Replies

1. 
   TomMGTC | Dec 30, 2002 03:25pm | #1

   I would skip the router lift altogether and put a triton router in. Faster height adjustment and above the table, single wrench bit changes right out of the box.

   Tom
1. 
   snomaker | Dec 30, 2002 03:42pm | #2

   Tom,

   I haven't heard of the triton router.  Can you give me more info?  Where to buy and how much?

   Rich

1. 
   BenchMarkPhil | Dec 30, 2002 05:31pm | #3

   I have a review of the triton router on my web site if you are interested., you’ll find a link to the review on the home page below. The Triton cannot be height adjusted from above the table like a lot of lifts made now. You might also consider the Router-Raizer, I have a review of it as well.

   PMB

   http://benchmark.20m.com

1. 
   TomMGTC | Dec 30, 2002 05:49pm | #4

   True it cannot be raised from above the table but as easy as the mechanism works i find it to be the easiest router to adjust for height that I have used when mounted in a table. I find it easier to adjust than my delta heavy duty shapers.

   I guess it just seems silly to me to spend over 200-300 bucks to raise and lower a router when the triton does it so well on it's own. I don't plan to use the triton as a handheld often (if at all) so many of the things you don't like in your review don't come into play. The only thing I don't really like about it is the switch cover but that doesn't really come into play as i have a seperate switch on the outside of my table to turn it on. I simply switch it off before raising the router to change bits then switch it back on after the bit change. I may disable that particular feature but I haven't looked that closely at how feasible that would be. 

    Tom

   Edited 12/30/2002 10:07:03 AM ET by Tom

2. 
   bill_1010 | Dec 30, 2002 06:19pm | #5

   Most all plunge routers can be used in a table and with a little kit can eliminate a insert like the routrlifter or masterlift. 

   IN 90% of the times the kit is basically a threaded extension that allows more of a fine tune to the depth.

   some routers can be used with the raizer tool that allows for adjustment above the table.

   If you opt for the router lift type inserts they are more suited for a fixed base router, but plungers can be used in it as well.

1. 
   snomaker | Dec 30, 2002 06:58pm | #6

   Thanks.  I have a nice PC plunge router but I thought I'd keep it out of the table and buy an less expensive fixed base to mount permanently to the lift.  The only concern I have with some of the suggestions I have received is what I perceive to be a hassle in height adjustment and bit changing.

   My plunge is great but adjusting the depth is a pain.  Maybe I don't know the right way, but it sure seems like it could be easier.

   Rich

1. 
   GeeSeaWhy | Dec 30, 2002 09:34pm | #7

   I have the freud FT2000E, which I almost always use in the table. The depth adjustment knob on the router works fine to set the bit height - one hand above the table holding the depth gauge and the other under the table turning the knob. I don't feel the need for an above-table adjustment mechanism. Might be a different story with a closed-in table you can't easily reach under. I do have to take the router out of the table to change bits.

   HTH

   Graeme

3. 
   jase | Dec 31, 2002 07:57am | #8

   From what I've read the Mast-R-Lift is limited to just a few routers. The Rout-R-Lift will work with quite a few more.

   Jase--Is there a better way?
4. 
   DennisS | Jan 01, 2003 10:45am | #9

   Hi Rich -

   I bought the Jessem router lifter and bought just a Porter Cable router motor unit to use in it. The router motor is just that - no base, handles or what not.

   I have no trouble changing bits above the table with the Jessem system. You do have to crank the router up to full ht. to get the wrenches on the collet nut, though. Can't vouch for the accuracy of the height dial/calibration since I always measure and test cut anyway. The mechanism is driven through a toothed belt and most comments I've heard about it is that you need to bring the bit to proper height from below rather than lowering it to the proper height, if that makes sense.

   There's no problem with stability in that the router doesn't seem to move once you've set the bit ht. The only complaint I have with it is that the insert isn't precisely flush with the aluminum top plate if it's turned to lock it in place. If I leave it just a little loose it's more even with the work surface.

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

1. 
   snomaker | Jan 01, 2003 07:32pm | #10

   Dennis,

   Where did you get the router body alone?

   Rich

1. 
   DennisS | Jan 07, 2003 07:52am | #11

   Hi Rich -

   Was gone for a long weekend - sorry for the delay in response...

   I bought a PC router motor from Rockler. Just the motor unit. No handles, blah-blah-blah. Pretty slick in that that's all I needed to fit in the Jessem router base lift setup.

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

5. 
   KevinLBS | Jan 07, 2003 10:48pm | #12

   Rich-

   Jet offers a router lift insert for their cabinet saw table extension and it's the Jessum model (not the master lift- the other one) and they just put the JET name on the top.  Personally, I love it. It has very fine adjustment and changing bits is a ton easier and can be done from the top.  I have the PC router as well. I got the kit with one motor and a fixed base and a plunge base included. The big disadvantage for me so far is that taking the motor unit off of the lift is a huge pain, and makes me just avoid using a hand held router, which is bad.  I must get a second router... Maybe that means I'm not really a woodworker because I only have one router??

   :)

   Anyway, to make a long story short, I have the Jessum and I like it a lot.

   Kevin