Bench Dog Tools 40-150 ProLift Router Adjustment System
by Bench Dog
 |
List Price: Our Price: $269.99 You Save: $99.01 (27%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Tools See more product details |
Product Details
Manufacturer: Bench DogModel: 40-150
Product features:
- Bronze pre-load nut prevents back driving due to vibration. This exclusive design eliminates the constant adjustment required on other lifts
- Direct drive lead screw is fast-acting and self-cleaning. Won't get sloppy over time like belts, chains and gears
- Twin ball bearings support the weight of the router. Most other lifts use cheap sleeves
- Ultra-flat cast iron plate is precision-ground and measures 8-1/4-Inch by 11-3/4-Inch. Fits all Bench Dog router tables. Various size plastic insert rings are sold separately (1 included)
- Use 40-002 ProLift adapter for Bosch 1617/1618, DeWalt 610,616/618 and Porter Cable 690/890 routers. Use 40-003 adapter for Makita RF1100/1101. Adapters sold separately
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Bench Dog Tools 40-150 ProLift Router Adjustment System
Customer Review: Disappointing lift for the price
Summary: 3 Stars
I have used this router lifter at a friends house when my own router table set-up was inadequate for the task at hand. I have used several router tables and was under the impression that the Bench Dog set-up was the best. The cast iron table is as solid at it gets with the the added benefit of the ability to use magnetic feather "boards" as well as the standard types. The router lifter was fast and accurate and very solid. There was no question in my mind that when I up-graded my router table set up it would be to a Bench Dog.
My friend moved and took his router table with him so the opportunity to purchase a new router table set-up was at hand. After using many set-ups I considered my product research to be largely finished but took another look at Jessem and Woodpecker. It was a close call but my experience with the Bench Dog led me to bite the bullet and purchase the Bench Dog set-up.
The router table, stand and fence arrived in great shape considering the weight and I eagerly set it up. Despite the lack of instructions, it went together quickly and without any problems.
This is where the disappointment began. The Pro-lifter arrived and I noticed that it was different that what I expected and had used in the past. The steel inserts were replaced with ONE cheap plastic insert that must be attached with three very small screws. The top plate looks different as well. I knew that Rockler had purchased Bench Dog a few years ago but what I did not realize is that they decided to cheapen the product in such a way that it is now not the top of the line of router table set-ups in my opinion.
Two other friends purchased these units in the past year and received the model with the steel inserts so I assumed that I would as well.
The steel inserts of the previous model had a machined hole for placement of the starter pin which is of great value when working with small parts. It is also a very important safety device. Every time I use this router table set-up I am disappointed that I don't have the original. Why Rockler cheapened this in this fashion is beyond me.
This is an expensive set-up. Most woodworkers are willing to spend the money on high end tools if they perceive good value. This router table, fence, stand, lifter and other accessories is close to one thousand dollars. It is maddening to spend that kind of money for a tool and be so disappointed. Some bean counter thought they could save a few dollars by going to a cheaper plate and forty nine cent inserts.
I Spoke to Bench Dog (Rockler) about the issue and a very pleasant man explained that the change took place in early 2009. They did send me the two other plastic inserts.... but the fact remains...they are plastic.
The bottom line is that this is an excellent table and fence. For the money, I think that there are better lifters on the market. Some others have returned the bench dog for other brands. Rockler makes one that will fit this table but it is not reliable so that is not the answer. Woodpecker makes one with metal inserts and is a good unit.
This lifter would be a top product if only they had not cheapened it needlessly. I would have paid a few dollars more for the previous model if I could have found one.
This has left a bad taste in my mouth for all Rockler products. My friends agree as well as many of the posters on the woodworking forums.
Description of Bench Dog Tools 40-150 ProLift Router Adjustment System
Includes ProLift Router Adjustment System - 40-150Router Accessories & Parts Tools
Tools and Hardware
Bestsellers in Router Accessories & Parts Tools
Vermont American 22410 1/ 4-Inch x 5/ 8-Inch Carbide Sngl Flute Straight Router BitVermont American; Tools
Best price: $3.98
Price in other shops:
Milwaukee 5616-29 2-1/ 4 Max HP BodyGrip Router MotorMilwaukee; Tools
Price in other shops:
Rousseau 3550 Super Size Stationary Router TableRousseau; Tools
Price in other shops:
Rousseau 3110 Benchtop Folding Router TableRousseau; Tools
Best price: $268.79
Price in other shops:
Router Raizer RZ100 Precise Router Depth AdjustmentRouter Technologies; Tools
Best price: $82.00
Price in other shops:
Porter-Cable 42193 Offset Router Sub BasePorter-Cable; Tools
Price in other shops:
Fein 5416262999 Router Guide FenceFein; Tools
Price in other shops:
General Tools 06 1-Inch to 6-Inch Circle and Wheel Cutter Accessory for DrillGeneral Tools; Tools
Best price: $23.99
Price in other shops:
Freud 62-124 26mm OD by 8mm ID Replacement Ball Bearing for Freud Router BitFreud; Tools
Best price: $10.69
Price in other shops:
Freud FT1030 Laminate Trimmer Angle Base for Freud Ft1000 or Ft750Freud; Tools
Price in other shops:
Similar Tools and Hardware Products
Bench Dog 40-083 Drawer Pack For ProMAX Cabinet, and ProTop CabinetBench Dog; Tools
Best price: $79.99
Price in other shops:
Bench Dog 40-136 Zero Clearance Insert for Large Bench Dog ProPlate and ProLiftBench Dog; Tools
Best price: $7.99
Porter-Cable 42950 1/ 2-Inch Router ColletPorter-Cable; Tools
Best price: $10.21
Price in other shops:
Bench Dog 40-011 Feather-Loc Double Featherboard for Table Saws & Router TablesBench Dog; Tools
Best price: $22.99
Price in other shops:
Bench Dog 40-300 ProMax RT CompleteBench Dog; Tools
Best price: $789.00
Price in other shops:
Bench Dog Tools 40-188 ProCaster SetBench Dog; Tools
Best price: $46.99
Price in other shops:
Porter-Cable 75182 Variable Speed Router MotorPorter-Cable; Tools
Best price: $269.55
Price in other shops:
Porter-Cable 42999 1/ 4-Inch Self Releasing ColletPorter-Cable; Tools
Best price: $12.95
Price in other shops:
Porter-Cable 7518 Speedmatic 15 Amp 3-1/ 4 HP Fixed Base 5-Speed RouterPorter-Cable; Tools
Price in other shops:
Bench Dog Tools 40-102 ProMax Cast Iron Router Table ExtensionBench Dog; Tools
Best price: $299.99
Price in other shops: