JessEm Router Lift Install

Made a template to install my JessEm Router Lift into my table saw. Replacing my old Kobalt router table was a huge upgrade for me.
These are affiliate links, they cost you nothing but help the channel out.
Threaded Inserts: amzn.to/3TEAlyR
JessEm Router Lift: amzn.to/3SQnast
Freud Router bit amzn.to/3V2lC1C
Bosch Router: amzn.to/3R6gEw3
Kobalt tools: amzn.to/2ZTpQ1A
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WEN Router: amzn.to/3vAe8GO
Cen-Tec Shopvac Hose: amzn.to/3sBUdoU
Glue Dispenser: amzn.to/3lvP7qn

[@Shotsmoky]

Very nice job. One trick I learned from Rob Cosman is to put CA glue on the exposed MDF. Apply liberally and brush it in. No need for accelerator. It really hardens the bare MDF.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

That is a great tip. Thanks for the helpful comment!

[@user-lm7ty7hq1f]

OK. I did this today. My only hiccup is I don't have the drill press so I drilled the corner radii with a hand drill and 1.5 inch forstner bit. I was a touch off on one corner. I ended up making the template just a little small accidentally, but I used the oscillating sander (Rigid) and was able to use the 1.5" spindle and the large belt to straighten most of it out to an acceptable level. Thanks for the video, super helpful. bought $50.00 in drill and router bits instead of a one time template I'll likely never use again.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Good job Richard, glad the video helped. I can't imagine doing it without the drill press, my hands are not that steady. I bought that drill press for $35 on Facebook marketplace a few years ago.

[@bobnicholas5994]

The 7/16 th drill bit was epiphany..lol. this presentation was perfect. Very easy to reproduce

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Thank you, glad you got something from it.

[@Geppetto04]

Really appreciate the perspective on “value”. I have a Jessem table set up with a Bosch router and you have given me the information I was looking for. Most important factor being how much I will be using the table going forward as a factor in deciding to spend a big chunk on a new motor. Thanks.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Exactly, my first setup lasted way too long. I am very happy that I made this upgrade and just recently made a fence for the table. As my skills improve so do my tools, fun stuff.

[@edgoswick1271]

Great video! The instructions said to use a 1 1/2 pattern router bit to cut the recess which I couldn't even find.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

It is the Freud 42-114 amzn.to/3oEDnGu

[@f270]

That handheld router is a monster!

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Yes, it has been a workhorse in my shop.

[@Bruce-sk7tu]

Mike, much thanks for this video. I have a stand-alone router table I'd made years ago, fitted with an old Rousseau mounting plate. Adjusting the height with it is cumbersome, so I finally reached deep into my pocket and bought the Incra version of the JessEm lift. Your video was key to my successfully installing it.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Good to hear. One of the best upgrades I have made in the shop for sure!

[@bill57523]

Best way I have so far to build a jig. Very simple. I’m on my 3rd try. And switching to your method now. Ty

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Good luck and thanks for the comment. The effort is well worth it!

[@MrKYT-gb8gs]

My god, thank you so much. Brilliant ideas for cutting out the 'inlay' for the router! I struggled with that aspect a lot!

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Glad it helped, you will love the router lift!

[@MrKYT-gb8gs]

@@AlaskaWorkshop I have had it for a couple years. I routed some mdf to make a set for it but was never happy with it even tho it fit fairly well and doesn't move. I wanted to match the exact curves. Gonna give this a try this week. Building a new router table.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

@@MrKYT-gb8gs Good, I went from a Kobalt router table to this lift. So much nicer.

[@MrKYT-gb8gs]

@@AlaskaWorkshop yeah I have jessem routr lift ii

[@zachgoestoeuro]

This looks beautiful! Congrats to you for not buying the $50 template. I plan on using this video as a guide for my project in a few weeks. My mdf is 1” thick (two 1/2” glued together) - hope that would work.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

That should do fine. Mine is really solid. Seemed pretty expensive for the template made out of mdf. Good luck and thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@Kevinrichardsonministries]

Mike.... would you stop motivating me ?? I already have 1,000 things to do... Ha !! I have the same lift sittin' in a box. Saved this for future reference... it looks very helpful. Thanks... and Thumbs Up...

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Oh man, you need to get that thing installed. Really nice lift!

[@matttodd6878]

I have the same Delta table saw, and check in on your channel to see what mods you've done. I've just added the Rockler Bench Dogs cast iron router table wing with matching JessEm lift. Only downside compared to yours is it's a tad narrower than your lift and only has 2 hold down screws vs the 4 on yours. Great job on the table, and as always thanks for including the tips!

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Matt. I love that Rockler table, I am sure you will get a lot of use out of it!

[@NWGR]

Congrats! A router lift is a luxury tool for sure, but one I'd not be without.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Definitely, I suffered long enough without it.

[@robbrown6667]

Nice Video! I have the same lift and wish it had measurements engraved on it to easily set the fence.

[@PeeterJoot]

Nice touch with the walnut boundary. I like the threaded inserts that you used to attach the lift to the particle board. I suspect you acquired those separately, and they don't come with the lift?

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Yes 1/4 20 inserts. I used them quite a bit around the shop. I added a link in the description. amzn.to/3TEAlyR

[@phoenix89naca12]

Thanks for putting yourself out there...

[@stevesiefken6432]

Nice work! I have been thinking of upgrading my router table to the same router lift you bought. I’m not crazy about Rockler’s lifts, particularly how they lock. I’d love to see a follow up video once you get a chance to use it to hear your thoughts and experience. If it’s not too much to ask, maybe you can say a few words about why you choose that particular router lift over the others. Thanks!

