JessEm Lift Mast-R-Lift II First Look And Why I Chose To Go This Way

Changed my mind about building a lift assembly after pricing out a Woodpeckers blank plate and ring set as a starting point. Changed my mind and decided a JessEm Mast-R-Lift would be a easy to modify lift that would save me many hours of machining and debug work. Bought it here thisiswoodworking.com/jessem-... . If you use this link tell them about my video. For $319.00 delivered this looks like a perfect starting point and I will follow up with the mod video. This video is a first look at the lift.
Here are some Amazon links for items used in the video and remember Amazon pricing varies daily so check them several times to get the best deal.
Jessem Lift amzn.to/391Kbli
Jessem Insert set amzn.to/38V1gx0
SawStop cast iron top amzn.to/2EFRZee
1/2" UHMW tape .02 thick amzn.to/2sc8FHH
These are affiliate links that provide a small commission to help support my channel.

[@josephchimento7403]

Great router table build video series. I really like the bit storage drawers. Thanks for posting!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. Those little bit holders made it easy and the shelves have been a great way for me to keep track of bits and not leave them laying around the shop. Thanks for watching.

[@dougprentice1363]

Just absolutely incredible work. The problem solving and quality of the end result I so appreciate.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. That jessem lift really made it an easy job. Thanks for watching.

[@carsntoolsmcgee4570]

I thought I was OCD...until I saw this... This was...simply beautiful. Well done sir. Well done

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. It's fun to make things that fit your needs.

[@samiches2008]

This has been a most excellent build series. Even though everyone has their own likes and dislikes on design and function, I can't think of a single thing I would do differently if I were building one for myself. Many kudos for design, features, functionality, and quality of build!!!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. Sometimes the only way to get exactly what you want is to build it. This Jessem lift did save a lot of time and works great so it was a shortcut worth taking. Thanks for watching.

[@dgoddard]

Great review! I'm looking to build my own router table and I wanted to source the lift I was going to use. Searched YT for "router lift" and your's came up in the top 10. You literally checked off all of the boxes of what I wanted to know about this lift. Good job! You just sold a router lift.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Glad it was helpful. This has been a great lift so far and was very easy to motorize. Thanks for watching.

[@garymaynard7562]

Very impressive unit. I will look into getting the same. Thanks for sharing this !

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I don't think it can be beat for the price. Not sure if it is just a holiday special though. Thanks for watching.

[@garytraffanstedt]

Thank you for posting this. I was torn between the Jessem or the Sawstop lift and you sold me on the Jessem. And you saved me $$ too. Thanks!!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I love this lift. No problems yet with the 3 1/2 hp router. Thanks for watching.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Looking good around there. Thanks for sharing with us. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your families.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year's to you and your family also. Thanks for watching.

[@kasper7106]

that has to be the nicest router table set up I have ever seen. Great Job!!!!!!!!!!!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. It's definitely quiet and smooth running. Thanks for watching.

[@Mary-Mercedes]

Have a Blessed and Happy Christmas, Happy holiday, and a prosperous & healthy New Year to you, Mrs. URHC, and all your family.🌲⭐️🥂

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. Same back to you and your loved ones. Can't believe how fast the years fly by lately. Have a wonderful Christmas. Thanks for watching.

[@davehogan4776]

OMG!!!!! Way Beyond AMAZING!! A true Master!! Awesome video! Thanks!!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. This lift will definitely make it easier to finish up. Thanks for watching.

[@jonduran7617]

"I wanted to show you how well it works before I touched it" Haha! I know the feeling! Been there. Nice vid thank you!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

It's best to show that because things don't always turn out perfect after making changes. Thanks for watching.

[@byrnejr]

I have to tell you it came out Awesome! That is one slick setup.There not a doubt in my mind you can design and fabricate a new saw dust vacuum! As always thank you for taking the time to share. Your a one man band Ed.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. Sometimes it's cheaper and quicker to buy something that has been tested and works right from the start like this lift. I am also realizing that viewers prefer videos about things they can buy and modify from the analytics and watch time of my videos. That's why I tried the Grizzly cyclone and it turned out being another big mistake. Thanks for watching.

[@jameslemasters9792]

Jesse makes great stuff. You made a good choice it should serve you many years.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

They did a great job on this lift. It's simple and works really good. They have been proven over time. Thanks for watching.

[@jamesconnors5653]

Sensational kit.

[@dennismacwilliams196]

Wow what a great table Way cool...

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

This will be a great lift to go with it once it's automated. Thanks for watching.

[@cliffordcosta2221]

Nice Video. Merry Christmas to you and Dale.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks Cliff. This sure was the easy way to go. Had everything moving nice in about 2 hours and its really accurate. Just a couple brackets for the optical sensors and its finally done. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's to you and Lill. Thanks for watching.

