JessEm vs JessEm vs Hylton -- who wins?!

**drumpriest** · 06-09-2006, 11:08 PM

The rockler version is 150$ right now, which is 10$ more than Amazon.
JessEm makes the rockler version for Rockler, I am thinking that mainly they changed the plate size to match Rockler's router table plate size.

I've used this lift, and I think it's the best lift out there. The only downside is that it'll only hold a 2 1/4 hp router. The Master Lift (for 3hp routers) I just don't like as much.

**davidtu** · 06-10-2006, 01:05 AM

Drumpiest, there are actually 3 different ones listed above... only the Rousseau is cheaper than the Rockler... the other one (1st one) is much more expensive, which is what I find so confusing... is it the same lift as the others?

I've updated the original post to make the 3-way comparison clearer.

**bmyers** · 06-10-2006, 04:04 AM

I just got the Rousseau version. Why? Well, it was on sale, I had credit from Amazon coming to me, and free Prime membership meant I overnight shipping for $3.99. Also because that was the same size plate I already had with my tables. It a pretty good lift for the money though I imagine you could spend more and perhaps get more. Other than the size of the plate, I think the one you listed are the same and made by Jessem.

I would agree with Bill Hylton and say you don't REALLY need one. But hey, this is America and that never stopped anyone from buying anything before. It sure is nice to creep up on a cut in 1/64" repeatable increments which is not easy to do conventionally depending on your router.

I waited years to get one until the price point hit $80 (using my credit at Amazon) and still made plenty of raised panels, Incra boxes, and rounded over miles of sharp corners without a router lift. Would I give it up now?

No, I wouldn't.

Bill

**drumpriest** · 06-10-2006, 07:14 AM

Yeah, I believe that they the JessEm and the Rockler lifts are the same. The Rousseau is probably a pretty exact copy of the JessEm. A competitor. I have no idea why Amazon is more expensive other than the fact that Rockler holds several JessEm products, perhaps there is a special deal going on there.

**LarryG** · 06-10-2006, 07:55 AM

Originally posted by drumpriest

The Master Lift (for 3hp routers) I just don't like as much.

Keith, just OOC, what don't you like about the Mast-R-Lift?

That's what I have, and I've no complaints save this small one: it would be nice if the bit height dial could be zeroed out.

**lcm1947** · 06-10-2006, 10:41 AM

I also have the JessEm FX. Paid $179.00 for it at Woodcrafters about a year ago and love it but never owned anything else so can't compare but I sure do love it. Haven't used it that much but boy it sure is easier making different depth cuts then not having a lift. I'll never own a table that without one that's for sure. What I really like about it is you get 5 different sized bit disks but maybe they all do. I'm sure any of those would be good. They're all my major manufacturers.

**drumpriest** · 06-10-2006, 03:42 PM

Larry, it's just small stuff. The master lift is harder to use because the router is harded, but mostly I hate the levelers. The lift FX levelers are topside, making it a breeze to level to the table. The Master lift is a pluck out of table, make adjustment, drop back in, repeat process.

The mast-r-lift certainly works, and is what you need for a 3hp router, but I just like the fx better.

JessEm vs JessEm vs Hylton -- who wins?!

JessEm vs JessEm vs Hylton -- who wins?!

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