Evaluation of Jessem Router Tables
MARQUETRY
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I am thinking about purchasing a Jessem Router Table, Fence, and Mast-R-Lift to put on my home built Base. I would like to find out what people who now own them think about them before I do purchase. Thanks in advance
Replies
I've got the whole unit, including the slide. I think it's the best I've ever seen, and it's definately the best I've ever used. The table is ridgid, with no deflection. The lift operates smoothly, and you can microadjust to make perfect mating routes, like cope and stick. It's a very well thought out system. It's also pretty expensive, but worth it if you'll use it half as much as I do.
Jeff
Here's mine.
I have the whole unit, and think it is great. The only possible negative I can think of is already being addressed by you. The open table, while rock solid allows dust all over. I have considered building my own base and putting the rest on top of that. If I were doing it over again, that is what I would do. That said, the whole package is top notch. This is one of those tools that you buy, and never regret. Mine has a PC 7518 under the table, and seems to be made for it.
Hey Jeff, what dust collection device have you got going under the table, and is it effective? Do you like the Miter Slide? I have kicked around getting that. How did you get the blue? I've only seen the red.
Joe
I bought the version made for Rockler, so it's blue. Same unit, different paint scheme.
The dust collection on mine is twofold. One port above the table, and one below. I have very little excess dust that doesn't get sucked away.
Jeff
I have the top, fence and Mast-R-Lift combination, which I added to my home built base. The unit is solid and I have no complaints.
Lately I have considered adding the Digi-Router kit, which would allow me to zero out my Mast-R-Lift easier - plus as I get older I can see the larger numbers! :)
I would buy this unit again without any doubts! The base collects the dust and adds some much needed storage plus the locking wheel and swivel castors allow me to use this unit without any concern for movement when routing.
Bob
Thanks for your comments!!
What is this "digi-Router kit" ? Who makes it and where is it available from? I have never heard of one. It might be something I need also due to my eyesight not being what it used to be.
Here is the information you requested. I have been in contact with Mike Fiantaca, one of their sales people. He is very professional, quick to respond and I will be picking up several of their products in the near future.
They have products for table saws, routers etc..
Hope this helps. There is a picture below of the Digi-Router setup, which is designed specifically for the Mast-R-Lift. :)
Bob
View Image
Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to give this info. I also will be contacting him if I do buy the Jessem, and at this time from all the answers I have received, I would be crazy to buy another brand. Thanks again.
Good luck with your quest for the ultimate tool!
Bob
We use the lift to move a 690 PC router up and down in our homemade table and the only drawback we have seen is that when running a large (or even a slightly non-concentric) bit, the table will creep up or down depending on the cut. The mechanism in the lift is tight and well maintained, but there is just something about the vibration that will work it loose every time. We switched out the 690 for a VS router and it seems to have cured the problem.
I've had the entire system for about 4 years. Ove that time the only problem I had was with the fence and alignment of the two pieces. I found ways to work around it for awhile while sending emails (the last 2 years) that where never answered. Then this year I bought the upgrade table and lift while keeping the same fence and I had to have the problem I had been living with resolved. I sent two emails and no responce, so I sent another one that was a little harsh and got an answer followed by a call from the tech devision explaining they had made a move and some how I had gotten lost in the mix and they where sorry. I explained my problem and they are sending out two new face sections for the fence tomorrow.
May have started out bad but the finish was great and I wouldn't hesitate buying thier stuff again. It is well made and the service as it turns out is fine.
Have fun..
That surprises me. I sent them an email asking how I upgrade my fence (I bought it when the fence had those plastic star knobs) and they replied two days later telling me that the knurled aluminum posts and knobs were on their way free of charge. They arrived a couple days after that. Not a huge deal, but I thought that was great service.
I know, the whole thing had me wondering too, and I am glad things turned out for the better in the long run. Like I siad, based on what happen this weekend I wouldn't go looking for another product and I am glad I stuck with them. What happened was probably just a fluck, a one in a million mess up. I pointed it out more to show the effort they took to make things right than to show what went wrong.
Thanks
Good post and great answers. I've been considering the Jessem router table and lift. Now all I have to do is put away some money for it. Thanks to all.
I will chime in here also, I too have the Jessem table, plus the stand and although I've never had a router table before I think this is the best thing since sliced bread. The one thing I would also agree on is that you either build yourself a base that you can hook a DC device too or modify the stand to do so. The stand itself is actually really nice and stout but as mentioned it's just an open frame. I found a deal from a tool supplier that I was able to get the table, stand, fence and the Mite R Slide for the same price as you would pay for the package without the Mite R Slide. Hope this helps
B.Kidd
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