6 models in this file
Rockler Router Lift Guide and Matching Table Tops
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Rockler is a woodworking retailer and maker whose router table system is one of the most complete on the market: lifts, table tops, fences, stands and jigs designed to work together. A Rockler router lift lets you raise and lower the router from above the table instead of reaching underneath, which speeds up setups and makes fine bit-height adjustments far more precise.
The six products here cover every layer of that system: two lifts, the Rockler Pro Lift and the Incra-made Mast-R-Lift II for Rockler tables; two table tops in laminate and cast iron; a convertible benchtop table that folds away; and a rail sled for cope-and-stick joinery. For small or shared shops, we lean toward the benchtop table because it stores away when the bench is needed for something else.
The line-up at a glance
Rockler Router Lifts and Tables Compared
| Product | Type | Key dimension | Listed weight | Precision or plate details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockler Pro Lift Router Lift | Router lift | 9.25 x 11.75 in plate | Not listed | 0.001 in fine adjustment |
| Rockler High Pressure Laminate Router Table Top | Table top | 24 in wide, 1-1/8 in MDF core | 26 lbs | Accepts 8-1/4 x 11-3/4 in plates |
| Rockler Convertible Benchtop Table | Portable table | 18.5 in W x 19 in H | Not listed | Plate sold separately |
| Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R for Rockler Tables | Router lift | 11.75 in wide plate | 15.2 lbs | 0.001 in from above |
| Rockler Rail Sled | Jig | 16.54 x 8.07 x 1.77 in | 4.7 lbs | Not applicable |
| Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top | Table top | 32 x 24 in, 1-1/2 in thick | Over 50 lbs (88.8 lbs shipping) | 10-point plate leveling |
No. 1 of 6 · Rockler
Rockler Pro Lift Router Lift for Precise Height Control
9.4/10 Our score
Best for: Adding a precise lift to an existing table
What the listing says
- Router Table Lift Raise your woodworking to a new level with this pro lift router tool.
- Adjust The Height Use the fine adjustment gear to set the final height to within 0.001''.
- Fits Most Routers This woodworking router table works with router motors with a 4.2'' diameter (13.85'' circumference), like the Porter-Cable 7518 and 7519.
- Easy Router Bit Changes Raise your router table fast with the Quick-Gear, then down-shift to the precision gear for fine…
- What’s Included? Our pro lift includes (1) Rockler Pro Lift Router Lift, (1) Aluminum router plate…
Pros
- 001 in fine adjustment
- Quick-Gear fast travel
- Snap-Lock insert ring
- 3/8 in aluminum plate included
Cons
- Fits 4.2 in motors without adapters
- Plate size differs from HPL top opening
The Rockler Pro Lift Router Lift comes with a large 9.25 by 11.75 inch aluminum router plate that is 3/8 inch thick. It uses a two-speed system: the Quick-Gear raises or lowers the router fast, then you shift to the precision gear to set final height to within 0.001 inch. A Snap-Lock insert ring makes bit changes quicker, and the kit includes a 1-1/2 inch I.D. router ring and a set of hex keys on a key chain.
The Rockler Pro Lift accepts router motors with a 4.2 inch diameter, and Rockler sells optional 3-1/4 inch and 3-1/2 inch adapter collars for other motor sizes. That means you should measure your motor before buying. The spec sheet lists the material as wood, which does not match the aluminum plate in the features; treat that line as an error.
One compatibility point matters: the Pro Lift plate is 9.25 by 11.75 inches, while the Rockler HPL table top below lists plates of 8-1/4 by 11-3/4 inches. Check that your table’s opening matches before pairing them. This lift suits woodworkers who already have a table with the right opening and want faster, more accurate setups.
No. 2 of 6 · Rockler
Rockler High Pressure Laminate Router Table Top for Full-Size Setups
8.8/10 Our score
Best for: Building a full-size shop router table
What the listing says
- Rockler Router Table Top Our table top router is made from a thick material, sandwiched between two layers of high-pressure…
- Reduces Friction The router table Rockler accessories have a micro-dot texture that further reduces friction by reducing the…
- Improved Visibility The tabletop routers for woodworking include a bright white finish for improved visibility and a dual track in the table.
- Superior Quality These wood routers table top is built from a 1-1/8'' thick MDF core material.
- Easy to Assemble: These router table accessories are designed for easy installation, with clearly outlined steps,…
- You can use router plates that are 8 1/4'' x 11 3/4'' in size (sold separately).
Pros
- 1-1/8 in MDF core
- Micro-dot low-friction laminate
- 10-point plate leveling
- Dual track with miter slot
Cons
- 26 lbs, not portable
- Pro Fence needs adapter kit
The Rockler High Pressure Laminate Router Table Top sandwiches a 1-1/8 inch MDF core between two layers of high-pressure laminate. A micro-dot texture reduces contact area for lower friction, and the bright white finish improves visibility of your layout lines. The dual track includes a 3/4 inch T-profile miter slot for precision miter gauges plus a smaller track for accessories.
