Ed, router lifts are a part of table mounted routing so you nailed it. The least expensive option is to buy one of the Craftsman combo kit routers. This has a fixed base for table mounting and a plunge base for free hand work. I believe all the recent combo kits by all manufacturers have a through the table height adjuster. None of the router lifts are designed to work with your routers so the Craftsman combo kit which usually sells for about $100 is your best option. Instead of twisting the T wrench that comes with most versions you can turn it with a 3/8" drive speed handle or use a bit in a cordless drill. Keep in mind that a router lift does nothing to improve your routing and it is faster to swap bits by lifting the router out of the table. In your shoes I would rather invest in more router bits.

 

The cheapest router lift is the one you make yourself.
Here's a good plan you can buy.
Router lift plans

or you can search this forum for other ideas on how to make one.

 

Hi Ed. Welcome to our little corner of the 'net.

As Mike suggested, most of the new combo kits will have a lift kit with them. So, when you shuffle off to Buffalo for the Black Friday sales, you can get a really good deal on one.

 

router Lift



Ed my limited expierence has taught me already how nice it is to be able to change bits from the top.No my lift is not cheap but I would buy the bench dog again

 

Hi

Why buy a lift many of the new routers out now have a lift built right in the router.
As low as 100.oo for a NEW router with the lift..
OR
http://www.routertechnologies.com/routerraizer.htm
===

Ed my limited expierence has taught me already how nice it is to be able to change bits from the top.No my lift is not cheap but I would buy the bench dog again

 

You could use a small bottle jack or a scissor jack. There are many options for a lift.

 

Yes, a friend of mine uses the scissor jack but I made this simple foot operated one which is very successful.

 

I have used a scissor jack under the router for about 7 years now and never had a problem with it. Might just be one of those bloody things Bob:lol:

Regards

Harold

 

Lift



Ed as you can tell lots of ideas to achieve raising router.What way you choose is your way,changing bits from the topside is much easier,but no matter how we do it,we still have to reach down to change the router speed,when using larger bits,good luck with your decision.

 

Hi Harrysin, I'm interested in your method of lift but curious as to how you fix the height if you want a particular height set.

Jiroma

 

Most of the time the EXACT height is not super critical and I gently step on the pedal, raise the router to the required height then lock it. For more accurate work I set the Triton a little lower than required, then raise it with the infinitely adjustable micro adjuster. For dowelling and probably mortising (the latter I haven't tried) I've never found a faster or more accurate method.

 

Routers that have built in table adjustment can be found from almost every manufacture now. But if you have a router without the table adjustment feature then try Router Raizer to see if they have something to fit your model. I have one for my Hitachi M12V that I paid $89.00 for & it works great.