A dozen things need to consider to make your woodworking job easy, efficient, and smooth.
Sometimes it seems like there’s no shortage of stuff you can spend money on your short router table.
As a woodworker, you might have heard the question “how a router lift makes woodworking better?”
Woodworkers are becoming smarter day-by-day. A router lift will help you to adjust the router’s elevation and get optimal accuracy.
Finding the best router lift from hundreds of options sometimes seems tricky.
Fortunately, we have picked the top 7 router lift based on customer’s feedback, durability, price, height adjustment capability and preciseness.
Let’s move forward to find the best one.
2 Main Factors to Consider
Several crucial factors get attention while picking a router lift. However, two key factors must be considered.
First, you need to decide the type of router lift you will pick. Because not all routers are compatible with a specific lift. So, make sure your router matches with the lift. Plus, some lifts are specially designed for a particular router.
For example, a lift suitable for large 3-1/4 HP routers won’t fit for a compact router like 2-1/2 HP. Besides, you are unlikely to put a massive router into a lift designed for a tiny motor. It is better to buy a significant lift which will be compatible with your powerful router.
Second, pay close attention to the size of the router table. The size of mounting plates and plate openings differs from table to table.
Some lifts may adjust easily with the mounting plate of the routers table by fitting closely and tightly, while others may become too tight or too loose to fit on the table.
When you plan to purchase a lift and router simultaneously, it is better to buy them in a package. It will save you from spending extra money while getting the perfect and accurate size.
Buying Guide: Best Router Lift
Finding an ideal router lift often is not a piece of cake as there are hundreds of options available. You need to consider some essential factors before picking the best router lift. Because not all the router lift can assist you in getting consistency and accuracy with the fine-tuning precision.
Quality of the Plate
The quality of a router plate often directly connects with the router lift. A decent quality router plate has a friction-free coating, capability to align with the router, additional Tab-Loc insert rings, and mounts easily to your router.
A premium quality plate will give you more control over the woodwork precisely along with optimal safety level.
There is no point in spending money on a decent router lift, unless the router plate is good enough. So make sure your router plate is phenolic Insert Plates or Anodized Aluminum Insert Plates..
A touchscreen- or foot-controlled powered router lift
Often a touchscreen- or foot-controlled powered router lift would be a great assistant to do your woodwork in various circumstances. For instance, it can help to create several back-to-back deeper passes to carves down into your materials. Plus, it is more than enough for your router.
However, if it reasons an action for you to increase the machine speed rapidly, you may forget about your protection. However, you may also increase the bit promptly, like increasing the bit slightly while breaking down the circle.
Quick bit changes
Some router lifts facilitate the fast-changing of bits from the surface-level of the work table. It makes your job easier and less awkward.
This feature will add your bonus when you purchase a router lift instead of building one. It works as a tiebreaker when you determine to utilize it between 2 router lifts. Quick changing of the bit allows you to adjust the lift conveniently according to your work requirements. Plus, when you work from the lower-side, you can get injured.
Height Adjustments
The most preferred reason for purchasing a router lift to adjust the height of the router. However, there are two ways to achieve this objective: the first one uses a thumbwheel, and the second one is using a crack handle.
It is better to pick any of them, which seems comfortable and natural to you. Plus, also take a closer look at how your router lift adjusts the elevation. It will help you to choose the best one for optimal accuracy in woodwork. Some router lifts feature ball-bearing technology which reduces rotational friction and assists you to smoothly adjust the height.
Budget
Many woodworkers walk back, seeing the price tag of the best router lifts. However, it is better to invest few bucks in purchasing a premium quality router with a long service life. The price mainly increases when there are additional features that you will not find in cheap router lifts.
Plus, they can satisfy you with their precise and consistent working ability.
6 Best Router Lift Reviews
1. KREG PRS5000 Precision Router Lift
If you are looking for the best router lift for the money, then KREG PRS5000 Precision Router Lift is one of the most suitable options for you.
Some features are non-negotiable as they are predetermined by consumers.
This sturdy and straightforward machine comes with 3 self-leveling twist lock insert rings, which allow airflow and stock support while routing. It can surely do your wood job with precision. You can effortlessly control the bit depth with high accuracy while maintaining the exact standard by using the crank. The machine allows you to go for the tiniest low depth like a thousandth of an inch.
This model is purposely designed for Porter Cable-75.However, you may use other routers with a mounting adapter. An integrated micro-adjust scale will add a bonus for making your woodwork more precise. This scale allows you to use accurate depth quantification based on specific bit height. Plus, it will assist you in changing the bit depth level confidently. It saves your time for additional re-calibration mid-task.