This Rockler router table top is 24 inches wide, weighs 26 pounds, and uses a 10-point plate leveling system for 8-1/4 by 11-3/4 inch plates, sold separately. If you plan to use the Rockler Pro Fence, you will need the Pro Fence Adapter Kit, also sold separately. Assembly involves installing leveling screws and aligning components.
It suits shops with space for a permanent or stand-mounted router table. For a lighter setup you can put away, the convertible benchtop table is the better fit.
No. 3 of 6 · Rockler
Rockler Convertible Benchtop Table for Small and Shared Shops
8.0/10 Our score
Best for: Small or shared shops and jobsites
What the listing says
- THIS INCLUDES THE ROUTER TABLE ONLY!
- Rockler’s Convertible Benchtop Router The Rockler convertible table router is perfect to use it on your benchtop or on the…
- Four Modes In One Table The folding base on our Convertible Benchtop router tables woodworking can be quickly reconfigured into four…
- Will My Router Fit? Our convertible portable router table will accept the most compact and mid-sized routers.
- Compact & Portable These woodworking tools are compact and portable, yet full-featured, the benchtop router table fence is ideal…
- What’s Included? Our router benchtop table includes (1) Router Table Top, (1) Fence with MDF sub-faces,…
Pros
- Folds for storage and transport
- Four configurations incl. wall mount
- Fence, bit guard, dust port included
Cons
- Router plate sold separately
- No plunge or large routers
The Rockler Convertible Benchtop Table w/ 4 Configurations is our pick for small shops. The Rockler convertible benchtop table uses a folding metal base that reconfigures into four modes: benchtop use, wall-mounted use, or folded for storage or transport. Rockler says you can use it on a truck tailgate at a jobsite, then fold it and tuck it under the bench or into the cab.
The kit includes the table top, a fence with MDF sub-faces, the convertible base, a bit guard and a 2-1/2 inch dust port. The router plate is not included and the listing stresses this in capitals. It accepts most compact and mid-sized routers but not plunge routers, large 3-1/4 HP routers or one specific laminate trim router with a unique base. Dimensions are 18.5 inches wide and 19 inches high; the listing does not specify weight.
This suits hobbyists in garages, apartments with shared workspace and contractors who route on site. Heavy production work is better served by a full-size top and a lift. If you are still choosing a router for it, our guide to a cordless compact router covers portable options.
No. 4 of 6 · Incra
Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R Designed for Rockler Tables for Above-Table Adjustments
9.2/10 Our score
Best for: Rockler table owners wanting above-table adjustment
What the listing says
- Adjust the height of your router bit without having to reach below the table, or remove the router plate.
- Exclusive INCRA MagnaLOCK reducing ring system for instant ring changes and perfect ring fit
- Quickly make super precise, 0.001" height adjustments from above
- Exclusive ball bearing mechanism for super smooth action and low friction
- Ultra-responsive, direct drive 16TPI lift screw mechanism
Pros
- 001 in adjustments from above
- Five magnetic reducing rings
- Sealed ball-bearing mechanism
- 16 TPI direct-drive screw
Cons
- Made by Incra, sold via Rockler
- 2 lbs
The Incra Mast-R-Lift-II-R Designed for Rockler Tables is sold through Rockler’s store, but the brand name and manufacturer in the specs are Incra and Incra Precision Tools. It is included here because it is built to fit Rockler tables, which is why shoppers search for the Incra Mast-R-Lift II for Rockler.
Height adjustment works from above the table with the included lift crank, so you never need to remove the plate or reach underneath. The listing claims 0.001 inch adjustments, a direct-drive 16 TPI lift screw and five sealed ball bearings on the screw and cam lock for smooth, low-friction movement. Five magnetic steel reducing rings (3/8, 1, 1-5/8, 2-5/8 and 3-5/8 inch) snap into place with the MagnaLOCK system. The aluminum plate is 11.75 inches wide and 0.38 inch thick, and the unit weighs 15.2 pounds.
It suits Rockler table owners who want the smoothest above-table adjustment and quick ring changes. If you want Rockler’s own design with a two-speed gear, the Pro Lift is the alternative.
No. 5 of 6 · Rockler
Rockler Rail Sled for Router Table for Cope-and-Stick Work
9.4/10 Our score
Best for: Cope-and-stick doors and drawer fronts
What the listing says
- Coping Sled For Router Table If you're building cope-and-stick doors and drawer fronts, our new rail coping wood sled will be an indispensable helpmate.
