Chinese Router Lift - Any Good? Let's find out!

[@chrisaltec2992]

This was EXACTLY what I wanted to see. No fluffing around, all the right info. Very well made 👏🏻

[@DIYTinkerer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Longer adjustment screw, drill clearance hole in bottom plate, put stop collar above and below that plate locked to adjustment bolt. Also add two plastic washers sandwiching red plate!

[@DIYTinkerer]

Thanks for the tip, I've been thinking of doing something like this 😀

[@christiangrimm5921]

Hi Simon, I also use the Katsu Router and have the same lift installed in my table. I do not use springs. You can align the head of the leveling screw with the bottom of your insert plate. I drilled the access hole a bit smaller than the head. So the router will be pushed downwards if I lower the lift. The only disadvantage of this lift is the 90 degree angle. If Iuse a bit bigger or longer router bit and push the wood towards the bit (obvious) while milling, I do not reach a perfect 90 degree angle. This is due to the fragile construction and small srew/poles.

[@DIYTinkerer]

Yes, I've noticed that as well, thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@brianfreeman8290]

You could even add a washer or shim between the plate and the head of the screw, but it would need a trace of adhesive.

[@richardw5507]

Simon, where've you been all my KZbin life? You've done everything I want to do in one channel

[@DIYTinkerer]

Thanks, I'm glad you found me!

[@miw182]

Thank you very much for that, I have looked at the exact same model, now I know what to look out for and get a set of springs, I dropped it in the first place because in my opinion it lacks a locking device

[@DIYTinkerer]

Glad I could help, it is cheap, personally I think it is better than nothing, but I will one day replace it. :-)

[@Corialtavi]

I got one of these last week, I've not messed with it yet but funnily enough my levelling screw was bent as well. Subscribed and now gonna look for your update video. Happy new year.

[@DIYTinkerer]

Thanks, I have a few on this lift, including a Digital Readout Mod and a springs mod, I've another mod in mind for later this year (hopefully!)

[@brianfreeman8290]

Mine has just arrived from Temu. Let battle commence !

[@DIYTinkerer]

LOL, good luck

[@bhartissimo]

I just ordered one of these lifts - it was cheap enough to risk buying without know if it will really work. If it's identical to the one you have, I guess all I'll need to do is add springs and drill a hole in the plate for the adjustment handle. Thanks for the video.

[@DIYTinkerer]

Good luck. I hope it works out for you.

[@bhartissimo]

@@DIYTinkerer Thanks. I'll find out when it eventually gets here.

[@Fusion_Woodworking]

Using the head of caliper to measure depth usually gives you more consistent results. The tail end is better for measuring holes.

[@DIYTinkerer]

Thanks for the tip! :-) 😀

[@keithdavison5578]

Hi tinker that looks better than what I have set up. I think that I will invest in one thanks looks easy to install thinks again 👍👍👍👏

[@DIYTinkerer]

Hi, thanks for the comments. Remember, it's a budget lifer, better than nothing, but not nearly as nice as the more expensive ones

[@gerardopolanko-zg6nc]

I recomend JUNG DIY video, the same router lift ; she did not complaint .

[@DIYTinkerer]

I'll check it out

[@MiguelCamba]

I actually ordered the same router lift this morning for around 31 euro. I was also unsure about it not having springs and relaying only on pure gravity. Can you tell me what the ideal length/diameter for the springs would be? If I order the springs today they may arrive at around the same time. I'll try to get one with some thickness so they have decent strength.

[@DIYTinkerer]

HI they need to be at least 65mm long with an Internal Diameter of about 10mm, they don't need to be too strong.

[@MiguelCamba]

@@DIYTinkererThanks! Great review BTW

[@flatlander523]

I would worry about the router trying to climb up as you route. If nothing holds the router fixed in one place it is liable to move up and down against the springs. I hope it works out for you.

[@DIYTinkerer]

Yes, it's a fair point, I added springs to 'improve it' I think it is better and easier to use than what I had, I'll eventually upgrade to a quality router and lift. Thanks for watching,

[@tomkneeland2638]

What router motor did you use with the lift? I tried a dewalt DWP611 but that motor was 69MM and that router lift could only handle 66MM.

[@DIYTinkerer]

Hi mine is a Katsu router, it's a knock-off of a makita, just noisier, less power, etc.

[@redslover5293]

Thanks for your time & info. I have been looking at this type of router lift for a bit of time but could not find a "real" info on the quality or functionality. I do have one question, what is the outside diameter of your router motor? Thx, Red

[@DIYTinkerer]

Hi Red, this is for a trim router, mine is a KATSU which is a rip off of a Makita trim router, it is ~65mm diameter

[@redslover5293]

@@DIYTinkerer Thanks for the measurement.

[@samiches2008]

NO SPRINGS NEEDED! Unfortunately, you created the need for springs when you enlarged that hole for the height adjustment screw. I have the exact same router lift. The design is such that the height adjustment screw gets sandwiched between the router plate and the bottom of the lift, eliminating the need for gravity. The head of the height adjustment screw is not supposed to go through the hole in the plate. It is supposed to stay under the plate and the only thing that goes through the hole is the hex key to adjust the height of the router. The top of the height adjustment screw is supposed to be touching the underside of the router plate. There is a set screw on the very bottom that allows you to adjust the height of the height adjustment screw. Proper installation is as follows: 1) Loosen the set screw on the bottom so the socket head is well below the ends of the linear bearing shafts 2) Attach the lift onto the router plate without enlarging the hole for the height adjustment screw 3) Adjust the set screw on the bottom until the top of the height adjustment screw is slightly pressing on the bottom of the router plate. Too loose and it will slide up and down when in use. Too tight and it will flex the plate and it will no longer be flat. 4) Enjoy! The procedure above will sandwich the router height adjustment screw between the bottom of the router plate and the top of the set screw on the very bottom of the lift. It will prevent the router from bouncing up and down, which also caused your inconsistent groove depth on your test piece. Ideally, you would put the socket head cap screw in a drill, drill press or lathe and run a file or stone over the top of the socket head to make it smoother to prevent it from eating into the bottom of the router plate. For as cheap as this thing is, it works amazingly well. Other mods: 1) Machine a bushing that allows a thrust washer to take the place of the socket head hitting the underside of the router plate. This requires a metal lathe to machine an adapter. A 6mm x 19mm x 2mm thrust washer is ideal. If I could post a drawing for the bushing here, I would. 2a) Mild thread locker on the 4 screws that tighten the grip on the router is also recommended. For me, the router holding method is the biggest flaw. The design allows it to loosen over time, or bend the screws because they are pretty tiny for that much lateral force. ...OR... 2b) After a little bit of use, I got rid of those pesky little screws that clamp down on the router. I ended up modifying the lift so I could use a hose clamp to keep the motor in place. There are 2 red plates that hold the router. On the side opposite the height adjustment screw, I installed two shoulder screws through the red plates that gave my hose clamp something to clamp the motor to. No more loose or bent screws! Shoulder screws had 6mm x 25mm shoulder with M5-0.8 thread Temu.com, banggood.com and amazon all have this router lift and multiple styles of router plates. The lift is designed to use 65mm diameter router motors, which includes the majority of 800 watt trim routers on the market. Using your savvy shopping skills you can have a complete router table for under $100 USD, including router plate with fence and miter gauge (both laughable), router lift, router motor, some router bits, and some Baltic birch plywood for the table and a box-joint jig! If you have a metal lathe, throw in the thrust washer and adapter mentioned above. The worst part is all the comments about needing springs and a locking mechanism. I didn't need either of them. The largest bit I use is a 3/4" straight bit for cutting box joints in 3/4" wood/plywood, so I don't get any flex either.

[@DIYTinkerer]

Thanks for the comprehensive comments on this router lift and your suggestions, when I have time I'll look more deeply at this, but I agree with you re- large bits iit s designed for a trim router, so you should keep to the sort of bits that a suitable for such a machine.

[@davidjennings9253]

More important - does the unit raise and lower accurately - is it concentric????

[@DIYTinkerer]

David, I suspect it isn't that accurate, I've not tested it for concentricness but suspect it angles a bit on the side with the lift bolt. It's still better than adjusting by hand for getting the height right but if you are looking for more accuracy it is worth saving up for a branded product.

[@petemisc4291]

The weak point is the thread on the aluminum that the riser adjustment blot rides in, too many adjustments over time may screw up the threads, it’s probably soft aluminum

[@DIYTinkerer]

Yea, you get what you pay for :-)

[@petemisc4291]

@@DIYTinkerer I believe all these type of devices that are from China and in the $25 to $35 price range all work the same way, there are a few or at least one model that I’ve seen that is a bit different but they didn’t show how the rise worked.

[@rogerprice4504]

Thanks Simon. I suspect this would be a suitable aid for me with limited need for heavy duty kit. But what "insert plate" did you use? I guess they are all different for each brand of router.

[@DIYTinkerer]

It was a KKmoon multifunctional router table insert plate, the router is a KATSU electric hand wood trim router. But I think the trim routers are pretty standard dimensions. Both available on Amazon.

[@cyberlizardcouk]

Could I ask what length and diameter the springs are? Thanks very much.

[@DIYTinkerer]

Hi, the springs are compression springs, they need to be about 65mm long and an internal diameter of 8mm or bigger, mine are actually 16mm in diameter.

[@cyberlizardcouk]

thank you. @@DIYTinkerer

[@johnhernlund539]

What router fits this lift? The ads I see online never mention this important bit of info.

[@DIYTinkerer]

Hi, thanks for the qurstion, sorry I didnt cover this. It fits a trim router, like the Makita knock-off I have the body of which is about ~64 -65mm diameter, the 'fingers' that grab the body in the lift will probably give you 2-3mm either side of that. Hope that helps.

[@johnhernlund539]

@@DIYTinkerer thanks! Also, thanks for covering obscure gear like this...I may just have to try one out, they are so cheap it is hard to resist.

I have bought this lift but problem is putting the router bit into the router , the spanner has not got enough turning space as it hit the lift spindles ,so only way is to take the router off and do , which is pain in the neck .

[@DIYTinkerer]

I raise the router and do this from above the table

[@diegohperez6434]

Oh yes works you need the router I have one definitely works is good is aluminium body sorry to interrupt is very easy fix thanks

[@DIYTinkerer]

Thanks for the info

[@HappyHitman]

I bought one but it appears that it's not compatible with my ryobi because of the screw position on the Ryobi

[@DIYTinkerer]

Ah that's a shame 😞, thanks for posting so others know.

[@johnbauer3801]

what kind of springs did you use? are they compression?

[@DIYTinkerer]

Yes, they were stock compression springs, but they were not strong enough, check out next weeks video for how I solved this by making my own custom springs

[@Ozone280]

@@DIYTinkerer You could put 2 springs with a washer between them on each column

[@DIYTinkerer]

@Ozone280 yep good suggestion 👌

[@richardh1764]

So you've had a few months now. What's the verdict?

[@DIYTinkerer]

It's OK, my verdict is the same, good value for money but don't expect the quality of a lift costing ten times more. If you don't have a lift and want a cheap upgrade to improve height adjustment then this is that upgrade

[@ichbinsooodoof]

is there any router lift, i can indtall an ordinary router likemy Bosch 1400 Watt router ?

[@DIYTinkerer]

If the router is one that can be detached from the plunge or fixed base then you should be able to find a lift, if it's like my old Bosch however then it won't be designed for conversion.

[@j.m.castilla7150]

How to fix it so that it does not go down or up it does not have a height fixing brake. How to ? Gracias

[@DIYTinkerer]

Yes it's on my to do list!

[@johnbauer3801]

Thanks

[@DIYTinkerer]

No problem

[@drmvh]

Mine is rubbish with a big slop in the lift part's oversized holes on the round bars...

[@DIYTinkerer]

Thanks for feeding back your experience. I think for the price you get what you pay for.

[@drmvh]

@@DIYTinkerer Indeed! I'm going to try a few mods and see if I can get rid of the slop , otherwise its either spend more money or make a router lift from scratch :)

[@GrantOakes]

On Temu there's one listed for only $11.48 and it has springs.

[@DIYTinkerer]

That is insane. And it has springs, I knew it was a good idea :-)

[@mic50del]

Bought one Used it once realized it was junk Main problem is there is NO locking mechanism I did overcome that but using the fix was a PITA (wasted money!)

[@DIYTinkerer]

Well I bought it expecting a much, I'll have to see if my experience is the same as yours. The design is flawed as I point out in the video, but I'm just looking for a cheap upgrade on what I was using. Hopefully the mod I've done ( next weeks video) will solve the movement issue you've experienced. And I've another video waiting to be made that will quantify how much movement there is once modded and if I need some sort of locking mechanism as you've suggested. So stay tuned to find out! :-) 😀

[@hwfranjr]

Same,thin i RAN INTO,turned The handel NOTHING,

[@DIYTinkerer]

Not immediately obvious is it!