Furthermore, without the Precision Router Lift, you would have to bend down under the table to adjust the bits. Thanks to this significant feature, which allows you to efficiently adjust your router bit’s height from on top of the desk. Besides, the lift plate is crafted from durable materials that are not vulnerable to transporting or bending gradually, even after using it for a long time.
Pros:
- The machine comes with a lightweight design.
- The seal bearings operate the machine smoothly.
- It allows users to adjust height precisely, even for complicated tasks.
- The unit is easy to assemble and place.
Cons:
- he Micro Adjustment Dial rarely turns.
2. JessEm Rout-R-Lift
To create a dedicated router table in your garage or workroom, you should have a look at the JessEm Rout-R-Lift. Simple yet powerful, this router lift will lift the collet skilfully above the tabletop to quickly change bits.
You will thumb up about this product by its double sealed bearings, which play a crucial role in supporting the motor. It gives a perfect balance to smoothly move the motor upper-side or lower-side. It also saves your time and efforts for additional tightening or readjustment.
Besides, the bearings are sealed so it will keep you worry-free from dust, detritus, or rubble, which would have required regular maintenance cleaning.
Furthermore, it gives you enough flexibility to customize and use the latest base mounted router lift by replacing or changing it. Its 3.5-inch diameter motor allows you to use the lift on a few routers, including DEWALT, Makita, Hitachi Koki, Milwaukee Tool, and Porter-Cable models. Besides, each part of this machine is made from heavy-duty materials to ensure high durability even after working endlessly for a long time.
The unit comes with 3 insert rings, which allow you to raise the range of bits and the hole’s diameter. These insert rings will help you cut the edge of the woods, plastics, or other materials precisely and help you diminish cackling and tear out. Most important, it saves you purchasing from additional tools. The unit includes all the parts that you will need to adjust and lift the router.
Pros:
- It requires less time to install and operate.
- The router lift has the flexibility to upgrade the latest model.
- It has double-sealed ball bearing construction.
- The router lift is sturdy and durable.
- It allows users to precisely adjust the height.
Cons:
- You may need to purchase extra insert rings.
- This model is only suitable for a fixed base router.
3. Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R Designed for Rockler Tables
The Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R is a great tool when you want high accuracy in your woodwork. This high-and-mighty tool kit has an artful design to show incredible versatility while working for a small or large project.
With 5 ball-bearing mechanism, you can move the machine conveniently to adjust the height from the above table instead of bending lower. As the balls are completely sealed, you will get low friction to get error-free results. So you can use it for any professional workshops without having a fear of wasting time and additional money. The unit assures no totter once it is clasped in position.
Many professional people often pick this model as their top priority as it has the most common plate size, which is compatible with the 18 most popular router models. Plus, it is famous for clear-cut height adjustment and allows users to go up to 0.001-inch precise elevation fitting.
The top plate is made from hard-anodized cast aluminum, making it deterioration resistance.
Besides, it comes with steel MagnaLOCK magnetic insert rings to provides dozens of benefits like feeling reliable and natural while working. Furthermore, there is no need to push roughly the machine to raise or lower the height. You need only to raise the crank to get an accurate measurement. The unit comes with essential lift-screws and ball bearing to keep the machine in the exact spot for smooth operation. The machine is a clear-winner to support you in every possible way, whether working on a vertical or horizontal axis.
Pros:
- It has Magna LOCK magnetic insert rings.
- The tool kit comes with 5 ball-bearings mechanisms.
- It is super easy and convenient to use.
- The unit aids you to quickly change rings with steel reducing rings.
- It has high quality and durability.
Cons:
- It is not compatible with many other routers.
- Its price is a little bit expensive.
4. JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 is one of the most upgraded models in the market. It can show reliable performance with precise results.
This trusted and effective model will exceed your expectation. It is made with the high-grade standard by following strong principles and crafted from premium quality materials to support your woodwork.
The router lift comes with a dedicated lock system to help you work on risky projects. Besides, it has 5 double-sealed bearings that can enhance the product’s working life cycle even after using heavy-duty wood operations. The tool includes a distinct patented feature that affirms rigidity to eliminate vibration, stops changing settings during routing, and reduces counteraction. Besides, it saves you from mishap since it has a high capacity to withstand against damage and is not easily damaged by friction.
Furthermore, the unit has lightweight, weighs only 8.8 pounds. For being less weighty, the lift gives you high portability to move it effortlessly around the workpiece and adjust on the router with smooth functioning action. Plus, it is suitable for various router models in different brands.
As far as quality the fast working competency goes, this model is hard to overlook. It allows users to replace the router bits above the table without dropping the motor above the table. The machine is made from high-grade aluminum instead of cast iron or stainless steel, which chops down the weight and helps get precise results.
Pros:
- The lift is made from solid aluminum.
- It has an advanced Cam locking system.
- The unit includes sealed bearing for smooth lift action.
- It is lightweight.
