Plate Size: Almost all the options that you will find in the market, generally come with a 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ plate or an 8 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ plate. Thus, you have to make a choice to pick one according to the size of your table. For larger table sizes, go with a bigger plate size, otherwise, a smaller one will be a better pick. Router Compatibility: One of the most important things that you must not neglect checking is router compatibility. If you use a router with a diameter of 3.5 inches or more, you will have to look for specific router lifts as not all router lifts are designed to support such large-sized motors. So, it’s very important to pick a router lift that is compatible with your router. Build Quality: You will notice that router lifts come in a variety of prices, and the build quality is what makes the prices differ. If you mostly use a large-sized router, you should definitely spend some money and pick a high-grade router lift as it will have a good build quality and additional useful features.
In case you want to know about router lifts in detail, we have also included a Buying Guide later in this article that you can check out before making your final decision. The buying guide covers all the important factors about router lifts that a new buyer should know about before buying a router lift, so it’s going to be a lot helpful for you if you read it.
Best Router Lift 2023
Best Router Lift Reviews
1. KREG Router Lift
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Kreg is one of the best considerations to check out when it comes to router lifts as this brand has a pretty good reputation in the market for selling high-grade woodworking tools. Speaking about this router lift from Kreg, it is known to offer convenient above-the-table router adjustments, fast and easily. In fact, this router lift comes with a 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ plate made from hard-anodized material that won’t sag and even resists scratches. Moreover, it is compatible with almost all the router tables that Kreg offers, and many other tables as well. Since the max supported router diameter of this router lift is 4.2 inches, you can try out a variety of router options with this lift. Apart from that, thanks to its bearing-guided carriage, it operates quite smoothly which you will definitely like. Best Features:
Plate size is 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ Compatible with 4.2 inches routers Has a built-in micro-adjust scale Comes with a lifetime warranty
Pros:
Scratch resistant plate Highly durable Adequate pricing
Cons:
Installation might be time-consuming
2. JessEm Router Lift
Moving on to the next router lift option, JessEm is yet another great brand to go with in case you are looking for something affordable. This router lift is considered to be one of the best models in its price range as it comes with a 10-piece insert ring set with a caddy that you can use various router plates and lift systems. Moreover, the best part about this router lift is that it is compatible with most of the 3.5-inch diameter routers offered by Porter Cable, Dewalt, and Bosch. Since there is a double-sealed bearing available on this router lift, making the adjustments to the router is quite effortless and easy, even for beginner users. In fact, if we talk about the size of this router lift, it boasts a 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ plate which is CNC machined and is highly durable and long-lasting. Best Features:
Plate size is 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ Compatible with 3.5 inches routers Comes with a 10-piece insert ring set Comes with a lifetime warranty
Pros:
Sturdy construction Highly affordable Easy to use
Cons:
Does not support large router models
3. SawStop Router Lift
Coming to the next router lift option on this list, SawStop is one of the most reputed and highly trustworthy brands that you can go with as it’s recommended by most professionals. Thanks to its rigid construction and innovative design, the installation of this router lift is quite a simple and easy process. Although it’s a little bit on the expensive side, you won’t regret buying it because of its high build quality. It comes with a 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ plate, so you will need a fairly large work table to install it, but that should not be an issue for you. In fact, it is quite good and is compatible with almost all the routers with sizes up to 4.25 inch diameter. Not just that, one of the most attractive features of this router lift is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Best Features:
Plate size is 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ Compatible with 4.25 inches routers Has a built-in micro-adjust scale Comes with a lifetime warranty
Pros:
Long-lasting Easy installation Wide compatibility
Cons:
Expensive
4. Rockler Router Lift
Next up, we have another premium router lift option from Rockler Pro which is quite a popular brand that you will find in the market at the moment. Since this router lift is priced a bit on the expensive side, you will definitely get impressed by its build quality. Talking about its size, the Rockler router lift features a 9.25” x 11.75” plate which is generally compatible with most of the tables that are commonly used. Thanks to the fine adjustment gear, you can accurately adjust the height effortlessly. One of the most interesting facts about this router lift is that it is compatible with all router motors with up to 4.2 inch diameter. Moreover, the overall build quality is brilliant and it even comes with a lifetime warranty. Best Features:
Plate size is 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ Compatible with 4.2 inches routers Compatible with optional adjustments Comes with a lifetime warranty
Pros:
Fits most routers Snap lock for easy adjustments Build quality is promising
Cons:
A little costly
5. ZahyoX Router Lift
ZahyoX is also one of the best brands that are highly popular for selling woodworking tools, so if you are looking for something in the mid-range, it can be a good choice to pick. Looking at the features of this router lift, the hard anodized aluminum plate of this router lift is 9-1/4″ x 11-4/5″ in size which is slightly larger than standard. Apart from that, the double-sealed linear bearings are given on this router lift which offers resistance to dust infiltration and easy height adjustments. Along with the router lift, the package also includes a crank handle, 2 centre positioning pins, 4 mounting plates, multiple set screws, 3 allen wrenches, 3 insert rings, and 1 start pin as well. In addition, you don’t have to worry about router compatibility as it supports motors with up to 4.2 inch diameter. On top of that, the manufacturer also provides a lifetime warranty. Best Features:
Plate size is 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ Compatible with 4.2 inches routers Has a Hard Anodized Flat Top Plate Comes with a lifetime warranty
Pros:
Premium quality Bundle includes plenty of accessories Adequate pricing
Cons:
Installation might take time
6. Incra Router Lift
Lastly, we have a router lift from Incra by JessEm Tool Company, a well-known power & home improvement tool brand. This Mast-R-Lift-II router lift has a decent plate size of 8 1/4″ X 11 3/4″ and is made of hard-anodized cast aluminum, which means no complaints regarding its build quality. It allows you to make height adjustments (0.001-inch) quickly, precisely, and conveniently along with changing the router bits from above the table. It comes with 5 sealed ball bearings on the lift screw and cam lock for low friction and smooth router lift. While its INCRA MagnaLock makes perfect ring fitting and instant ring changes as well on the system. Though it is a bit premium, it includes all the essential accessories required for its proper installation. Talking about its compatibility, you can use almost all routers up to 3.5 inches in diameter along with almost all the router tables. It included a crank handle used to adjust the router’s height easily and quickly. You can easily insert the 5 steel reducing rings (1″, 3-5/8″, 1-5/8″, 3/8″, 2-5/8″) in the magnetic insert rings for instant ring changes and quick lock. However, a snug fit is ensured on the table due to its corner-mounted cam screw. Its patented thread tensioning system removes the vertical lash in the mechanism. Furthermore, the manufacturer provides a 1-year long warranty on this router lift, which is a bit small period compared to other products in the list. Best Features:
Comes with a hard anodized aluminum top plate Plate size is 8 1/4″ X 11 3/4″ Compatible with 3.5 inches routers Ball bearing mechanism for friction-less and smooth action Has INCRA MagnaLOCK for magnetic insert rings to fit perfectly Backed by a 1-year long warranty
Pros:
Simple installation and includes all accessories in the pack Great built quality that lasts longer Fits most routers and router tables Ball bearing driven shaft lock Allows for a quick and precise height adjustment
Cons:
A bit expensive model Not compatible with standard Incra Router Tables.
Buying Guide for the Best Router Lift
A router lift is quite an amazing tool that every carpenter should install on their work table to manage the router height efficiently without needing to go down. There is no doubt that spending some of your hard-earned money on a new router lift is quite worth it. However, most people don’t know how to pick the best suitable one from the market. That is why we highly recommend you to read this buying guide thoroughly until the end.
1. Plate Size
First of all, one of the most important things to check in a router lift is its plate size. In general, router lifts come with a 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ plate or an 8 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ plate size. So, the one that you should pick for your work table depends on the table’s size. If you have a large-sized work table, you should definitely go for a router lift with a 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ plate. Otherwise, if you have a compact setup, the router lifts with a smaller plate size would be a good pick for you.
2. Build Quality
Apart from the features and size of the router lift, you must ensure that you spend your hard-earned money on a high-quality one. If you compare several router lift options in the market, you will find that they vary a lot in terms of pricing. One of the factors that affect the price of any router lift is its build quality. As long as it is possible for you, we highly recommend you go for the high-quality router lifts. You will not only get the benefits of extra features on the expensive models, but they will even last for a longer time as well.
3. Compatible Routers
As you look for the router lifts in the market, one thing that you have to be specific about is the compatible routers. In case you are about to buy a new router, then you can go for any router lift option whichever fits your budget. Otherwise, if you already own a router lift, then it is highly important that you only choose the router lift that can be attached to your existing router. While some router lifts only support routers with 3.5 inches diameter, some larger lifts even support motors with up to 4.2 inch diameter as well.
4. Warranty
Aside from the size and build quality of the router lift, the brand value of the product matters as well. We highly recommend you to go for the brands that have a good reputation in the market. It is because the top brands generally offer better after-sales services than the newcomers. Apart from that, you will find that most of the top router lift brands offer a lifetime warranty which is definitely a perk for you.
Conclusion
As you might have already seen in the article so far, picking a new router lift from that market is quite an easy and simple task if you know about the key features. Since we have provided you with all the information and shortlisted some of the best options from the market, you can compare them and pick the right router lift for yourself pretty easily. In case you need any extra help, you can also consider reading the buying guide as well. Apart from that, if you are still confused and are not able to come down to a final decision, here are some of our personal recommendations that you can consider checking:
From the list, the KREG Router Lift is one of our personal favorite router lifts as it comes with a large 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ plate, and supports routers up to 4.2 inches in diameter. In fact, the pricing is quite adequate and the build quality of this router lift is very good. On top of it, it is backed by a lifetime warranty which makes it a perfect deal for you. On the other hand, if you want to purchase something affordable, the JessEm Router Lift is going to be the best option for you. It has a 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ plate and supports routers up to 3.5 inches in diameter. In fact, the construction of this router lift is quite sturdy, thanks to the CNC machined materials which offer additional durability. Apart from these options, you can also go with the Rockler Router Lift which is a bit on the expensive side but is excellent in terms of build quality. The package includes a bunch of useful accessories as well that will help you in the installation. Moreover, it has a 9 1/4″ x 11 3/4″ plate and supports routers up to 4.2 inches in diameter which is great.
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