[@hwfranjr]

Yep:Y bolts not STRAIGHT either,lol,Will bind

[@DIYTinkerer]

I'm sort of glad it wasn't just me...

[@hwfranjr]

Advise ya if ya got one get springs,lol

[@DIYTinkerer]

Yep

[@hwfranjr]

I BOUGHT a lift just like this and im TEYING to Find out justmhow this thing works,lol,i doesent Line up on the PLATE no HOLES for,this,thing had to drill a hole,😂😂😂,but,what holds it in place when ya lift The router??????

[@DIYTinkerer]

It's just the threaded rod holding it in place

[@luisllanos1435]

Pon una Emisora de radio asi puedes hablar todo el rato

[@DIYTinkerer]

Great idea 💡 👍🏻

[@stormnation6387]

Please drop the 'H' in assume... there was never a silent 'H' in the word to start with lol

[@DIYTinkerer]

Hi thanks for the advice, it's probably not going to happen I've always talked like this. :-)

[@hwfranjr]

Best o get a NON China MADE bolt lol,but im in Philippines no SUCH thing,lol

[@DIYTinkerer]

LOL 😆

[@aquacaloris]

Just add weight to the machine.

[@DIYTinkerer]

Thanks for the suggestion, I think from other comments I've had that the unit might have been faulty or manufactured incorrectly, some viewers have said that on their units the height adjusting thread is captive with the bottom plate, this isn't the case on my unit, but this would fix the problem, so something to look out for if you get one.

[@aquacaloris]

​@@DIYTinkerer I bought one and will look a this, thanks for the advise.

[@stevem268]

i just got one of those lifts, pretty crappy compared to my jessem stuff. two issues, first the router is not held rigidly enough and moves such that it's out of square, secondly, the router slowly lowers while in use as vibration is causing the lifting screw to rotate. useless piece of junk in my opinion

[@DIYTinkerer]

Yea it's a different beast, as I said in my review, better than nothing but far from great, I don't get the lowering from vibration your getting perhaps, the modifications I did helped?... but useless bit of junk? Against a lift that's 5-10 times the price I'd agree, but it's certainly easier to dial in than no router lift (at least that's how I find it). Thanks for sharing your view, it's really valuable to get other opinions. :-)

[@stevem268]

@@DIYTinkerer i will try a lock nut but the whole thing is just too flexible. i would pay more to have a much better one from jessem or even veritas

[@hwfranjr]

Yep same,as,mine,no instructions,use to that CHINA NEVER SEND INST AND WHEN AND IF THEYMDOMITS IN MANDERN😂😂😂

[@DIYTinkerer]

I guess you get what you pay for

[@hwfranjr]

REMEMBER YOUMBUY CHINA YA GET CHINA MADE,LOL

[@DIYTinkerer]

Yes, there's a reason they are cheap!

[@francoisdaudin8914]

before criticizing the work of others, you should have to go school and learn mechanic. First the material is aluminium, secondly the belt do not go down by gravity but by the head of the screw which is blocked by the plate on which the mechanisme is fixed, you can adjust it with a little screw at the bottom. Remove your ridicullous springs.... I have bought one and I can tell you as a mechanical ingenior that is a very good conception and very well made.

[@jeffcramer6722]

I am assuming English is not your first language?

[@francoisdaudin8914]

Hi Jeff, Sorry for my english, I am french. I invite You to have a look at this video: Router Table Lift for Micro Adjustment - DIY Install by Joeff Joinery

[@DIYTinkerer]

Hi, it sounds like the little bolt on your unit is captive with the bottom plate. On my unit the little screw serves no purpose other than to centralise the main screw thread of the mechanism. A captive bolt would certainly be a better design, but unfortunately on my unit the hole for the little bolt is slightly larger than the head of the bolt, so it can't serve as a captive bolt - a stepped hole would have been a better solution. I have been thinking for a few months about how I modify the lift so that the main thread becomes captive with the bottom plate but life has got in the way of actually doing anything about it. My main points in the review 1.There were no instructions 2.The main thread was bent 3. The design flaw (or perhaps manufacturing flaw?) preventing the lift from lowering correctly that my review was fair and I stand by what I said, which, if I paraphrase was 'It's better than no lift, but don't expect the rigidity of a lift costing 10 times as much.'

[@josuecaleb5053]

You can clearly tell in the video that his bolt is not captive, like you claim yours to be. You probably don't have the same model he does. You don't need to be a mechanical engineer to see that.

[@treboka9122]

@@josuecaleb5053😊