- You can modify the bits on top of the desk.
Cons:
- It comes with only one ring.
- It may not be compatible to use for professional quality power tools.
5. Rockler Router Lift FX
If you are looking for a router lift to work on occasionally, then Rockler Router Lift FX is one of the most acceptable options to consider. With two patent-pending innovations, you will get a rapid lifting option to accurately cut down your times while cutting woods for your woodwork.
The holding plate’s standard size makes it compatible with the latest model tables facing no issues.
As the holding plate is made from high-quality materials, you can use it for a small and medium-sized router. However, it is not much suitable for working on professional or industrial tools. Plus, you can effortlessly adjust the height of the router on top of the desk. Talking about the versatility, this model is almost suitable for most of the router tables.
It is a fan base product for hobbyists, which will satisfy your objective without digging into your bank account. Besides, the installation process is straightforward. Six screws are attached to keep its position securely.
The unit is made from a thick phenolic material which ensures high durability and includes scratch resistance properties.
Pros:
- A tab lock system is equipped on the insert.
- It comes with a rigid and versatile plate.
- The tool includes two patent-pending innovations.
- It is super-easy to install and use.
- It adjusts height quickly.
Cons:
- It is not suitable for heavy-duty professional-grade tools.
- Some users complained the tension often gets loose.
6. JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02121
As an expert woodworker, you know how important it is to know the routing technique to boost your skill. That’s why the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02121 can compete all other brands. The tool comes with an exclusive Cam locking system that prevents unessential movement while doing woodwork. It is even compatible to use on different fixed base routers.
The best thing about this product is made from high-grade materials to provide long service life without compromising the quality. As it is one of the most influential industrial-grade tools, it can endure heavy-duty hydraulic pressure for the toughest routing. The raising plate has a highly polished and non-metallic conversion coating to form a thin resistant surface.
The sealed bearings on the vertical and horizontal axis will give you pleasantly tactful operation to raise the lift at a lower or upper level. The product is made from heavy-duty bar stock, an ideal option for routing on CNC tools. Most important, it comes with an instructions manual that provides everything you need to use. It has an excellent tolerance level to work on a large project. So it will undoubtedly fit on any workshop you own for better woodworking life.
Pros:
- It has double sealed bearing construction.
- The tool includes a robust cam locking mechanism.
- It is compatible with most typical routers.
- The unit has an anodized black coated top.
- It has solid steel shafts and sturdy constructions.
- It has a long service life.
Cons:
- It is a little bit pricey.
- It is disregarding for beginners.
7. SawStop RT-LFT
The SawStop RT-LFT comes with an exclusive lifting mechanism and all the essential accessories. It has an adequate adjustment mechanism, which is clearly marked. Plus, the adjustment system is super responsive due to the incorporated chain-synchronized structure. It helps to measure the elevation adjustment correctly and precisely. Though we have listed it last, it is adaptive to work on heavy-duty wood projects.
The flexible collars of this router lift suitable for different routers. It is super user-friendly to use as you can effortlessly crank it up and down. The positioning is inch-perfect and repeatable within several hundred thousand inches. The top plate is 0.238 inches thick, where the dimension of the router is router lift is 9.25 by 11.75 inches.
What’s more, this router lift is made from heavy-duty materials to ensure high durability. Besides, you are free to work industrial woodworking projects as it has a high endurance level.
Most importantly, it allows users to adjust the height precisely up to 1/1000inch. Plus, you can
change the bit quickly to work efficiently from the top of the workbench.
Overall, this router lift has a solid construction and unique features to stand out from other router lifts.
Pros:
- The router lift has premium quality materials.
- It has a phenolic insert ring.
- It works well with different routers.
- The adjustment increments are clearly marked.
- It shows smooth and stable results.
Cons:
- The router lock system can’t go back to the previous position.
Conclusion
I hope, now you have enough idea to choose the best router lift from multiple options to meet your needs and help you get the best results. All the router lifts we have chosen are top in quality, durability, preciseness, significant results, and so forth. So what are we waiting for? Let’s slap the link to grab the best one.
FAQ
1. What does a router lift do?
Ans: A router lift mainly helps a woodworker accurately adjust the router bit and change the bits
quickly with precise measurement.
2. What is the best router lift?
Ans: Though there is no direct answer as people preference and requirements vary from person to person, we will still suggest you pick KREG PRS5000 Precision Router Lift or JessEm
Rout-R-Lift to get the best out of it.
3. Is a router lift worth it?
Ans: Though router lift is not a mandatory thing for your woodwork, if you want to improve your woodworking skill with precise measurement, then you should go for it.
4. How do I lift my router?
Ans: You can lift your router in different ways, like using a stand. However, it is better to use a router lift to lift the router because you can precisely adjust the height to different angles.