it last fall and replaced it with the Grizzly cast top and lift with the wings, this setup I really like. Its in the same price range and worth a look if you havent checked it out.
Hey Jeff thanks for the advice. Any reason you chose the Grizzly vs the Jessem? Was it just that Jessem doesn't offer cast iron? I like the side raising/lowering ability of the Jessem so you don't need any tool nearby to make height adjustments, but I'm worried about sagging since it's not cast iron.

[Jeff Monson]

Hey Jeff thanks for the advice. Any reason you chose the Grizzly vs the Jessem? Was it just that Jessem doesn't offer cast iron? I like the side raising/lowering ability of the Jessem so you don't need any tool nearby to make height adjustments, but I'm worried about sagging since it's not cast iron.

To be honest it was the cast iron and the large work surface this table gives me. I like working on a shaper for the same reason. I dont normally gravitate towards Grizzley tools but I really like this fence and the cast top. The lift isnt as heavy duty as the bench dog but of course the opening size has to be different. My one gripe about this whole package is I had to buy a separate bag of insert rings as this one only comes with one ring.

[Jacques Gagnon]

Josh,

In line with Jim’s comments, I like my « manually adjusted » Jessem Mast-R-Lift. The calibration of the lift allows for a resolution of .002 inch which can be extrapolated to .001 inch. Adjustments of the fence are done by using a Veritas micrometric dial (I am not sure if Lee Valley still sells this) which has a resolution of .001 inch. I measure the workpiece with digital calipers and make adjustments manually from there.

It works very well for my hobbyist needs.

Regards,

J.

[Jim Becker]

Do you know how long MLCS has been around? I know they're not new, but don't really know their history.

They have been around longer than I've been woodworking...I actually had an office a few doors away from where they were located originally many years ago. They are, IMHO, best known for their economical router tooling.

[Josh Baldwin]

Josh,

In line with Jim’s comments, I like my « manually adjusted » Jessem Mast-R-Lift. The calibration of the lift allows for a resolution of .002 inch which can be extrapolated to .001 inch. Adjustments of the fence are done by using a Veritas micrometric dial (I am not sure if Lee Valley still sells this) which has a resolution of .001 inch. I measure the workpiece with digital calipers and make adjustments manually from there.

It works very well for my hobbyist needs.

Regards,

J.
Do you think I should have any concern with sagging over time since it's not a cast iron top. I think if it was then I would just go with the Jessem, but I'm worried after spending all this money in 5 years it'll be sagging. Thanks for the feedback!

[Jacques Gagnon]

Do you think I should have any concern with sagging over time since it's not a cast iron top. I think if it was then I would just go with the Jessem, but I'm worried after spending all this money in 5 years it'll be sagging. Thanks for the feedback!

...Reading into the future is not a skill I master, however, I am pretty good at predicting the past :D

I have had my router table for 9 years or so. The Makita 1011 motor has been installed in it since day one. While I have not measured sagging with a 40 inch precision straight edge, I cannot detect a gap with my 24 inch straight edge. More importantly, I have not noticed problems with the precision of the work pieces that were produced on the router table.

I hope this helps a little.

Regards,

J.

[George Yetka]

I have the jessem, the side crank makes it just as easy as the digital, or so i feel. It has a ton of adjustability in the fence as well. If I could do it again I would however look at something I could throw in my TS wing to save the space(im running out). I typically only edge profile and some simple dadoes with it so realistically I could replace it with a small piece of plywood with a hole in it.

[Josh Baldwin]

I have the jessem, the side crank makes it just as easy as the digital, or so i feel. It has a ton of adjustability in the fence as well. If I could do it again I would however look at something I could throw in my TS wing to save the space(im running out). I typically only edge profile and some simple dadoes with it so realistically I could replace it with a small piece of plywood with a hole in it.
Yea this is the only one I would consider over the digital MLCS. I don't want to adjust from the top and get out this tool every single time. I just wish the Jessem wasn't so damn expensive. After I add a router it's $300 more than the MLCS setup with a cast iron top. But I emailed Jessem to find out when it would be back in stock and never got an answer. Then tried to call them today and no answer. I've read other posts about poor customer service which concerns me. MLCS might not be as fancy and high end of a company, but they responded to my emails within 30 minutes all 3 times I've reached out.

[George Yetka]

Customer support is very important. I do have to say that out of all the Jessem products I have the quality is outstanding. It is impossible that they have had 0 customer issues but maybe having fewer makes them less adept at dealing with them. They only have 100 products or less compared to MLCS's 30,000+(according to their popup). Plus Jessem is much smaller of a company.

Thats no excuse for bad service but maybe deserving of a little bit of leeway on slow service.

The more important factors would be price/availability/Warm fuzzy feeling