JessEm Tool Company Mast-R-Lift II 02120 Router Lift, 9-1/4-Inch by 11-3/4-Inch

This is so well made. I’m using it with my Bosch router and it makes adjustment a breeze. Very accurate and smooth as glass. I love using quality tools like this. I mounted it in my home made table. No need for the template as it’s easy to make your own with a template bit setup. Would buy it again. Got that new toy rush on this one.

This router lift is as fine a product as I've every purchased. The documentation is high quality and doesn't appear to be some kind of mechanical translation from another language, which is a great confidence builder that the manufacturer is building a quality product THROUGHOUT the entire process. The manufacturing of the lift appears to the naked eye to be as precise as one could need. A Porter Cable 7518 , Speed-a-matic 3.25 HP router motor was installed in the lift. Installation couldn't have been easier! Partly because of the quality documentation; but, mostly because the lift came out of the box already configured for the PC 7518. The docs clearly explain how to adapt the lift for the other routers this lift is designed to accommodate. All the parts and the tools to accomplish the adaptation are included. Again, an example of QUALITY manufacturing and a commitment to customer service. After mounting the router motor, the lift was installed in a JessEm router table top. As expected, it fit perfectly! The leveling screws installed effortlessly with the included Allen wrench. After completing the installation, the lift was checked for operation. Raising and lowering the heavy router was easier than I anticipated. The mechanical advantage of the lift and the included cranking handle make adjustments as simple as can be. The locking mechanism secures the motor at the exact height you need. More about this a little later. To test the new router and lift about 125 feet of 3/4 inch hickory was run through a cabinet door profiling bit. After an easy setup to get the exact height needed to match the hickory cross members, we ran the hickory. To assure proper fit, we compared the profile of each piece as it came off the table. Then, the final check was to compare the first (of 48 pieces) to the last, and the profile was exactly the same. I am completely satisfied that the locking mechanism holds the router EXACTLY where you need it to be. My only complaint is with the included tool that locks and unlocks the insert rings. One ring is included with the plate and the tool doesn't align with the holes in the insert ring. Thinking I might have a bad ring, I tried the tool on each of the new rings that came with the JessEm 02025A 4-Piece Tab-Loc Insert Ring Set, (ordered separately). All of the holes on each of the 4 other rings align with the insert ring that came with the lift. Apparently, the nibs on the tool are spaced a little too closely, Or, the tool is misaligned. Don't know. But I'll be contracting JessEm to inquire about a replacement. (EDITED CONTENT: I contacted JessEm about this issue. They understood immediately, and apologized for the problem. I was told JessEm was aware of the problem, and HAD issued a recall to all the distributors to pull this accessory and replace it before selling the product. Apparently the one I ordered from Amazon slipped through with the defective part. JessEm sent the new part to me IMMEDIATELY! I think it was in my hands in TWO days! GREAT service!)

This jessem lift is a sure bet! Always quality tools! This lift is no exception! Smooth and quick to use and you can count on the lock to stay locked!

I have tried a few different router lifts leading up to the purchase of this unit, including an Incra Mast-R-Lift, and 3 Jessen Rout-R-Lift. Comparing to all the units I've used in the past, this one is a noticeable step up in terms of features and accuracy. I have struggled in the past with MDF table and phenolic router lifts due to sagging and deformation over time. Comparing to the lighter duty Rout-R-Lift, this unit is mostly constructed of aluminum as opposed to phenolic top plate. The design and build of this unit is extremely sturdy. I attached a Porter Cable 7518 3.25HP motor to it, and mounted in a cast iron table. With this set up, I'm confident it will never sag, move, deform under any load. The unit is thoughtfully design with 8 set screws and 3 cam locks to allow you to level and secure it in the table opening with zero play. The lead screw on the lift mechanism is under some preload, very similar to ball screws on a CNC such that there is virtually no back lash. This means the distance dial indicator will be accurate not matter what direction you rotate. Also because of this, when you engage the lock mechanism, the height will not change. This is a very essential feature for cutting joinery since you will be measuring and adjusting the height. The last thing you want is for the lock mechanism to change your setting. So far this is the only lift I've used that holds the position true when you engage/disengage the lock. Some users complained about this feature in other reviews (difficult to rotate, sensitive to dust, all are nonsense). In my opinion if you can't understand some of the most basic mechanism concepts, you shouldn't be messing with a professional equipment, let alone leaving misleading reviews.

Woodcraft was the seller. Box arrived beat to pieces and one of the primary support rods sticking out the side. To say I was annoyed would be an understatement. Took pictures before I opened it. It looked to me like the box was previously opened and packing materials removed. The router lift was just sitting in the box completely unsecured. I almost sent it back without even checking it for damage, but I figured I would need more pictures so I took it out and inventoried the parts which were all there. Closer inspection revealed no obvious damage so I cranked the lift through its range and it operated smoothly. Checked the plate for flatness and it was ok too. Decided to keep it and I am really enjoying having it. Jessem Mast-R-Lift 5 stars. Woodcraft zero stars. UPS one star since they managed to get it here. If you're on the fence about getting one of these they really do work great and they are extremely tough as well. One note about it fitting Kreg router tables, yes it fits the opening perfectly, however the hold down screw holes in the corners do not match the Kreg mounting system. It's not like it's going to jump out of the hole but it is the one gripe I have about the lift. I know all the manufacturers want to sell the whole setup, but most of us buy things one piece at a time and it would be nice if all the industry standard router plates / tables 100% compatible. Even if your router table doesn't match the hold down screw pattern I think you will be very pleased with this lift.