Router table position on new Jet cabinet saw??

[LarryG]

I just looked at the XACTA again...its not stationary as I thought... there is about 2" of play in the fence (towards and away from the bit opening) with the clamping knobs loosened.

Two inches per half, for a total of four? If so, that's plenty for even a large panel-raising bit.

I've never owned a collet extender, in part because I've never needed one, in part because I'm not comfortable with the concept.

[GaryA]

Two inches per half, for a total of four? If so, that's plenty for even a large panel-raising bit.

I've never owned a collet extender, in part because I've never needed one, in part because I'm not comfortable with the concept.

Now I'm wondering if I made a mistake with the Hitachi purchase if I'm going to have bit depth issues. You guys definitely think I will based on the XACTA insert and the M12V2? I do also have the DeWalt 618 combo- which I was going to plan to use for hand routing. What would be the ideal router (3+hp) that wouldnt have these issues?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Now I'm wondering if I made a mistake with the Hitachi purchase if I'm going to have bit depth issues. You guys definitely think I will based on the XACTA insert and the M12V2? I do also have the DeWalt 618 combo- which I was going to plan to use for hand routing. What would be the ideal router (3+hp) that wouldnt have these issues?

Based upon what I am seeing in the Xacta manual it would make no difference in which router you used. Typical router lifts have rings that hold the motor body (such as the 618) and can therefore lift the router motor up higher. I am thinking that the plate attachment is going to limit that ability to get the collet up through the table. I could be wrong.

I realize that you aren't putting your saw together for a few days, but is there anyway you can take the router plate, mount the M12 to it and see how far the collet comes up through the plate at max lift?

[LarryG]

What would be the ideal router (3+hp) that wouldnt have these issues?

I have a P-C 7518 in my table. I have no complaints with it, but if I were shopping today, I'd most likely get a Milwaukee 5625. These are the two best routers for table use on the market.

I am, however, confused. Jeff's comment about the rings suggests the XACTA lift is for fixed-base routers; i.e., only the motor cylinder goes into it and the lift does the rest. The M12V2 is a plunge-only model. Which type router does the XACTA lift accept?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I have a P-C 7518 in my table. I have no complaints with it, but if I were shopping today, I'd most likely get a Milwaukee 5625. These are the two best routers for table use on the market.

I am, however, confused. Jeff's comment about the rings suggests the XACTA lift is for fixed-base routers; i.e., only the motor cylinder goes into it and the lift does the rest. The M12V2 is a plunge-only model. Which type router does the XACTA lift accept?

The 7518 is likely the industry standard and a very fine router. I am not that familiar with the Milwaukee 5625.

My post was attempting to point out that the Xacta lift does NOT take motor cylinder only thus may create a problem with getting collet above the table.

Larry, what lift are you using?

[LarryG]

I am not that familiar with the Milwaukee 5625.

Nor am I, in terms of actual usage, but when Pat Warner says it's the one to get, that's good enough for me.

After re-reading your post, I realize I mis-read the context of the word "typical" the first time around. I now see that you were saying that the XACTA does NOT use rings, as it is NOT a typical lift.

Also, I looked up this lift on amazon.com and now see how it works. Kind of a dumb design, IMO. Two me there are two reasons for having a lift: precision height adjustments from above the table, and bit changes above the table. A lift that doesn't provide both isn't worth having (again, IMO) since a lift is a pretty hefty investment.

I have a Rockler/JessEm Mast-R-Lift. It brings the bottom of the motor cylinder right up against the underside of the plate, with the entire collet clear of the table.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Nor am I, in terms of actual usage, but when Pat Warner says it's the one to get, that's good enough for me.

After re-reading your post, I realize I missed the word "typical" the first time around. I now see that you were saying that the XACTA does NOT use rings, as it is NOT a typical lift.

Also, I looked up this lift on amazon.com and now see how it works. Kind of a dumb design, IMO. Two me there are two reasons for having a lift: precision height adjustments from above the table, and bit changes above the table. A lift that doesn't provide both isn't worth having (again, IMO) since a lift is a pretty hefty investment.

I have a Rockler/JessEm Mast-R-Lift. It brings the bottom of the motor cylinder right up against the underside of the plate, with the entire collet clear of the table.

The Jet is pretty much identical to the JessEm Rout R Lift.
http://www.jessem.com/rout_r_lift.htm

I currently I have the Mast R Lift as well. I have it installed in a CMT Phenolic table that is in the saw I will be selling. Unfortunately, a member on this forum is purchasing the set up or I would just switch those lifts.

Edit : Of course Jet version has the fence installed on the plate somehow, making this whole decision even more complex!

[LarryG]

Edit : Of course Jet version has the fence installed on the plate somehow, making this whole decision even more complex!

I saw that, and now understand Gary's previous question about rotating the insert 90deg. When I said it wouldn't make any difference due to the bit being round, I didn't realize the fence mounted directly to the plate. (It can be removed, surely?)

I have heard of the Rout-R-Lift model but I guess I didn't realize how a router mounted to it. Kind of a strange one, compared to other lift designs.

[GaryA]

I realize that you aren't putting your saw together for a few days, but is there anyway you can take the router plate, mount the M12 to it and see how far the collet comes up through the plate at max lift?

Jeffrey - for you my friend.... Actually, I havent yet received the Hitachi. I can mock it up with my DeWalt and see what we get there, if that would help?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Jeffrey - for you my friend.... Actually, I havent yet received the Hitachi. I can mock it up with my DeWalt and see what we get there, if that would help?

You probably don't even need a router attached. Just crank the plate up as high as it will go and see how far the top of the mounting plate is from the top of the table. Does that make sense?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I saw that, and now understand Gary's previous question about rotating the insert 90deg. When I said it wouldn't make any difference due to the bit being round, I didn't realize the fence mounted directly to the plate. (It can be removed, surely?)

I have heard of the Rout-R-Lift model but I guess I didn't realize how a router mounted to it. Kind of a strange one, compared to other lift designs.

On a lift made specifically for a TS I sure hope that fence comes off! LOL!

The good thing about the lift is that you can mount practically anything to it. That is a good position for Jet since they dont want to have 50 different versions of the saw just to contemplate what router would be used.

[GaryA]

You probably don't even need a router attached. Just crank the plate up as high as it will go and see how far the top of the mounting plate is from the top of the table. Does that make sense?

OK, I'm getting 9/16" from plate to table top (see pics). So, what do you think?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

OK, I'm getting 9/16" from plate to table top (see pics). So, what do you think?

9/16" from where on plate? That darn plate appears to be pretty thick!

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Guess it all depends on how much the Hitachi collet will extend beyond the base, once the plastic base guard is taken off. Looking at Bosch 1617 fixed base it would appear that this lift would be ok. A little tight on bit changing, requiring a bent wrench to get to the bottom part of the motor but other wise ok.

The Jessem Mast R Lift will actully take my entire motor about 3/4" above the table top! Mast R Lift uses router motor only. But it looks like the Jet maybe ok, again depending on how far the collet extends on the Hitachi.

[LarryG]

It looks to me like it's 9/16" from the main surface that mates to the base casting of the router.

That's not bad, but you'll also have to take into account how far a given router can lower its collet through the router's base opening.