Buying task · Router lifts
Router lifts: plate outline, motor diameter and the maker's router list
Choose a router lift by your table's plate outline, your exact router model and the lift maker's own router list, with collars, ledges and rings checked.
We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. How we make money
Short answer
Choose a router lift by three facts, in this order: the plate outline your table opening takes, your router's exact model, and whether the lift maker lists that model for the version you are buying. A router missing from the maker's list is not confirmed, even if its motor looks the same size.
What a router lift does, and why fit is narrow
A router lift is a top plate with a motor carriage hanging under it. The router motor clamps into the carriage, and a crank raises or lowers it, often from above the table. Two parts have to fit: the plate must suit your table's opening, and the carriage must clamp your motor. INCRA says there is no industry-standard opening size,[1] and every lift maker publishes its own motor list. That is why this site starts from your router and your table, never from the lift.
The decisions, in order
1. The table's plate outline. JessEm sells the Mast-R-Lift II as model 02120 with a 9-1/4 x 11-3/4 in top plate and as 02121 with a smaller 8-1/4 x 11-3/4 in plate. Its metric 02123 also has a 9-1/4 x 11-3/4 in top plate.[2] Kreg's PRS5000 has a 3/8 x 9-1/4 x 11-3/4 in plate,[3] and INCRA lists its version of the Mast-R-Lift II at 9-1/4 x 11-3/4 x 3/8 in.[4] Measure your opening or current plate first: the plate sizes guide explains the two outlines.
2. Your exact router or motor model. Lift makers list models, not sizes. JessEm's manual puts the Porter-Cable 7518 at clamp setting A1 for a 4.2 in motor,[5] and groups the Porter-Cable 690/890, Bosch 1617/1618 and DeWalt 610/618 at F4 for a 3.5 in motor.[5] JessEm's product page adds the DeWalt 616 to the 3.5 in group and lists the Triton TFBR001 among its 4.2 in motors.[2] Those are the maker's chart values for that lift, not measured tolerances. See the motor diameter guide.
3. The maker lists it for this lift version. Versions differ. INCRA lists the Milwaukee 5625, 5615, 5616 and 5619 for the imperial version of its Mast-R-Lift II,[4] but says the metric version is currently not compatible with Milwaukee routers.[4] Kreg says the PRS5000 takes 20+ popular routers per its chart; a Kreg Q&A answer confirms the Porter-Cable 7518 and says the DeWalt 625 will not work.[3] Kreg's chart is an image we could not read, so other models stay unconfirmed for Kreg. SpeTool lists the P01002 for motor diameters of 2.56 to 4.21 in,[6] a range rather than a model list. The lift compatibility guide shows how to read each list.
4. A collar or pads. JessEm says the Makita 1101 and Hitachi M12VC/KM12VC need an optional 3D-printable collar in its Rout-R-Lift 3.5XT.[7] A reducer collar is part of the fit, so order it with the lift.
5. How the table holds the plate. INCRA says tables without a rabbeted ledge, such as Kreg and JessEm tables, need its CleanSweep Table Adapter to support its lift,[4] and that its lift is not compatible with Rockler or Bench Dog tables.[4] Kreg says the PRS5000 fits all Kreg router tables.[3] The lift and table guide covers ledges and adapters.
6. The rings that come with it. Kreg includes three Level-Loc rings with 1, 1-3/16 and 2-5/8 in openings.[3] On 2026-10-13, JessEm's page listed three rings (1-3/8, 2 and 2-1/2 in) and a ring wrench with the Mast-R-Lift II.[2] Rings are system-specific: see the insert rings hub.
Adjustment figures are the maker's mechanism specs. JessEm's manual says one handle revolution moves the motor 1/16 in,[5] and JessEm advertises a zero-backlash mechanism.[2] Neither is a measured accuracy; the adjustment specs guide explains the difference.
Check your router for a recall first
If you own a Porter-Cable 7518 or 7519, check its date code before you build a lift around it. In 2014 the CPSC announced recall 14-221 of Porter-Cable fixed-base production routers, models 7518, 7519, 7519EC and 22-7519-60, and the 75361 router base, tied to listed units made from 1990 to April 2014.[8] The recall guide explains the date code.
How to choose
Start from the router finder: your router's page shows which lifts list it. Then confirm your table's opening with the measuring guide. These approved lifts publish a plate outline and a router list or motor range.
Picks that fit6 products
Kreg tables and the Porter-Cable 7518: Kreg PRS5000. A 9-1/4 x 11-3/4 in opening and a router on JessEm's chart: Mast-R-Lift II model 02120 (not 02121, the 8-1/4 in plate). 3.5 in motors such as the Porter-Cable 690/890 or Bosch 1617/1618: JessEm Rout-R-Lift 3.5XT.
More on choosing
SpeTool P01002: check your exact router against SpeTool's list first. Woodpeckers QuickLift: Woodpeckers' listings label the QL420-A for 4.2 in motors and the QL350-A for 3.5 in motors; confirm on Woodpeckers' page that it lists your router. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or the brand.
Widest published router chart
JessEm Mast-R-Lift II 02120 router lift (9‑1/4 x 11‑3/4 in plate)
For 3.5 in motors
Woodpeckers lift, 4.2 in version
Woodpeckers QuickLift 420 router lift, aluminum plate (QL420‑A‑23)
Woodpeckers lift, 3.5 in version
Woodpeckers QuickLift 350 router lift, aluminum plate (QL350‑A‑23)
Every page on router lifts
Guides
- Router motor diameters: 3.5 in, 4.2 in and the sizes in between
- Will my router fit this lift? Reading a maker's router list
- Router lift vs insert plate, and routers with a table winder
- Reading lift adjustment specs: 1/16 in per turn and 0.001 in
- Lifts and tables: ledges, adapters and named exclusions
- The 2014 Porter-Cable 7518/7519 recall and router lifts
- Discontinued lifts and motors: PRL-V2 and Milwaukee 5625-20
- Plate sizes: 9-1/4 x 11-3/4 vs 8-1/4 x 11-3/4 in
- Above-table height adjustment: access holes and collars
- Measure your router table and router before buying parts
Tool
Your router
- Porter-Cable 690 and 890, Porter-Cable 7518, Porter-Cable 7529 and 8529
- Bosch 1617 and 1618, DeWalt 610, 616 and 618
- Milwaukee 5615, 5616 and 5619, Milwaukee 5625-20
- Makita RF1101, Hitachi M12VC and KM12VC, Ridgid R29302
- Triton TRA001, Triton TFBR001 motor
Tables that name lifts
- Kreg PRS1025 router table top, JessEm Mast-R-Top
- INCRA router tables, Rockler and Bench Dog 8-1/4 in tables
Key terms
Motor body diameter, motor clamp, plate outline, above-table adjustment, dial graduation, backlash and maker claim.
Everything in this topic
Guides
- Discontinued lifts and motors: PRL-V2, Milwaukee 5625-20 and older testsHelps you find parts that still fit an older lift or a discontinued router motor.
- The 2014 Porter-Cable 7518/7519 recall and router liftsHelps you check whether your Porter-Cable 7518 or 7519 is covered by the 2014 recall and what the notice says to do.
- 1/16 in per turn and 0.001 in: reading lift adjustment specsHelps you read lift and fence adjustment specs as mechanism figures, not accuracy promises.
- Router lifts and tables: ledges, adapters and named exclusionsHelps you check that a lift will sit properly in your table, not just match its outline.
- Router lift vs insert plateHelps you decide whether your router and table need a lift or a plain insert plate.
- Router motor diameters: 3.5 in, 4.2 in and the sizes in betweenHelps you find your router's motor diameter on a lift maker's chart before choosing a lift.
- Will my router fit this lift?Helps you confirm a lift fits your exact router before you buy, using the lift maker's own list.
Shortlists
- Router lifts with a published plate size and motor listNarrows router lifts to ones whose makers state the plate and the routers they take, so you can match your table and router before ordering.
Tools
- Router finder: lifts and plates whose makers list your routerShows, for the router you own, every lift and plate whose maker names it, so you buy from a list instead of guessing from a size.
Common questions
Can I still get parts for a PRL-V2?
INCRA marks the PRL-V2 and its adaptor pads as discontinued. The lift uses MagnaLOCK rings, so ask INCRA which rings and parts are still sold for it. More in Discontinued lifts and motors: PRL-V2, Milwaukee 5625-20 and older tests
Will a new plate fit my Milwaukee 5625?
Some current plates list it: Kreg's PRS4038 Pattern 2 and INCRA's MLP7518-AL both name the Milwaukee 5625. INCRA notes above-table access may need to be drilled. More in Discontinued lifts and motors: PRL-V2, Milwaukee 5625-20 and older tests
Which Rout-R-Lift II model do I have?
Check the model number on your lift. JessEm's manual covers 02310 to 02314 but does not say which motor each model fits, so ask JessEm. More in Discontinued lifts and motors: PRL-V2, Milwaukee 5625-20 and older tests
Is the Milwaukee 5625-20 still made?
Milwaukee lists the 5625-20 as no longer available. More in Discontinued lifts and motors: PRL-V2, Milwaukee 5625-20 and older tests
Is my Porter-Cable 7518 recalled?
Only if it matches the notice: the 2014 CPSC recall covers listed models made from 1990 to April 2014, identified by date code. Check your router's date code against recall 14-221. More in The 2014 Porter-Cable 7518/7519 recall and router lifts
Does the recall apply to the motor in my lift?
The notice covers the listed router models and the 75361 base, and its hazard is the uninsulated base handles. A lift is not a remedy the notice names; if your unit is covered, follow the notice. More in The 2014 Porter-Cable 7518/7519 recall and router lifts
What do I do if mine is covered?
The 2014 notice says to stop using it, unplug it and contact Porter-Cable for a free replacement base with insulated handles. We did not check whether that base is still available. More in The 2014 Porter-Cable 7518/7519 recall and router lifts
Was the recall announced in Canada?
The CPSC notice counts about 7,800 units in Canada, but we did not find a separate Health Canada notice. More in The 2014 Porter-Cable 7518/7519 recall and router lifts
Questions
Will any router fit a router lift?
No. A lift's carriage clamps specific motor bodies, and each maker publishes its own list. Kreg's Q&A, for example, says the DeWalt 625 will not work in its PRS5000. If your router is not on the list for the lift version you are buying, treat it as not confirmed.[3]
Which lift fits a Porter-Cable 690 or Bosch 1617?
JessEm's Mast-R-Lift II manual groups the Porter-Cable 690/890 and Bosch 1617/1618 at clamp setting F4 for a 3.5 in motor, and JessEm lists both as direct fits for its Rout-R-Lift 3.5XT. Kreg's chart for the PRS5000 is an image we could not read, so we do not list them as Kreg-confirmed.[5][7][3]
Is a 9-1/4 x 11-3/4 in lift standard?
It is common, not standard. INCRA says there is no industry-standard opening size, and JessEm sells the same lift with an 8-1/4 x 11-3/4 in plate (02121). Check your table's opening or plate before you buy.[1][2]
Is my Porter-Cable 7518 recalled?
Check its date code against the 2014 CPSC notice. The recall (14-221) covers listed Porter-Cable fixed-base production routers, including the 7518 and 7519, made from 1990 to April 2014, and the 75361 base. Not every 7518 is covered.[8]