Best Router Lift for Perfect Adjustments

Best Router Lift – JessEm Rout-R-Lift II 02310

The best overall router lift that outshines over 20 of its peers is the JessEm Rout-R-Lift II 02310. This unit isn’t just a budget-friendly option, but it also comes with pre-drilled holes to make it mountable on all sorts of router models.

Let’s see what the JessEm Rout-R-Lift II 02310’s key specifications look like—

• 9-1/4 x 11/3-4 x 3/8-inch Insert Size
• Cast Iron Construction
• Compatible with 3-1/2-inch Diameter Routers
• Pre-drilled Insert Plate

JessEm Rout-R-Lift II 02310 is probably one of the cheapest router lifts you could get in the market with many great benefits.

Made out of aluminum and a flat phenolic top plate, which also comes in three different sizes, 1-⅜-inch, 2-inch, and 2-½-inch, it’s sturdy and perfect for woodworkers who have just started making their router table more proper.

The spindle is built with a double sealed bearing for a smooth height adjustment.

While the basic installation of this router lift might cost you a lot of time, this case shouldn’t be a concern if you’re planning to have this router lift permanently on the table.

Since they only provide three different plate sizes, the bit that you regularly use might not fit in them.

Thus, you’ll need to allocate some money to buy additional plates. Also, each purchase only includes a single ring. This will cost you more if you require more rings for the lift.

This unit is perfect for practical works in practical spaces. Once you want to get a bit heftier with the router work, you might want to upgrade the features to make this lift one flawless tool.

Best Premium - Jet 708124 XLIFT-K

Key Specifications

• 11-3/4 x 14-3/4-inch Insert Size
• Aluminum Construction
• Compatible with XACTA Tables
• 10 leveling screws

The Jet 708124 XLIFT-K’s plate is made of hefty ¼-inch aluminum to make sure your fitted router doesn’t wobble throughout the work process.

With an 11-3/4″ x 14-3/4″ x 3/16″ plate dimension, we reckon that you could do relatively heavy-duty works around here.

The plate is pre-drilled for you, but you might still need extra drillings for a more perfect fit.

The lifting function works smoothly while enabling you to do plenty of travels with the router. This lift has a fence that also includes a vacuum and a dust collector.

Also, the distance between the plate front and the opening is about 10 inches, so if you want to add more accessories, you’ll need to consider this pretty big gap first.

Sadly, the Jet 708124 XLIFT-K’s fence doesn’t live up to the hype, but it’s still one of the sturdiest, most reliable router lifts you can get.

Best Budget - Bosch RA1165

Key Specifications

• N/A Insert Size
• Aluminum Construction
• Compatible with Bosch RA Series
• Tool-free Base Change

The Bosch RA1165 is an effort of improvement based on its predecessor, RA1164.

Specifically made for 1617, 1617EVS, 1617EVSPK, 1618, 1618EVS routers, many have advised to just stick with the router’s standard base rather than buying this unit because they don’t have any significant differences.

For increased height adjustment convenience, you can use a T-wrench access addition above the table, so you just need to make use of that T-shaped handle without any additional setups.

The 3-¾ inch base opening is made to work with larger bits.

If you’re looking for an additional base for your Bosch routers that allows you to mount and dismount different models regularly, then this is the one.

Best Cabinte Style - Bosch Cabinet RA1171

Key Specifications

• Insert Size N/A
• Aluminum and Wood Construction
• Compatible with Routers with 6-inch Plates
• Table Extensions

The Goplus Electric Aluminum Router Table serves you with 450 square inches of a sturdy aluminum work surface.

If you need to extend the surface, Goplus has provided you an 8″ × 18″ easy slide surface each for both wings.

These extensions are made of plastic, however, not aluminum like the main work surface.

Moreover, the included precise miter gauge aids for straight cuts. The unit itself works effectively with a 6-inch diameter router plate.

The fence is said to be made of aluminum, but many complained about how it turned out to be a simple piece of plastic. You could use this fence as a support to the table if you need a vertical jointer.

Although the Goplus Electric Aluminum Router Table doesn’t really live up to the initial expectations, this unit should still be considered a great effort.

Best for the Money - KREG PRS5000

Key Specifications

• 9-1/4 x 11/3-4-inch Insert Size
• Aluminum Construction
• Compatible with Most Modern Routers
• 5 Double-Sealed Bearings

The JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 is built with five double-sealed bearings that ensure longer durability even if you’re working with the heaviest router plates ever.

