Router Lifts - Update

[Doug Shepard]

Finally got my taxes e-filed today and have $600 coming back from Fed & State. I probably should put the money toward my cyclone purchase, but I'm just not that smart. I've been thinking about getting a router lift for my DW621 for quite a while and this might be a good time to do it. So far I've come across a few options.

Woodpecker Plunge lift for $149 that would rely on my DW621 plunge mechanism for the travel.
http://www.woodpeck.com/plungelift.html

Woodpecker Unilift for $289
http://www.woodpeck.com/unilift.html
I briefly searched through past SMC threads on the Woodpecker. Most of those threads were on their PRL (Precision Router Lift) model though. And I'm coming away with the impression that there are a few quirks/bugs with the Woodpeckers but maybe nothing insurmountable.

Benchdog ProLift for $319 @ routerbits.com
http://www.benchdog.com/prolift.htm
The lift itself is pretty pricey but looks built like a tank. On top of that, it also means I'd need to get a new router as it only accepts the PC 7518. Normally I'd shy away from this one for that reason but then got to thinking. It would be nice to leave my Microfence edge guide permanently attached to the DW621. It currently takes me about 10 mins to remove the DW from the table plate, re-attach the factory phenolic plate, and hook on the Microfence.
So that got me looking at prices on the PC 7518. Since I have no real plans to use it out of the table and lift I was originally searching for the 75182 Motor only, but ended up ditching that idea. It turns out Amazon has the whole package for less than the motor only, especially considering that the motor doesn't come with the 2nd collet that I'd need. So tack another $265 (after curent amazon promos) on. That brings the Benchdog route to a whopping $584. That's my whole tax return.

Anybody used both the Woodpecker and the Benchdog? Is the Dog worth the extra $$
Are there other ones I should be looking at too?

[M. A. Espinoza]

At the risk of sounding like a shill, maybe consider the Milwaukee 5616 or 5625 and skip the lift.

The base design gives you the convenience of a lift and you'll have another router to use for the price of the lift alone. If you don't plan on doing panel raising the 5616 has plenty of power and in a pinch could raise a panel.

If you really want convenience buy an extra base off the auction site and just swap motor when you want it handheld.

I now own a 5615, 5616, and a 5625 (previously was all Porter Cable) and am happy with them. I own the 621 as well and love it but find plungers a bit of a hassle in a table. Easier to change bits by just pulling the motor from a fixed base.

One thing to check is the motor spindle for travel. They seem to have had a batch that didn't get some wave washers installed but Milwaukee will correct. Discovered this on the 5625.

[Chris Rosenberger]

I have had the Woodpecker PRL & PC 7518 for over 2 years. I have not had any problems with the setup. I did add an Eliminator chuck to the router. By using an L shaped allen wrench I can change bits from above with the chuck below the table.

[Ken Belisle]

I have had the Woodpecker PRL & PC 7518 for over 2 years. I have not had any problems with the setup. I did add an Eliminator chuck to the router. By using an L shaped allen wrench I can change bits from above with the chuck below the table.



I've had the same setup since Woodpecker first introduced them, except I use the bent wrenches instead of the Eliminator chuck and have no problems changing bits. The only issue I have is that when I bought mine they were only available with fine threads on the raising/lowering mechanism which means it takes a lot of turns of the crank to get the bit high enough to change. Now they offer a course thread which cuts the number of turns in half, which I would definitely opt for if I was buying it today. Other than that, it is built like a tank and with the PC 7518, it is great combination which I would highly recommend.

[Doug Shepard]

Chris/Ken
I decided to reserve my DW621 for Microfence use and I ended up ordering a PC 7518 for dedicated table use (it's supposed to arrive tomorrow). I also ordered the additional PC 1/4" quick release collet. After more research I'd settled on either the Jessem Mast-R-Lift or the Woodpecker PRL. I think I've finally decided on the PRL but have a few more questions based on your replies.

