SNW44- Build your own FEATURE LOADED router lift- also works as a mini router table!

[@markoesterling5257]

I built this and have been using it for a couple of years now. It's really a nice design. Here are my comments now that I've used it: 1) The nut on top for height adjustment. Provide access for a nut on the bottom also. 90% of the time, that top nut is exposed. But the day will come where some setup will cover it - like a featherboard. Access from the bottom on those days is golden. 2) I had to slot one of the walls to get a collet wrench in to grab the spindle. Easy modification. 3) A "gaging hole" is a good add. It's hard to measure to the top of some bits consistently because of their shape. If you put an access hole through the top of the table where you can put in a dowel that loosely goes through this hole and touches the internal lift mechanism, that's FAR easier to use for repeat setups. It's easy to zero a bit by raising it until it lifts a gage block straddling the top. But after that, raising it 1/8" (or whatever) is harder to do accurately. With a gaging hole, you can drop in a dowel and use that flat surface for measuring or similar to a story stick.

[@StumpyNubs]

Great tips, thanks!

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

How did I miss this gem from back in the day? Glad I found it.

[@darrenebhanson]

I love it when someone comes up with a good idea and shares it. The plans are cheap and easy to follow so, yes, take my money, you absolute legend.

[@joshuabanner2234]

I really like this channel. So helpful in so many ways. I wanted this build to be easy for me. I hoped and believed it would be. I've never operated a router lift. So I've been having to get my head into the rhythms of what I understand this tool is capable of doing. I'm a somewhat intermediate in my wood craft skills, but I'm also intensely ADHD. Before I can build something I have to have it fully working in my head, to see it's various details in my mind's eye. The plans I bought might be straightforward for another brain, but I really wish I could see some video of the lift completely in action...being set up with a new bit, adjusted...etc. I'm almost done with the build, but it's taken me three times the amount of time I'd hoped it would. I've had to take it apart and put it back together too many times. So many of the YT channels present their builds as so easy and slick. I just want to offer my two cents for other folks out there who might also be challenged as I am. Thanks for all you do on this channel though.

[@Zfirearms]

Great video, I loved the light hearted approach and the corny jokes. Keep up the great work

[@Critter145]

Vintage Nubs. Love it🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@daniel-vn4ql]

I take it stumpy is in character in this.

[@freddiedoyle472]

Ok I finally bought these plans .... Best. 5 bucks I ever spent. I have to make a few adjustment based on the router I used and the Kreg router plate I already have in the table saw wing . But it was easily adaptable its installed and work ifs great . Thank you. Stumpy

[@FrugalFixerSpike]

Big fan, love your builds. I did this one. I added a lock nut and made it more stable, and not self adjusting. Thanks for the inspiration. "$25 router lift"

[@bradprater4789]

The 10 hour rule cracked me up. The no bending over rule hit me like a 10 megaton truth bomb

[@resilientrecoveryministries]

Im with you! Heart failure and sciatica have made me "waist up" kind of guy.

[@chrisgro7660]

Been waiting for the old stumpy to come back, I watch your video,s just as much for the humor as I do for the woodworking tips.

[@kevinashby4847]

I'm working on an "ultimate" work bench for my garage shop. I've never really used my router since I've not had a good bench to work from. Since I'm tall I really don't like bending over. So the lift part is a must. This box will make a great addition to my workbench. I've got a table saw inset and I'm working on a "hideaway" sliding miter saw. The router will really finish out the bench. I like the idea of drawer slides and hose clamps.

[@arose460]

I don't understand why you don't have 1mil subs. absolutely fantastic show. thank you so much for the hard work you put into these videos.

[@SteveCarmichael]

Very nice Stumpy! I like the mini router table idea.

[@StumpyNubs]

Thanks Steve!

[@dbboyes]

That is a perfect addition to my Ryobi BT3100 Table Saw. I can make a table for it and drop it in when I need it. When I don't, I can drop in a piece of wood.

[@StumpyNubs]

You may have noticed I used a Ryobi router in the video :)

[@clementm5417]

This is the best introduction to any of the woodworking videos I've seen.

[@mymathmind]

Can’t believe I’m just finding this. Looks ingenious!!

[@anthonyoltmann3721]

I just built this with a craigslist router (2-1/2 hp Skill $50...brand new in box) and got the Corian top (a full 1/2") Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I actually got a piece of Corian that was large enough for four router plates and it only cost $10. Don't forget to check Habitat for Humanity Restore for you projects!

