I purchased an Hitachi 3hp router many moons ago, and have been using it with a home build router table that has server me well. Some of the negative attributes have been bit changes on the router, and no variable speed.
The router died over this weekend. Will replace it with a new router, yet to be determined.
I'd really like to know your thoughts and experiences with router-lift systems, and routers that work well with these systems. I'm tempted to just replace the router, and be done with it, but from what I've read, the router lift systems may we worth looking at.
I think a table is at least twice as productive with any lift device. They all work generally well.
Regarding the "dead" router: If Hitach has replacable brushes you might look into trying that. They are usually very easy to swap out and literally just cost a few dollars.
I have a small cabinet shop , I use the Jessem Mast-R-Lift. with the PC -7518. I have two tables working , making raised panel doors. Use them both for over a year now, no problems. If you purchase just the motor, you'll save about $50.00. Bench Dog also a good raiser.
Jessem makes the lifts for Rockler and Woodcraft Stores.
If you are replacing the router anyway, why not just buy one of the newer models which allow adjustment from top and bottom and avoid the expense of the lift? Seems like PC has a new model that does that.
Built my own using a 1" dowel and a knob. Cost about $1.50 and works fine. Of course, my router table is accessible from the front without removing the router ( Hitachi M12V). In a closed table, might be more cumbersome. I really like all the gadgets but sometimes it gets to be a bit much.
If you are buying a new router. Look at the new Milwaukee 3.25 HP It has an adjuster built in that can be accessed through the table (insert ) top and saves spending a bundle for a separate lift system
"remember if it can be sold----it will be sold wood addict
Like a couple of others have said, why buy a lift system and a new router when you can get by for half the price by buying one of the newer style routers that don't need an extra expensive lift system.
PC makes a medium sized router for this, Milwaukee makes a Large router that does this, Triton makes a Large router that can be used like a plunge or fixed base without having to switch bases, lets you lock the spindle and change bits above the table. Plus it comes with an edge guide for hand held use. I got this one after using a large Bosch for 15 years under the table.
So are you saying that height adjustment can be accomplished above the router when it's mounted in a router table? If so, how fine an adjust can be done? Can you give me the model number of this router Leon, or perhaps a link to a review?
There is no doubt that a 'from-the-top' adjustment is the way to go. Milwaukee, and others, put this feature in their routers. I have taken a shine to Milwaukee routers after dozens of Porter Cables and several Hitachis. The M12V is still the best bang for the buck, IMHO, but if you're thinking to buy a lift, then any of the Milwaukees suddenly start to shine. I have a 5615 which I use for justabout everything. Made a nice base for it, a 1/2" thick 7" x 7" piece of scrap acrylic. The power feels way bigger than it is supposed to be. Reminds me of earlier Bosch models, although their base design really sucked back then. I think the Milwaukee 5616 (An additional 1/2 horse to 2 1/4 and variable speed) is a way better deal now that it is available. That jewel should be all anybody needs short of the bullwork that the 5625 (3
1/4 Milwaukee Horses, yes, there is a difference) brings to the table..('brings to the table'..Rob made a funny...get it???..nebber mind) Quality lift + new router = Milwaukee 5625, I completely concur with 'wood addict'...(IF that's his real name)
Leon suggested I'd take a look at the Triton. I did. At the Chatham Woodworking Show, two Sundays ago, I had a chance to fondle it. Some great features. I just love the 'Bob The Builder' look. It looks like it could work under water. No doubt a quality piece. But here in Kanuckistan, they want a small fortune for it. I am not familiar with the distributors either, so service is unknown. For that kind of money.... I want to know. I know the Milwaukee service here...excellent.
Before I forget...There is a 2000 watt Festool router as well, Nick...now THAT is a beast...but still a little new to be dropping CAN$
750.00 on it.......( 3/4 of a 1000 dollar bill???? WAKE UP, ROB...you're a hobbyist now...).. and no track record for service in Kanuckistan.
Oops.. look at the time..got a countertop to build.. an almond one (Bone Meganite).. haven't done that sort of colour in 15 years. Kinda nice in a puke/beige kinda way. I hope I don't fall asleep with a powertool running. 400 colours..she picks Bone.
If this router was upside down in a router table, and can be height adjusted from above, how fine an adjustment can be done? With most of the router lifts, really fine height adjustment can be used to sneak up on an exact cut. In your opinion, could this router accomplish the same thing as easily?
================================= My thoughts are that I honestly do NOT NEED a router lift system and I really can say that I have never even wished ( wanted) one...
My reasons are pretty simple.... 1. I have never had any problems adjusting "my" router from under the table.... This alone is reason enough for me.. 2. I'm not at all "cheap" but I do have this thing about covering over a dollar bill with another dollar bill 3. Ok I'd rather spend the money on beer. Now if I had problems adjusting "my" routers from under the table or if I had to spend minutes not seconds bending over slightly to make the adjustment I may consider spending the money...
This is not to say that I have never had some problems in getting the router at the exact perfect hight I wanted..
Just my opinion... and I use 2 regular router tables, an horizontal router table, and an overhead "pin" router table...in my shop each has its own dedicated router which never is removed...
Thank to all that responded, will be looking at reviews of the lift devices.
Just a few comments here from your replies
The router smoked, badly, don't think brushes will help. This was purchased mid 80's, and has been used heavily and served me well (countless dados, moldings, raised panels etc...) RIP little green warrior.
I like the top side adjustability, but more so, bit changes from above the table would be really cool. I've wrestled with bit changes for years and the router I was using needed two wrenches to change the bit, and this is awkward. Any suggestions for this issues would be most appreciated.
I also wanted to say that I really enjoy reading through this group. Seems it's filled with some very sharp folks.
Basically just drilled a hole down the center of the dowel to accommodate the threaded rod that comes with the router. Epoxy a nut in the top of the dowel. Add a simpleknob and flat piece to the bottom to form a crank and have at it. You could measure how much the router lifts with each turn but I tend to eyeball it anyway.
At that price, it would be a no-brainer. Tell me that the 4-hole pattern of the router base-plates line up with PC and I might just be hopping across the border to look for one.
If your question is about the Triton, Leon would be the man to ask. If the question is about the Milwaukees..I'd say yes. (After you twist out the 'slop' and pre-load the adjuster. 0.1 mm or so.)
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