Bench Dog 40-031 CI Table (or lift)- Amazon $185 with promos!!!

[Pakaderm]

The table and lift probably weigh more than an entire BT3. You should build a free standing stand for the table.

OK, I was planning to build a stand alone router table anyway. This may just be the deal to spur me to get started.

I bought all the pieces in 1 order. The catch is, you have to have 1 power tool for each accessory. So I had to order 2 Dremels, and the table and the lift. That worked. I also had to order an adapter to use my Hitachi router, another ~25 dollars.

Thanks!

-Pakaderm

[Brandt]

Just bought the table, both discounts still operational!

Paul, did you just buy the jessem lift from amazon with these discounts?

I just tried to buy the jessem lift with the engraver but none of the discounts seem to work. I did notice the only available seller for the jessem was grizzley...I imagine this is why.

Were you able to purchase the jessem with amazon as the seller?

[Brandt]

oops...question answered, I see I added the large instead of the small.

Small still available and works!

[Jeffrey Schronce]

oops...question answered, I see I added the large instead of the small.

Small still available and works!

The Bench Dog lift is superior to the Jessem lift for the Bench Dog cast iron table.

[Brandt]

After some more research I came the the same conclusion regarding the Bench Dog vs Jessem. Then I realized Jessem made a less expensive lift (fx) for smaller routers (I want to use this with my Bosch 1617).

Then I realized the Jessem FX doesn't fit in the Bench Dog table. Now I'm in a quandry.

I think if I get the Bench Dog lift I need an adapter as well...I think the combo will cost about as much or more than one of the new 3hp routers where adjustments can be made from the top.

I'm stuck

[p8ntblr]

The Bench Dog lift is superior to the Jessem lift for the Bench Dog cast iron table.

Why so????

[p8ntblr]

Just bought the table, both discounts still operational!

Paul, did you just buy the jessem lift from amazon with these discounts?

I just tried to buy the jessem lift with the engraver but none of the discounts seem to work. I did notice the only available seller for the jessem was grizzley...I imagine this is why.

Were you able to purchase the jessem with amazon as the seller?

Yes you need to get it from Amazon to get the discount. I got the smaller one made for the Bench Dog Table. If you're getting the regular size (9 1/4-Inch x 11 3/4-Inch) then Amazon is still available as the seller but you have to click them on the right hand side.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Why so????

Cast Iron and Steel versus Phenolic and aluminum. The Bench Dog lift is just a better lift. I own Bench Dog, Rousseau and JessEm lifts. The Bench Dog rules by a decent margin. The fit and finish is just crazy on the Bench Dog. And you could mount a 100lb motor to that lift and never be concerned about sagging, etc.

Also the Bench Dog lift allows the motor casing to travel up through the router opening (this includes the 3.25 HP PC and Milwaukee units) by about 1.5" which makes bit changes a breeze.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

After some more research I came the the same conclusion regarding the Bench Dog vs Jessem. Then I realized Jessem made a less expensive lift (fx) for smaller routers (I want to use this with my Bosch 1617).

Then I realized the Jessem FX doesn't fit in the Bench Dog table. Now I'm in a quandry.

I think if I get the Bench Dog lift I need an adapter as well...I think the combo will cost about as much or more than one of the new 3hp routers where adjustments can be made from the top.

I'm stuck

Shouldn't be stuck. There is a night and day difference between a plunge router mounted upside down against a plate and a true router lift. All plunge router above table mechanisms require you to still fiddle around under the table for locking mechanisms, power switches, etc.

The adapater for the 1617 for the Bench Dog lift is around $20 (which is a good bit less than the JessEm adapter).

[p8ntblr]

Cast Iron and Steel versus Phenolic and aluminum. The Bench Dog lift is just a better lift. I own Bench Dog, Rousseau and JessEm lifts. The Bench Dog rules by a decent margin. The fit and finish is just crazy on the Bench Dog. And you could mount a 100lb motor to that lift and never be concerned about sagging, etc.

Also the Bench Dog lift allows the motor casing to travel up through the router opening (this includes the 3.25 HP PC and Milwaukee units) by about 1.5" which makes bit changes a breeze.

How does the lift mechanism compare between the two? I read on woodnet that the BD was bomb proof but the Jessem had a better lift mechanism.

You answered another question I had which was whether the BD would allow over the table bit changes.

I ordered the Jessem (with the BD table) but since they're on back order I can still change my mind. IYO, do you think it wise to do so?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

How does the lift mechanism compare between the two? I read on woodnet that the BD was bomb proof but the Jessem had a better lift mechanism.

You answered another question I had which was whether the BD would allow over the table bit changes.

I ordered the Jessem (with the BD table) but since they're on back order I can still change my mind. IYO, do you think it wise to do so?

Hmmm. What was cited as better about the lift mechanism? They are both great and function flawlessly so I am not sure one is better than the other. The BD has cast iron fins on the motor holder that theoretically distributes motor heat. The mechanism above the table is different with the Jessem using a hex wrench style and the bench dog using a heavy duty socket (literally a socket attached to the crank). Both get dust in the openings that should be blown out from time to time.

I personally LOVE the BD lift. Guess it would depend of the price difference. I thought the lift was $185 according to this thread. If so it is a heck of a deal and definately the way to go. I paid $190 for mine w/o power tool purchase required.

[Brandt]

On amazon there is a review of the Jessem lift where the reviewer says you have to crank the handle like 30x to raise the router high enough to change the bit.

Do you find this is the case...that the Bench Dog raises much faster than the Jessem

[Jeffrey Schronce]

On amazon there is a review of the Jessem lift where the reviewer says you have to crank the handle like 30x to raise the router high enough to change the bit.

Do you find this is the case...that the Bench Dog raises much faster than the Jessem

I don't know. I don't find either of them to be a real hassle and I like to find things to complain about! LOL! Typically one is not making the lift travel the entire length of the adjustment rods, rather you are moving it up 1" to change bit, then lowering it back down.

Again, I don't like hassles and I like equipment to work quickly and efficiently. Both lifts are fine in that respect, IMHO.

[JBD]

I own both.
The Mast R Lift has a one inch thick aluminum plate, not phenolic.
The Rout R Lift FX had the phenolic plate but now comes with AL.
The Mast R Lift feels a little more refined and does have a smoother lift screw. Sometimes the ProLift binds.
The ProLift can lift the bit slightly higher above the table but not to a point where it matters.
Both are built like tanks and I dont think you can go wrong either way.
HTH

[p8ntblr]

Man you guys aren't making this easy on me. I thought there would be a clear cut winner but I guess both are slightly better (to some) in 1 aspect over the other. But regardless I do appreciate the information.

Jeffrey, the post I read on woodnet didn't really expound on his statement. Just said they like lift on the Jessem better.

There's only a $25 difference (minus the power tool add on) between the 2 (with the BD being higher). I've actually ordered both and chose pay with check (didn't want to risk the deal vanishing). I'll do a little more reading and decide which order to cancel tonight. Thanks for the info. And if there's any more experiences or advice I'd appreciate hearing it.

BTW, I'll be using a PC 7518 with it. Any suggestions on a good, hopefully cheap (cuz these deals are making broke), table mounted switch for it? Can the speed be controlled externally as well?