JessEm makes really good lifts. I've used some of their older models and have the Ultimate Excel II. I have a dedicated a PC 7518 3-1/4 HP router for it. It is nice to have the extra power when using the router table. I also have a Bosch 1617 and I only use it for hand held work.

You might also have to get an adapter sleeve for the lift to accomodate the routers you mention.

I don't have any experience with using Harvey's router table. I would expect that the table should be compatible with the big name lifts.

 

Thanks for the info! That info and some more from websites has helped me narrow it down to the Jessem and the Woodpeckers. Woodpeckers specifically calls out two of my routers as compatible so I'm considering it also.

Router lift reqs:
Plate 11 3/4×9 1/4

Available Routers:
Bosch 1617EVSPK
DeWalt DW618PKB

Potential Lifts:

Jessem MAST-R-LIFT™ II Model # 02120
$419.99 USD
- STANDARD 9-1/4" X 11-3/4" TOP PLATE

Woodpeckers PRL V2 350 (Precision Router Lift):
$399.99 USD
Plate size: 9.25" x 11.75"
Fits 3.5" diameter router motors: Bosch 1617, 1618, Craftsman 17542, 17540,- 28190, Dewalt 618, Porter Cable 690, 890

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either Jessem based lifts or Woodpecker's. I do like the quick lift feature of the Woodpecker but the wrench sometimes catches the plate and lifts the whole plate up…kinda a hassle but not a deal killer. I have the Kreg version of WP so I can bolt the plate down if wanted.

Another thing to consider on the WP is if you change routers, you will need to change(purchase) out the pads to fit the new router; on the Jessem Mast-R-Lift you can adjust the screw holes to fit most routers.

I think he WP lifts look a bit more sturdier than the newer Mast-R-Lifts, especially when you compare to the older units. But, I think the Mast-R-lifts are smoother and easier overall when adjusting. Look for sales on the Jessem…Rockler just had a 20% off coupons which was eligible for Jessem products.

 

I don t think you can go wro…eligible for Jessem products.

- JRsgarage

Thanks for the input!

 

I have the Incra version of the Mast-R-Lift for Rockler/Bench Dog and love it. It's got the smaller 8.25" plate size. The ring changes are tool-less and quick. It's made by Jess-Em but with steel inserts held by magnets instead of plastic twist-lock for Jess-Em and WP. I've used it for a few years on my Bench Dog table attached to a Ridgid 3650. Very heavy duty mechanism, easy to operate and to adjust. Also fits a wide variety of routers without needing adapters.

One possible (tiny) advantage of the plastic rings is that you can easily get blanks and cut your own Z-C inserts. That hasn't been an issue for me as the standard rings have accommodated most of my bits with about 1/16" clearance.

I just received the same TS and router table combo last week - awesome configuration! I mounted my router table on the left side, replacing the small wing. I ordered a replacement plate from Incra - $135 - and will be able to drop it right into the Harvey table once it arrives. A couple of Allen head screws and some LockTite should be all it takes.

I use a PC7518 in my lift and it's been great. The mounting blocks are adjustable and easily fit my original 2HP single-speed router, but I opted for the muti-speed router to stay in the table. I have a second 2 HP variable speed/plunge router for above table work.

 

I have 2 Kreg router lifts which is a copy of the jess-Em only less expensive. My woodworking club shop has two woodpecker lifts which I don't like very much because of the way it works personal opinion I am sure some people like it. The Incra lift looks good I probably would have purchased one when I got the Incra router fence system because the plates have a slots for dust collection which is a plus.

 

Well I got my Woodpecker PRLV2 and Harvey HW110S52 today. The PRLV2 has the right size plate but the hole configuration does not match up with the Harvey COMPASS table pins and the pads on the PRLV2 are too thin to support any of my routers. I'm confused, thinking this lift is incompatible with the Harvey and all of the routers. Before I return the lift does anyone have any guidance here?

This router lift is pretty awesome, it would be a disappointment to see it go

 

Sorry you are having issues with your new lift. Reading your original post it seems like you will need the 350 pads. The pads usually shows a number at bottom…check to see if you ordered and they shipped the correct package.

 

Thanks. I checked my order and I did order and receive the 350, I'm going back over the procedure for mounting the router in the lift … looking for operator error.

This won't help the issue mounting the lift to the table though. I'm gonna have a busy day today so I'll try to post pictures tomorrow or Monday.

Thanks again

 

I got the Bosch to fit so that's good news. The DeWalt was too short and the Metabo was to narrow.

So, that leaves the issue of mounting the Woodpecker PRL-V2 lift onto the Harvey COMPASS RT-800 table. Here are some pictures of the PRL-V2 laying on the bottom of the RT-800. As you can see the plate is just the right size but the table pins/holes do not line up with those of the PRL-V2. I emailed Harvey these pics and a description requesting help.

I checked Woodpecker's other router lift tables and they all have a similarly configured plate

Clarification; when I have spoke of 'pins' above I am referring to the screws in the Harvey table

 

I'm not sure if you really need those hole to align. They look more for adjusting the lift flat with the table. Do the 4 holes on the corners align so you can screw down your plate after adjusting the level? I don't screw down any of my router lifts though.

