On 21 Mar 2005 19:08:36 GMT, Rich Shepard wrote:

I am building a router table which will use the Porter-Cable 690 1.75hp
variable speed router, and I am pondering the wisdom of using a lift rather
than attaching the fixed base to the table insert. While I have read all
about the advantages of swapping bits from above the table, and changing
depth settings easily and precisely from above, I still wonder if these are
really issues for the occasional furniture builder that I am. If it matters,
I'm considering the Rousseau lift because it seems to have all the features
and capabilities that they all do, but at the lowest cost I've found on the
web.

It would help me quite a lot to learn of your experiences with lifts in a
non-production setting. Opinions and thoughts, both pro and con, are greatly
appreciated.

Many thanks,

Rich
=======================
I think of myself as more then an ocassional furniture maker
...especially since I retired 6 years ago... and now report to my shop
almost every day...(hiding out from the wife alot I admit)...but you
get the idea...

I honestly see no real or imagined need for a router lift... I just do
not... I use a Benchdop table...all I do is open the door bend over
slightly remove router .place it on the tables surface..change bits
bend over slightly again install router (...maybe 2 minutes time IF I
am in no hurry) ... Adjustments take maybe 3 times as long without a
router lift... yep 10 seconds vs 3 seconds...or if the adjustments are
real critical it may take 12 seconds...

I may have wasted a full hour last year adjusting my routers...
BUT I am retired...so I have the time...and I also have the money that
I did not buy a router lift with....

Just my opinion... Router lifts are nice..but not really something you
abssolutely need and are not the cheapest thing to buy...

Bob Griffiths
PS:
Now I do have a lift...its in the garage and I use it to work on my
cars... just too old to crawl under the cars any more... Got one up
there now replacing all 4 brake caliburs.!