Best Router Lift Reviews: Our Top Tools for the Money
Contents
- Our Best Router Lifts Are…
- 1. JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift: Best Router Lift
- 2. Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift
- 3. Rockler Router Lift FX
- 4. Bosch RA1165 Under-Table Router Base with Above-Table Hex Key
- Things To Consider When Buying A Router Lift
- Quality Base Plate
- Compatibility
- Material Used
- Safety
- Conclusion
- Sources
A router lift holds your router under a router table and lets you raise and lower the bit from above the table, precisely and without reaching underneath. If you use your router table a lot, it saves time on every setup.
Below are four options, from full lifts to a budget under-table base.
OUR TOP PICK
We think the best router lift is the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift. It is solidly built, easy to adjust and fits many fixed-base router motors.
Our Best Router Lifts Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift | 1. JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift Top Pick | - Material: Hard Anodized Material - Size: 9.25 Inches by 11.75 Inches - Weight: 13.69 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 2. Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift | 2. Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift | - Material: Size - Size: 9.25 Inches by 11.75 Inches - Weight: 10.6 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 3. Rockler Router Lift FX | 3. Rockler Router Lift FX | - Material: Thick Phenolic Material - Size: 11.75 inches by 8.25 inches - Weight: 12.7 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 4. Bosch RA1165 Under-Table Router Base with Above-Table Hex Key | 4. Bosch RA1165 Under-Table Router Base with Above-Table Hex Key | - Material: Metal - Size: 9.25 Inches by 11.75 Inches - Weight: 2.3 pounds | Check Current Price |
1. JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift: Best Router Lift
The Mast-R-Lift II is one of the most popular router lifts. Its adjustable clamping system fits many fixed-base router motors, so there is a good chance your router will work; check JessEm's compatibility list first.
Setup is straightforward, and a lock on top of the plate holds the height once it is set.
All the components of this product are CNC machined and the non-wearing parts have undergone anodization to prevent them from corroding or wearing out easily.
It costs more than basic options, but it is built to last. Sealed ball bearings keep the lift moving smoothly, even with a heavy router.
A tensioning system minimizes backlash, so height settings stay accurate.
Its clamping system fits motors from many brands, including Porter-Cable, Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Hitachi, Milwaukee and Ridgid.
The posts mount to the top plate, which spreads side loads evenly. The hard-anodized finish resists scratches and wear.
Specs
- Material: Hard Anodized Material
- Size: 9.25 Inches by 11.75 Inches
- Weight: 13.69 pounds
Pros
- Smooth, low-backlash height adjustment
- Compatible with most fixed-base routers
- Exterior coating is resistant to wear and tear
- Height adjusts from above the table
Cons
- Costs more than basic lifts
Verdict
If You Want Durability: This lift is built like a tank and handles heavy router motors. If reliability matters most, it is worth the extra money.
2. Kreg PRS5000 Precision Router Lift
The Kreg PRS5000 is built for precise height settings.
Per Kreg's PRS5000 page, it gives above-table collet access for quick bit changes and accepts more than 20 popular router models without adapters. It fits standard router tables.
The 3/8-inch hard-anodized aluminum plate measures 9 1/4 x 11 3/4 inches, and Kreg says it won't sag and resists scratches. Bearings guide the carriage for smooth movement.
It replaces the insert plate in most router tables, and all height adjustments happen above the table.
One full turn of the crank moves the bit 1/16 inch, and a micro-adjust dial marked in 1/64-inch increments lets you fine-tune the height. Kreg backs it with a 3-year limited warranty.
Specs
- Material: Hard-anodized aluminum
- Size: 9.25 Inches by 11.75 Inches
- Weight: 10.6 pounds
Pros
- Provides you with great control
- Allows you to control everything over the table
- Inbuilt micro-adjustment scale comes in handy
- Fits a wide range of routers perfectly
Cons
- Some routers need a bit of tweaking to fit properly
Verdict
If You Want More Control: Its fine adjustment makes it easy to set exact bit heights, and it lifts smoothly.
