Replies

1. 
   BruceS | May 01, 2012 11:28am | #1

   Router use ?

   Need more Info.    What type of router do you have now?   What will you be using it for ? 

   My choice would be a Portercable 7518 variable speed, installed in a WoodPecker Sidewinder lift.   Then you can do just about anything up to and including raised panel doors and  architectural molding.

   Don't limit yourself from the get-go with a 1 3/4 HP router.   You'll end up purchasing a second larger router later anyway.

2. 
   RalphBarker | May 02, 2012 07:28pm | #2

   router lifts

   FWIW, I also opted for a Porter Cable 7518 variable speed router in my latest table. But, I chose the Benchdog Pro lift - mostly based on its hefty design and large bit opening. Plus, it is designed specifically for the PC 7518.

   Some of the other lifts offer more versatility in terms of inserts and other accessories. That, I think, is what you meed to pay attention to, in addition to a direct fit for your choice of router.

3. 
   user-999997 | May 05, 2012 01:13pm | #3

   7518 and Sidewinder

   Have a PC 7518 on the way ($180 on eBay) and and getting ready to order Woodpeckers SW420.  We have several 7518 routers in tables at Red Rocks and they've held up well through some hard use.  The school uses the JessEm lifts, biggest problem we've had with these is students damaging the inserts

   Not having to insert and remove a handle into the top of the lift if a nice convenience, hopefully the SideWinder holds up well.  I would be interested to hear how others have liked this lift

1. 
   BruceS | May 11, 2012 12:26am | #7

   Your choice

   My choice too.   I used to sell, demonstrate and  use that set-up very often and just love it.   I like it better than the Jessem which I sold and used too.    Also it you look at the Kreg lift, it is made by wood pecker too, only it's blue.  So check prices.

4. 
   brownman | May 09, 2012 02:17am | #4

   I've been using the Jessem Masterlift for a few years now, mostly because I got it from Rockler when they were selling off there remaining stock of that model.( They no longer carry it) and I only paid $189.00 for this normally $ 349.00 lift. It's performed  very well. The height adjust did tend to vibrate lower or higher with operation until I tightened  the nut that controls that. Haven't had a problem since . Not a hugh fan of having the crank on the top though as on a couple of occasions that was an issue. I was originally going to purchase the Bench Dog, because it is a little beefier, but it wouldn't fit the hole in my present router table top. I don't think you will go wrong with any of the ones mentioned, Bench Dog, Woodpeckers or Jessem. I've got the PC 7519 mounted on my table and it works fine with that. I hated having to change bits using wrenches so now I have the Extreme Router Extension chucked into the collet permenantly . I went with the PC7519 only because I got it at an auction for $80.00. They had two and I should have bought the other. I had the Dewalt 625 mounted in my table before that and found that I never used the variable speed so I didn't mind mounting the 7519 instead of the 7518. You can  mostly overcome the faster speeds with larger bits by taking shallower cuts.

5. 
   bones | May 09, 2012 08:59am | #5

   router lift question is an biggie

   There are lots of options from the basic low-end to some very nice ones.  My router table is key to my shop.   I have the woodpecker PRL and its run flawlessly for over 6 years.   In it is the PC 7518.  Great tool.  My PRL has the fine threads so it can move a thou with ease.  I can reccomend it highly.   I added the digital aftermarket gauge to meashure the change in height and it worked ok.   However the new lift from MLCS is very nice with digital measuring built in.  Its only drawback is the tube for the router will not take my 7518 which is a killer for me.   I also looked at the master lift and its a nice unit but I wanted the woodpecker because its metal and the woodpecker used a chain drive for the lift and the masterlift used a small ribbed rubber belt.  and the top was plastic.  

6. 
   gjm | May 10, 2012 11:27pm | #6

   Router Lift

   Thanks for all the feedback, I will be buying a new router with this lift and it looks like the Porter Cable is the one most of you use. I'll take another look at all your recomendations and make a decision. Thanks again.

   Greg

1. 
   wericha | May 13, 2012 05:36pm | #9

   Good choice

   Porter Cable are, in my opinion, the best routers around.  I have several and they are work horses.  Keep in mind the big PC routers all have soft start and cannot be used with a speed control.  If you want variable speed, go with the 7518.

7. 
   gjm | May 13, 2012 04:46pm | #8

   MLCS Power Lift

   Does anyone own The MLCS Power router lift? I'm looking at this and it looks like it hasn't been on the market very long.

   So if anyone has an opinion on this lift I would appreciate it.

   Greg

1. 
   bones | May 14, 2012 08:52am | #12

   I wanted it but ...

   I really was looking at it and I have the woodpecker, but killer was it does not accept the PC7518.  Only the smaller tube routers and no adapter to do it or plans.  I was surprised since the PC7518 is the standard others are compared to.  

1. 
   user-999997 | May 14, 2012 11:06am | #13

   PowerLift for PC 7518 sometime next year

   Just finished chatting with somebody in MLCS's sales dept.  They said the PowerLift for the PC7518 is in the works but will be at least a year off.  Guess the SideWinder will have to do until then. 

   I agree, seems a little odd that they wouldn't develop the larger lift for the router a LOT of people use in tables at the same time.  Oh well.

8. 
   brownman | May 13, 2012 10:21pm | #10

   AS I mentioned in my previous post I'm using the PC 7519 which dosen't have soft start, so is it OK to use an aftermarket speed control? Do the newer 7519's have soft start? If they do, then mine must be an older model.

1. 
   wericha | May 14, 2012 02:11pm | #15

   To my knowledge, the 7 series have been soft start since the early '90s.  I bought my 7538 in 1991 and it has the soft start.

9. 
   bones | May 14, 2012 08:50am | #11

   big routers yes

   I'll agree the 7518 is the standard for  router tables its a hoss and just goes and goes and goes. 

   However there smaller ones, 8 series is a dissapointment.  While they are made well the ergonomics is horrible and the dust pickup is attrocious its topheavy ackward to use.   For hand work I like the festool just cant be beat.  

1. 
   wericha | May 14, 2012 02:07pm | #14

   "Consumer grade"

   All my routers are PC (six at last count).  Other than the laminate trimmers, I have the 6 series and the 7 series and they are incredible tools.  The 8 series was designed to attract the consumer market and looked to me to be light duty and pretty cheap.  I'm not sure but that series may have been the first produced elsewhere.  All but one of my routers are US made, the exception being the 7518 which I just recently bought.  I'll keep repairing these as opposed to replacing them.  I just dropped my 691 off at the repair center this morning for an overhaul, first time it has been in the shop since 1988.

1. 
   bones | May 14, 2012 10:34pm | #16

   mine was free

   I got my 690 free when I bought my drum sander.   Good little solid router.  I'm considering getting

   a D-handle attachment for the 690.    I'd still have to live without the DC but that might be worth it.  Althought he festool will spoil you with that. 

1. 
   wericha | May 15, 2012 10:51am | #17

   The 691 has been my "go-to"

   The 691 has been my "go-to" router for years.  I've used the 690 much less and usually in some kind of table or jig set up.  I just felt like I had better control over the router using the D handle.

   I've never used a Festool, but hear nothing but praise for the entire line.  Routers are the messiest tools in the shop, and I would welcome better dust control.  Maybe someday I'll have a chance to pick one up.

1. 
   RalphBarker | May 15, 2012 12:05pm | #18

   dust control

   There's always the option of making your own dust-control port using a section of clear plastic pipe/tube. PVC would work, but obscures the view. Check TAP Plastics or one of the other distributors for the clear stuff.

   Do you have a Pat Warner precision base on yours? I consider that one of the best upgrades for any router - particularly if you use guide bushings.