Debating to buy a router lift

[Bob Cooper]

Currently my router -- a Milwaukee-- sits in my table saw and it serves me pretty well but I think it's time to build a dedicated router table. So I'm wondering how convenient a lift would be. I bought the current router partly because of its above the table height adjustment but I found I never really used it. I'd just pop the router out and change the bits out of the table and I'd reach under to adjust it.

Is a router lift much different. I don't mind investing the 300-400 but I don't want to waste it.

For what hat it's worth the two lifts I'm thinking about are the incra and the woodpeckers.

Any insight is appreciated.

[Ellen Benkin]

I have had the Rockler lift for years and couldn't live without it.

[lowell holmes]

My saw table mounted router is height adjusted by setting close with the router base clamp. I fine adjust the
router by rotating it in the base. I can adjust the height infinitely. I don't do that much on it, so a lift is not required.
My router work is minimal, so I don't feel the need for a dedicated router.

Also, I have a shaper that I use when making doors, so my comments are probably not germane.

[Andy Giddings]

Yes a router lift is worth it - especially if you are trying to dial in small adjustments

[Ben Rivel]

Definitely worth it. Go with the Incra and get the Clean Sweep magnetic plate inserts, add to it the Rockler router dust box and a fence that has a dust collection port on it and hook it all to a good dust collector and youll wonder why you ever dealt with dust from your router table in the past!

[Jerry Miner]

Bob--

I also have the Milwaukee router (5625). The "above the table" height adjustment is, IMHO, kinda bogus: you still have to reach under the table to lock in the adjustment. Not the same as a real lift.

I bit the bullet and mounted the router in a lift (mine is the Woodpecker's)--- VERY glad I did! One of the best investments in tools I ever made. Fine adjustments (to .001 precision if you want it) are quick and easy. Definitely worth it!!

Get a lift. You won't be sorry

[Prashun Patel]

Did you see this?

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...-Shipped-Conus

[Nick Decker]

I think where you would see the most benefit of a lift would be if you use your router table for joinery. Sneaking up on depth of cut is just so much more precise and secure. This was something I had to experience first hand to appreciate. I was thinking a router lift just made it easier to lift a router.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I have a Woodpecker PRL-V2 and find no problems using the thumb wheel. In fact, I find it handy and accurate. Woodpecker has a good reputation with standing behind their products too though it's not often necessary.

[Evan Stewart]

Definitely worth it! I had my router base attached directly to the table a few years ago and until i got a lift i didn't even know how bad i needed one. I found it to be very difficult to exactly replicate moldings and trim before i had a lift.

Also just as a side note, i had a total disaster about 5 years ago with a porter cable router attached to a table with its base. I had either not completely closed the latch or it came undone and about 5 mins into milling some trim it came loose from the base. Holy crap it was one of the scariest things i have ever had happen. The bit completely chewed up the base and some stuff i had under it. I didnt use a router table again until i had a lift.

[Jerry Miner]

i had a total disaster about 5 years ago with a porter cable router ... it came undone and ... completely chewed up the base and some stuff i had under it.....

I had a similar experience--- except the bit chewed up my leg on the way to the floor. Still have the scar as a reminder. I always make sure it is tight before starting the motor now.

[glenn bradley]

Like some other things, once you have one you will not want to be without one. My lift and what I can do with it are factored into my thought processes now.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I enjoy my router lift and table.

[Bob Cooper]

All thanks for the feedback. I'm pretty sure I'll pull the trigger. Seems like both companies I'm considering make very good quality tools. Is there a big difference between these two lifts? I'll likely buy a new router as well...maybe the triton 3HP.

This is getting $$ fast

[John McClanahan]

Just make sure that the lift you are looking at and your router are compatible.