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▲ Changing Bits. Since universal lifts can not raise the router high enough above the table for bit changes, the lift must be removed. by turning a removable crank that connects to the drive screw via a cogged rubber belt or a chain. Woodpecker's Unilift also offers a universal mounting plate which will accept plunge or fixed-base routers. The lift plate travels on four machined steel posts for increased stability. The Unilift uses a chain rather than a belt to drive the height adjustment mechanism. Fixed-Base Router Lifts. A different class of lifts accepts a fixed-base router. Though very different in features and design, all the fixed-base lifts operate in a similar fashion. The motor is removed from its base and is housed in a collar which travels on machined posts. The drive screws move the collar and motor to the desired height. The greatest advantage to these lifts is that they can raise the motor high enough to expose the collet and lock nuts for bit changes. Most of these lifts are built to accommodate the 314 horsepower, Porter Cable 7518 router. Its power and variable speed controls make it a great choice for a router table, (hi fact, tipping the scales at 15 pounds, it's a challenge to use it anywhere else). With the aid of adapter sleeves, the lifts will accept most popular routers, though. Adapters are priced between $20 and S32, so remember to factor that cost into your comparisons. Plates. If you already have a router table and a plate insert, the different plate sizes might influence your decision. Most have a "standard" size of PA" x 11%", but there are a few exceptions. Bench Dog's Pro-Lift is slightly smaller, built specifically for their line of tables and tops. Rockier also uses their own standard of 8" x 11" throughout their line of router products. Templates can be purchased for each of the various plate sizes, however, so you can easily build your own top and rout the opening to fit the lift you choose. Size isn't the only difference in the plates. They're also made from different materials. Most are made from aluminum or phenolic, but Bench Dog's Pro Lift, below right, has a nickel-plated steel top, sure to stand up even in industrial applications. For home shop use, any of these plates will be up to the task. Your table top may require some reinforcement to prevent sagging. Direct Drive. Another great feature of the fixed-base lifts is direct drive height adjustment. Instead of relying on a belt or chain, the lift crank attaches directly to the lead screw. The advantage to direct drive is the reduction of backlash, the "slop" you sometimes get in the lift with a belt or chain. Other Features. Interestingly, the two least expensive fixed-base lifts incorporate one of the best features. Both Woodhaven's EZ Lift and Rockler/JessEm's Router Lift FX provide quick-release mechanisms so you can easily remove your router for hand-held operations — a great feature for the one-router shop. For the others, you'll want to dedicate a router to the lift, since they make it a hassle to remove and to reinstall. A An Easier Way. With a few turns of the crank, you can raise the router high enough to access the collet for bit changes above the table. T Acme Lead Screw. Instead of belts, chains, or conventional thread stock, Bench Dog uses a precision Acme lead screw to move the carriage. Belt Drive. The cogged drive belt on the Rout-R-Lift connects the height-adjustment crank to the lift screw. |
