Initial impressions review of Kreg table an lift

[mbcabinetmaker]

I thought I would do a short review on the new router table and lift. For the past 5 or 6 years I have had a Freud router table top and fence. The fence works great but to pull the router out of the table required removing the fence and reinstalling. I went looking for a lift to install into that table. It was at Woodcraft that I took a close look at the Kreg table and after a little research decided to replace the Freud with the Kreg package. I did not buy the Kreg base as I have an old shaper stand on a Jet mobile base.








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Although I am using the lift, Removing the phenolic plate that comes standard would not be an issue with the T square fence moved all the way to the back.





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This T square design is very accurate. It locks with a lever in the front and with a twist knob in the rear. (The knob is visible in the first picture)





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I just wish there had been an option of buying without the phenolic plate. I will run it on CL as they go for around $70.00 if you buy an extra.







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The micro adjuster is an option at $15.00. Money well spent IMO.


I will continue with some thoughts on the lift.

[mbcabinetmaker]

While doing some research I found out that the Kreg, Incra, and Pinnacle lifts are all rebranded versions of the Wooodpecker PRL-V2 and all have very good reviews.




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Notice the MADE IN USA. The micro adjustment feature is really nice. A thumb wheel to adjust and also built in adjustable indicator and brake makes fine tuning a snap.












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A special tool is used to install or uninstall the insert. It works with only 1/4 turn.












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The key to raising and lowering is this handle that also works with 1/4 turn. In this position you simply pull the router up or push it down. Get it within 3/8 and fine tune with the thumb wheel.












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If I can find any fault it would be that there is not a fourth insert sized between the medium and large. Notice that the medium accepts standard Porta cable collets.












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Last we have an indexing pin that screws into any of 4 locations for freehand routing.


I find this to be very well built and designed. Dust collection on the fence works well. It has other features that I have not explored but I am looking forward to putting it to work next week on some Ceres door headers for a customer.



PS: I also have a Shopsmith router table.

[ldh]

Mark,
Great review and pics, but you will miss the easy adjustment of the Freud Fence. You do some beautiful work and it gives all of us on the forum something to shoot for.
ldh

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[mbcabinetmaker]

Idh

Now why didn't I think of that set up with the T tracks. Very ingenious indeed.