All of these tools are very helpful in professional woodworking. For professional woodworking, there is another tool in the market and that is a router lift? Do you really know about the best router lift? What is the benefit of a router lift? Why people looking for this tool?
In this article, we will try to give answers to these questions in detail. Router lift is able to make your work easier and manageable by making it more convenient for the user. The tool will do so by just maneuver your workpieces whether they are curved or straight.
It is helpful in three different and major issues. It is helpful in adjusting the height from above the table. The tools also provide help in changing the bits of routers by removing the router from the router table. Another major benefit of this tool is that it is also able to make necessary and precise micro-adjustments. As the price of the best router lift ranges from $200 to $300, these are considered as best rated router lift as well. So, there is a number of advantages of using a router lift.
In the context, we have just tested a large number of router lifts and able to provide you best router lift. Here are the products in the market which will give you the best experience of woodworking in your life.
What We Have Covered
Comparison Of The Best Router Lifts Review 2023
Name | Dimension | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Lift | 6 x 11.5 x 11.6 in | 28.6 pounds | |
JessEm Mast-R-Lift 02121 | 13.7 x 11.2 x 12 inches | 13.69 pounds | |
Woodpeckers Precision PRL-V2-420 | 13 x 10.2 x 10.5 inches | 14,7 pounds | |
Rockler Router Lift FX | 10 x 8 x 11.1 inches | 50 pounds | |
JessEm Rout-R-Lift 2 | 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches | 13.52 pounds | |
MLCS 9563 U-Turn | 14 x 11 x 15 inches | 14.7 pounds | |
Woodpeckers Precision PRL-V2-350 | 13 x 10.2 x 10.5 inches | 14.7 pounds |
1. Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Lift
We are starting with one of the luxurious brands in the woodworking market. Bosch is able to provide you with a large working area for routing as well as other working operations.
VERSATILE AND HELPFUL: It is considered versatile and helpful because it was made to fit a wide assortment of routers.
DUST COLLECTION: Moreover, it also comes with the dust collection process which will provide you clean work space. The tool is highly portable and durable because of its large aluminum top.
ALUMINIUM FENCE: As the tool is featured with the aluminum fence with MDF adjustable face plates, 2 out feed shims, mounting hardware, and aluminum mounting router plate. Also provided with the router guard for curved and hard pieces.
BUILT-IN-CORD CASING: It also comes with the built-in cord casing which will provide you suitable storage and portability. So, there is no doubt that it is the best router lift.
TABLE TOP: The tabletop is also made from a high-grade aluminum so it can handle quite a bit of abuse. The first thing you will notice when you put together the table was how strong it seems to be. You will get surprised at how light it is. At just about 30 lbs, it is easy to lift this table by yourself if you have to move it at any time.
2. JessEm Mast-R-Lift 02121
If you have been looking for a router lift with multiple features then you have landed on the right place, since this is the product that may meet all your needs.
FEATURES
ADDED TENSION: This router lift is featured with an added tension wound through the spindle. This feature enables to eliminate backslash augmenting resistance in the thread rotation.
So, this also takes away any type of vibration coming from the clearance of the thread. In this way, it prevents spindle movement and also changes the setting at the time of routing as well.
HARD ANODIZING SYSTEM: To proving thick and excellent resistant coating, the lift has also a hard anodizing treatment system. The system wears off easily with the time. Just like other best routes lifts, it also comes with the 2” insert ring that also lessens the size of the bit opening. Don’t worry, it is big enough to hold a bit with a diameter of 3.5” without a pre-installed insert as well. So, you can easily say that it is the best router bit for professionals on the market.
BUILT-IN MICRO ADJUSTMENT:
A built-in micro-adjustment scale includes significantly more great precision by enabling you to precisely follow setup changes down to thousandths of an inch.
3. Woodpeckers Precision PRL-V2-420
The brand comes in the field to provide their customer with a long-lasting performance as well as enhance the capabilities of a basic router table.
FEATURES
BULLED PROOF DEVICE: The tool has bulled proof device and some other impressive features to save time. It is also able to provide precision that could easily manage from the top of the plate.
THUMB WHEEL MICRO ADJUSTMENT: For easy and quick height adjustment of the bit, it features with a thumb wheel micro adjuster.