[@mikeo5657]

That is an incredible setup. You've really got a great idea here, and it's been executed so well!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. It's nice to finally have a good router table. Thanks for watching.

[@Dobbo2958]

Beautiful engineering. Looks great really looking forward to future video's. Looks like you've been punching someone with those knuckles.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

They did a really nice job on this lift and kept it affordable. Got in a fight with a Grizzly cyclone last week that had razor sharp edges, Thanks for watching.

[@kurtgoodwin9490]

Thoughtful and interesting review

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

It's a great lift that can handle the big routers. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelmcnally]

Thank you for this really well made video. I can't go for the high send stuff that you have but it helps to see what top shelf stuff looks like.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

After many years dealing with lower end machines I am finally starting to upgrade to what is best for my needs now. Thanks for watching.

[@andymok7945]

Nice video. I have the same router lift. My whole router table system is made by JessEm and they are Canadian, eh!! Beautifully machined.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

They do make nice affordable attachments. Thanks for watching.

[@paulgargan6134]

Great job

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks for watching.

[@stoffes]

have to say its look very nice the whole assembly

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. JessEm did a real nice job on this lift. Thanks for watching.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I have an Incra version of this router lift, the inserts with the Incra works better using neodymium magnets and laser cut steel inverts. I also have the clean sweep and the inserts with slots for dust extraction. The repeatability is incredible. You really enjoy this lift. Yes I drank more Incra Kool Aid and bought the TS LS joinery System. I am very happy with my purchase. You will enjoy your setup for many years. Your cabinet is very impressive. One other thing that you could do is drive the stepper motor with g code to automate some simple bit height adjustment to make repeatable cuts say for mass producing 3 D parts.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I didn't like the idea of tight fitting steel inserts that have to be pried out right next to carbide bits that chip easily. I like the plastic inserts and see there's a company machining the same dust holes on them. I may try to modify a set if I have a problem with sawdust. I started out with an arduino to control the fence like that but decided to keep it simple. I want to build a second version that the fence interchanges with a gantry to turn it into a cnc router in less then a minute. Thanks for watching.

[@Todd-W]

i just bought the lift plate, and table top, then ran across this "build" what the heck is that orange cabinet? I want it!! I'll even pay for one with your logo on it! LOL that's awesome!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

It's an awesome lift. Your going to have to build your own. Thanks for watching.

[@Rage-of-War]

Really awesome set up!!!!!!!!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks Its nice to finally have a good router table. Thanks for watching.

[@Rage-of-War]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 ha ha ha its a WHOLE lot more than really good, not sure that anything could make it any better, I am going to go with your recommendation of the JessEm lift through your link, that price is still good for 319!!!! Once again, AWESOME table really amazing!!

[@steher]

Very nice!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

It's a great lift. Thanks for watching.

[@JesseStanchfield]

wow and thank you!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

It was a good choice and no issues at all. Thanks for watching.

[@m3rdpwr]

That's quite a nice piece. I remember looking at that when I wanted to build a router table. In the end, I cheaped out, because it wouldn't get much use. Can't wait for the end result!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

This will save me lots of time and seems very well made. I definitely am over budget on this build but in the end I think it's worth it. I can't believe how smooth and quiet it is compared to my old table. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's. Thanks for watching.

[@mattbowers5342]

I really need a lift, I’m getting too darn old to get on my hands and knees to change height and bits, thanks for the review!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

This is a great lift. I would definitely recommend it. Thanks for watching.

[@dougprentice1363]

That lift is really a lot better design than the old incra one I have. That is a lot of bang for the buck.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Yes it is. Works great. They sent out a email last week they had several quality rejects for around $250.00 each. They just had a different shade stripe across the top plate anodize that doesn't affect function. Any other company like Incra would have just tried to pass them off as perfect. I recommend this one. Thanks for watching.

[@singlefather01]

Being a woodpecker fan, this wasn’t even my choice. But I did choose Incra system.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I feel more comfortable buying affordable brands to try on my channel. I am not impressed by the recent quality problems on incra products I purchased. I think they may both be made by Jessem though. Thanks for watching.

[@smokeu27]

Love the system very nicely organized. how did you make your labels around you router bits?? Love the look and idea...

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. I made the labels with my cameo 3 print and cut. It's shown in one of the videos. Used a waterproof removable glue vinyl so they can be changed as needed. Those bit holders work awesome. Thanks for watching.

[@billnj4923]

Very nice I still want to get a copy of your book (when you write it )

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I will have to call it Learning from the million mistakes I made. Thanks for watching.

