JessEm 02102 Mast-R-Lift (small) - 8 1/4-Inch x 11 3/4-Inch - fits Bench Dog Router Tables

Cheap JessEm 02102 Mast-R-Lift (small) - 8 1/4-Inch x 11 3/4-Inch - fits Bench Dog Router Tables Review

This is a high quality router lift, no doubt about it. It is heavy, sturdy, solidly built piece of equipment. The only problem is it is missing a major feature that can be found on at least one other router lift.

The 8.25 x 11.25 inch lift is designed to fit in bench dog router tables. Mounting and leveling the lift in such a table is a breeze. There are sungger bars on the side and back that make sure the lift does not move around in the opening in the table. Loading a Porter Cable 7518 router into the lift is also as easy as can be.

The action of the crank handle is solid, and it is possible to make very fine adjustments the height of the bit (1 full turn = 1/16th of an inch in bit height). There is a bit of backlash when changing directions on the crank, but this is going to be true of any router lift. The inserts are easy to install and fit snug and flush to the top.

With a Porter Cable 7518 installed in the lift, it is possible to change the bit from above the table. This is one of the main reasons for investing in a router lift to begin with. The only problem is that any time you want to change the bit you have to crank the router all the way to the top, and at 1/16th inch per turn, that's a lot of cranking - don't forget it's not just the bit, but also the collet and chuck that need to be above the table in order to get the wrenches on them.

If one of the benefits you are looking for in a router lift is the ability to change bits quickly and easily, I would suggest looking for a lift with an easier way to raise the router all the way to the top. At the time of this review the only lift I am aware of that accomplishes this is the Woodpecker Quicklift, but I am sure others will be adding this feature to their lifts in due time. I own the woodpecker lift and I recommend it highly, the quality is as good as the Jessem and the quick lift feature makes all the difference.

If you are not concerned with changing bits that often, or you don't mind a lot of cranking, the Jessem lift is a great lift to own.

JessEm 02102 Mast-R-Lift (small) - 8 1/4-Inch x 11 3/4-Inch - fits Bench Dog Router Tables Feature

• Allows height adjustment and bit changes from above the table.
• 8-1/4x11-3/4 insert plate sizes for Bench Dog router tables.
• Built in plate leveling and insert adjusters for a perfect fit.
• Includes a 1-1/2 insert ring with wrench, starting pin and hex wrench.
• Insert plate is machined with a 3-5/8 dia. TAB-LOC centerhole

JessEm 02102 Mast-R-Lift (small) - 8 1/4-Inch x 11 3/4-Inch - fits Bench Dog Router Tables Overview

Add the Mast-R-Lift to your router table and take your fixed base router to another level, literally! Bit changes are convenient because the collet is accessible above the table. The Mast-R-Lift was designed for the most popular router motor on the market the Porter-Cable 7518 (3.5" diameter motors will fit with an appropriate adapter, sold separately). Each turn of the crank precisely raises the bit 1/16". The calibrated gauge makes it easy to make incremental adjustments as fine as 1/512" (less than 0.002"). The Mast-R-Lift is constructed of the highest quality components including a plate machined from 1" aluminum with a 3-1/2" opening that accepts the included phenolic insert to close the hole to 2" for smaller bits. Unique leveling bars are located at each corner to bring the plate flush with your router table surface. The medium plate is sized for 9-1/4" x 11-3/4" openings found on JessEm, Woodhaven, Woodpeckers, and many other router tables. The small plate is sized for 8-1/4" x 11-3/4" openings found on Bench Dog router tables. Includes an insert wrench, starting pin, and detailed instructions. Router motor is not included.Mast-R-Lift adapters allow you to use your 3-1/2" diameter motor (Porter-Cable 690, DeWalt 610, Bosch 1617, 1618, 1617EVS and 1618EVS) in the Mast-R-Lift clamp block. PC 7518 3-1/4 HP Motor. Spare the expense of the base and purchase only the motor of a Porter Cable 7518 Router. Includes 1/2" collet and wrenches.



*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 13, 2010 01:18:03