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An X-Y Router Table RBI MCLS

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hawk mcls powerlift rbi rs-29
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13K views 17 replies 5 participants last post by  bobj3  
#1 · (Edited)
I just fitted a "MLCS PowerLift" to my "RBI RouterTable" with a minimum of drilling and cutting of the all-metal router table. The construction took about 4 hours from start to finish, and looks like it always was part of the router table.

Without touching the router motor, I can adjust the position of the router bit in two (2) dimensions, by either turning a handle for the Horizontal position, or using the installed MLCS PowerLift for Vertical positioning. On a RBI RouterTable, the router can also be positioned either horizontally, vertically, or at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees.

I have 2 other (Rockler) router table setups, and a MLCS Horizontal table, but prefer to use the RBI. It is a great "Made in the USA" router table, and it's too bad it is no longer made.

I hope the attached pictures give a good idea of the new construction. The first picture shows all the parts attached.

Mark
 

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#5 ·
allbarknobite said:
I just fitted a "MLCS PowerLift" to my "RBI RouterTable" with a minimum of drilling and cutting of the all-metal router table. The construction took about 4 hours from start to finish, and looks like it always was part of the router table.

Without touching the router motor, I can adjust the position of the router bit in two (2) dimensions, by either turning a handle for the Horizontal position, or using the installed MLCS PowerLift for Vertical positioning. On a RBI RouterTable, the router can also be positioned either horizontally, vertically, or at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees.

I have 2 other (Rockler) router table setups, and a MLCS Horizontal table, but prefer to use the RBI. It is a great "Made in the USA" router table, and it's too bad it is no longer made. (Now if I can convince MLCS woodworking to start selling a RBI type router table modified for their PowerLift ...)

I hope the attached pictures give a good idea of the new construction. The first picture shows all the parts attached.

Mark
Click to expand...
That's one amazing set-up Mark. It looks very heavy to raise the half table, like my table was until I fitted after-market gas struts which keep it in the up position and I had to make and fit screw knobs to keep it down.
 

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B
#6 · (Edited)
Hi Mark

Nice job, I like it, the only thing I see you can't use the bigger bits with your setup that maybe a big down fall with it..

ShopCenter Tilting Router Table - "It does so much more!" - Page 1

MLCS Heavyweight and Precision Router Tables

At one time you could get a jig from OakPark that will do all the same as the ShopCenter Tilting Router Table (see above ) and your table :) it's great tool for doing dovetails in legs and corner brace for the corners plus so much more..and all on the normal router table, it's all base on the brass guide and in the router plate on the router table.. :) I don't buy many jigs but this one is so great I got one..

Router Workshop: angled dados
Router Workshop: dovetail45
Router Workshop: clamping mitre gauge

And yes you can make your own I did just for kicks it's a bit of a tank but it works the same way.. :)

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allbarknobite said:
I just fitted a "MLCS PowerLift" to my "RBI RouterTable" with a minimum of drilling and cutting of the all-metal router table. The construction took about 4 hours from start to finish, and looks like it always was part of the router table.

Without touching the router motor, I can adjust the position of the router bit in two (2) dimensions, by either turning a handle for the Horizontal position, or using the installed MLCS PowerLift for Vertical positioning. On a RBI RouterTable, the router can also be positioned either horizontally, vertically, or at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees.

I have 2 other (Rockler) router table setups, and a MLCS Horizontal table, but prefer to use the RBI. It is a great "Made in the USA" router table, and it's too bad it is no longer made. (Now if I can convince MLCS woodworking to start selling a RBI type router table modified for their PowerLift ...)

I hope the attached pictures give a good idea of the new construction. The first picture shows all the parts attached.

Mark
Click to expand...
 

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#8 · (Edited)
The ShopCenter router table is a ringer for the RBI Hawk

bobj3 said:
Hi Mark
At one time you could get a jig from OakPark that will do all the same as the ShopCenter Tilting Router Table (see above ) and your table...
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Click to expand...
Bob,

The ShopCenter must have been sold before RBI built theirs, as the router table parts look identical, even down to the hinges, dial, and knobs. I had not seen one.
The "45 degree dado joint" as shown in your "Router Workshop: angled dados" reference is also shown in the RBI Hawk Router Table Guide as one of the joints.
http://legacy.woodshopdemos.com/cfw3.h1.jpg
Sounds like the same people.

Thanks for the information.
Mark
 
#7 · (Edited)
3 replies in one

Kerry,
Thanks for looking. I looked at pictures of your generous shop and the quality of your work and you are definitely a more dedicated craftsman than I am.

Bob,
You noticed a good point between the RBI and a regular plate router table.

The RBI router inserts in the center are for the 1/4 inch thick steel table, and are removable and the opening can be as large as 3 inches. The 1/4 inch thick sliding router plate of the PowerLift is just below that insert, and is lined up with that opening. The loss of depth has not been a problem. I did cut the router table insert (as shown) to use my 3/4 inch and 1-1/2 inch bits. (I'm not a big fan of large router bits.) Originally the opening was only 1/4 wide for a straight carbide bit. I can create as many custom inserts as I need using a pin router.

Harry,
You are right! The setup is definitely heavy to lift.

I have gas lifts on one of my Rockler table tops which is hinged.
I will definitely find a lift solution for this table.

I appreciate all your comments.
Thanks.
Mark
 
#11 ·
BJ, I like the stop blocks you added to the Miter Gauge System, neat idea.
 
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B
#12 · (Edited)
Hi Mike

Thanks, I do use the golden rule from Bob R. all the time don't measure when you don't need to ,"it's never right on anyway with the little marks on the ruler " , but with the stop blocks it's dead on ever time. :) I have rods up to 24" long to make it easy to setup with the lawn mower cable clamps holding the 1/4-20 threaded rod in place for me..

Just a note ,,out of all the jigs I have from OP this is one of the better ones, it can do so many jobs like make window shutters so easy.and put legs on tables,sliding dovetails,key dovetails on the corner of boxes,etc. many will never know out great they are now that they are gone :( I'm sure the Pat. date is over by now..

I don't know why someone like MLCS didn't pickup on them it would be winner for them I'm sure..

Maybe some day :)


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#13 ·
Bob never took out patents on his jigs but they do have copyrights on the media which were renewed. All that is required to circumvent patents are a few design changes; this is why so many of Bob's jigs have been copied by other companies... that and the fact they work so well. The Router Workshop items are hanging in limbo at present but I would not be surprised to see them in production again down the road.
 
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#14 ·
Hi Mike

" I would not be surprised " Me too by Woodline or MLCS or maybe Rockler, they have all copied the spacer jigs and the E-Z Link Dovetail system..and one more that I can't recall right now..


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