EASY TO READ SCALE: The router lift also comes with easy to read the scale on the top of the table. As the tool has also a built-in feature to raise the router collet without the usage of the micro-adjustment device. So, it is able to use the wrenches on the top of the table as well. Therefore, it is the best router lift available on the market.
SPRING ASSIST LIFT WRENCH: This router lift comes with this best feature where you can easily adjust the height in no time, and it will not take much of your time accordingly.
4. Rockler Router Lift FX
If you want to purchase this tool, then, it will be shipped within 2 to 3 days. The lift has a weight of 12.7 pounds with the adjustment of the bit.
FEATURES
EASY TO ADJUST HEIGHT: It comes with the height instantly, easily and with the minimum effort on the top of your router table. As the router lift also comes with the sag-free support built. So, it is able to support heavy-duty material very well.
FLEXIBLE PLATES: The plates are much and more flexible, so it is able to accommodate all the new router tables on the market. So, it fits with the extensive range of routers from medium to small range. It is able to work with the routers DeWalt 610, Bosch 1618, Porter-Cable 690 and many others. So you can say it is the best router lift.
MOTOR MOUNTING: A single router makes sure about the router motor unequivocally in the lift. The locking component is effortlessly acclimated to definitely fit the motor case measurement. All through the in-shop testing, engine position in the lift instrument was observed with no slippage noted.
5. JessEm Rout-R-Lift 2
The router lift is sold with the CT Power Tools with easy to open packaging. The customers are able to receive shipment within 2 to 3 days.
FEATURES
LIGHTWEIGHT: The product also comes in a lightweight, so its weight is about 8.8 pound with the dimension of 9.25c11.75×10.1 inches.
COMPATIBLE: The router lift is also compatible with almost every brand of router table available in the market. The reason is that it is intended to use with the CRAFTSMAN 1754/17540/28190, BOSCH 1617/1918 and PC 690/890.
EASY TO USE: It is most liked by the people because of its compatibility and easy-to-use quality. So, you can say it is not only the best-rated lift but also best router lift for you on the market.
UTILITY CAM LOCK SYSTEM: this switch lift accompanies an utility cam lock system that bolts the lift solidly on the table when you turn the wrench. The fixed course likewise ensure you can undoubtedly change the stature without moving under the table.
6. MLCS 9563 U-Turn
There is no list of such equipment without this brand, MLCS. The reason is that, most of its products are easy to install, and you do not feel the need of professionals.
FEATURES
EASY PACKING: It comes with easy to open packs from Amazon as well. The product is available with the heavy duty guideposts, and also has sealed ball bearings.
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT FEATURE: With the height of 18.5” height handle adjustment feature. The feature is able to help you to maintain your work firmly on the top of the table. So, it makes you able to make some necessary adjustments from the sides of the router table. The brand is not only famous for making lifts but also for best router bits.
EASILY MANAGEABLE: On the other hand, it is also able to hold some big materials very easily. It has more than 3 inches of travel, therefore, you can change the bits of the routers on the top of the table. They also provide their products with some kind of warranty as well. In the lights of these features, it is the best router lift on the market.
7. Woodpeckers Precision PRL-V2-350
It is the best news for you that you can purchase this product from Amazon as well. As the material is able to come in easy to open the package.
FEATURES
QUICKLY LIFT BUTTON: The product is also equipped with the button for quickly lift the canister making very hard. So, you can reach some inaccessible areas easier to reach.
2-In-VACUUM: The tool also comes with 2-in-1 vacuum for upright and also lift-away manageable cleaning as well. it also the technology to ensures 99% of the dust clean inside the vacuum.
LIGHTWEIGHT: It comes with a weight of 12.5 pounds. Therefore, it is not only versatile but also powerful equipment. Last but not the least, it has also brush roll shutoffs which will provide you gentle cleaning of deep carpets and bare floors. So, there is no doubt that it is the best router lift.
Things You Need To Consider Before Buying A Best Router Lift
Before you decide which one is the best router lift, you must have basic knowledge about these products. For this purpose, you will need a basic understanding. So, here we are providing you buying a guide to best router lift available on the market.
