Is a Router Lift really Necessary?

In this video, we will explore the topic of router lifts and help you determine whether or not one is necessary for your woodworking projects. We will discuss the benefits of using a router lift, such as increased precision and ease of use, as well as the potential drawbacks, such as the additional cost and complexity. We will also provide tips for evaluating your specific woodworking needs and preferences to make an informed decision about whether a router lift is right for you.

[PCHUGGER]

I'm a big Jessem fan. Top notch engineering and features. My biggest reason for buying the Jessem Table, Lift, and Fence along with an Incra Cleansweep Enclosure was dust collection. I wanted to use the router in my basement shop. My setup with a big dust collector running to both the fence and the Cleansweep results in nearly perfect dust and chip collection - seriously good. I did purchase a dedicated motor to go with the table. The Jessem Lift doesn't use the router base, only the motor so it's not easy to remove from the Lift. I do have a second router with Bases that I use outdoors for jobs that don't work well on the Table like round-overs on a large finished piece. Next to my Table Saw, the Router Table & Lift has become one of my favorite tools.

[G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Since you asked…my opinion is that you made the right choice for you (buying a lift), based on your production. My production only calls for 20% router work, generally accomplished with jigs (& a palm router), so no need for even a router table. When I do need a table, a good plate & router combination is sufficient. As you demonstrated, the MKE router is easily adjusted from underneath, so - for my needs - the cost of a lift is better spent elsewhere. Thanks for putting this video together and demonstrating that a lift might not be necessary for everyone, so long as the plate pairs well with the design of the router.

[jeffwilder]

With my serious back problems, the Jessem Master Liftll was just the ticket for my shop. It is well worth having it! I paired it with the Milwaukee 3 1/2 hp router. What a beast! One revolution on the dial moves the bit 1/16”. With all the increments on the dial, one increment of movement is 1/512. You could split the increment and have a 1/1024. When dialing in for stile and rail joinery you can really tweak them in! I love my set up!

[warrensmith]

I've had dedicated router lifts, routers in tables, home made lifts, and router conversions. I'm back to the simple router in a table lift using a Rockler plate on my PC890 base with an above plate spin handle that gives me the quick change and fine adjust ability I need.

[richjones]

Generally speaking, turning up sober & being able to stand up right while producing a video well its appreciated. Your hair style is totally your own choice. Such fun !

[stevenclark]

I’ve been weighing which to buy recently. Thank you for the thorough explanation! Can’t wait to add one to the bench

[sdmagic]

Ron, I really liked your video. I have an Incra router lift and love it. You are right in suggesting lifts to viewers.

I devoted a router to the table. For my hand stuff, I have a separate router. It's just easier (not cheaper) that way for me.

[mikhailarey]

I’ve used the Woodpecker lift for years. Works well for me.

[warrensmith]

Tried several commercial lifts but didn't like them. Kept going back to my HF 2.75 hp plunge router on a solid Rockler router plate after removing the return spring in the router. That thing was a beast and would cut through just about anything. Yeah, I had to remove it from the table to change bits, but it was fast and cheap. Sold it when I moved 10 years ago to a new location.

Now I have a PC890 with a fixed base in a table, with the PC adjustment wheel. Loosen the lock on the router, and spin the wheel. Great value and low cost. Even have a special thin plate I use with my palm routers I got from China if I need a second setup. That's on a piece of 3/4" plywood that I fix to my MFT/3 table when needed. For my plunge routers, I keep them on adapter plates so I can use them with my LR32 router sled. Lots of hole drilling, and grove cutting. Works real good, lasts a long time.

[christopherinteriors]

I personally like routers that have a built in lift like the Triton routers or the Trend T11 and T14. The Trend T14 is especially good as it can be clipped in to the router table and used with an external switch that comes with it and then it can unclip and be used handheld for things like worktops.
I used to use a router with a car jack underneath to raise and lower it but with the Paulk smart router table that wouldn't work.
Do you NEED a lift? No.
Should you have one? Yes

[carterscustomrods]

I say yes... but, with all of the linear guide systems these days, there become very easy to make for $50-$70.

All the pre-made ones, like you said, have shortcomings. They have cool aspects, but exposed chains and sprockets required so much maintenance.

One thing I dont like is the top/plate adjustment system. I use enclosed bevel gears that give me a handle coming out the front and makes it a 90° system. And with the polymer linear slides now, you don't need to worry about dust clogging an older style ball bearing linear block.

All in all, I think I like making tools/jigs more than anything else. Lol. And I use my routers for nearly everything so jigs are vital for me.

[kevincriswell]

Hi Ron, I’ve noticed that you don’t seem to utilize your woodpecker super fence anymore? I really enjoy the micro adjustment on the horizontal access with the super fence as well as the vertical micro adjustment using your router lift. Was just curious as to why you didn’t incorporate that in your design?

[bdm]

This is among your best videos. It was very helpful and informative. Thank you!

[SavageVoyageur]

My router table did not have a lift. Every time I needed to adjust the bit height I would loosen the lock then raise or lower the bit and lock again. This all worked just fine until on day I did not have the motor locked down tight enough and it can flying off with a spinning bit. It wrecked everything. So yes, a lift is necessary.

[ronmartens]

You have a nice set up Ron. Very impressive.

[kennethholmes]

I’ve had shapers in the past, always two. I even wired my new shop up with two 240 volt drops. Ended up with two lifts. I guess I am still on the fence a little. So far so good though. I do have another like 10 routers so that I don’t have to change the bits which is a plus.

[allencurry]

You never addressed the title of the video--"Is a Router Lift Really Necessary?" Very disjointed presentation, you skipped around but mostly it seemed you were selling your router table. Please develop some notes to guide your presentation, be better organized about what you will say. That said, I appreciate your efforts in making the videos and I usually get some great tidbits of info them. Thanks for taking the time to help other woodworkers.

[leonardbartholomew]

Not sure i could justify the lift but i am really attracted to the lift out arrangement. Opening the door of my cabinet and trying to make adjustments or change bits in there is inconvenient. The cabinet does have a vacuum attachment but it doesn't seem to be that effective. Are you using any kind of vacuum while routing or just cleaning up after?

[TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

I like your math at the 14:48 mark. I'll have to see if my wife will buy that logic! Honey, Every accessory I buy makes my router lift less expensive! I'll have to remember that one. Nice video topic.

[michebre]

Great video thanks so much for your information.