Cool Tool Monday // JessEm Ultimate Excell II Router Table Review

[@porker5749]

"And here's the safety guard, that ensures you keep all your fingers. I'll remove that so you can see the fence better." "Now I'll run a skinny bit of wood through without a push stick or putting the guard back on". Where'd my fingers go?!

[@avih7311]

crazy - I was getting anxious.

[@ipick4fun27]

The router table you used previously would have been a huge upgrade for me. LOL. The new one is awesome. I'm sure it costs a pretty penny.

[@SmallWorkshopGuy]

Wow, that is some router table package - very jealous!

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Haha thank you sir! If you do a decent amount of router work, it's worth every penny!

[@FridayWorkshop]

Awesome router table package. So jealous.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Thanks gentlemen.

[@gregbert2000]

Thanks for the discrete break down. I'm probably going to buy the parts that I want individually as there is almost no savings (about $13) when buying the Ultimate package vs a la carte. I plan to build a cabinet, so no need for the stand/casters.

[@MarriedManWoodworking]

That is a COOL TOOL!!! The fence and lift are my favorite parts. Thanks for the video.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Yeah, that's why I tried to delineate which parts can be bought separately. The lift and fence would be excellent add-ons to a shop built table. It's so nice being able to set up dead on accurate cuts so quickly.

[@Woodcraft716]

Sweet video Johnathan. That is an awesome setup. You really went all out. The raising mechanism is cool. Very nice job on the video. Keep up the great work.

[@PhillyFixed]

I can't justify JessEm for my occasional hobby woodworking, so I'll live vicariously through you, haha.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

I'm not sure I can justify it either - I like it though! Thanks man.

[@tacticalhomegrown]

That is so nice. I was happy to pick up one of those cheapo router tables at the transfer station. Baby steps, Earl, baby steps, lol. Keep up the great work.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Yeah, this table is nice, definitely overkill in some respects. I did a lot of routing on a crappy table - they work just fine too. Thanks for the comment!

[@davidb4233]

Good video, hadn't saw JessEm in a while.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Thanks David, JessEm's still around and making some great router accessories and tools.

[@terryholdredge6393]

Great presentation!

[@dbredeson77]

Nice work Jon. Great video and very informative.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Thank you sir!

[@WoodcraftBySuman]

Love the setup! My only hesitation with a standalone table is the floor space it takes up. I'm very happy with my table saw cast iron extension wing as it takes up no additional space.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Your shop is so big though! I should be the one worrying about space - no room left to fart in this shop. I considered long and hard about using the extension wing on my TS too. It's definitely a smart use of the space.

[@WoodcraftBySuman]

@@JonFordWoodworks lol. I used to work in a much smaller shop till 2021. Now that I have a bit of breathing room, I appreciate floor space a lot more than I would if I started out with something bigger. Plus, I like to have the option to do large project assemblies without feeling cramped. I am limiting my purchase now solely because I don’t want to give up any more floor space. Regarding extension wing: I used to have a full size router table. Switched to the extension wing. Don’t miss a single thing. It is just as functional as the bigger brother.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Yeah, well mines is black and gold - Who Dat!

[@anthonyvincent9990]

full package how much? and can you build a cabinet around it with that side adjustment?

[@roofermarc1]

You didn't mention the micro adjust which is offered separately also. That fence for that price should come with the stock holders and the micro! The jointing operation is needed for certain applications when a molding for example, its width is shortened by removing the leading edge! All wood shaper fences have this ability. Thanks for posting. I want one too

[@vespasian1100]

Excellent video. Can you please tell me what the size is of the fence dust output port? Thanks.

[@dahut3614]

It says right on the product page at Jessem- 2.5-inches outside diameter and 2.25-inches inside diameter!

[@TheTeamblack]

I’m on the fence to buy this router table. The price is holding me back. lol Thank you for the review.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Hey Orlando, it's definitely pricey, but it's also an excellent router table. Let me know if you have any additional questions, I'm happy to help!

[@adgieem1]

You are not alone.

[@mikewallace8087]

I have the first generation of the excell router table. The lift drive train is stiff to operate and uses cogged belt with a bit of backlash in the right angle gear drive. I am aware of the backlash and know how to operate the lift for accuracy . I have tested the new router lift system and I am envious. Oh well, I'll carry on with what I own.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Hey Mike, that is a bummer. I have not had a single issue with this router table setup. I have some tools that have learned to work around their shortcomings too though, so I know your pain. Do you think you will upgrade anytime soon?