Standard Features Of Router Lift
A most prominent feature of the lift routers having table crank located on the side. What is the benefit of this feature? The feature is able to make it easier to adjust the height of the bit. It also enables fast and quick changing of bits. This is one of the best and main purposes of purchasing the best router lift. It will provide higher quality results if you will use this with the best router tables.
As we have also seen that most of the router lifts include a plate that is made of higher-quality material. As they are also able to fit different types of motors and router tables. They are made for long-lasting and durability of the router table.
Advantages Of Using A Best Router Lift
We have seen that Router lifts are very important and beneficial for router tables. So, we have gathered some of the most important benefits of using a router lift.
Easy To Use
No doubt this is the biggest benefit of using and owning a router lift. The product enables you to adjust the height of your bit above the table instead of adjusting the height of the router bit underneath the table. How to perform this? You can perform this section with the help of a thumbwheel setup or with a T-wrench on the base plate.
Accuracy
It is the best quality of the router lift that it provides a smooth device control. The reason behind this is that they generally made of a ball bearing system. This feature enables height adjustment accurately.
Standard Mount
Best router lifts also featured with the standard mounts to bolt the router plate on. So, these should be pre-drilled as well.
Solid base Plate
The best route lift is never complete without a strong base plate. Generally, it comes with a solid base and stable plate as well. So, it also provides less vibration and gives you standard and additional stability at the time of routing as well.
What To Look For Buying A Best Router Lift
If you are looking for the best router lift, then, you just need to understand basic needs. So, here we have some of the key components to look while buying the best router lift.
Compatibility
Compatibility is one of the most important things to look at while buying your router lift. The reason is that not every router lift will work with every router table. Therefore, every product on the market features recommendations that work best for the lift. If you will use the incompatible product it leads you to excessive vibration as well as awkward usage.
Durable Construction
You must have knowledge about the material of the best router lift. What is the reason behind? The reason is that if you will buy a lift that is made of cheap material such as plastic, then, you don’t have a long-lasting product or system. It is the wiser quality of a person to invest his money on the product made of cast-iron or aluminum. Ideal or the best route lift is always made of steel. On the other hand, it is also a symbol of professionalism for a woodworker.
Locking Mechanism
You will gain versatility and accuracy when you locked a lift. What is the benefit of the best quality locking system? The best quality locking system always provides less play when the router is on. Some of the router lifts have bolt mechanism or lever locking system.
Plunge Router
It is fairly true that every router lift is specially designed to work with a specific fixed plunge router. It is true is that the router where the motor of your router is removable and also fixes to the lift. But, if you tool features with a non-removable motor, then, you just need to ensure that it will always fit your router lift as well.
Height Adjustment
The best router lift always featured with a crank handle or thumbwheel to make the adjustment of the height. Every person has its own preference that which product works best for him. This means that you must have to pick an ideal choice according to your needs.
Lift Adapter
What is a lift adapter? If you are not really sure that you will be using the same type of router down the road, then, we recommend you to buy the best router lift. It features many insert holes and adapters.
Ball Bearing Design
If you want a smooth and convenient height adjustment, then, you must look for a ball bearing design on the best router lift. As these also feature a low-quality maintenance quality, so it will keep your focus on getting the work done.
Do you Really Need To Speed Few Hundred Dollars For Your Tool?
There is no doubt that this is one of the most common questions when looking for the best router lift. Before buying this product, just look around in your workshop, you will absolutely feel that you have spent thousands of dollars on all these tools in your workshop. There are also possibilities to maneuver the bit with the usage of lift but it will create some kind of difficulty for you.
In these cases, you have to dunk underneath the router table to find the accurate adjustment and release the lock. After, you have to attempt to set it at a suitable and workable height and then go back to your own business. This is not an efficient work at all.
So what is the real benefit of using the best router lift? With the usage of the best router lift, everything occurs above your table. If you want to make any adjustments, you have to simply lower it or raise it according to need. Therefore, you are able to achieve accuracy without the hassle of maneuvering your unit. So, just imagine how much stress and tension you will save during this process.
As there are also strong possibilities that you can buy a high-end router for under $200. But the majority of the products are not going to worth their money at all. So, if you have planned to use the router very often or you have a motor that is much larger than 3.5”, then, you buy a lift from the high end.