3. Rockler Router Lift FX
The Rockler Router Lift FX is a lower-cost lift sold by Rockler.
Mounting your router is easy, and a locking mechanism holds the motor securely.
It also accommodates a wide range of router motors because you can tweak it and allow it to go up or down the lift’s mounting rings. That way, it can accommodate both the short bits and the long bits.
Its plate is thick phenolic, which resists wear and stays flat under heavier routers. The smooth surface does not snag.
Wood materials do not catch on the surface but glide on it instead. You can install the router motor in different positions or in such a way that the switch and the speed setting are easily accessed. The clamping rings can be secured to the motor precisely.
It has a very simple design that is easy to understand even by those using this tool for the first time. There are very few parts that need to be figured out before using it.
Changing bits is easy since everything can be done above the table. It also has a threaded shaft handle that accommodates various height changes. This also has a good stabilizing effect.
You can reposition the scale rings. It also allows for minimal height changes, so you can get the most accuracy. It also comes with an adjustable handle that allows small height changes.
It costs less than the first two lifts, which makes it a good middle option.
Specs
- Material: Thick Phenolic Material
- Size: 11.75 inches by 8.25 inches
- Weight: 12.7 pounds
Pros
- Withstands wear and tear
- Surface is very flat and does not snag
- Alows you to install the router motor in different positions
- Changing bits is very easy, as it allows you to do everything over the table
Cons
- Some users said they had difficulty locking the height adjustment in place.
Verdict
If You Like Customizable Settings: This is a router that allows you to make changes to the setup as much as you want. There is a lot of room for customization, which can help you get the best settings that will work for your needs.
It offers solid workmanship for the money.
4. Bosch RA1165 Under-Table Router Base with Above-Table Hex Key
The Bosch RA1165 is not a true router lift. It is an under-table fixed base that lets you adjust bit height from above the table with a hex key.
It only accepts Bosch router motors from the 1617 and 1618 families, such as the motor in the Bosch 1617EVSPK kit. It includes mounting hardware for most tables.
A quick clamp lets you remove the motor without tools, and a stop keeps the motor from dropping when you release the clamp.
It is much simpler than a full lift. Lay out the parts and follow the manual, and mounting is straightforward.
A wide base opening lets you use larger bits. It costs far less than a full router lift, but the adjustment is less smooth and you still need a separate table plate.
Specs
- Material: Metal
- Size: 9.25 Inches by 11.75 Inches
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
Pros
- Simple to operate
- Easy to assemble
- Above-table height adjustment
- Wider base opening
Cons
- Fits only Bosch 1617/1618 motors
- Not a full lift; adjustment is slower
Verdict
If You Do Not Want to Spend a Lot of Money: If you own a Bosch 1617 or 1618 router, this is an inexpensive way to get above-table height adjustment.
Things To Consider When Buying A Router Lift
Quality Base Plate
You should go for a router lift with a heavy base plate to avoid the vibrations that usually occur when you use a router for an extended period.
A quality base plate will ensure the tool is highly stable during extended routing sessions.
Compatibility
One of the major things you need to consider before buying is the compatibility of the router lift.
You need to check out the accessories and specs of your router to ensure the router lift will suit it.
Material Used
A router lift is a long-term purchase. Most quality lifts use a machined aluminum plate, often hard-anodized, or a thick phenolic plate. The plate must stay flat under the router's weight, or your cuts will vary in depth.
Safety
Above-table bit changes are convenient, but unplug the router before changing bits or reaching near the collet, as OSHA advises. Never adjust the height while the router is running, and lock the lift before each cut.
Conclusion
Our pick for the best router lift has to be the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift because it is easy to adjust, fits many router motors and is built to last.
Sources
- Precision Router Lift (PRS5000), Kreg Tool
- Hand and Power Tools (OSHA 3080), OSHA