You're supposed to be able to change bits without removing the lift (?)
Is the Eliminator chuck and/or offset wrenches just a convenience that allows you to change the bit without cranking the lift all the way up? If so, I'm really wondering what the advantage is of getting the course thread version if you tend not to bother raising up all the way to change bits anyway?? It seems like you'd get the best of both worlds by going with the fine pitch and just using the Eliminator or wrenches to change bits with the lift in whatever position it happened to be in?
Am I missing some other advantage of going with the course thread other than the number of turns it takes to raise all the way up?

[Kelly Anderson]

I just got my Jessem Rout-R-Lift installed in my table saw. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but it is sweet. It takes a few cranks but you can raise the collet and change bits above the table with the Rout-R-Lift.

[Joe Meazle]

Doug,
I can't speak to the lifts you mention because I have an old Jessem Rout R Lift. What I can say is that I think you made a good choice. I feel that the DW621 is one of the best handheld routers that i have ever used. I am not a big dewalt fan either but it is the one I reach for first. It would be criminal to have that thing stuck in a table IMHO.
Joe

[Doug Shepard]

I just got my Jessem Rout-R-Lift installed in my table saw. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but it is sweet. It takes a few cranks but you can raise the collet and change bits above the table with the Rout-R-Lift.

I didn't look too close at the Rout-R-Lift but was really tempted by their Mast-R-Lift which I think is basically a Rout-R-Lift on steroids. The thing that finally knocked it out of the running though was the plate thickness. It's a pretty odd size - 21/32" instead of the fairly standard 3/8". While searching around for lifts I also ended up tossing one of these into the overall upgrade as I have a need to make quite a few cuts at various angles on some projects
http://www.woodhaven.com/detail.aspx?ID=1546

That means I'll now have 2 plates that need to be interchangeable in the same table opening. That's what finally pushed me toward the PRL.

[Jim Bell]

I have the Milwaukee router and it works pretty good for $300.00. I bought the Jessem system and the big PC router. I can easily make tiny adjustments.0001 or so. It cost me around $1200.00 but worth every penny.
Jim

[Frank G]

OK I'm cheap, no I'm conservative. Actually I'm poor so I bought the router raizer (sp) and cheap battery screw gun that works fine but that wasn't you question. If you would have asked ne what the next lottery tickets would have been.

[John Keane]

Take a look at the Woodpecker "Quick Lift". I have it and the PRL. I prefer the Quick Lift.

[Chris Rosenberger]

Chris/Ken
I decided to reserve my DW621 for Microfence use and I ended up ordering a PC 7518 for dedicated table use (it's supposed to arrive tomorrow). I also ordered the additional PC 1/4" quick release collet. After more research I'd settled on either the Jessem Mast-R-Lift or the Woodpecker PRL. I think I've finally decided on the PRL but have a few more questions based on your replies.

You're supposed to be able to change bits without removing the lift (?)
Is the Eliminator chuck and/or offset wrenches just a convenience that allows you to change the bit without cranking the lift all the way up? If so, I'm really wondering what the advantage is of getting the course thread version if you tend not to bother raising up all the way to change bits anyway?? It seems like you'd get the best of both worlds by going with the fine pitch and just using the Eliminator or wrenches to change bits with the lift in whatever position it happened to be in?
Am I missing some other advantage of going with the course thread other than the number of turns it takes to raise all the way up?

Doug,
I had the choice between fine & coarse threads. I opted for the fine threads & Eliminator chuck, because fine threads means fine adjustments. I have never tried one with coarse threads. So I can not say that I made the best choice. I have been happy with the fine threads.

[Jim Tobias]

Doug,
I have had the Benchdog and the PC7518 for about 2 years, can't think of anything that I would want it to do better. It (the lift) is a TANK and is so easy to adjust. It is pricey, but it is one of those purchases that you will never need to make again.

jim

[pat warner]

"Anybody used both the Woodpecker and the Benchdog? Is the Dog worth the extra $$
Are there other ones I should be looking at too?"

_____________________________________

Have I got a deal for you! (http://patwarner.com/cutter_depth.html)

(A freebie)

[Jim O'Dell]

Doug, I went with the PRL with the fine threads. One thing to think about is to look at the "Specials" page. While there are no lifts on it right now, it changes often. I got mine for about 70.00 off the regular price. It was code B which means it has full warranty, some minor cosmetic blemishes. Mine had a couple scuff type scratches on the face. Also if you're not on the Woodpecker email, do that. Then watch for specials. It's about time they did something on the lifts again. I think the special I got in on saved me an extra 10.00 on the lift and made the template free, or something like that. Good luck. Remember, shopping IS the hunt. The tool is the feast. Jim.

