One issue that irritates many woodworkers who have bought a new CNC router is not being able to adjust the router’s height. A router lift allows you to adjust the elevation of your router and also do quick change to the router bits. In case when you don’t use a router lift, there are a lot of under the table moments when you have to make adjustments that may not give you precise results.
When choosing the router lift for your CNC, it’s important to check if the router lift you are going to buy supports your router or not. In this article, we have made sure to include the router lift options for your router and also what they are good at and what they are bad at.
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Router Lifts
1. Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift : Product Overall
The Kreg Precision Router Lift provides a router setup with high precision and it has a micro-adjusting wheel (for 1/1000th of an inch) which works quite perfectly. This table-mounted type router lift increases the efficiency by hassle-free fine-tuning of the bits measurement.
This product is appropriate for the avid craftsmen who generally look for installing easy-to-router lifts on router tables. Other than the change in its bit speed, this lift model contains a sturdy-anodized plate made of aluminum.The space saving, compact dimension of the mounting plate- 3⁄8 x 91⁄4 x 113⁄4 inches- makes the lift design robust enough to avoid causes of frictions, or risk of sagging due to excess load. Furthermore, the ball-bearing promotes smoother operation by lowering the force of friction. Lastly, you will find this router handy, and easy to install and use.Read detailed review of Kreg Router Table.
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2. JET 737000 Jrl-912 Router Lift : Premium Pick
The 15.4-pound Jet JRL-912 Router Lift is another lift model which is handy to use and easy to install. Added to that, its clamp safely holds the lift. This feature prevents the occurrence of high-noise and reduces vibration levels while doing the woodworking tasks.
Unlike the regular lift types, the JRL-912 lift model comes with a top precision-milled plate made of aluminum. The general effects of weather conditions like high humidity or rain can trigger metal corrosion of the router lift. However, you can still use this lift on your router table in outdoor space without requiring to consider the weather conditions.
The mounting plates consist of a -locking dial to avoid mechanical drifting and have leveling screws- overall, ensuring a smoother performance. If you are an avid woodworker, then you might enjoy being productive with your tasks by using JRL-912’s efficient lift mechanisms.Lastly, the weight of the load put on the lift doesn’t matter as its dial can easily adjust upto 2mm.
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3. JessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift : Budget Pick
If you are planning to build a router table in your workshop or garage, then JessEm Rout-R-Lift II Router Lift model comes with 5 specific arrangements to allow flexible bits’ height adjustments. This precision tool also enables you to upgrade or replace older base-mounted models of router lifts.
As this product comes in a package containing a 3.5 inch (diameter) motor, which is also supported by certain router models including Bosch, Porter-Cable, DEWALT, and CRAFTSMAN.In spite of the impressive features of JessEm Rout-R-Lift II lift model, it consists of corner brackets and a couple of plates of sizes (1- ⅜ inches, 2 inches, 2-½ inches). With the 8.8 pound shaft-mount hydraulic system of this lift, you are free from the hassle of using bent wrenches to change bits.
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Other Great Picks
4. Rockler Pro Lift Router Lift (8-1/4” x 11-3/4” plate)
The Rockler Pro Lift Router Lift is a little costly. However, it is worth the money as you can utilise it for performing daily tasks that are on urgent demand. Moreover, this all-purpose router lift model is perfect and easy to install on router table upgrades. You won’t require additional screws or tools to release the insert rings of this router lift prior to changing the bits.
This router model consists of two smart features:
- Firstly, you can do instant adjustments in height with the Quick-Gear.
- Secondly, the Snap-Lock allows you a tool-free facility to adjust the insert ring. By activating the push-button, you can automatically release the insert ring.
A simple procedure has to be followed before doing the bit adjustment through the Quick-Gear mechanism. That is, install the bit and activate the push-button for the insert ring. Then, set the final height to 0.001 inches before you use the Quick-Gear for fine adjustment.
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5. Woodpeckers PRL-V2-414 Precision Router Lift
High-performance router lifts enable you to adjust bits with ease and work conveniently on the router table. Woodpeckers PRL-V2-414 Precision Router Lift is one such type of model that works as mentioned above by following the Milwaukee 5625 router system.It is a precision woodworking tool that works smoothly while performing the woodworking projects.
Added to that, this router lift model consists of aluminum-based material which has been processed through high-quality machining.Check Out: Woodpeckers Phenolic Table ReviewThe model comes with a wrench for quick-lift followed by the micro-adjustment mechanism to make fine adjustments. So, this faster precision control router lift could be an ideal choice for conducting urgent woodworking tasks.
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6. Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R Designed for Rockler Tables
If you are looking for a router lift with an allowance of 0.001-inch height adjustments, then the INCRA Router Lift is what you need. It offers micro-adjustments without requiring to use the dial indicator.Moreover, the metal plate of this model has comparatively more mounting holes than the regular lifts. However, you might have to purchase extra sets of long screws for fitting the adapter plater. Being a precision tool that allows faster bit change, the lift comes with a quarter-turn cam lock. This lock prevents height drifting.
The Mast-R-Lift-II model lift supports a fewer models of INCRA as well as the Kreg router tables.This router lift is the value for money as the model comes with certain impressive features. The life’s cam lock mechanism supported by 5 fixed ball-bearing facilitates smoother and quicker adjustments of heights. It is one of the few editions of routing accessories that matches the standards of woodworking requirements.
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7. SawStop RT-LFT Four-Post Router Lift with Lock
The SawStop RT-LFT Four-Post Router Lift comes with an advanced lifting system with the full set of accessories. The adjustment mechanism of this product is ultra-responsive as it has an inbuilt chain-synchronized design.The dimension of this router lift is 9.25 by 11.75 inches with the top side of the plate being 0.238 inches thick and has leveling screws as well.
This table component of this lift model offers seamless performance in contrast to the other table models. However, the diameter of this router lift is 3.5 which is not supported by the Triton TRA001 router model.You will require a reducer collar to make adjustments in the clamp’s diameter so that it fits the Porter Cable 7518 router model.
This router lift model generally comes with adaptive collars of 3.5 and 3.25 inches that can easily fit a wider list of router sizes. So, it’s an ideal option to do elevation measurements and height adjustments.
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8. JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift is invented and first manufactured by JessEm Tool Company, which is later followed by other manufacturers.Among the several number of router lifts that are now being manufactured, JessEm lift leads the market with its unique set of features just like the time it was introduced.It has an unique carriage clamping arrangement making it the router lift model in the market.
You just simply have to adjust the lift clamp by turning a couple of screws so that it fits any premium router model available in the market.With this router lift, you get free from the fuss of whether it will fit the router or not. Also, it keeps you on the safer side from selecting any other lift that might not support your router model. You can dedicate any type of router for this lift. So, this product is of great value for money.
You can adjust heights, modify bits, and can even lock the lift from the table top which not only saves your time, but also eases the task. However, the router with a fixed base is only supported by the JessEm Mast-R-Lift. This product is the standard among the router lifts.The typical tab-loc insert rings offer an instant bit changing mechanism. But, the product package comes with a single insert ring. So, you may require to purchase extra rings. Well, it is not the ultimate deal gainer. However, considering the above typical clamping feature, Jessem lift is currently one of the sales in the market.
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9. Jet 708124 XLIFT-K: Xacta-Lift Router INS w/DLX Fence
Jet 708124 XLIFT-K is another lift model that works efficiently through its unique lifting mechanism. The Jet Xacta-Lift is an all-in-one package of all the facilities that you might be looking for within an affordable cost.
Its key features include:
- Consists of a removable handle which can be adjusted accurately to make fine depth adjustments
- Flexible positioning facility of the router guards
- Heavy-duty insert plate made of anodized aluminum
- Has a wider opening (of 3-⅝ inch) at the base allowing the larger router bits to fit in accurately.
Apart from the above features, another remarkable property of this lift model is it contains 2 steel shafts of ¾ inch each. These shafts add rigidity to the application of the router bit at any preferred depth.
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10. JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02121 Router Lift
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02121 Router Lift is the last top product in the list of router table lifts. This lift model has a patent feature of extending the tensional force in order to prevent backlash. Its key features include:
- An unique cam lock arrangement
- Supported by almost all the models of fixed base routers
- Has machined aluminum ensuring durability -Convenient adjustment of bits above the table -Double sealed arrangement of ball bearing for smoother performance
The thick-coated, hard-anodized router lift plate provides resistance to abrasion and can also withstand heavier applications.The lift contains a patent feature of quick gear dial, facilitating you to increase or decrease the bit by 4 times than that of any regular typical lift model would. Therefore, it is perfect for making closer adjustments or for bringing up the bit to be changed. The good part is that you can zero out the dial for added accuracy.
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FAQs
How do I lift my router?
You can lift your router using many ways like by using a stand, but the recommended way is by using a router lift since you can set the precision and angles depending on the nature of your project.
What is a router table lift?
A router lift is table mounted plate which has a carriage to hold your router. It is used to adjust the router’s height and other angles.
How do you make a precision router lift?
To make your own precision router lift, you can refer to this video here.
Is a router lift necessary?
It depends on the project that you are working. Some woodworking plans require you to be precise in your dimensions and so you will require a router lift but if you are a beginner then you are ok even without a router lift.
What is the router lift?
According to our reviews Kreg’s Precision lift is the router lift.
Conclusion
You now have the information on the router lifts available that will ease a lot of your work for not relying on precision just by your eye. Each of the listed router lift may vary in performance and work for a different router so do make sure to read their description before you buy them.
