[Oberon_1]

A question less asked:

I would be interested in a motorised lift , controlled by a remote. Beyond the convenience, I think it will contribute to a more accurate functionality. Today all the components required for building such lift are cheap. But, I don’t see new products on the market. There are one or two 10 years old and that’s about it. The addition shouldn’t cost a lot but im sure it will be hundreds more…lol.
Meanwhile a thousand CNC system were designed and built. Why not take a part of that system and build a motorised router lift?
I could build a simple device controlled by an Arduino but the interface with the mechanical part is not very clear to me. Honestly I don’t feel like investing the effort.
Does anyone have news about such devices?

 

[mgmine]

I don't see how one could be built to accurately lift a router. And if it could how would it save any time? It takes a second to turn a crank and it seems like it would take longer to fiddle with settings, The other thing is that it is just another electronic part waiting to fail.

 

[jdonhowe]

I know very little about CNC routers, but stepper motors would allow precise and reproducible router movement. To build on mgmine's comment, the inevitable dust collecting beneath the table would wreak havoc with any electomechanical device. Just not worth the trouble.

 

[Oberon_1]

Gentlemen,
1) This lift already exists for more than 10 years!

Ultimate Powerlift Pro with Bluetooth Router Table Package

The PowerLift Pro router table package is the most advanced shop routing system in the world

www.mlcswoodworking.com

That’s nothing new and there’s no need to prove it works. It’s already successfully installed in many router tables and people use them every day.
2) As mentioned they are also part of every CNC router system. Thousands of them…and they work well. The electric box and stepper motor need to be sealed from dust but that’s not a game changer.
3) Again, using such lift is more convenient, but that’s only one side of the issue. The side I’m more interested in, is the improved accuracy. Dialling in “1/64” up” on your cellphone is faster and less prone to mistakes than counting turns of a screw.
4) The lift from MCLS comes with external buttons and android pad. It’s Bluetooth operated, but all these aren’t necessary. It can also be connected to Wi-Fi and controlled from your iPhone. These are all cheap components. The expensive part are the mechanical enclosure and everything metal.

 

[jdonhowe]

Gentlemen,
1) This lift already exists for more than 10 years!

Okay, you got me! Obviously, you know much more about this than I, so the short answer to your original question is "No".

 

[4DThinker]

NextWaveCNC.com used to sell a digital motorized/automated router fence and lift. I'm guessing for the price they were asking there wasn't enough demand out there as I don't see it on their site anymore.
4D

 

[Oberon_1]

Probably. But I’m surprised nobody knows such thing exists when it’s nothing new.

 

[4DThinker]

The MLCS one linked to above looks like the best value for the features it includes.

 

[Oberon_1]

I mentioned the MLCS device in my OP. Yes, it is one option but just wanted to see if other solutions exist on the market.
The original reason for my interest was to build my own router table without a router plate. I think the plate it is an unnecessary item that if not leveled perfectly can result in uneven routing. As such I considered a lift that is anchored at the bottom, not the top of the router table.

 

[4DThinker]

Generally plates have a way to level them with the table top. I've got one installed next to my CNC and it did.

 

[mgmine]

The problem I have with it is the cost. Unless I would be raising and lowering my router multiple times every day of the week I don't think it would pay for itself in convivence.

 

[Alphonse53]

I mentioned the MLCS device in my OP. Yes, it is one option but just wanted to see if other solutions exist on the market.
The original reason for my interest was to build my own router table without a router plate. I think the plate it is an unnecessary item that if not leveled perfectly can result in uneven routing. As such I considered a lift that is anchored at the bottom, not the top of the router table.

I took an old 9" Delta Homecraft table saw apart, sold the motor and all the blade mounting parts, machined the underside of the table flat, cut and drilled some inserts to fit the saw slot, installed a D/C port under the base after I turned it around, and mounted an 890. The base clogged too easily, so I got the big Triton, added a DRO, and had a first class cast iron table, almost. Those tables are matchable sideways, so I got another one and combined their two stands. Now I have a pair of routers on the same table with common fence rails I can match bit sets and keep my settings in the same place throughout. The right side has a 24" Incra Jig mounted on an extension and can be used on either spindle. My only regret was not using 10" saws that have quite a bit larger tables, but those saws are more in demand and cost more. I've seen 9" saws go for near nothing.