- Smooth-Running Sled With its smooth-sliding phenolic base, and sturdy toggle clamp holding your stock firmly against the router…
- Keeps Your Hands Safe Particularly with drawer fronts, which sometimes use very narrow rails, the rail guide coping sled prevents…
- Prevent End grain Blowout: A sacrificial block can be attached to the fence to prevent end…
- What’s Included? Our router table woodworking kit includes a Sled Base, Fixed Fence, Adjustable Fence, Lever…
Pros
- Toggle clamp holds rails
- Phenolic sliding base
- Sacrificial block limits blowout
Cons
- Single-purpose jig
- Many small parts to assemble
The Rockler Rail Sled for Router Table is a coping jig for building cope-and-stick doors and drawer fronts. A toggle clamp holds the rail against the fence, a phenolic base slides smoothly past the cutter, and tall round handles give a firm grip from any angle.
The Rockler rail sled keeps narrow rails from dipping into the bit, which keeps hands away from the cutter. A sacrificial block attaches to the fence to prevent end grain blowout, and an abrasive strip stops the workpiece from wandering. It measures 16.54 by 8.07 by 1.77 inches and weighs 4.7 pounds, and comes with a fixed and an adjustable fence, knobs, washers, spacers and T-slot bolts.
It suits cabinet and furniture makers who cut rails regularly. If you rarely build frame-and-panel doors, a lift or table is a better first purchase.
No. 6 of 6 · Rockler
Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top for Permanent Shops
8.4/10 Our score
Best for: Permanent shops wanting a flat heavy top
What the listing says
- Cast Iron Table Top for the Router: Nothing beats a Cast iron router table top when…
- Smooth-Cutting Metal Router Table Top A one-piece portable work table router top weighing in at over 50 pounds and measuring a…
- Strong & Durable Material The 1-½” thick cast iron table for woodworking routers is machined flat and is used to…
- Premium Features With a host of premium features like our dual track accessory/miter slot, 10-point plate leveling system…
- Included with: The Rockler’s ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top includes (1) Cast Iron Table Top,…
Pros
- 1-1/2 in machined cast iron
- 32 x 24 in surface
- 10-point plate leveling
- Dual track miter slot
Cons
- Very heavy, listing says 50+ lbs
- Stand sold separately
The Rockler ProMax Cast Iron Router Table Top is machined from solid cast iron, 1-1/2 inches thick, for a sag-free, flat surface that dampens vibration. The 32 by 24 inch top gives more than five square feet of work area and includes a dual accessory and miter track, a 10-point plate leveling system and pre-tapped holes for optional Rockler dust collection accessories and a steel stand.
The Rockler ProMax cast iron top is the heaviest item here: features say over 50 pounds, while the spec sheet lists 88.8 pounds, likely including packaging. Oddly, the listing also calls it portable, which it is not in any practical sense. The listing does not specify plate opening size, so confirm your lift fits.
It suits woodworkers with a dedicated shop who want the flattest, most stable surface. For a shared or small space, the benchtop table is the realistic choice.
Before you choose
How to Choose the Right Rockler Router Lift or Table
Start with your space. If your shop doubles as a garage or you work on jobsites, the Convertible Benchtop Table folds for storage and mounts on a wall. If you have a permanent spot, a full-size HPL or cast iron top on a stand gives more support for large panels.
Next, check plate sizes. The Pro Lift uses a 9.25 by 11.75 inch plate, the HPL top lists 8-1/4 by 11-3/4 inch plates, and the ProMax and benchtop listings do not state plate size. Measure your table opening before buying a lift.
Then check your router. The Pro Lift fits 4.2 inch diameter motors and needs adapter collars for others. The benchtop table rules out plunge and large routers. If you are considering a budget lift instead, our look at an entry-level router lift explains the trade-offs.
Finally, think about adjustment style. The Pro Lift uses a two-speed gear, while the Mast-R-Lift II uses a crank from above with magnetic reducing rings.
Questions people ask
FAQ
Which Rockler router lift should I buy?
If your motor has a 4.2 inch diameter and your table accepts a 9.25 by 11.75 inch plate, the Rockler Pro Lift adds fast and fine adjustment. If you want above-table cranking and magnetic rings, the Incra Mast-R-Lift II made for Rockler tables is the alternative.
Does the Rockler Convertible Benchtop Table include a router plate?
No. The listing clearly states the router plate is sold separately.
Is the Incra Mast-R-Lift II made by Rockler?
No. The specs list Incra as the brand and Incra Precision Tools as the manufacturer; it is designed to fit Rockler tables.
Does the Pro Lift fit the Rockler HPL table top?
The listings suggest different plate sizes: 9.25 by 11.75 inches for the Pro Lift and 8-1/4 by 11-3/4 inches for the HPL top. Confirm fit before buying both.
Can I take the benchtop table to a jobsite?
Yes. Rockler designed it to fold for transport and even run on a truck tailgate.
Prices, specifications and the feature lines above are read from the product listing and can change without notice. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback; nothing on this page is written from handling the product.