[@mikewallace8087]

@@JonFordWoodworks I have caressed the current model you show and salivate at its smoothness of operation. I don't regret my flagship model, it is what it is.

[@keithbrock6410]

Great video Jonathan. That is a nice router table, and soon you will have that Milwaukee beast of a router to power it!

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Thanks Keith man, yeah my Bosch 2-1/4hp motor has been doing fine, but for some reason I just need to go bigger! The Milwaukee 3-1/2hp router is no joke.

[@RobsCustomWoodshop]

Looks like a really nice router table. Great video Jonathan

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Thanks Rob, I appreciate it!

[@restorationconstantines7731]

amazing skill and tools

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Thanks so much!

[@robertpacheco4244]

Are you planning to build a cabinet into the base? I have the same thing and I’m having a hard time designing something that works in there because of lack of attachment to the legs.

[@dahut3614]

I just watched a pretty good video where the guy "designed on the fly." kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWmsloqtq7SbpMk He has the steel stand, but there's a recessed area on the inside of the ALTS stand to accept plywood. I'm in the same boat!

[@BassadorWoodworking]

Great video! That is a beautiful router table. I love the lift mechanism, should be great for micro-adjustments.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Thanks man, I owe you big time! It is a cool table, maybe a little over the top, but it's so quick and easy to setup and adjust.

[@crappiemaster-hl2kf]

Opps, I must be on the rich and famous woodwork's channel. I can see already I can't afford that equipment!!

[@luizzahome]

It was a pleasant video, congratulations, I wish you success🔔

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Thank you so much - the kind words are greatly appreciated!

[@kr5289]

I bought this table few months ago, but realize after I went to use it, I can't use the 2 1/2" bit to make miter cabinet doors. the fence isn't tall enough I've mounted a board under it, but I wish had known this beforehand.

[@Chev56]

So, can you use the bit with the modification you described? Also, if you had known the fence wasn’t tall enough before you bought the table, what option would you have chosen?

[@kr5289]

@@Chev56 I was back and forth on the Sommerfeld router table I really wish I had gone that route. however, I can use the bit with the modification I made.

[@wormbore]

Perfect video 👍😊

[@JonFordWoodworks]

You da man Worm!

[@stevebobby3524]

I have had the same setup for a number of years the only complaint is dust collection, it’s terrible. The fence pickup is ok the bottom which is 4” misses most of the chips

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Agreed, I rarely even bother connecting any dust collection to it. I use the fence port sometimes, but hardly ever the bottom one. It's still a great router table though! Which router do you use with it? Thanks so much for checking it out.

[@stevebobby3524]

Porter Cable 7518 Var Speed

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Awesome, that's a fine router. I was initially using a Bosch 2-1/4hp. Now I have a Milwaukee 3-1/2hp, which is probably more router than I need!

[@putralimolas-pp4jf]

Amazing

[@adgieem1]

A price would be nice to know. Just a general comment on the cost …

[@tycotoys]

I bought one of these for my $29 Harbor Freight Chinese router.

[@dave_ecclectic]

I don't think those hold downs did anything at all since you adjusted them by resting them on the wood they are supposed to _hold down_ The fact that you can pull the wood sideways out from under them shows this. You also slid the wood under the outfeed one with no action or anything at all. Then you showed how not to use a router table.

[@dahut3614]

I can buy a folding jobsite table saw with a rack and pinion parallel fence and a motor for under $700. The blade goes up and down and tilts. How in hell is this worth $2200 without a router motor?!

[@joewalton6056]

Great comment, I'm glad someone said this. Might as well buy a Sawstop table saw with a cast iron router table all for $3K

[@cristofacar]

Oh dear! No wonder you have so few subscribers! So here's some feedback. If I tune in to a 'review', I am not looking for a list of part numbers which I can get from the manufcturer's website, but an objective evaluation of the machine in question by someone who has used and tested it extensively! You have clearly done neither!

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Thanks buddy.

[@michaelk1266]

No one cares about the item numbers. Makes the video so annoying to watch and listen to.