Oh My, Why Did I Not Do This Eariler

[Scrappile]

Last November I purchased a router lift for my router table.  I had not had a reason to use the router since I bought it.  Today I did.  Oh, my, why did I not do this 15 years ago..  It is so nice.  I love it and will be looking or reasons to us my router instead of looking for ways to avoid using it!!!!

[dgman]

I have been looking at router lifts for quite a wile myself. Haven’t bit the bullet yet though. Which unit did you get and what router are you using?

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I went a different route when it came to router lift. I use my standard router table and use a plunge router in the base. I can easily adjust height from under the table with the large knob on it. It is a Freud FT2000E VS router with 1/2" collet. Always like to use 1/2" router bits with a large router like that and on a table. Less chatter. I can always take the router out and use it as a stand alone but I have over 15 routers so no need for that  Change bits is easy, jut lift router out of table, base and all. Has work great for me for many years. Lots of mileage on that setup. 

 

[new2woodwrk]

Grats on the purchase and the new tool!

I only have a hand router and have not used it once since I bought it.

I also have a very old craftsman router that is the loudest machine in the shop. I tried to use it, but it was crazy loud and I had no idea what to do with it.  I don't have a table for it

Wish I could figure out what to do with a router LOL - I imagine it would be really cool with my frames and such

 

[Sycamore67]

I have had an Incra router lift with a PC 7518 router for many years.  It was a gift from my wife.  A router lift is great with the ability to install bits above the table and adjust height above the table.  I just can not easily reach under the table to adjust height.  

[JimErn]

8 hours ago, dgman said:

I have been looking at router lifts for quite a wile myself. Haven’t bit the bullet yet though. Which unit did you get and what router are you using?

Before you spring for a router lift, take a close look at the fine adjustment screw, on mine the end of it was an allen.  Some trial and error I found it was a 3/16 allen.  See the pic by Just Larry.

and he pointed me at this tool

https://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-Ryobi-Replacement-513667001-WRENCH/dp/B000P8PPC0

So if yours ends in a 3/16 allen this will work.

 

[Scrappile]

9 hours ago, dgman said:

I have been looking at router lifts for quite a wile myself. Haven’t bit the bullet yet though. Which unit did you get and what router are you using?

I have a Bosh 1617VS, I purchased the JessEm 2310 with all the insert rings. 

[rjweb]

I think that the 1617 Bosch router has a long Allen wrench to put through the table, but not as good as your setup, I don’t use the router that much, RJ

[oldhudson]

That's a great purchase. I don't have a permanent router table set-up. My table and base hang on the wall when not in use so I can have the floor space. It's a project to set it all up (about 15-20 minutes) but I want the floor space. In the pics you can see the stuff on the shelf and set-up. To me the most difficult thing about a router is managing the dust.

[Scrappile]

19 minutes ago, oldhudson said:

That's a great purchase. I don't have a permanent router table set-up. My table and base hang on the wall when not in use so I can have the floor space. It's a project to set it all up (about 15-20 minutes) but I want the floor space. In the pics you can see the stuff on the shelf and set-up. To me the most difficult thing about a router is managing the dust.

I worked with the same type setup for many years.  The reason I decided to build a cabinet was the mess created when using the router.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I love the Bosch 1617vs router because of the soft start and those things are accurate. I have many Bosch routers along with Porta Cable routers. Have a couple older Makitas too and they are a solid router. One of my favorite routers that I always seem to grab for is the Bosch Colt routers. Yes they are a trim router so no hogging off wood with them but they are light weight versatile and easy to adjust. I have one set up to use on my lathe for fancy turnings. On my table I change bits on top of table also because I pull the whole plate out and easily change them. 

Someone mentioned the Craftsman router as a noisy one and I agree. I have an older one when I first got into woodworking and do not use it at all any more. But I also have a Delta router / shaper table station that had a built in router in it and still have this. It was designed to act more like a shaper, but with that universal motor it is the loudest tool in my shop. The idea was a good one but noisy. That too collects dust in the corner of the shop. One day I need to have a garage sale and get rid of some of my never use tools. 

 

Have to say a router of any kind is a tool that needs great respect and full attention when used. Like all tools in the shop knowing how to use them properly will save injuries and make things much easier. A router is a good tool to own and learn to use even in scrolling not just basic woodworking. It can enhance many projects. I use it all the time to put decorative edges on all my bases for clocks. make fancy frames for pictures or for even clocks. 

Edited February 2, 2020 by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[Bill WIlson]

I have the Bosch 1617 in my router table.  I use the above the table adjustment, with the T-wrench.  Yes, I have to reach underneath to release the lock, but it's far better than my previous set-up with a Craftsman table & router. 

[Scrappile]

@Bill WIlson,  I looked hard at the above table adjustment, Bosch has, but my neighbor surprised me with $100 at a weak moment for me,  I just could not resist.  So I got the one I got for basically 1/2 price...  Now I am paying for it in frustration, building this box for her as a surprise.  The scrolling was easy, the getting it together and finished,,,,,, not so much!