Hector's router lift

This article is about Hector's router lift, which is part of his table saw workstation

Opening the top of the table saw workstation reveals the built in router lift on the right side.

The up-down carriage in place. This photo shows the router lift still under construction.

This is the router cabinet module with the other part of the slide in place (removed from the cabinet). Since these slides can be separated it is easy to take out the carriage for maintenance and cleaning. Changing router motors only requires loosening the two 5/16" Allen cap-head screws. No need to take out the carriage.

A view of the carriage with the slides screwed in place. The hardwood runners are carefully planed to exact thickness to counteract any slop of the carriage within the cabinet. The long slot at the left is for the height locking mechanism. A thick aluminum plate is used to mount the router. It has a 43mm hole for the Eltos but a different plate can be used to mount the 71mm Bosch. Even a 89mm router motor would eventually fit with a suitable plate.

A dust cover removed. Made from scrap hardwood, 1/8" hardboard and aluminum sheet. This cover protects the drawer slide from the router dust.

A view of the controls. The hand wheel raises or lowers the router. The star knob locks the carriage in place for working. The hole was a dust collection port. It did not work as expected so it will be eventually plugged.

A view of the bridge in its operating position. The carriage has been lifted and locked in the bit changing position to allow a better photo. At right, one of the two springs that pull the carriage down against the bearings.

The bridge unit with ball bearings. Note the 3/8" hole for the threaded rod that pushes/pulls the bridge to lift the carriage.

The carriage in working position. When the bridge is pulled or pushed, the bearings move along the slope and lift or lower the carriage. The springs keep the slopes always in contact with the bearings. Operation is very smooth and flawless. One turn of the hand wheel raises the bit 1mm, so it is easy to control and even return to a previous setting. The slopes are made out of 1/4" hardboard.

The router in bit changing position. The table was lifted for the photo but bit changing can be accomplished from the top, with the table in place. A handle is used to pull the carriage up. It is then locked and a shop-made plate used to lock the spindle. Only a single wrench is then required for the bit change. The small dark boxes with a small spring attached are dust covers for the slides.