Modifying Incra JessEm MastRLift II for Undertable Height Adjustment

I have been wanting to find a way to adjust the height on my Incra Mast R Lift II from under the table. In researching different options I decided to try this. I purchased a Craftsman 9 in. Flex Shaft from Sears ($10.99) and adapted it to the router lift. I used parts from Dewalt 6 inch bit extension as a shaft. A 1/4 inch hole was drilled into the threaded height adjustment rod for the hex extension. I drilled and tapped a 8/32 set screw in the threaded height adjustment rod to secure the hex extension shaft.
This method allows easy access to maintenance and speed control on the router.
I hope these pictures explain everything.
Thanks for looking in.

Added Note:
04/29/14

I received this email reply from an Incra rep, so be aware that this modification will void any warranty.

Hi, Sonny-

Thanks for the link to the forum. No, we don’t offer a side-crank setup for any of our current router lifts.

Technically, this will void your warranty because it’s a modification to the original mechanism, but the odds are very slim that you’d need any help with a warranty matter…the lifts are exceptionally reliable. We tend to be pretty accommodating overall on Incra products, but the one item that JessEm will stand pat on is using a drill to raise and lower the lift because the threads weren’t designed to operate at anything faster than hand-crank speeds.

Best regards,
Mark Mueller
Field Operations Manager
Taylor Design Group, Inc
1605 Crescent Circle, #400
Carrollton, TX 75006

( 1st Photo – PARTS)

( 2nd Photo – Installed shaft)

( 3rd Photo – 9 inch Flex Shaft installed into front access on router dust collection box)

( 4th Photo – View from front access / air flow opening, showing Flex Shaft connected to hex shaft on threaded height adjustment rod)

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