[@cweatherford]

Thanks for this great video. Are you going to make a video on the motorized lift?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Already made one. It's the last of the series about the router table build. Thanks for watching.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnaaZXiJgbCcn80

[@stevenlimbach3827]

Enjoyed the viceo as I'm considering router lifts right now. Q? how did you make those great circular labels for your bits?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

My cameo 3 using print and cut. It's great for all types of labels. I have a video about it if you search. This is a great lift. Thanks for watching.

[@maydanlex]

Great 'tutorial'. As I'm Canadian I'll be taking the plunge for this lift....cause it's made in Canada.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

It's a really nice lift. Get on their email list as every once in a while they run a good sale. Thanks for watching.

[@jsabados]

Great video as always. The reason I am getting the INCRA lift is because of the inserts. I am not concerned with the fact that they are metal. I do like the fact is that there are levelers for the inserts to keep them flush with the top. I had tried the Jessem router plate and over time, the inserts get dust in them or get worn a bit and that caused the inserts to not fit level or to be very hard to remove or install. Have you seen this over the last year and a half? Thanks again for your informative videos!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

No problem with them yet. I really like how they lock in place and remove quickly once I added magnets under the pin holes and it only takes one hand. I wasn't pleased with the quality of an Incra sled I purchased so I avoid that brand. Thanks for watching.

[@jsabados]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Thanks for the reply. I'm glad you have had no issues. I like your idea of magnets. FYI - the Incra mast r lift 2 is made by Jessem so I feel confident that I will get a great router lift. Thanks again!

[@johnmutton799]

It always gets me how they go to all the trouble to make a router table like that. Yet cannot get the top flat. It is just another cheap top!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I guess you know nothing about tolerances. Thanks for watching.

[@mikedouglas5335]

Really enjoyed the video, thank you. Having looked at many different brands I'm leaning towards the JessEM Mast-R-Lift. My only question is I have a Bosch 90300M Model .09 Production Router and I'm not sure the JessEM will accommodate It's 4 1/4" inch girth, JessEM doesn't seem to answer. Thanks, Mike

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I think mine is around 4.2 diameter and I don't know if it will go any larger. Download the manual and look at the block settings for different size router mounting. With this covid19 many manufacturers don't seem to answer lately. Thanks for watching.

[@mikedouglas5335]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Thank you!

[@mikedouglas5335]

I think i'm also going to sell my Bosch router to copy you, love your build. You probably state somewhere but I didn't see it, what model Milwaukee router do you have and are you happy so far? Thanks, Mike

[@michaelkaye4998]

A router is down the line for but I’m curious as to why you want to motorized the lift? It looks so smooth and easy as it is.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Because i wanted it automated like the rest of the table. Thanks for watching.

[@kenvorisek9125]

Hello, I may have missed it in your build videos but where did you get the Radius Dust Collecting Feather Board ? Great videos....Thanks for you help! Ken.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Peachtree woodworking. They run some awesome deals if you get on their e mail list. Thanks for watching

[@kenvorisek9125]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023, thank you my friend....

[@mikedouglas5335]

Love your set up , would you please tell me the Milwaukee router you, and are you happy with it? thanks

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

It is the 5625 3 1/2 hp. Mine has been good. Reviews I have seen indicate they may go through switches so I use a contactor to turn it on and off. Draws 15 amps so I use a 20 amp circuit. Thanks for watching.

[@mikedouglas5335]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Thanks!

[@tomkeegan5175]

I just bought the same setup as you got the Sawstop table and the same router lift how did you fix the four corner bolts to hold it in the place I don't want to start cutting or drilling before I ask you how you did it?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Did you watch the part 8 video? It shows all the grinding and filing of the corners. Thanks for watching.

[@tomkeegan5175]

No but I will, Thanks

[@davesatosky5840]

have u had any issues with the insert rings not being flush with the plate? i have a jessem insert plate, not a lift, and the red rings have never been flush with the top and i had to sand them down to work which made em ugly and rough

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

No, the 3 that came with it are perfectly flush as I showed. I am waiting for the 10 PC upgrade set and will check them all. Did you contact them about that and see what they say?

[@thewoodshop69]

Boy the price really went up on that.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Since this video the price of food items we buy have gone up about 150% so JessEm pricing is right in line with inflation. Never seen inflation like this before. Pretty soon the dollar will be worthless. Thanks for watching

[@PepeSi7via]

Did you make the cabinet yourself? Do you have a video on making it?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

There's a playlist with 9 videos about making it. Thanks for watching.

[@MrFlintwalker1]

Can you post a parts listing and links to where you purchased the parts to motorize this build?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I don't make parts lists. Most items I have laying around and the rest I find on Amazon or Ebay. Any nema 23 stepper should work. Thanks for watching.

[@markelljonessr8511]

Like your creations. We have a lot in common. I would like to reach out to you in the very near future.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Thanks. Always fun to make things you can't buy. Thanks for watching.

[@tekviper9]

Woodpeckers is good products but waaay over priced. You made the right decsion going with Jessem

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

This is a great lift. Thanks for watching.

[@jmdelap00]

Confused 😕...does adding a router motor to a lift designed and sold for a router motor to function void the warranty? AND...if so...how do I get in touch with these warranty writers 🤔? I need some bs'ers in my corner.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Modifying it to add a stepper motor to a hand operated device would. Just like those that use a drill driver to operate it and sieze it up by going to fast. Just puttung a router in it uaing the crank wouldn't. Thanks for watching.

[@steven.woodward]

What is the size of that SawStop cast top you are using ?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Their standard router table, not the saw extension. Thanks for watching.

[@steven.woodward]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 SawStop offers two castings for making into stand alone router table: RTC27 is 27” x 16”. RT-C32 is 32" x 24". Which one did you use ?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

the 32 x 24 table one. The other is just a saw router extension.

[@LQ-gaming]

Can you mount a bosch pof 1400/1200 in this router lift?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Contact Jessem to be sure. Love the lift. Thanks for watching.

[@billinfarmington5189]

The JessEm comes in both Imperial and Metric. I was wondering which one you bought and also importantly why one versus the other. I have been using the woodpecker for years and have not been particularly happy with it. I kind of liked the idea of the Incra version with the steel top because of being able to use magnetized fittings and jigs, etc. Bill

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

It's the inch one that I put a link to #02120. I looked at that one but really didn't like the idea of steel inserts and wonder if they cut corners to save money like they did on the sled that I bought. They did a really nice job on this lift and it looks like it will last. For a little over $300 plus $50 for the extra rings I think it's a bargain. Thanks for watching.

[@b1j]

The Incra top is also aluminum. The steel inserts mate with rare earth magnet disks set into the top.

[@b1j]

Jesse makes the lift for Incra to put the Incra branding onto it.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Those are the inserts I was talking about. I really don't like idea of placing tight fitting metal inserts next to carbide sharp edges that chip easily. plus they must be pryed out from a corner to remove the cutters. I feel better with the twist in plastic. Either style gets the job done. The way I understand it they are made to incra specifications.

[@b1j]

yep

[@drdomestos]

How do you set a depth stop with this type of lift?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I put a dro on mine but i you can just measure it. Thanks for watching.

[@drdomestos]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Yes, a DRO sounds like a nice feature. I was wondering how you would do incremental passes on multiple workpieces yet maintain the same finishing depth with one of these router lifts.

[@ItalianRestoration]

Didn't see DeWalt as a router that would fit that lift - does it?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I have no idea. Contact Jessem with your model number and they should know. It's a great lift. Thanks for watching.

[@goodboyringo9716]

Nice set up ! What fence do you have in the video ? 319.00 ? ....420.00 today .

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

That sounds about right with the inflation levels we are at. Next month will be 6% higher. I used the Woodpecker extrusion. Thanks for watching.

[@goodboyringo9716]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 .... If that sounds about right in price , I don't know how many years I can hang in there being that one day no one will afford life.

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I think we all are getting nervous now. Early 1980s we went through the same thing when the government thought they could just keep printing money to solve debt problems.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

355.00 or so right now.

[@ginoasci2876]

where did you get the router table?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Built it. Thanks for watching.

[@ginoasci2876]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 wanted to know where you got the top, not the cabinet….

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

@@ginoasci2876 Rocker and the likes have them. It's a Sawstop brand.

[@charlesvoyce5914]

Amazon sells that for 218.00

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

That sounds like the cheaper version that wint hold the big routers. If you find this one for that it would be a great deal. Thanks for watching.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

Not the Mast-r-lift version. I wish though.

[@dwaynerobare1153]

The Sawstop top is over $600?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Should be $400 for the top over 600 with the stand and fence. Sounds like Amazon quit selling them and it's 3rd party rip offs selling them now. Look elsewhere that's crazy. Thanks for watching.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

365.00 at Rockler.

[@DownloaderVideo]

Amazing….Can I be your son or grandson?….whatever is open I take it!!

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Great, great grandson is available 😃. Thanks for watching.

[@DownloaderVideo]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Done, Hi great great grandpa!

[@tcbridges]

Are you really unemployed

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Yes I was for 12 years. Was replaced by H1B Visa workers and laid off from my last job. Got mad and dropped out of the workforce. Turned out being the best move I ever made. Now retired. Thanks for watching.

[@tcbridges]

@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 well it looks like you made a nice woodworking shop. What you make there now

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

I have many videos about builds. All my lumber for projects is harvested from my backyard and sawn on my little mill.