Accurate Cuts Made Easily
With the help or usage of the best router lift, you can make accurate cuts very easily. As it is always true that this is possible in all ways. First of all, the ability to use a knob or hand crank attached to a fixed base has a vast difference. So, it is also true that counting the number of times you have just turned a knob is near an impossible task. But on the other hand, counting revolutions with a hand crank is almost natural and possible. We recommend you to use all the above router lifts with the best wood routers and router tables.
Most of the lifts also come with an incremental scale on the surface plate of the tool. What is the advantage of this feature? It will allow you to make accurate adjustments to 1/512 of an inch. This is simply incredible. So, you can also say that the level of accuracy is unachievable or unattainable without the usage of a lift.
Do Not Make A Dumb Mistake While Buying A Best Router Lift
You have been very smart while buying the best router lift for beginners. So, there are a few things and criteria that you need to check a few things before you pull out the card. The first question, is your lift is compatible with your router table? As we look at the size of the plates, there are 2 universal plate sizes: 8.25 X 11.75 and 9.25 X 11.75. So, you have to choose one of these sizes according to your need and choice.
Is your router lift is compatible with your router? If you are ready to choose and own a router then you have to make sure that you are buying a lift that can support it. This is one of the real concerns when you are dealing with the big 3.25 HP models or above. So, you have to pay up for a heavier duty lift, if you are buying a lift for one of these models and sizes.
Another question? Are you going to remove the motor router from the base regularly? You have to avoid this situation at any cost. So, it is very painful to pull your motor out of the tool base for handheld work. So, some handheld routers are also relatively inexpensive these days.
Some More Thoughts About Purchasing Best Router Lift
We have presented you the best router reviews and guide. In the lights of these reviews, save yourself some hassle before you make and evaluate a few final technicalities. So, we have included these technicalities with FAQ.
Q: Will your router table is compatible with your router lift?
We have described this earlier that there are two plate sizes that are universally available. These sizes are including 8.25 X 11.75 and 9.25 X 11.75. So, make sure to choose one of these sizes according to choice and needs. These sizes are also compatible with almost every router table on the market.
Q: Will your router be compatible with your router lift?
If you have purchased a router for your professional woodworking, then, you must ensure that the lift will support this. This is one of the most important questions if you have a router that has the power of 2.25 HP or above. On the other hand, if you don’t have a router now then you must keep in your mind a few things before buying a professional router lift.
Q: Are you really removing the motor from the base?
You must need to in mind the difficulties while having a router lift could create when removing a motor. As you have to consider a smaller and handheld router instead if handheld work is super essential to what you are really planning for.
Some Tasks that are Easier with the Usage of Best Router Lift
We know that the usage of the best router lift makes a lot of things easier for users. What are these things? Here are a few things that come to mind while reading the best router lift reviews.
Multi-Bit Projects
As it is true and difficult to change the bit of the router in the middle of a project. So, it usually involves adjustment which is under the table. So, with the usage of a router lift, you are able to raise the bit until the housing is almost above the table. You can make these changes and then low it back to your desired height. So, these versatilities will give endless possibilities for some projects without sacrificing your precious time.
Cutting Grooves
We know that there are a wide variety of projects and pieces in the world that require cutting of a groove. So, we know that vertical adjustment for variation in your groove depth will present you a lot of headaches unless you have a plunge router just mounted under the router table. In this context, the best router lift will allow you to raise and lower the accurate height of the bit. So, you can get perfect grooves without endless calibrations and practice passes.
Raised Door Projects
As it is clear that raised door panels are an extremely popular look in the cabinetry. So, it can be tricky to make long passes and changing bits with a handheld router. It is also able to change the bit and also adjust the height in less than a single minute.
Decorative Edges
If you are really trying to create beautiful and decorative edges as well as 1/18th of an inch adjustment can be different between spectacular and ruin finish. It has the ability to precisely control the height of your bit which is very important in such cases. Last but not least, router lifts allow you to get perfect and required height with a simple twist of the wrist. Decorative edges are simply possible with the best router lift.
Final Words
Take a look at these products from the same price range, that are available right now on Amazon: