Great job Eric.. Like others waiting on your report on how it works for you.
From what I see, the job that you have done, it should work really nice for you

Larry

Thank you all very much. This was a fun project to make, and compared to the old router I was using with the table this should be much easier to use.
I have a socket speed wrench in my automotive tool box but when I get to one of the big box stores today I want to get another one for the router table. also want to get a ruler that can be adapted to a post on the lift with a pointer on the clamp block, that will make adjustments easier. As soon as the shop gets cleaned up the new project will begin and I will report on how the lift works.
Thanks again for all your kind comments

Posted By efmaron on 01-06-2012 09:03 AM
Thank you all very much. This was a fun project to make, and compared to the old router I was using with the table this should be much easier to use.
I have a socket speed wrench in my automotive tool box but when I get to one of the big box stores today I want to get another one for the router table. also want to get a ruler that can be adapted to a post on the lift with a pointer on the clamp block, that will make adjustments easier. As soon as the shop gets cleaned up the new project will begin and I will report on how the lift works.
Thanks again for all your kind comments

Real nice build eric. I'm sure you won't be missing your old system anytime soon
BTW, If you have a Harbor Freight close I think I only paid about $6 for a speed wrench there.

Eric I believe I saw some eassy read tapes at Rockwell that would be great for that, good idea to add that detail. Keep us posted. Enjoy your next routing job.

(Anyone else think Eric will be routing an edge on everything in site this weekend?)

Eric,

Now that you have it "finished" and working, what are you going to do Now?

Edge mold everything in sight?

That is a wonderful addition to any shop and you are commended for
A JOB WELL DONE!

Thanks Guys,
John thanks for the HF suggestion but the closest is at lest 100 miles away.
Dewey no edge routing this weekend. We have a cast iron legged garden bench that I wanted to replace the wood on this weekend but have to much barn repair to do.
H.R. most of the time I leave a round over bit set up for band saw boxes and bases for carvings, the problem with the old router is the bit would move down. It was difficult to tighten the collet with the old table setup when used free hand I could tighten the bit easier and it would hold fine.

This morning was my first chance to test the router lift. I felt a good test would be to see if it would move up straight while cutting a dado 3/4" deep a 1/4" at a time.
I took a piece of 2x4x5. Next a new 5/8" carbide bite was chucked up and set the fence so that it was 1 3/4" from the center of the bite.
The first pass was set for 1/4" deep, than the sides of the dado was marked with a marker. The next cut was a 1/2" deep the marks from the marker remained. Then another pass 3/4" deep.
Check out the pics below, the marks were rubbed by the bite on each pass but can still be seen.
To me this is the most important function of the lift to move the router up square to the table.
If any of you would like me to try something else let me know.

Good job Eric, kudos to you on your new lift and the great presentation.

Love that "CLEAN" dado and through the knot too.

That is GREAT!

I'd kinda like to see some of the commercial lifts run the same test. They shouldn't miss but I'd be willing to bet more than a few do

Thanks Guys
John the key is that everything has got to be square and fine tuned. Even a store bought lift would have to be setup properly, the results will depend on how well it was setup.

Thanks for posting on making the router lift. It was interesting to following your post on this.
Glad to see everything worked well for you.

Thanks for posting and great job
Larry

I purchased the router lift from Rickler and installed it and love it.  The only problem you have to be concerned about is the size or diameter of your motor.  Check this out carefully before purchasing the lift.