Replies

1. 
   bones | Mar 31, 2004 04:36am | #1

   I recently purchased the PRL from Woodpeckers. I have the PC 7518 and I purchased the eliminator chuck to assist in bit changes. It allows you to change the bit with a single hex wrench instead of the to wrenches (knuckle busters).  I looked at the jessum before I bought the PRL, and you should be able to remove the inner ring from the top and elevate the router through the top to change the bits. This is the same way the PRL handles it. The eliminator chuck retails for around $60 U.S.  I found it at Woodpeckers for 39.95. You did not mention you brand of router, so this may not be much help. 

   http://www.woodpeck.com/quickchuck.html

2. 
   fdampier5 | Mar 31, 2004 06:28pm | #2

   router lifts are a pet peeve of mine.. good ones cost as much as a cheap shaper and bad ones are dangerous and troubleprone..

     A router is a decent tool and certainly can be used for a variety of things.   As a stationary tool it suxs..

1. 
   tsproul | Apr 01, 2004 01:43am | #7

   frenchy,

   agree the router isn't a good stationary tool....but have you tried cutting long sliding dovetails by hand?

   For that one joint alone, having a table mounted router is worthwhile.Tim

1. 
   fdampier5 | Apr 03, 2004 12:57am | #9

   I do it on my shaper.. 

     I remove the fence, put in the dovetail shaper, jig my self up a couple of fences( actually they are just straight boards that I clamp to the table)   adjust the height, and presto...

     I haven't seen any task that a router table does that my shaper can't

3. 
   MatthewSchenker | Mar 31, 2004 07:33pm | #3

   I also have the PRL from Woodpeckers. Now that I am used to it, I couldn't imagine a router table without a lift! I love being able to raise and lower the bit without going under the table. And it's precise, so I can sneak up on 1/128" easily. With this system, your router table gets the precision of a shaper, but with the versatility of a router.

   The PRL is solidly made, with heavy-cast aluminum. It uses chains and gears to run the lift mechanism. Occasionally, the chains and gears need to be cleaned off for smooth running.

   One thing I'll tell you is that you want to mount your router to the lift permanently. I've heard that some people take their router out of their lift from time to time. Not me. I have the Porter+Cable 3.25HP router, and mine stays in the lift full-time. I have another router for free-hand work.

   I have seen the JessEm lift, and it looks nice as well. I like how JessEm puts the crank at the front of the table, which is a good idea. I think JessEm makes good quality tools. I once owned their sliding router table.

   But I really think you can't go wrong with a lift.

4. 
   Yotie | Mar 31, 2004 11:34pm | #4

   Hello....I have the new Jessem Mast-r-lift and it does allow you to raise the two collet nuts high enough for above the table bit change...I also have the PC 7518.  As a package it is all a bit pricey, but after using it for a while, I could not do without it.  Hope this helps......Don

5. 
   BG | Apr 01, 2004 12:35am | #5

   Bob,

   My DeWalt 621 is not really powerful enough for a router table but for the time being is doing the job.  CMT makes a router specific wrench with an offset open end so you can get below the tabletop from the top to change bits.  It works fairly well...ie. I never have to move the router to change a bit. 
1. 
   bobblack | Apr 01, 2004 01:32am | #6

   Iguess I should have mentioned that I have a M12v Hitachi in the router lift now but it is now 'kapput'. With this router combined with the mast r lift the bit cannot be changed without removing the router from the table, this was the reason for my question, thanks, bob

1. 
   bones | Apr 01, 2004 03:03am | #8

   You may want to take a look at the pc7518, since your's is "kaput". The Jessum & PRL both fit it right out of the box and bit changes are not a problem.

6. 
   poorsh | Apr 03, 2004 04:05am | #10

   Hi Bob

   The new PC 890 series router has an above table lift system built in.

   Cheers

   Mac