[Charlie68]

Need some thoughts. I have a Bosch router table with a Bosch 23 mounted on it. I have used it for several years and had good luck with it; however the lift adjustment leaves a lot to be desired. You can adjust from above the table but you have to unclamp the motor to move it. The motor never seems to clamp back to exactly the same position so the height scale becomes a waste. Considering the setup cost all of $300 I can’t complain too much.

Now to get to the heart of it, per all of the hype, router lifts are the way to go to get accurate changes in bit height. The Bosch table plate is an 1/8 of an inch short length and width and the model 23 router can’t be used in a lift so….. I have to change both router and table to get a lift. I am looking at a Jessem lift. The $200 Jessem lift would help my budget but from what I understand no 3 hp and above router will work in it. Jessem’s high end lift looks really good and I would go that way except I have to get a table and router too.

After seeing the difference between my old construction table saw with its anodized aluminum top and my new cast iron top table saw, I think I want a cast iron router table top .

Finally I have some raised panel bits that make the 2 ¼ hp Bosch 23 really groan so I just as well move on to a 3 ¼ horse router.

Looking for recommendations for:
1. 3 1/4 hp router
2. Cast iron router table top ( I will build my own/cabinet)
3. Any issues with the Jessem lifts

Thanks in advance

I don’t need a Cadillac set up but that Bosch clamping issue is driving me nuts

 

[Herb Stoops]

I have the Jessem lift with a 3hpPC mounted it I bought it used in 2012, not sure how old it is, but it has the sidewinder height adjustment which they have done away with,but I love it. Also have a Rockler lift with a 1617 motor in it and love it too,but not sure if they make one for 3hp.
Incra handles one too for the 3hp PC.
You might check out Triton, they have a built in lift in their plunge router, just have to remove the springs.
https://www.amazon.com/Triton-TRA001-Precision-Plunge-Router/dp/B00779ND0Q

There are some good video's here:When you go to UTube there are more ideas here.

HErb

 

[Cherryville Chuck]

Maybe the Milwaukee 5625? It has above table adjustment but it looks like the motor can also be removed. Not a lot of members have Milwaukee routers but I think that's because of price and not quality or other reasons. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00007FPJK?tag=duc12-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

 

[Herb Stoops]

I had a Milwaukee years ago and the reason I bought it was the above the table height adjustment. Not sure now which model it was, 5616?,but it looked identical to the Freud, but seems to be better quality. The only thing is you had to reach under the table and lock/unlock it and sometimes it would loose a fine adjustment in the process. But it was a good machine. I lost it in the fire and when I rebuilt other routers had that same feature.
Herb

 

[Bstrom]

You came to the right place. I went through the same misery with my Bosch so-called lift and went with the Jessem Rout-R-Lift II for my 1617EV router. Love it.

 

[Charlie68]

Bstrom
You can fit the Jessem Rout-R-Lift II into the Bosch table? It looks like you have the RA1181 table same as mine. I measure the plate hole on my table 1/8 smaller length and width on my table. I did not think the Jessem lift would fit.

 

[mgmine]

If it would fit your router would suggest the Router Raizer. As far as going with a cast iron top I don't think that you gain anything but lose a lot. A router table does not have to support a lot of weight or take a lot of abuse like a table saw. A router table should be long enough to support long boards, (four feet long is what I would suggest) if not the small bit will ruin the board if it moves even the slightest. You are also limited to what you can attach to the table and your miter track is where the manufacture thinks it should be and not what works for you. Then there is the issue of mounting the router. Is there a plate? if not then you again are limited to what the manufacturer thinks is right. Both the distance from the fence and the holes for the mounting. Speaking of the fence that's another issue that can't be changed.

 

[Kentucky65]

Hey Charlie,
I was in the same shape as you about 3 months ago and decided to go with a Triton TRA-001 and a Kreg PRS2100 table ......the triton Tra001 is imho is top dog in routers and the best part no lift to buy. with 3 1/4 hp and so many options with it i felt it was an awsome choice. the Kreg PRS2100 is a benchtop router table model but it has many things i really love about it.only thing i had to worry about was the plate and i went with the Kreg plate (you can choose the plate that is already drilled and prepped for the triton router or drill your own).
After receiving every thing it went together like clock work and i have not looked back ....the benchtop table is perfect for my little shop and the Triton router is an almost over kill LOL hope this helps ya out.

God Bless

 

[Ed3443]

Hi Charlie,
I have the Jessem Mast-R-Lift II and it is worth every penny I paid for it. Jessem is truly a great company. Excellent customer service. And their products are as good as they get in my opinion. (I have no connection with the company--I just love them). I have a used Porter Cable 3-1/4 HP 5-speed Router (7518) that I got off ebay for $100. The combination is great.

I would look at Peachtree https://www.ptreeusa.com/rtr_router_tables.htm if you are interested in a table saw router wing. It could also make a small router table. I have this attached to my saw and it is solid, flat and heavy. I love the giant sized router table I have with it connected to the table saw. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Charlie68]

Thanks everyone for the helps. I think I have a route to go.

p.s. An Oh by the way: I contacted Jessem for more information and got the following reply.

Dear JessEm Customer:

Due to recent events concerning the COVID19 pandemic, Ontario, Canada has officially shut down all non-essential business.

We will be trying to respond to emails; however, shipping will take place once a week until the shutdown has officially ended.

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]

Please take care in this time of crisis and stay safe.

 

[Bstrom]

Bstrom
You can fit the Jessem Rout-R-Lift II into the Bosch table? It looks like you have the RA1181 table same as mine. I measure the plate hole on my table 1/8 smaller length and width on my table. I did not think the Jessem lift would fit.

I sent a PM response to your Recent message - just a confirmation of my fitting the Jessem to the RA1181 tables. Let us know how this turns out. Let me know if you need any more guidance on making this work...I can send my phone number if you like. Just PM me again...

 

[Charlie68]

Wow thanks Bstrom for being willing to do that and thanks to all of you again. This is really a great forum. I belong to a couple of others. One, the word "router" is a dirty word. Everything must be done with a table saw. The other one... well lets just say thanks again for the help.

p.s. Now if any of you have any ideas on how to convince "Mama" to let me spend the money I would sure like to hear them. lol


p.s.s Okay if she is some how monitoring this, (there are times I wonder how she finds out things) she is really a great lady and I am lucky to have her.

 

[Bstrom]

Wow thanks Bstrom for being willing to do that and thanks to all of you again. This is really a great forum. I belong to a couple of others. One, the word "router" is a dirty word. Everything must be done with a table saw. The other one... well lets just say thanks again for the help.

p.s. Now if any of you have any ideas on how to convince "Mama" to let me spend the money I would sure like to hear them. lol


p.s.s Okay if she is some how monitoring this, (there are times I wonder how she finds out things) she is really a great lady and I am lucky to have her.

The promise or suggestion of projects that would benefit her is a time honored tactic. Your sanity is another good cause. Making gifts for others shows your benevolent side. If none of those work, You may have to resort to begging! Whatever it takes...we must work wood!