JessEm Mast-R-Lift
Professional Grade Router Lift
TOP PICK: Mast-R-Lift
IN THIS GUIDE:
› BEST VALUE: JESSEM ROUT-R-LIFT
› KREG PICK: KREG PRS5000
› PLUNGE ROUTER: JESSEM PRESTIGE
› PRO ALTERNATIVE: WOODPECKERS PRL-V2
› CHAIN DRIVE: SAWSTOP LIFT
After years of using a router table with an inadequate lift, my research leads me to a complete table replacement: the JessEm router table with the Mast-R-Lift Excel II table and lift. While this combination is the premium solution on the market and priced like it, the quality and precision are something every woodworker would be satisfied with.
While only some woodworkers can afford a package in the $1500-2000 range if your plans are for decades of use, the decision is simple: invest in a JessEm.
There are, however, many solutions for router lifts that start as low as $200. This guide teaches you the right lift for your current or future router table.
In this guide, learn about key features like:
- Hard anodized base plates made from aluminum
- Compatibility with your router and table
- Sealed bearing lifts for smooth operation
- On-table bit changes to keep the router in the table
- Micro-adjustment
- Height lock to avoid slippage over extended router usage
- Over-table adjustment or turn-handle adjustment
Page Contents
Router Lift Features
Woodworkers know that a router lift must raise and lower a bit. But there are subtle features that make the best router lift accurate, durable, and of course, easy to use:
- Standard lifts fit a router motor of 3-1/4″ or 3-1/2″
- However, there are plunge router lifts and even router-specific plates
- Lift plates are generally included, and a standard size is 9-1/4″ x 11-3/4″
- Look for a high-quality, precision adjustment drive system
- Heavy aluminum plates will eliminate sagging from weight of the lift + router
- Hard anodized surfaces are best for durability
- Easy to use router bit height adjustment – and ball bearing assisted lifts are the top of the line
- Adjustment locks on top of the table are a must (cam locks are best)
- Look for a lift that allows for bit removal without lifting the plate from the table
Top Brands
In woodworking, the brand of tool you pick matters.
Not just initially but long-term, a trusted woodworking brand will be around later when you need a replacement part or support.
So, when shopping for a router lift, you’ll want to consider the following brands that have been around for decades and will be there for likely many to come:
- JessEm makes models that fit just about any router
- Incra is known for top-end, professional-grade solutions
- Kreg offers models that fit both their router table and others
- Bosch makes all-in-one bench-top router tables and basic lifts
- Rockler has solutions that fit both their uniquely sized table and a standard size
- Woodpecker
- SawStop offers a model that works with their in-saw router tables
Our Experience
We’ve used shapers and router tables for nearly three decades to build over a hundred kitchens, countless pieces of furniture, and thousands of cabinet doors.
And through that experience, know that a high-quality router table and lift make the job ten times easier.
Our shop currently has the premium JessEm Ultimate Excel II table with shaper-like features built around the best lift on the market.
Best Router LIfts For Router Tables
1. Best overall: JessEm Mast-R-Lift II
See on Amazon: JessEm Mast-R-Lift II
Key Features
- Compatibility: Universal fit for the router you own today … and tomorrow
- Features: Above table lock, double sealed ball bearings, hard anodized table, above table bit changes, metric and imperial options, and more [a]
- Brand Reputation: JessEm specializes in high quality woodworking tools and is know for their router lifts.
- Dimensions: Standard 9-1/4″ x 11-3/4″ (metric or imperial) plate or 8-1/4″ x 11-3/4″ plate.
When to Choose The Mast-R-Lift II
Most router lifts are for serious woodworkers.
While you can do many tasks on a router table without a lift, the speed and accuracy gained by using a lift far outweighs the “extra cost” a lift introduces.
So why go with this lift over the others? Simple. It is the most widely compatible lift on the market. And with the accuracy, technology and durability of JessEm you’ll have it for years (or decades) to come.
Why Shop Elsewhere
The most common reason to choose a lift other than the Mast-R-Lift is you prefer the higher horsepower a plunge router offers. And, for that, you’ll find the JessEm Rout-R-Lift Prestige is a unique solution for mounting high-horsepower plunge routers to.
What about cost? Well, most of the best router lifts start in the mid-300’s and go up to $500. Which gives you an option of a cheaper lift, but forces your choices in the future to a lift that may not be compatible with your preferred router in five years.