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Thanks Steve, give me a few weeks of working with it. I have quite a few projects coming up that will use this lift!

[@rossdauterive8184]

thanks

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

You're welcome

[@SridharJayakumar]

Wonderful presentation and thanks for sharing the tips and things to look out for.😊

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Thank you, and thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@wesandell]

I agree, the lift mechanism on the Kobalt Router table is crap. However, those router plates are $$$. I really want to get a nice fancy one, but it will be a while until I can save up for one.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Right, the Kobalt worked for awhile but as I used it more and more I was ready for an upgrade. Worth every penny.

[@aag6499]

The price value of this item is on my sweet spot! Compared to other fancy lifts❤❤❤

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

I agree and I am still happy with the purchase.

[@Naattik]

Great vid, thanks! I have an old craftsman 113 with cast iron webbed wings and plan to do what you did. My only question is: wont the router wing be too heavy? Will the bolts be enough?

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

I have a 1x2 bolted underneath to support it. I would not try to support it with screws into the particle board....the hardwood border helps too.

[@michebre]

Hi thanks very much for your video on Jessem Router Lift Install. Could you please tell me what diameter and cutting length pattern bit you used when using your template to cut the final pocket. It looks like 3/4 diameter 1/2" cutting length but wasn't sure. It also looks like you are using 1/2" mdf for your template? I have been having some difficulty after creating my template cutting the final pocket. Thanks.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

This is the bit I was using: amzn.to/3V2lC1C Had to buy it just for this project.

[@bobharlan9870]

Curious as to the tape (shims) in the corners to offset the drill bit. ???

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Yes, an offset. Not necessary, but I thought it looked a little better.

[@bobharlan9870]

Sir, thanks for the reply. Glad I found your video as I'm installing the JessEm Lift into my bench this weekend. @@AlaskaWorkshop

[@jhirn2957]

With the Black Friday sales, I was faced with a 20% off sale on a lift. The cast iron bench dog table extension with fence was also on sale plus I’d still need to get a router. All in price would have been $600,$900 depending on router/lift. Also on sale was the Kobalt table you uninstalled for $129, plus I get 5% off at Lowe’s. Decided to go with that as I’m still learning. I hope I don’t regret the decision but it’s not an expensive mistake and I need to prove I’ll use it enough to get something nicer. Do you have any tips/tricks/workarounds for the annoyances of the Kobalt router table? I’m most definitely not as skilled as you are so don’t know what I don’t know yet, but would appreciate your experience on managing expectations if anything.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

I think you will be fine just starting out. I did not want to spend a lot of money either when I got my Kobalt. I used it for almost 2 years and it just got frustrating trying to make fine adjustments, other than that it served me well! I sold it for $60, well worth it. Get some paddles to keep your fingers away from the bit and pay attention to the direction, especially on curved pieces. I use a test piece to get the cut I like first.

[@nickk3538]

Can you specify the exact specs of the router bit you are making for the plunge. Type of bit, diamater, depth etc?

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

It is the Freud 16520 amzn.to/3L2Br28

[@ginoasci2876]

if JessEm made the corners 1/4” radius we would have to go thru all that to install it.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Just a paper template in the box would have been nice.

[@ralphcarrino8797]

Jesse will gladly sell you the template for $50

[@ginoasci2876]

@@ralphcarrino8797 made my own but that’s not the point. We all have 1/2” bits, they could make it easy for us.

[@jaymartin8509]

Hey Mike! Nice video. Did you consider the "Master" version? I'm wondering if it justifies the cost.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Hey Jay, I did not consider the Master. This was enough of an upgrade for me. Having that fine tune adjustment is exactly what I needed. I think this will last me several years.

[@houseoffire72]

I'm in the market for a couple new router lifts. I currently have the Jessem Master R Lift and truly amazed with it. How is yours holding up? Any complaints?

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Mine is holding up great. I can't believe I waited so long for an upgrade.

[@houseoffire72]

@@AlaskaWorkshop My goal is to set up three router tables in my shop. I do alot of pattern routing when building speakers.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

@@houseoffire72 Sounds like a great setup...I own 4 routers, sure would be nice to have at least one more table.

[@houseoffire72]

@@AlaskaWorkshop Be nice to find a small lift for use with a trim router as well... Hmmm maybe temu has them???

[@zachgoestoeuro]

Is that a 1” deep router bit for the plunge cut on the top?

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

That bit is a 1 1/4 inch

[@jhirn2957]

Your channel is awesome! I'm pretty sold on the delta saw and wanted to put a good lift like this. What are you using for a router fence and do you plan to add any t-track to this extension? Also side note, have you done the "frank's mod" to the cap and fan of your Delta? It's not available from Frank anymore but I did find which cap to replace which seems to be the most important part to avoid burning out the motor.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

Thanks, I do plan to build a router fence. Have not decided on the t-track. I have been busy putting my CNC together. I did not do Frank's kit. I should probably get the cap just in case but I have had no problems in 2 years.

[@jhirn2957]

@@AlaskaWorkshop nice to hear. A lot of doom and gloom stories of the motor burning out but squeaky wheels make the most noise. Looking forward to an update on the router table once the fence is in!

[@herbsu4330]

What router do you have in the lift? I am thinking about buying a new router that has the button rotation lock and was wondering about how easy or hard that would be rather than a router that uses 2 wrenches.

[@AlaskaWorkshop]

I bought the Bosch 1617. I have heard horror stories about using the button lock with a wrench so I have just gotten used to the 2 wrench method

[@herbsu4330]

@@AlaskaWorkshop Thanks for your response.