JessEM claims that they gladly fit most routers in the market today, so maybe if you have older models, you’ll still need some adapters.

The most definite thing about JessEm router lifts is that they make these hard-anodized plates that guarantee a lifetime service than your regular aluminum plates.

Their shafts are all pressed into shaft mounts with hydraulic pressure.

The downside of this router lift is probably the fact that it only comes with a set of three rings. Wobbling can be a problem with this unit.

This unit is perfect for your at-home DIY projects; it’s easy to use and incredibly durable.

Goplus Electric Aluminum Router Table

Key Specifications

• 8-1/4 x 11-3/4-inch Insert Size
• Cast Iron Construction
• Compatible with Most Name-Brand Router Models
• 0.001-inch Height Increments

The Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R is designed with the exclusive MagnaLOCK reducing ring system that basically automatically changes rings for you in perfect fittings.

Another good news is that you’re already able to make down to 0.001-inch increments just from above by using this unit.

Incra calls for the five sealed ball bearings for super-smooth operation when using the lift screw and cam lock. This lift router comes in different models that fit different router tables.

Don’t be mistaken with the “-R” in the title because that implies that the router lift only works for Rockler tables.

The regular ones don’t have the “-R” and are sold in two sizes. The first one is the 8-1/2″ that fits most of the BenchDog Router Tables, while the 9-1/2″ fits the Jessom & Kreg tables.

The Incra’s Mast-R-Lift-II-R is a game-changer, especially for beginner woodworkers.

JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120

Key Specifications

• 8-1/4 x 11-3/4-inch Insert Size
• Aluminum Construction
• Compatible with PC, Bosch, DEWALT Routers
• Low-Friction Surface

The Rocker Router Lift FX is a perfect router lift for your small to medium-sized routers that work heavily.

Sometimes buying a router lift for a tiny baby makes you think that it’s not worth the money, but Rocker surely makes you change your mind.

It’s very easy to assemble too, so don’t worry about not getting there. The only downside about this unit is probably the absence of the height lock.

This way, you’ll have to measure everything all over again on the other pieces you want to work on.

This unit is only perfect for smaller to medium-sized routers. If one of your relatives is an aspiring woodworker at home, this could be a perfect gift for them.

Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R

If you want a table along with your router lift, then the Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table RA1171 is your best bet. You’ll get all of the parts you need (minus to router) to begin cutting grooves into your wooden workpieces.

Below are the Bosch RA1171’s key specifications—

• N/A Insert Size
• Aluminum Construction
• Compatible with Most Name-Brand Router Models
• Dust Ports, Storage Compartment, Adjustable Featherboards

The Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table RA1171’s stability is guaranteed through its cabinet-style design that also makes a good benchtop solution for your router.

The plate is made of very rigid aluminum that stays flat to support a smooth working process.

People love how the aluminum fence’s sturdiness. It allows extra control of your work since it’s fully adjustable. You’ll need a bit of extra energy when locking it in, though, because if not, then it’ll get very wobbly.

Bosch has probably been your to-go tool company for so many years now. This unit is not the best of the best, but it will serve you well at the job site or in your workshop.

JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02121

However, if you want the most value for your dollar, then the Kreg PRS5000 is arguably the best option for your on-a-budget woodworking needs.

Here’s what the KREG PRS5000’s key specs look like—

• 9-1/4 x 11/3-4-inch Insert Size
• Aluminum Construction
• Compatible with Routers with 4.2-inch Base Plates
• Bearing-Guided Carriage

The Kreg PRS5000 promotes above-the-table adjustments to your router bits, but not the router plates.

This also allows you to change bits without having to crawl under the table, a big win for efficiency.

In fact, the crank moves in full revolution to move and adjust your bits down to thousandths of an inch.

The plate is pre-drilled to fit KREG routers and other popular brands.

To be sure, just check a list of what’s compatible first. Some people found that the crank handle doesn’t really fit the micro-adjustment dial properly, so the function that’s supposed to be helping you in dialing an accurate height for your bit isn’t met properly.

Also, the fence tends to block the lift control so you’ll have to set the height of your bit first before installing the fence.

This unit works in the simplest way possible, really projecting the ease and convenience it claims. However, the promised precision isn’t that bold.