Review
This router lift has hands down the best compatibility on the market (and that is why we chose it for our table). Because it uses a unique block system, it can fit compact fixed base routers up to large diameter (and high horsepower) fixed routers.
Other brands will run down a list of routers they support, but not this one.
Pros:
- Top-of-table adjustment
- Wide range of router compatibility
- Hard anodized metal table
- Available in metric or imperial
- Brand reputation
- Fits a wide range of tables
- Double sealed bearings
Cons:
- Price
- Not compatible with plunge routers
2. Best Value: JessEm Rout-R-Lift II
See on Amazon: JessEm Rout-R-Lift II
Key Features
- Price: There aren’t imitation lifts or knock-offs that compete with this model in price.
- Features: Above table lock, double sealed ball bearings, phenolic top, and above-table bit changes [b]
- Brand Reputation: JessEm specializes in high-quality woodworking tools and is known for its router lifts.
- Dimensions: Standard 9-1/4″ x 11-3/4″ base plate
When to Choose The Rout-R-Lift II
If you have one of the following routers with a 3-1/2″ motor (removable from its base), then check out the JessEm model that is right for you:
- Model 02310 – Porter Cable, Bosch, Dewalt
- Model 02311 – Makita 1101
- Model 02312 – Hitachi M12VC-KM12VC
- Model 02313 – Milwaukee 5615/5616/5619
- Model 02314 – Rigid 29302
Why Shop Elsewhere
If impressing your fellow woodworkers is a goal, you’ll check a box that you have a router lift but not turn heads with this model. While the Mast-R-Lift supports a top-end hard anodized aluminum top, this model features a base phenolic plate. Good enough? Absolutely. The risk with heavy routers it will sag.
Other than features, and similar to the Mast-R-Lift, if spinning a large cabinet door panel bit is your intention, you’ll want to consider a lift that supports a plunge router.
Review
Pros:
- Budget priced
- Top-of-table adjustment
- Support for popular routers
- Hard anodized metal table
- Brand reputation
- Fits a wide range of tables
- Double sealed bearings
Cons:
- Limited range of router compatibility versus the Mast-R-Lift
- Not compatible with plunge routers
3. For Kreg Tables: KREG PRS5000
See on Amazon: KREG PRS5000
Key Features
- Price: Slight savings versus the generally comparable JessEm Mast-R-Lift.
- Features: Above table lock, double sealed ball bearings, sag-free hard anodized aluminum, indexing ring, and above-table bit changes
- Dimensions: Standard 9-1/4″ x 11-3/4″ base plate that fits Kreg router tables and many others.
When to Choose The Kreg PRS5000
While a JessEm Rout-R-Lift is a quality lift, if your tool-buying instincts take you to a hard anodized table, this lift is about the next price point up to check into.
With many features comparable to JessEm, this lift is preferred if you have a Kreg router table or one of the following routers (always check the manufacturer’s site for final compatibility!):
- Bosch 1617, 1618 3.5″
- Craftsman 17543, 17540, 28190 3.5″
- DeWalt 610, 616, 618 3.5″
- Felisatti RF62 3.675″
- Hitachi M12VC, KM12VC 3.267″
- Makita 1101 3.218.”
- Milwaukee 5615, 5616, 5619 3.32″
- Milwaukee 5626 4.143.”
- Porter-Cable 690, 890 3.5″
- Porter-Cable 7518 4.2.”
- Ridgid R29302 3.625″
Why Shop Elsewhere
While Kreg is an established and trusted brand, for a few more bucks, you can buy into the JessEm Mast-R-Lift II, which offers the best router lift line-up out there, and, like the options shown so far, you’ll need to look at the JessEm Prestige for a plunge router compatible option.
Review
Pros:
- Price
- Fits 20+ routers
- 1/64″ adjustment
- Hard anodized metal table
- Brand reputation
- Fits a wide range of tables
Cons:
- Limited range of router compatibility versus the Mast-R-Lift
- Not compatible with plunge routers
- Lacks double-sealed ball bearings
4. Best For Plunge Routers: JessEm Prestige
See on Amazon: JessEm Prestige
Key Features
- Price: Comparable to the Mast-R-Lift, but supports higher-powered routers.
- Features: Above table lock, double sealed ball bearings, sag-free hard anodized aluminum
- Dimensions: Standard 9-1/4″ x 11-3/4″ base plate that fits Kreg router tables and many others.