[John Kain]

OK I'm cheap, no I'm conservative. Actually I'm poor so I bought the router raizer (sp) and cheap battery screw gun that works fine but that wasn't you question. If you would have asked ne what the next lottery tickets would have been.\

Frank, I'm with you.

Next time Amazon has a sale for the Raizer, I'm going to buy. I've talked by email with 2 owners who have nothing bad to say about the system..........

[Doug Shepard]

Doug,
I have had the Benchdog and the PC7518 for about 2 years, can't think of anything that I would want it to do better. It (the lift) is a TANK and is so easy to adjust. It is pricey, but it is one of those purchases that you will never need to make again.

jim

The Benchdog was originally on the top of my short list but also got eliminated due to the plate size. It's 8-1/4" x 11-3/4" instead of 9-1/4" x 11-3/4" like a lot of the others and makes using both it and the Woodhaven AngleEase in the same table impossible. It's an impressive looking beast though, and there are lots of good comments on it on WW forums. In the end, it just wouldn't fit my table opening needs.

[Doug Shepard]

Doug, I went with the PRL with the fine threads. One thing to think about is to look at the "Specials" page. While there are no lifts on it right now, it changes often. I got mine for about 70.00 off the regular price. It was code B which means it has full warranty, some minor cosmetic blemishes. Mine had a couple scuff type scratches on the face. Also if you're not on the Woodpecker email, do that. Then watch for specials. It's about time they did something on the lifts again. I think the special I got in on saved me an extra 10.00 on the lift and made the template free, or something like that. Good luck. Remember, shopping IS the hunt. The tool is the feast. Jim.

I think the fine thread PRL is the one I'm going to get. Thanks for the tip on the Specials page. Lets hope they put some on there quick. I'm hoping to get one on order pretty quick.

[Doug Shepard]

Well I ended up exceeding my tax return money just a little bit.:o
Ended up with the Woodpecker PRL, a PC7518, and threw in a Woodhaven AngleEase as well. I had to recut the opening as my old plates were 8x11-3/4 instead of 9-1/4x11-3/4. I got the plate hole recut in my table yesterday. The PRL and the Woodhaven plates are the same L&W and are supposed to be the same thickness, but Woodhaven's idea of 3/8" is 0.392 and has no leveling screws. The PRL was exactly 3/8 thick. Of course I managed to overshoot a bit on the depth and ended up applying a strip of Slik-Tape all the way around the ledge to compensate. Finished leveling the plates this morning. Had to put 2 layers of blue tape on a short and long edge of the Woodhaven but got it flush now. And the PRL flushed up pretty easily using the set screws. The only upgrade left to do is swapping out the mobile base next weekend after it arrives. Haven't made any cuts yet as I had to race to get my local tax forms filled out and in the mail by today. They aren't due until 5/1 and since I always end up having to pay them a few bucks ($14 this time) I always put it off to the last minute.
The table, Incra jig, and cabinet are'nt new BTW.

So the DW621 has now graduated to hand-held duty only.

[Chris Rosenberger]

Thats a nice outfit Doug.
You will enjoy it.

[Jeffrey Makiel]

\

Frank, I'm with you.

Next time Amazon has a sale for the Raizer, I'm going to buy. I've talked by email with 2 owners who have nothing bad to say about the system..........
John,
Two things to note about the Router Raizer. First, the modification to your router may be permanent. On my router, I had to drill the hole is the router's body larger. There's no going back. Second, the small knurled knob that replaces the large factory knob for height adjustment is difficult on my fingers when turning. This knob still gets used when using the router as hand held, or when the router table fence prohibits the use of the hex wrench. I also lost the little metal plug that covers the hole in the baseplate for the hex wrench. It's probably in my shop vac. :)

Overall, it's a descent kit, but has some limitations.

-Jeff

[Corey Hallagan]

Nice set up Doug! Looks great!

Corey

[Jim O'Dell]

Good for you, Doug. Did they add some reburbs, or did you splurge for the regular price? Let us know how you like it. Jim.

[Doug Shepard]

Good for you, Doug. Did they add some reburbs, or did you splurge for the regular price? Let us know how you like it. Jim.

No, I paid the regular price. I emailed them to ask if they had any blem versions, but no luck. I really wanted to get this set of upgrades over and done with so I can get on to the next one (getting a cyclone DC bought and installed) so I decided not to wait on the off chance that they'd come up with any specials on that model. I did do some test cuts this morning and am pretty happy with the whole setup. The only thing I dont like about the PRL is the graphics. My eyes aren't what they used to be. Whoever thought of putting white scale markings on that gold plate should be shot. There's just not enough contrast to read them easily.

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

Have you considered getting a shaper?

There is aWoodTek unit that may not be a whole lot more than you are considering wiht a router and a lift.


I got the big Triton because I didn't want to bother with a lift.
I install it with everything on it except the factory skid plate and change collets above the table.
It's an entirely unsophisticated router but it's just fine in a table.

[Andy London]

I have the woodpeckers quicklift with a DW618 and would not be without it. For years I have had a DW625 and a Frued FT2000E in LV steel tables without a lift and managed very well however after using the quick lift I would not be without one. I considered the PRL and spoke with Woodpeckers about it but raising and lowering would be far too slow for what I do.

Andy

[Bill Fields]

I'm w/ Frank G. Got the Router Raizer--

Installation is a chore--but it seems to work well as a cheap solution--way under $100 on sale.

Perhaps not the precision others offer, but it lifts and lowers the heavy router (3HP HF) no sweat.

BILL

[Greg Narozniak]

I have an original PRL with a 7518 and it has been rock solid. I did have an issue a few years back the unit would hit a spot and then not go any further. Once call to Woodpeckers and I sent it in and they repaired it FREE and had it back to me in a few days good as new. I have not had any issues since.

[Steve Hayes]

How solid is the Milwakee? When you adjust the height do you lock it down so it won't move?

[chester stidham]

:Dlook at the Jessem FX lift I have one and it works very good for me also you can remove your router in secounds mine fit my bosch and porter cable routers it well also fit yours.

[John Kain]

Just got the Raizer installed and rolled through a couple feet of 1/4 roundover bit..........

Worked great. Doesn't move up or down nor in any other direction. The Raizer is very solid and is very easy to adjust.

The only con for the M12V is it partially interferes with the top right plate screw, but in reality it doesn't matter......it just looks out of place. So far, so good for $70 Amazon.

The Raizer was a bit difficult to install. In fact, I REALLY didn't like having to drill out part of the sub-base...........but.......it worked out fine. If you need to move a router out of the table, the Router Raizer is NOT for you. The Raizer should really only be used in a table for ease of operation.

[John Kain]

Here's some pics of the Raizer. As you can see........the 3/4" hole is too big and interferes with the 4th router sub-base contact. In reality, it makes no difference, but it looks poor. I would change this up if I had to do it again and only drill small hole near the top with a larger hole at the bottom. It really wouldn't help the strength of the thing, but would help the looks of it.

37906

37907

Overall, the Router Raizer works very well, and is certainly worth the $70 I paid for it.

[chester stidham]

Take a look at the Jessem router rasier fx very simple to install comes compleat just one cam lock and your router is in or out well fit bosch, porter cable, and dewalt routers.:rolleyes:

[Larry Norton]

I have the JessEm Router Lift FX and absolutely love it! It was the best $165 I ever spent. Well, my new JessEm Miter gauge is absolutely flawless, too!

[Bruce Page]

Overall, the Router Raizer works very well, and is certainly worth the $70 I paid for it.

Here’s another vote for the Router Raizer. Normally I’m all for trick tools & accessories and there are some really slick lifts out there, but, the Router Raizer does pretty much the same job and does it well at 1/3 the cost

[Brian Jarnell]

This may be of some interest.



http://www.woodrat.com/plungebar.html