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.
Any thoughts that you can share?
thanks,
-nick
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> 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
> 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.
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?
Thanks.
I've had a Woodpecker PRL
(http://www.woodpeck.com/precisionrouterlift.html) for a couple of years
and I'd recommend it in a second. I'm using it with a PC7518.
Jeff
Nick Degidio wrote:
> 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.
>
> Any thoughts that you can share?
>
> thanks,
>
> -nick
>
>
http://www.jessem.com/rout_r_lift_fx.htm
I have the Mast-R-Lift - I liked it so much I bought another one for my Dad.
Available from various retailers and Rockler.
Dave
"Nick Degidio" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>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.
>
> Any thoughts that you can share?
>
> thanks,
>
> -nick
>
>
Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
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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.
"Nick Degidio" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> 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.
>
> Any thoughts that you can share?
>
> thanks,
>
> -nick
>
>
>"Nick Degidio" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> 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.
>>
>> Any thoughts that you can share?
=================================
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...
Bob Griffiths
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.
All of the can be had for $350 or less.
"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:design-
> 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'
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?
Thanks
"Nick Degidio" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> 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.
>
> Any thoughts that you can share?
Benchdog is well worth checking out. Best price is usually from
www.routerbits.com IIRC, they have a package deal of PC router and a
lift.
Joe -
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.
Works fine for me :)
Vic
"Joseph Connors" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Vic:
>
> Could you elaborate a little on how you made your lift? Thanks!
>
>
>
> Vic Baron wrote:
> > "Nick Degidio" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> >
> >>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.
> >>
> >>Any thoughts that you can share?
> >>
> >>thanks,
> >>
> >>-nick
> >>
> >
> >
> > 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.
> >
> > Just MHO,
> >
> > Vic
> >
> >
"Nick Degidio" <[email protected]> wrote:
> 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.
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.
>
> 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.
>
> Any thoughts that you can share?
>
> thanks,
>
> -nick
>
>
Vic:
Could you elaborate a little on how you made your lift? Thanks!
Vic Baron wrote:
> "Nick Degidio" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>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.
>>
>>Any thoughts that you can share?
>>
>>thanks,
>>
>>-nick
>>
>
>
> 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.
>
> Just MHO,
>
> Vic
>
>
In article <[email protected]>,
"Nick Degidio" <[email protected]> wrote:
> 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.
>
> Any thoughts that you can share?
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. <G> 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.
0¿0
Rob
In article <[email protected]>,
"Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:design-
> > 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'
>
> 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?
>
> Thanks
>
>
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.)
In article <[email protected]>,
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote:
> 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.
>
> All of the can be had for $350 or less.
>
>
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.
0¿0
Rob
Hi Nick,
I just bought a Uni-Lift from Woodpeckers along with an XTension for bits,
and am very happy with the system. I use the Freud FT2000 router. Here's
the URL -- http://www.woodpeck.com/unilift.html
Bob
"Nick Degidio" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>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.
>
> Any thoughts that you can share?
>
> thanks,
>
> -nick
>
>
"Nick Degidio" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> 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.
>
> Any thoughts that you can share?
>
> thanks,
>
> -nick
>
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.
Just MHO,
Vic
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.
Ken
"Nick Degidio" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> 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.
>
> Any thoughts that you can share?
>
> thanks,
>
> -nick
>
>