When to Choose The Jessem Prestige
The only reason to use this lift style is if your router table will spin larger panel bits. And, with that size bit, you’ll need the extra power and continuous duty capability of a plunge router.
While some woodworkers opt for two lifts (one standard, one for plunge), this lift will support all your projects.
There is a caveat: no above-table bit changes.
Why Shop Elsewhere
There isn’t a comparable model on the market.
Review
Pros:
- Only major brand of lift that fits high horsepower lift
- Imperial or metric
- Hard anodized metal table
- Brand reputation
- Fits a wide range of tables
- Three insert rings included
- Double sealed ball bearings
Cons:
- Will not fit standard routers
5. Woodpeckers PRL-V2: Professional Option
Key Features
- Precision: The Woodpecker lift is the only one of the top lifts featuring a micro-adjustment wheel made for precision projects.
- Features: Above table lock, spring assisted lift for above table bit changes, double sealed ball bearings, sag-free aluminum plate
- Compatibility: Like JessEm, Woodpeckers offer this model in almost a dozen product codes (all unique, all matched to your router) for compatibility.
When to Choose The Woodpeckers Lift
The Woodpecker lift is an upgraded lift for many woodworkers. With advanced features like micro-adjustment and spring-assisted lifts for fast bit changes, the team at Woodpeckers solved a few of the “I didn’t realize that until I owned it” issues from other lifts.
So that you know, check the model # when ordering. Woodpecker offers a 3.5″-compatible lift under the PRL-V2-350 part number that fits a broader range of motor-only routers.
Why Shop Elsewhere
Look elsewhere if a price around $500 isn’t in your budget. Or, if your router isn’t compatible with the lifts available from Woodpeckers
Review
Pros:
- Wide variety of routers supported
- Hard anodized metal table
- Brand reputation
- Fast height change
- .002″ adjustment with micro-adjustment thumb wheel
Cons:
- Wide variety of router compatibility but requires a custom lift per router
- Limited router table support
6. SawStop Option: SawStop RT-LFT
See on Amazon: SawStop RTR-LIFT
Key Features
- Precision: The four-post chain design lifts the router from all corners, ensuring a precision rise.
- Features: Chain drive, sag-free hard anodized aluminum plate
- Compatibility: SawStop router lifts support routers from 3-1/4″ to 4-1/4″.
When to Choose The SawStop
If you have the SawStop table saw with a fence built for a router table insert, their table is well worth purchasing to conserve table space. And, to keep your brands the same, this smooth-acting and exact lift is well regarded and fits into their standard-sized router plate opening (9-1/4 x 11-3/4″).
Why Shop Elsewhere
This lift is known to have unpublished incompatibility with routers. While SawStop has reducer collars, there needs to be a well-published list of routers it is compatible with. For many woodworkers, this makes it a pass for current and future router compatibility.
Review
Pros:
- Standard 9.25 x 11.75 plate size
- Wide variety of routers supported
- Hard anodized metal table
- Brand reputation
- Four post adjustment for accuracy
- Fits SawStop router table
Cons:
- Cost
- Limited router table support
Frequently Asked Questions
Which router lift should I buy?
The first decision in purchasing a router lift is ensuring it is compatible with your router table and router. While most router lifts are a standard size of 9-1/4 x 11-3/4 inches, some router tables, such as Rockler, are a custom size. Once you decide on the router plate size, look for a router lift with sealed ball bearings and on-table bit changes.
Do I need a lift for my router?
The simple answer is no. You can use a plunge or fixed-based router with a fixed plate, but you must constantly be under the table for all height adjustments and bit changes.
Do you need a router plate for your lift?
Yes, a router plate is required for your lift. And fortunately, all router lifts for full-sized tables come with a plate that includes all the adjustment slots and dials to make the lift operate.
Will my router fit a router table?
Most mainstream routers will fit a router table. With a wide variety of lifts supporting a 3.5″ motor base, major brands like JessEm, Kreg, and Woodpeckers fully support these routers.
Can I use a plunge router in a router lift?
JessEm is one of the few manufacturers that makes a unique router lift (the JessEm Prestige) that will support a plunge router in the lift. While certain features like on-table bit changes may not be supported, this type of lift offers woodworkers the ability to use the higher horsepower of a plunge router for larger router bits.
Summary
While the best router lifts depend on the router you’ll insert into them, one thing is clear: the alternative to these unique devices is manual height adjustments that are challenging to do.
- About the Author
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Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
