2 Routers, which lift?

[Maurice Ungaro]

Hey gang,
I am finally getting my shop back together after moving it this past fall, and need to replace my Benchdog router table wing that was sold with my old TS. I like the idea of installing a lift on the right extension table and rigging up the router table fence to the ol' Biesmeyer.

My question lies in the fact that I have a Makita RF 1101, and a Hitachi M12V. Both great routers, but the M12 is beefier. Having said that, I've been scouring the Woodpecker's sight and trying to figure out if I should get the PRL for the Makita, or the PlugeLift for the M12.

I guess it comes down to two things:
1) Which lift is best, and
2) Which router is best for use under the table?

[Eric Haycraft]

Of the two I would vote the M12. Beefier is always better in the table rather than in hand.
Regardless, have you considered just getting a newer router with above table adjustments. They seem to cost about the same as a router lift these days. The ones that I know of off hand are the Freud (which I have), the Milwaukee, and a Triton (I may have that name wrong). Anyway, in addition to longer shafts they should also have arbor locks accessible above the table which will make bit changes easier. (I am speaking based upon my Freud, but I expect the others to be similar)

[glenn bradley]

I'm with Eric. I am faced with addingan almost $300 lift to my almost $300 router as it was purchased before the new breed of routers that actually take the table into account. The smaller Triton is just about the best of these IMHO although there are a few close seconds.

P.s. You sold your BD wing??? Were you high??? :D:D:D

[Maurice Ungaro]

Glenn,
No, I was sober. The left tilt Uni made it tough to bolt the BD up properly.