[@arose460]

good tip

[@1982MCI]

Anthony Oltmann every time I go to the habitat restore close to me they have everything priced at or above what retail price at Lowe’s or Home Depot is and that’s fricken crazy. Who ever prices this stores items tho needs to be fired cause that store is losing its ass in sales. I have seen items sitting there for over a year and not be sold. I guess this employee never learned that if you make a little on a bunch of items it’s better than making some on one item that sits on the shelf for a year paying rent and utilities. I was in there over a year ago and they had a brand new, unopened bucket of drywall mud and I needed some at the time so I grabbed it and didn’t think to check price until I was looking at something else and the price on the other side of the bucket caught my attention, it was $4 more than the same bucket of mud at Home Depot, so I walked out and went straight to Home Depot and bought it there, along with other items I probly could have gotten at the restore. I went back 6 months later and that same bucket was still there at the same price, I haven’t been back since and will not go back either.

[@DanT10]

This earns a subscription. What a great deal 5 bucks for the plans! Excellent!

[@bobwilliams5506]

"1/2 inch at the least"? LOL. Love the project. Thanks for the vid. Keep em coming.

[@richardbutterfoss2353]

Thanks for putting a smile on my face. You need to write a book 'Stumpy Sayin' I like your buddy too!

[@dericcornflakes]

Enjoy your videos and the humor. Oh, some good ideas too. Keep making them!

[@dwarden3]

On my box I used the exhaust port to blow into the box(positive pressure) and the vac hose on the fence. It worked so well I use that set up on everything now.

[@symonf1966]

Good morning Mr Nubs. I think I'll have to build this. It's a sweet sweet design. It just seems to ooze wood working goodness. And I also purchased a new to me router a while ago for this purpose. L&FR, Symon the window cleaner.

[@StumpyNubs]

I ran a window cleaning business for 20 years. We did mostly residential work and medium commercial buildings (3 stories or less). Great money but not so much fun when it's cold or hot out.

[@thomask4836]

I LOVE your intro. Every time I see this I crack up!

[@darrenwilliams324]

Take a look at the Australian made Triton router. It's a plunge router and when you take out the big spring it fits under most router plates and then lifts perfectly. Its sweet!

[@michaelm748]

you are just crazy enough to make me watch more of you videos.... Thanks

[@GeraldJensen]

I don't have a 10 hour rule in my shop ... it is considered edible until the bugs carry it away.

[@markw3598]

Bugs are protein! Eat them too, roast, then cover in chocolate.

[@veritasestveritas8646]

I've heard on good authority that the people of the remote horsdoover mountains of Toozpickistan roast bugs and use them to make coffee. Really. It's a thing.

[@DaMediaGuyProductions]

Lumpy Chubs, I love your sense of humor. Even if no one else finds you funny, I do. Can we get you to do a whole series on efficient(no bending) woodworking DIY projects?

[@roypage5659]

"If women don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy." Red Green

[@eddieantley8710]

stumpy i need one of these to keep at the work bench .great design .

[@StumpyNubs]

Glad you liked it, Eddie!

[@_P0tat07_]

I've used 1/4" acrylic for my insert and really not had a problem with it. So long as you have enough support from the ledge and the insert isn't to big.

[@georgefingall9447]

Hi, A pleasant good morning! I'm all the from GUYANA; the only English country on the continent of South America. The items you have mentioned are

[@georgefingall9447]

Not available here. As a consequence, what substitute material could be used to make the plate? I would like to know how to get the full description to build one such device. Thanks.

[@NickFerry]

great idea and great design, thanks Stumpy.

[@StumpyNubs]

Glad you liked it, Nick!

[@maxbehrenbrinker]

any tips on getting / keeping the router brackets, track, box, all square to the top? Especially which parts interface is best to use to fine-tune. Many thanks, love your designs and videos!

[@Woodentoolcompany2]

Nice lift stumpy, but most of all I like your humor. I was wondering when you were going to put out another vid.

[@StumpyNubs]

Took a little break while I was working on something top secret :)

[@Woodentoolcompany2]

I can hardly wait to see what it is. I'm sure it's something original and amazing. Any hints ? :)

[@Nordraw]

Another good video and great idea for a useful addition the old shop.

[@markwagstaff4464]

I have been looking at a router lift. This is a good design. Have you ever looked at using square threaded rod.

[@ecaff9515]

Half way through. Great Plans...

[@FrugalFixerSpike]

building this for my assembly table, then making a sanding grid for it to change to, thanks!

[@weekendwarrior9570]

I love your rule. Excellent plans for the router. Thank you so much...

[@OpekiskaWood]

Nice lift Stumpy! Thanks for the entertaining videos.

[@StumpyNubs]

I do my best!

[@user-du2of3lh1g]

The lathe In the background reminds me of the old cabinet tv with the small tv on top

[@Coffeebourne]

I just bought the plans. I can’t wait to build it!

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Good lift Thanks Stumpy

[@weekendwarrior9570]

Excellent, everything. Thank you for sharing.

[@amccone]

Mr. Nubs. Ignore all the people saying you are not funny and should just get to the point. People gotta talk. Including you! Say what you want, enjoy yourself (lost advice, I'm sure as you seem to do all that). Preamble to Questions: LOVE the video for the lift, bought the plans Question A: The Rockler plates are aluminum and only a 1/4" thick. In the video you say no matter what you use it should be at least 1/2" thick (Does this NOT apply to Rockler's plates?) Note: The link to Rockler no longer works (it has been 6 years) and the products have changed to "Rockler Aluminum Pro Router Plate",the "Bench Dog® Aluminum Router Plates" and the "Rockler Phenolic Router Plates (3/8" thick)". Can I pick any of these (respectably $70, $60 & $50). BUT my real question (Question B): The plates are 8 1/4" x 11 3/4". Is that 8 1/4" side too short for your lift plans? Whew, way too much yacking for a youtube comment.

[@StumpyNubs]

When I said 1/2 inch thick I was referring to the materials you may use for a homemade plate. Well made commercial plates can be thinner. As for the size, you may be able to modify the lift to fit your plate if you're good with that sort of thing.

[@amccone]

@@StumpyNubs I assume you mean to modify to adjust your plans so that the "lift box" I am building now will have the dimensions of 7 1/4" x 10 3/8" instead of your 10 3/8" x 10 3/8". So I'll be condensing down about 3" from your design. Did I get that right? Is there enough room to do that?

[@amccone]

PS: Thanks for the quick reply

[@greenberetwoodworks6458]

Thanks for another great project video Stumpy.

[@toastedkatz]

Hi Stumpy -- this is a great design. I just completed the build for it from your plans (minus the plate which hasn't arrived yet). One question I have: you mention that bit changes can happen above the table, but I'm not sure how. My router is similar to the one you have pictured, with a spindle lock below the collet. It seems like at the highest extension, it will still be below the plate, and inaccessible unless I cut a very wide hole. How are you engaging the lock in yours? Thanks!

[@jeffharmed1616]

Definitely one of your best videos and it makes very good sense. Thanks

[@StumpyNubs]

Wow, the best? Now I have to top it in the next one...

[@jeffharmed1616]

Stumpy Nubs No doubt you will top it if cabin fever does not strike first.

[@thomrider]

Great video, do you know the total cost to build your lift would be.

[@TheChrisPineWorkshop]

great design! Chris

[@StumpyNubs]

Thanks Pine!

[@johnschultz3565]

Make a similar enclosure for a circular saw, jig saw, and so on..... One bench with a fence and miter slots and you have a modular tool system for small shops!

[@escaflowne33055]

on his site, there is a workstation similar to what you are saying. hope to see a video of it.

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Ha the ten hour rule....that's awesome :-) Very cool lift.

[@StumpyNubs]

Donuts never go bad.

[@earljmaui_boy2546]

Aloha all y'all... and our favorite Latin lurker, et al., @4:10 or so... you mention the thickness of the plate to be 3/8ths of an inch thick... OR at least half an inch... (huh?) Isn't half and inch 4/8ths... so we're looking for a plate 3/8ths of an inch OR at least 4/8ths of an thick... LOL * * * I know you meant half an inch thick is the target with 3/8ths as a minimum... I was an English teacher and librarian in another life... I'm just poking you in the ribs for fun over your flip in logic... nothing serious. * * * I really love your presentations... Even from so long ago... (wink) * * * My final question: Isn't there a place where a person could purchase a router motor without the expense of buying a complete commercial model and then deconstructing it? Seems to me that we might be able to purchase only the router motor for half the price of the whole thing, yes? * * * Until that time. . .

[@USN_WoGW]

Looks great man. Another excellent product by Stumpy

[@StumpyNubs]

Are you related to Sid Vicious? :)

[@eribach]

It starts at 2'40" Thanks Srumpu Nups!

[@EmmaGoodwinGeek]

Top plate from Menards.... Now called solid surface cutting board. The Rockler router plate link is broken as well but a quick search will pull up the newest version.

[@ronjones1308]

great idea, I think I will build one for my shop! Thanks, I love all your videos!

[@CrapE_DM]

Are you aware that the DeWalt fixed-base router you showed has an optional plunge base for it? So, it would also be a plunge router, which you said not to use... ;)

[@grahamboult4454]

do you take the springs out of a plunge router before you start mounting it in the table lift, graham

[@frankcornfield5915]

Great video and the plans are excellent. Thanks.

[@williammoore4101]

"If you lay in bed awake at night worrying about your router table... well, what's the point of going on" - the funniest thing I have ever heard in woodworking.

[@gregmize01]

GREAT INTRO!

[@bearforry3569]

Excellent video and your funny

[@richardlong7689]

Very Good: With the router in-closed and dust collector hooked to the box can or does the router get hot due to it needing fresh air at the bottom of the router to keep cool, I ordered the plans

[@StumpyNubs]

That was covered in the video. The airflow from the dust collection keeps it very cool. Even without the dust collection on, it would only get hot if you ran the router for a very long time.

[@richardlong7689]

Thanks for your response, I over looked that

[@EarnieMercerDungeonstiles]

How easy is it to change the bits out in this design? Looks great.

[@spacedancer99]

An engineer is a person who will spend 30 minutes developing an elegant solution to something they could have brute forced in 30 seconds. :)

[@davidnleeh4]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣!!!!!!! I can definitely relate to leaving what ya drop on da floor & walking on by!!!!🤣🤣😁

[@russelllind1356]

This is the second time I watch a video on this lift and I still have no clue what you did

[@Andyrob323]

always a good laugh and a good idea. thanks stumpy

[@StumpyNubs]

My pleasure...

[@MrSmokinMirrors]

Stumpy... Great videos, but how about doing the actual build video(s). Some of us learn better by watching rather than trying to work with drawings and directions. TO have both directions AND a video to follow makes it all come together. Also - it would have been great to show this box being installed into the main router table.

[@ronsmith1426]

I bought the plans and I have a phenolic router plate from a homemade table i'm not happy with so planning on using that - but looking at your finished product I'm wondering if I have to drill a giant hole in the plate for the ratchet lift mechanism and if so - what's the best way to do that in that type of plate. If I or someone else bought the rockler plate hows does the ratchet mechanism work with that - not seeing mention of it in the plans. thanks!

[@Ben-xo3bj]

Bought a set of plans for this lift the other day! ( as well as your router table). The only let down was there was no video of you building yours. Would've been a little nice to see your techniques of building it I guess. And why nothing on how much plywood to get to complete the job? I'm not trying to act like Debbie Downer, the plans look great with a ton of detail , but a little more info would've been even better! Thanks!

[@SandySowell]

Ben Redelings

[@StumpyNubs]

It's a pretty small project. I guess I just thought it went without saying that it wouldn't take much. There is a full cut list with all of the part sizes on it, along with step-by step build instructions, including photos. But you are correct, there is no diagram showing how to cut each piece out of the sheet of plywood.

[@blackvic5157]

I know how it is for you, Stumpy. The day I bought my first router, women were throwing their apartment keys through my car window before I got out of the parking lot. There's something about owning a router that gives a man that alpha aura that women just can't resist. Remember Beatlemania? Same thing. Wait. If you remember Beatlemania (like I do), you're practically fossilized. Forget about it. These days, if a woman asks for my phone number, it's because she thinks I'm a plumber.

[@gregoriosantiago7684]

" Great work guys"

[@blackcloud3361]

I would like to see this plan modified to also work with the WEN HA5932 5-Amp Variable Speed Portable Oscillating Spindle Sander, interchangeable between router and spindle sander, or another combination

[@MakeSomething]

"save big money at Menards." Which department at Menards did you get that thing?

[@StumpyNubs]

Kitchen department. They also come in pretty colors...

[@DaMediaGuyProductions]

+Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton) we don't have a Menards in Louisiana. Does Home Depot or Lowes sell them? I will check HFH Restore.

[@bobmackey8529]

@@StumpyNubs could not find that product, probably not available now

[@MrBez007]

You have a very strange sense of humour, even stranger is that its identical to mine.

[@enzayer1]

Would be nice to see a version for the Huskey ccollapsible work bench.

[@ecaff9515]

Excellent

[@ianknobben7081]

Like it alot, but what about changing bits????????

[@StumpyNubs]

I enlarged the throat opening and made inserts. There's another video about that on our channel.

[@ianknobben7081]

@@StumpyNubs link???

[@richey761]

stumpy youre a comic keep up the good work .from uk

[@StumpyNubs]

Glad to know you Brits have a sense of humor!

[@richey761]

you have to have a sense of humour to live here or anti depressants

[@btrswt35]

It doesnt have a fence! It would work fine for ball bearing guided bits but thats it. Now I know a board could be clamped to it to act as a fence but it would have been cooler to have one designed and built for it from the start.

[@mandrillen87]

Does your plans come in metric? Thanks in advance 😊👍

[@Lemon_Jackassss]

It’s called Corian made by DuPont, otherwise it’s just solid surface

[@45429164]

Are these plans easily adaptable to a Porter Cable 7518 router? I believe the router diameter is 4-7/32".

[@tjcolvin9657]

I might have missed something, but I was wondering how easy it is to switch out bits with this table. Can it possibly lift high enough for the collet to push out the top?

[@StumpyNubs]

I just raise the router to the top and put the wrench in the hole. A larger hole would help if your wrench is large. I may even enlarge the hole and add a rabbet around the edge, then make some matching inserts. Of course you can always just buy a commercial router plate with inserts and attach the lift to that.

[@danimalmaxasis2762]

I say that cause you said..." 3/8" or 1/2" at the least "....? Good job though! Just busting your chops lol!

[@stevehanlan]

Hey Stumpy... followed the links to buy the plans and got the Hand Held Mortiser plans. Checked back and when I add to cart, the wrong item comes up. Please advise when the link is correct. Thanks.

[@StumpyNubs]

Sorry, I fixed it this morning.

[@jermo888]

I love this idea but what if I needed to pull the routworker out for work by hand?? Any ideas?? I found an idea for a router station by Grant Thompsons "the king of random" flush mount router station but I want to use your lift idea.

[@StumpyNubs]

jermo888 - The back panel comes off and the router motor is removed with two screws by releasing the clamps. But, frankly, it is always a better idea to leave your router in your table and have a second one for hand held use.

[@donaldhop889]

I looked on the manards web site for the router plate but couldn't find the size router plate do I need to have it cut down?

[@patfranck348]

Why is the box 13.75 tall? My cabinet has limited vertical space. Can the box height be reduced by 3/4 - 1"?

[@awakewithjakefield2469]

Iv refrained from asking for some time now . I know it's not even prevelent to this video. But why do your hands shake???it wouldn't surprise me if it's from all the cold ones you deserve after all ,you buld alot of cool stuff!!!?

[@jonq8714]

After using this, have the drawer slides gotten gummed up by the dust?

[@StumpyNubs]

Nope.

[@richardhawkins2647]

(Router plates) "Whichever you use it has to be about 3/8 of an inch thick or maybe a 1/2 inch at the least!" Did you mean "1/4" at the least?" As 1/2 inch is bigger than 3/8? Well it is in the UK!

[@StumpyNubs]

I meant 5/8 or 1/2

[@richardhawkins2647]

Thank you for clearing that up. Love your channel by the way. Love your sense of humour. And I always appreciate a youtuber who replies to questions on their videos! I think I've posted 2 questions on Matthias' videos and haven't had an answer! (Just saying!)

[@para1559]

Is there some kind of temple where I can worship and lay offerings of donuts to you please?

[@MrLeram12]

I can identify with the "bending-to-pick-up-stuff" statement. Like you if it's below 25" someone else can do it.

[@markw3598]

Ok, I guess I am confused. My wife says I am, and she is never wrong! If you build both the new router table (slider) and the lift box, how do you tighten the router lift lock when it is in the router table!??

[@StumpyNubs]

There is an opening on the front of the table for access.

[@markw3598]

You mean you have to bend over!!!?? ugh!

[@StumpyNubs]

Mark W to tell you the truth, I never use the lock. It stays solid without it.

[@markw3598]

Ahhhh, NOW yer talkin'!!