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Axminster tools router lifter
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Well engineered and gives a smooth operation – some holes though cross.
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My previous solution worked, but not smoothly enough since operated only on one side of router
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The previous cutout was exactly to size for the router uplift
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Fitting for optional digital readout was removed since I won’t be using it
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Router is secured to the plate which is held in place by 4 clamps
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6 grub screws used to adjust the level of the router table surface
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Straight edge used to adjust the grub screws
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Centre plate removed by perspex ‘spanner’
I bought a ‘cheap’ router table about twelve months ago but used it very little due to the awkwardness of using it. Initially I was put off because I used too large a cut. My reasoning was I would have to try and adjust its height less. However one or two near misses convinced me to use the router out of the table and free hand.
I made an effort to produce my own router lifter but to be fair it did not work too well. The main drawback was the unbalanced nature of adjustment and really it did not produce a good solution. While researching other peoples solutions I found that Axminster tools (a local supplier I use) manufactured their own table. Looking at the design I was impressed at the way they linked the 4 corners if the jack by chain and it really is a smooth operation.
So I decided that since I had come into a little money I would purchase the lifter and so make better use of equipment I already possessed. The table duly arrived and I was immediately impressed with the high quality of manufacture. But on closer examination I was disappointed to see that a scratch was cut into the nice anodised surface. I also had difficulty in removing one bolt that was attached to one clamp. I only managed to move it by using a longer handled Allan key.
I did think about returning the item, disappointed by Axminster who are normally very good. However I did loosen the clamp and decided I would fit it anyway. Everything else went well and it was a simple case of securing the router to the pre-drilled plate before securing it back in place with the 4 clamps.
The 6 supplied grub screws were then fitted and I used a straight edge to get it flush with the table top. Now it was time to try it out. I put the handle in place to adjust the height of bit only to find that the ‘scratch’ was in fact nothing but the mark for measuring adjustment! It is supposed to be there!!! Talk about feeling daft!
The Quality of the table is high and its smooth operation a pleasure to use. A piece of scrap wood was used to ‘play’ with different cuts and the real bonus is a useful resource is now available. Health issues cause me to operate ‘above’ table and I now look forward to its first real action.
