The more wood working projects you take on, the more use each of your tools will get. This is a given fact. As you use each tool more, you may discover some parts of the project that are less enjoyable than others. If at any point in time there is one part of a project that you do not enjoy, or you wish was easier, it may be time to start looking for some tools to assist the process.
Router table lifts are one of these kinds of tools. While the table lift itself doesn’t do anything to aid your project completion, it makes using router tables much easier. Many lifts have cranks on the sides to easily raise or lower the router table. There is no way to appropriately stress how incredibly helpful something so simple can be.
A quick answer to a common question: what even is a router lift? It is a precision tool that allows for height adjustments for router tables. They allow for the very smallest adjustments up or down, according to your wood working needs.
Ask wood workers anywhere and they will say that a lift is absolutely worth every penny. If you are on a budget, you could do without, as there are plenty of ways to get by without a lift. However, if you have the money and are willing to make the purchase, it can save time and guarantee a level of precision that homemade fixes simply cannot promise.
On many lists of best router lifts is the Jessem Router Lift. Models of Jessem Router Lifts, such as the Jessem Mast-R-Lift II are the ones that really hold the spotlight. This is largely because they are intended to be compatible with just about any router. Five available models of the Mast-R-Lift makes it a viable option for virtually any router table you may already have at home.
Not only that, but they are also incredibly durable since they are made of aluminum cut by a top of the line CNC Mill to deliver a flawless product. A note-worthy benefit of lifts, like this Jessem, are the reduction in backlash and vibration as cuts are being made.
Once again, this is not by any means a necessary addition, but if you ever operate with one, you might not be able to work without one every again. While they can cost a decent chunk of cash, they are universally accepted as worth it. One reason this particular Jessem router lift might be preferable is because it is nearly half the price of many other router lifts, yet still regarded as a quality and reliable product.
Owning a router table lift brings wood working shops one step closer to a professional feel. With the proper care, these tools can last a lifetime, since they are made to be sturdy and with relatively simple use. A couple hundred bucks to improve the ease and quality of your work for the rest of your wood working career is a pretty good trade off.
