Woodpecker lift PRL-V2

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Fri Dec 25, 2009 10:47 am

Anyone have experience with this router lift? I have been looking at a Kreg router table and their lift I have been informed is a re branded Woodpecker PRL-V2.

tdubnik · Post by **tdubnik** » Sat Dec 26, 2009 2:57 am

I don't have any experience with it but have read good things about it. I am planning to build a new router table and this is the lift I plan to use. Incra also has a version of this lift and they are having a 10% off sale until the end of the year.

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 7:46 pm

I picked up the new Kreg router table top, fence and lift today. Had a 15% off any single item cupon at woodcraft and a wife along armed with another one. Saved about 75 bucks on the deal. I did not get the leg set as I wanted to use my old stand and mobile base. It is all set up and routing. I am hardly ever impressed with new tools these days but I am with this setup. I used an old 3 1/2 HP Porta Cable router that I have had for some time. I'm thinking about getting a new one with variable speed. I,ll post some pictures in a day or so.

timster68 · Post by **timster68** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 7:30 pm

I have it along with Woodpeckers 32x53 router table and the 25" Incra package.

The lift is typical of woodpecker's stuff - very well made. The thumbwheel for adjusting the router up or down only has a total range of around 3/4" so you need to set the intial height with the main handle first. The other little annoyance with it is that when you change directions on the wheel, the little dial indicator of course moves but with my attached Wixey Digital Readout doesn't show movement for the first few thumb movements.

BTW, the PRL-V2 is great for use with the Wixey as there aren't any holes to drill and attaching it was pretty easy.

I like it the lift as my Porter Cable 7518 weighs a lot and this plate/lift can handle it no problem.

-Tim

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Fri Jan 15, 2010 7:38 pm

I have had a few weeks using the new router table and lift. I am verrrrry pleased with my purchase.

timbertailor · Post by **timbertailor** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 1:33 pm

I was starting a custom kitchen and my Porter Cable died on me. With no time to send it in for service and fairly fed up with a marginal table, router and no lift system, I decided to upgrade.

After about 1000 board feet through the Woodpecker PRLV2, 37"x43" laminated table pre drilled and routed for the plate and the Incra Ultra Jig and Wonder Fence system, and a Milwaukee 5625-20 router, I can only say that I have been EXTREMELY pleased!

The lift makes it a breeze to change bits above the table. Height adjustment is a delight with the quick lift feature. And the fine adjustment wheel is a real treat. No interference or looking for a tool to adjust it.

The plate fits perfectly. Now, to me, that is saying a lot. I have never been able to get such a nice fit and finish between the table, the plate, and the insertion rings. The rings on this plate are super flat. Along with eight height adjustments(the screws sit on metal so not to dig into the mdf table!), it is the best I have used. The plunger on the side makes movement within the table non existent. I chose the Woodpecker unit because it was compatible with my PC insert bushings I already had.

After what I considered a short life with my PC, I am very happy with the perforrmance of the Milwaukee. 3 1/2 HP, variable speed, soft start, and great fit and finish. It has not shown even the slightest strain at half speed. I am looking forward to getting to the drawers and doors.

I will give an update after some dovetails and raised panel doors in the coming weeks. I am looking forward to it now the lowers and uppers are done.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 1:49 pm

Welcome, timbertailor, and thank you for the report and picture. You did knot mention the Festool plunge router though...

timbertailor · Post by **timbertailor** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:09 pm

a1gutterman wrote:Welcome, timbertailor, and thank you for the report and picture. You did knot mention the Festool plunge router though...

Well, I have been doing woodwork for many years. I have always appreciated German engineering and craftsmanship. I thought it was time to treat myself. I am glad I did. The Festool 1400 is the best plunge router I have ever had the privelage of using. It is hard to explain. I guess the best analogy is the difference between a Mercedes E63 or a Cadillac CTS-V. They are both terrrific sport sedans and some would question if the huge price difference between them is worth it? You just have to drive one to really know what the person is talking about.

There is an Achilles heel of the Festool routers. They are not well supported by third party vendors. So, I do not recommend it for table use. This makes thier lofty price tags a lot harder to justify. On the otherhand, a dedicated plunge router gives my shop more versatility.

shipwright · Post by **shipwright** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 3:52 pm

Mine's a Jess Em. I like it a lot and I don't mind having to get out the handle to crank it up / down. The micro adjustment is great and the lift pops up on the table for easy bit changes.
If anyone is contemplating a first time router lift with dedicated table I would recommend giving some thought to installation in your tablesaw. You get a huge work surface and you save duplication of precision fence components and space. I'm sure I've seen good adaptations of this idea to SS on this forum.
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At any rate whatever kind you get you'll love your router lift.

Paul M

timbertailor · Post by **timbertailor** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:42 am

Well, I mocked up the blind dovetails the other day.

Here is a photo of the the test box.

I did not glue or sand this. Just fitted.

The Incra system makes this a snap.

Paul,
The PRL V2 also allows above the table bit changes with most routers. This alone is worth the price of admission but add up all the additional features together and this may be the last router lift you will ever need.

I also prefer a dedicated router table. One, it is higher so I am closer to the work without bending over. Two, it does not interfere with my setups and other operations in the shop.