Rockler's Premium Router Table
Вставка
- Опубліковано 30 кві 2020
- Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top, Pro Lift, 32'' ProFence and Stand
Article: www.toolboxbuzz.com/power-too...
Many, if not all of these items can be purchased as separate items, or in scaled down kits.
What’s included
The Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top with Pro Lift setup includes:
● Rockler Benchdog ProMax cast iron router table top
● Steel router table leg assembly
● 32” Bench Dog ProFence
● Rockler Pro Lift, 3/8'' thick machined aluminum plate
● 1-1/2” aluminum inset ring
● Bit guard
● Dust port
● Jointing shims
Rockler BenchDog ProMax Cast Iron Router Table
The Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table is a 1-1/2'' thick solid cast iron table machined flat. It weighs around 100 pounds to provide router bit vibration dampening. The table measures 32'' x 24'' and trust me when I say, this table top will never sag. It’s built to last. In fact, one of my first impressions was that this is a “lifetime” router table set-up!
Under the table is a 10-point plate leveling system with pre-tapped holes that allow you to install the router plate flush and lock it down.
The table has a Dual Track with Universal T-track and miter slot machined directly into the table's surface.
Rockler BenchDog ProFence Router Table Fence
The ProFence is a one-piece aluminum fence that is fully machined and rigid. The machining is beautiful and dead flat. Two MDF sub-fences slide in a T-track and provide for zero-clearance setup. The front of the fence has an adjustable bit guard and the rear has a 2-1/2” dust port.
The ProFence also features EZ-Load Universal T-tracks that accept 1/4'' and 5/16'' T-bolts as well as 1/4'' hex bolts for feather boards and other accessories. We mounted feather boards to both the cast table and ProFence T-tracks with ease. The placement of both allowed us to achieve safer milling.
Rockler Pro Lift Router Lift
The Rockler Pro Lift was made for this tabletop. It accepts router motors with a 4.2'' diameter.
It has a Quick-Gear rapid height adjustment and tool-free Snap-Lock insert ring that releases with the push of a button. The insert ring has a 1-1/2'' opening; additional inserts and zero clearance inserts are sold separately.
The Pro Lift has two motor raising options; ''Quick-Gear'' and “Fine-Adjustment’ Dial. The Quick-gear has a 4-to-1 gearbox ratio. It moves the router lift’s brass bushings up or down fast for bit changes or large adjustments and the fine-adjustment dial is used to get precise final heights to within 0.001''.
There is an Anti-backlash mechanism to keep the router from creeping downward which I had to adjust after about 6 months of regular use. A simple quarter turn was all that was needed to make this adjustment. A column locking knob provides further insurance when running large milling jobs.
The precision-milled aluminum plate measures 8-¼’’ x 11-¾” x ⅜”. It fits openings on Rockler and Bench Dog router tables.
Of all the components on this router table, the Pro Lift is the best and our favorite feature!
Rockler Steel Router Table Assembly
The steel router table leg assembly consists of 16 pieces and results in a sturdy leg assembly with adjustable leveler feet. Once assembled we were able to quickly and easily level the stand using a ¾” wrench. The ProMax cast iron tabletop was then installed onto the leg assembly with 4 screws.
Note - the lower cross-sections of the leg stand are a perfect height to mount a shelf or build in a small router bit storage box.
There are pre-drilled holes in the vertical legs on the front of the stand for mounting Rockler's 15 Amp On/Off switch with a "Stop Paddle" to quickly shut off the power.
I needed to mill up a bunch of window sill stock and felt that this would be a great way to break in the new router table.
The fence quickly and accurately adjusts but the secret sauce is the Pro Lift - man is this thing sweet. It's fast, smooth, and precise. I think back to my earlier days of crouching down to reach under the table to adjust my router while simultaneously looking on top for the router bit adjustment. Man, did I hate doing that - no more!
Dust Collection
I connected the 2-1/2” ProFence dust port to my Jet dust collector and had virtually zero airborne dust or sawdust on top of the table while routing. There was significant sawdust on the floor below and I’m sure dust collection efficiency could be improved with a dust box or an undermount dust collector.
Cost - A lifetime investment
The Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top with Pro Lift sells as a complete kit for $999.00. This setup is a beautifully designed and impressively engineered router table for both the hobbyist woodworker and professional carpenter.
The Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top with Pro Lift set up is an investment that will increase your accuracy and improve your functionality in the shop. - Навчання та стиль
I wish there was a review that pointed out how weak this "snap lock" mechanism is. It is held in with extremely weak metal clips. A spring that can easily fail. The Incra Mast-R-lift is a superior lift that fits the cast iron table that Rockler makes perfectly with a locking mechanism for repeated routing. Anyone who really looks at the difference and handles these two lifts will note the difference. Also, there is a huge difference in the "inserts" that rock sells for only 9.99 for different American style routers. Incra has many positions for multiple routers without a plastic ring. Plastic will fail over time much quicker than metal fatigue can even be considered. And, you will likely need to change your router at some point; be it for a higher powered router or for detailed work. This is not an issue with Incra's model. In addition Rockler upcharges the rings for almost 80 dollars. Incra comes with this. You literally save money getting a better lift to the count of ~96 dollars. And, that is just for the initial purchase price. I plan on reviewing again after use of this router. It was by happenstance that I was able to see the difference. Due to being given the wrong router fence. Driving back to the store, then installing the lift. I popped out one of the Rockler Pro lifts "snap-lock" rings and then could not put any "Snap rings" back in place. Rockler Store 19 in St. Louis Missouri did business right and took care of me. Yes it was frustrating. Yes it was multiple trips at approximately 2 hours round trip. BUT, it was the experience of making it right that was important. Defective products happen to any great companies. My initial perspective is that the "snap-lock" feature in rocklers Pro Lift www.rockler.com/rockler-pro-lift-router-lift currently offered at $369.99 with necessity of the optional purchase of the 5 ring set at ~80 dollars or individually at 17.99 ( with purchased separately would be 89.95) accounts for some major considerations. This being said The Incra Mast-R-Lift comes with 5 rings. If purchased separately you get the 1 ring with Rockler Pro Lift and 5 with the set for ~80 Dollars. The cost difference more than accounts for the difference of the Incra Mast-R-lift which is priced at $399.99 www.rockler.com/incra-master-lift-ii-designed-for-rockler-tables as of 12/04/2020.Be careful to know that the Incra lift designed for the Rockler cast iron table will not fit anything, or at least not by advertisement, that is not a Rockler table. Rockler does not have a standard sizing on their tables. The Incra Mast-R-lift II that mirror this model (aside from top plate to fit Rockler tables) sells on Amazon for 499.95 www.amazon.com/INCRA-Mast-R-Lift-II-Router-Lift/dp/B007JTYFKQ/ref=asc_df_B007JTYFKQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366352853698&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16198266946929357182&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022837&hvtargid=pla-382130338966&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=76503872856&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=366352853698&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16198266946929357182&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022837&hvtargid=pla-382130338966. Be aware that the "kit" that is sold at Rockler does have a cost. The Rockler cast for table www.rockler.com/rockler-promax-cast-iron-router-table-top sells for 449.99. The Pro-fence sells for 149.99 www.rockler.com/rockler-pro-router-table-fence. The steel stand sells for for 129.99 www.rockler.com/rockler-router-table-steel-stand. And the Rockler Pro Lift sells for 369.99 www.rockler.com/rockler-pro-lift-router-lift WITH A TOTAL PRICE SEPARATELY OF $1099.96 which would save you 99.97 if you choose this as a bundle. In my initial review this does not actually benefit you. Even if Rockler Chooses to "unbundle" these products you are still saving money by getting their cast iron table (I think this is important, Maybe you don't) with all of its features just with the Incra Mast-R-Lift for Rockler Tables. You could even upgrade the fence to something better as well. I hope to post a follow up review and indicate how I feel after using this set-up for a while. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
Stop the video at 6:13 to see the potential point of failure for the "snap-lock" mechanism. It doesn't matter how flat this table is with clips that holds the most important part of the system around the router motor if that point is not going to be consistently and over time truly even. Adjustments to the height are irrelevant if they aren't held down.
@@justinjenkins1620 Great comments, thanks! I have an older Rockler Pro Phenolic table w/ blue anodized lift in my garage. The table originally came with a round black plastic cover plate fitted over the router bit area. The cover plate is held in place by three flat head screws. The biggest problem I ever had with my table was caused by the black plastic cover plate. The top surface of the cover plate was not flat. It was dished down toward the center and this caused variation in the depth of my router cuts. I ended up making my own replacement cover plate out of aluminum on my metal lathe. I made a special faceplate for the purpose of holding the thin round material, so I would be able to make my shoulder cuts flat and parallel with the face. Anyhow, my new aluminum cover plate fixed the inconsistent cuts caused by the old plastic piece. My table does not have those metal clips. It only has threaded holes to hold the plate down. I did drill the flat head screw holes into my new aluminum plate, but I don't even use them. I just leave the plate rest in the hole by gravity. It works very well for me now and I have found no need to screw the plate down. Leaving it loose makes tool changes much faster for me, too. It looks like the lift in this video also has the threaded holes in place around the hole perimeter, so you can screw it down. For me I don't think the weak clips would change the functionality of the machine.
Thank you for taking the time to pass this knowledge on 👍
This is my dream router table. Something solid with all the necessary features that will last a lifetime. I may go through routers but the solid table is key to me.
Always alway a cracking review, Rob you certainly have the best review channel on UA-cam.
Ujk in the uk do a very similar table which has wheels and that’s also very impressive
I got the second one.
Good review of the Rockler router table
An excellent review as always. Something I would love to see you guys do regarding router tables is a head to head comparison of the Rockler digital router lift and digital fence against the Incra manual router table lift and fence that uses their LS adjustable fence and router lift system. Yes that is apples to oranges but I would love to see that comparison. Thanks to you and all the people making the videos possible and I hope everyone including all the subscribers and viewers stay safe.
Ron
Excellent review, as always; Thanks. I have the Dust Right box, from Rockler, under my table top and in conjunction with the fence port it retains most of the chips/dust. Exception is when routing dado's but Rockler recently introduced a table-end vacuum dust tray for that situation as well. I also built a drawer and bit storage as inspired by Woodworkers Journal. I originally had the adjustable feet but switched out for the excellent Rockler casters.
We have that and are testing it now - seems good!!!
Another great review and at a time when it was needed. Was looking at router tables before the present crisis. Thanks again!
I plan to build this once piece at a time so it’s not just one large investment. Overall I think it’s a great choice. Best thing I’ve found to keep cast iron tops clean from rust is Boeshield T-9 Rust and Corrosion Protection/Waterproof Lubrication, 12 oz. Aerosol
Concord. I don't mind the 30 second ads or even a couple-or-3 minutes. I'm told you-tuber channels have no control over them. For some reason, i have been targeted by one particular medical scam that is really an infomercial at least 50 minutes long, even over an hour, even right in the middle. Those get skipped. Not on your channel, so far. I'm told the ads help defray your cost, some, so i try to tolerate them, working on something else on split-screen, if they are particularly obnoxious. Like your show. Only wish i could afford things like the Rockler. On the rare occssion i can, i reall really appreciate these kind of reviews from a reliable source like you.
Super review really liked and enjoy !
This is a really great table from rockler. The pro-lift 2 What brand routers fit? This is in the spec sheets . IMPORTANT - DOES YOUR ROUTER NEED AN ADAPTER? The Pro Lift is sized to accommodate routers with a 4.2" diameter motor, such as the 31⁄4HP Porter-Cable® 7518. If you intend to mount a smaller router, you MUST USE an Adapter Collar (sold separately). See available Adapter Collars at right to determine which one you need and obtain the proper Adapter Collar before proceeding. If your router requires an Adapter Collar, you will not be able to use the Pro Lift without it.
31⁄4" Adapter Collar (50098, sold separately):Fits Makita RF1100 and other router motors with a 10.21" circumference (approx.)31⁄2" Adapter Collar (57022, sold separately):Fits Bosch model 1617; Porter-Cable 690 and 890 series; DeWalt 616 and 618 routers; and other router motors with an 11" circumference
👍👍Thanks for useful tips and detailed information.
Your right super table
There cheaper table
Is good value.
The incra lift is great
For assit cabinet door
Mfg. Love this review
I appreciate this.
Which routers are 4.25" diameter that work with this lift other than the porter cable?
Well made stuff, but way expensive. You can get the same system and quality for a whole lot less... I did. I got the Peachtree cast iron table & Supreme Fence system and a Jessem lift for a bit more than half the cost of the Rockler setup you showed. It is mounted in my table saw as an extension wing, making is much more versatile.
Either will last a lifetime, but I can buy more tools now. ;)
Good review
I know the plate size is fairly standard at this point, but did you check (or know) if the table (which can be bought by itself) accommodates other similarly-sized lifts like Kreg, etc? I'm not as worried about the plates fitting as I am about the holes tapped and securing mechanisms not being able to lock them down. Thanks.
I like this review....
Looks a lot like the SawStop router table extension. The SawStop is only 27" wide as it connects to a table saw, but, it has the miter slot and the T slot and the fence holding slots. EDIT: I took a look at Rockler's Dust Right Router Table Dust Bucket. Also looks very similar to the SawStop dust box. Except Rockler's is blue and cheaper than the SawStop.
Super fence
Do you think this setup will work if I put it on Rockler's foldable steel stand? I do my work outside and I don't think I can move this thing if it's on this stand. TIA.
Does the Bench Dog fence have a mechanism for edge jointing?
Good, idea than a sharper and spindle moulder, am in Uganda , would need such an idea in my shop where can I easily access one.
Rob- have your guys reviewed/compared miter saw stands? Would love your group’s opinions
Yes please. Want to see that also
Was that incra master lift ?
hi there great video. i bought the same setup but cant seem to figure out how to connect the cast router table to the router steel table. Any chance you could share how this is done?
Is should have come with bolts
No mention of jointing with it. That fence designed to take a spacer of some sort?
Absolutely
1230.00. Rockler tops have 11 3/4 x 8 1/4 a different size lift hole than others tables 11 3/4 x 9 1/4
This in my opinion , they all should be the same size. I would buy this top if it was 9 1/4 x 11 3/4
I was just looking at this table last night 😁 Just need to figure out where to put it in my garage.
Put it on casters!!!
If you have a standard 27" deep table saw, the table top is sold as a separate piece that can be mounted to a table saw as the left leaf, thus taking up zero extra room.
Where can I purchase this $999 complete set up? Nice review, thanks! Kevin
I have been looking at the Rockler tables. do you think the lift is worth it? I have the Triton router that has a lift built in but this looks like it would be a lot better.
YES
I wonder how the lift compares to JessEm's.
The incra i think is the
Best....precise to the max
During your use of table I noticed it wobble every time. Was it not leveled? This gives me second thoughts to purchase. Please advise.
No it was not perfectly level… I pulled it out there for better filming. Not it’s normal spot
How do you make sure the fence stays straight?
It doesn’t have to
Due to the overall cost including dedicating a premium router - at what point do you just invest in a shaper ? It used ti be that a router table was just a poor mans shaper, that had the advantage of being portable. but now it seams to be a competing product. I guess the residual advantage is bit selection
I've never used a shaper. But, to my understanding, shapers have higher torque but lower RPM. And thus, the kinds of bits that are appropriate for a router vs a shaper are different.
CaseAgainstFaith1: on modern shapers you can install collets that adapt them to accept router bits. And it’s true they are lower RPM because they’re designed for lager diameter cutters. So maybe your onto something- for small diameter cutters a router table may make more sense
What router / HP do you suggest with this table ?
2hp+
maybe haed to head rockler's, woodpeckers, and kreg router table
This cast iron table looks awesome! Thanks for the review =0)
If it had a power adjustment for the router, that wood make it almost perfect...
I want one.😂
But you didn't compare it to the competition. How does it compare to Woodpecker's offering? They are similar price points.
This isnt a head to head sorry
Looks like I found a place for my stimulus Check lol.
Woohoo i got the first like on this video!!
How does this compare to sawstop
Sawstop makes a router table?
@@ConcordCarpenter isn’t that what is on there website as an add on to the table saw? Is that not a router table?
Would be nice if it was sized for an extension wing on a contractor or cabinet saw. Otherwise, very cool table and fence. Very robust!
I believe they offer a similar option
They do: www.rockler.com/bench-dogreg-promax-cast-router-table-without-plate-40-102
Did you day $1000 for a router table? Doesn't come with router?
So Rockler bought Bench Dog? I have the Bench Dog.
A long time ago
I wish there was a router table with a fence as easily and quickly adjustable as a table saw
Me too! This is one major drawback I didn’t notice before I purchased this one. The movement on the fence it is horrible. It has no track or guide so making final adjustments is almost impossible. It also doesn’t keep it parallel to the minor slots. I can’t believe they overlooked this when they put so much Percision in the lift and everything else!
There is... mount the router table as an extension wing off a table saw and use the table saw fence. I did. I went with a Peachtree cast table extension for my table saw. With the Delta T4 fence, I can swing it all the way over to the router wing and use it.
@@csimet funny that you responded with this- I have a SawStop pcs with router wing but have not thought to use my tablesaw fence with it. Awesome!
Funny how this guy boasts the leveling feet and it's rocking as he's feeding a board through
Yup they must not have been adjusted. The video filmed this in the middle of the floor, for best filming visibility, this was not the final positioning of this tool.
Buy once..cry once.. gulp lol
$1,300 its for the professional wood worker. im working out of my garage lol.
Problem with this is it's too close to the cost of buying a shaper.
😷🍻🍺
It’s not 1 1/2 thick don’t mislead
That crazy is way over priced. Just go with a shaper for that kind of money. Or make your own table 🤷♂️
Salesman...
Good review