Replies

1. 
   Elcoholic | Oct 22, 2003 10:31pm | #1

   The proliferation of high dollar router tables, lifts, fences, et all is just the merchandisers getting really deep into your pockets.  Throw-in the cost of a good 3 hp router and you're talking imported shaper money.  That said, PC and probably others are making routers that adjust from above when hung on a table.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   armin | Oct 22, 2003 11:49pm | #2

   Thanks for your comment, I already have two shapers, looking for something to use on small profiles, small pieces and portable enough to haul to the jobsite if necessary.

2. 
   rslatm | Oct 29, 2003 06:33pm | #3

   Look at the Woodhaven angle ease. Not really a router lift but the idea of tilting a router expands your bit collection plus it's only $140.  Available at Woodcraft as well.

   http://woodhaven.com/
3. 
   logsend | Oct 29, 2003 09:22pm | #4

   Armin,

   I like the ProLift available by BenchDog.  They have two models, one Alumunum and one cast iron.  I did my research on these last year and these were the best machined/best designed ones.  Hope that helps.

   Randy

4. 
   DennisS | Oct 30, 2003 05:18am | #5

   Armin -

   I bought the Jessem router lift a while back and find it suitable for my use. I'm *not* a professional and don't put this tool to strenuous daily use, but for when I use it, it works just fine. Ht. adjustment is quite easy and precise but I find it best to lift the router up beyond the desited ht then adjust down compensating for any backlash in the system.

   The only thing that bothers me is the rubber drive belt between the crank and the elevation screws. There are those with a chain drive that some day I'll probably wish I had bought. If you already have two shapers, sounds like you're deeper into this woodworking thing than I am - thus you might weigh the cost of more substantial drive train setup, chain vs rubber belt, in your decision.

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

5. 
   fdampier5 | Oct 30, 2003 06:10pm | #6

   Grizzley makes a portable benchtop shaper that sounds just like it will fill your bill.  I think it's something like $99.00.

     To me the major consideration of a router/shaper is do you need to freehhand it?  If you already have a collection of routers then the benchtop sounds like just your answer..

6. 
   tablesaw | Oct 30, 2003 06:34pm | #7

   I purchased the Milwaukee fixed base 3 1/2 hsp with the built in router lift.  I've had it about a year now and absolutely love it.  After looking at the high end as well as the low end router lifts I couldn't justify the extra expense.  Take a look at this router, 3 1/2 hsp plus lift for the same price of just the high end router lift.  For me it was a no brainer.  Good Luck with your selection.   Red

7. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 02, 2003 12:56am | #8

   Arnib

      Ditto Red. I have the Milwaukee 3 1/2 HP and don't need a lift cause it's on-board. For the situation you mentioned, sounds like a consideration. BTW, if you compared the Milwaukee to a horse, it's a Clydesdale. It will pull a beer-wagon. Good table mount and hand-held.

   sarge..jt