Also the 350 pads should work with both you Dewalt and Bosch routers according to WP…probably just need to finagle it a bit.

 

I'm good with just using the Bosch router. I'll keep messing with those corner holes but I just don't get it right now and there are no instructions, probably since a wide variety of lifts are used with the table

 

I found the instructions buried in a pile of styrofoam and trash and they were actually pretty good as far as getting the base installed goes. They did not have any information on leveling the plate with the table but thanks to some previous experience I figured that one out.

The error is on me, not Harvey or Woodpecker.

All problems solved, here is the result. This is really impressive, I think the table with router is well over a hundred pounds … it ain't gonna move around on me. It is incredibly easy to set the bit height and micro-adjust it.

Thanks for the tips all

 

Hey @rocket62, did you buy your Harvey equipment directly online, or from a dealer?

 

Hey @rocket62, did you buy your Harvey equipment directly online, or from a dealer?

- fsucoy

Yes I bought directly from Harvey

 

Hi Paul,
I'm also a long time lurker interested in the Harvey RT-800 system (fence, table and DC).
My question is how flat is the table? Have you tested it out?

Thanks a lot for your post. New system from Harvey that looks very promising (albeit pricey) but there's not a lot of info out there. I reached out to Harvey directly re flatness question, but haven't heard back yet.
Also, what are you using for a stand?
Peter

 

I haven't tested the table saw yet, going to be a couple weeks before I get 220V service. I have tested the RT-800 and I love it. I did chip out part of the fence (see pics) because I was sliding the fence in and out before I adjusted it to fit. My bad but possible an oversight on Harvey's part. I can replace it with solid wood down the road.

What is the best way to measure the flatness?

I replaced the far right phenolic table insert with the RT800 then used that piece to build the outfeed table shown. I ordered a cast iron insert to replace the remaining phenolic insert but it is back ordered, will replace the remaining one when that arrives.

 

I should not have looked at this, nor gone to the Harvey site to sight see. Too many temptations, especially the sliding table.

 

What is the best way to measure the flatness?

If you have a reliable straight edge, you can run it corner to corner, side to side, back to front and test with feeler gauges to see if/where there are any gaps and how thick.

Sorry about your fence but looks like a nice set up. I'm planning on making it free standing with its own stand and now trying to figure out which models out there are compatible (or if it really matters)...

 

Ok I checked it with a 4' level and I am seeing no air gap on any of the table pieces. I am seeing a tiny bit at the junctions but that is adjustable and subject to my own errors.

I was told that the compatible lift models are 11 3/4" x 9 1/4" JessEM, Incra, Sawstop, Woodpecker, and Rockler. I went with the Woodpecker lift (see above) and the Woodpecker is compatible with at lease the Bosch (I used above) and DeWalt routers. The Metabo HPT may also be compatible with the Woodpecker table but it's diameter is smaller than the other two and you might need to substitute the pillows that hold it into the table.

 

Ok I checked it with a 4 level and I am seeing no air gap on any of the table pieces. I am seeing a tiny bit at the junctions but that is adjustable and subject to my own errors.

Thanks for checking.

 

Ok I checked it with a 4 level and I am seeing no air gap on any of the table pieces. I am seeing a tiny bit at the junctions but that is adjustable and subject to my own errors.

Thanks for checking.

- Pmf823

Sure thing, any more questions ask away …

 

I love my WP PRL2. Got it for $100 after my PRL1 went south and they had no parts so because of the lifetime warranty I got it for $100. The only thing that is a minor inconvenience is that you need to get close with the rough adjustment from the lift because that fine adjustment wheel is a pain to turn from the top. If you have access to the bottom of the lift it's not a big deal. The PRL1 was built like a Sherman Tank. The PRL2 is more like a Humvee, but most of the others are like a Chevy truck. Love them both.

 

I have the same Harvey saw setup as Rocket62 and just got temporary power run to the saw yesterday. Enough to fire it up, make sure it works, and make a few test cuts. Amazingly smooth and powerful saw!

I found one small disappointment with this otherwise awesome saw! The miter slots are 1" farther from the blade than my prior saw, so none of my custom jigs and sleds fit against the blade anymore. Most of my homemade sleds are melamine or MDF and have a sacrificial hardwood edge for the zero-clearance side. These can easily be reset to move the miter bar over and a new hardwood strip glued on, but I wasn't planing on having to modify these, especially the Rocker angle sled and drop-off platform.

I mounted my RT800 router wing with an Incra version of the Jess-Em lift to the left side of the blade, replacing the small wing. This location avoids any interference with the overhead dust pipe and keeps material flow in the same direction as the saw, BUT (a second small issue!) the Harvey dust box can't have the dust port and vent reversed like my old dust box could. So - it either will have the dust port on the front or the door opening toward the inside of the table and dust port facing the rear of the saw. I modified my P-C router speed control to be accessed by a rod through the side of the dust box, so reversing the box isn't a huge issue, but a small design change would provide more flexibility.

 

FYI, for anyone else doing research on this router table set-up, I heard back from Harvey finally re their specs for table flatness for the RT800, and they said it's within .25mm or .01"

@gbarnas, just curious if you've tested for flatness?