Replies

1. 
   Daninvan | Nov 30, 2006 06:10am | #1

   I have a Powermatic with the Jessem router lift table built onto it.

   I've had some trouble with the Jessem unit.

   The main problem was that the aluminum table developed a hump in the middle and I had to buy a new one. Of course the new one was a different thickness and the set screws were a different diameter, naturally not included. I notice that the new set screws I finally dug up are now scarring the MDF that the table was built from, requiring constant tweaking. Don't know what I am going to do when they dig a hole too deep to work anymore . . .

   I never use the fence the unit came with, I just built a much sturdier one from scrap that I clamp to the Powermatic's fence.

   The adjustment mechanism will get jammed on mine if I take it all the way to the top. This requires quite a bit of disassembly (and time) to unjam it. Eventually I got trained not to take it all the way up!

   I also had one of their inserts get its 'threads' worn down resulting in a cockeyed fit and eventual need to replace it.

   Lastly, I find their customer service on the phone to be lacking. The receptionist screens the calls, but she is not technical at all so it can be very frustrating trying to get past her to someone who knows something.

   Dan

1. 
   coolbreeze | Nov 30, 2006 07:21am | #2

   Dan, You sure have me spooked. Do you think maybe your problem(s) could be an abberation?

   Having several mounted routers can really be helpful when making multiple cuts on the same piece of work such as S & R.

   The thought of a combo TS and RT has always interest me some. I just have never seen one that I thought I'd like. I was hoping to hear different but I want more to hear the truth!!

   Thanks for your reply.

   Cool

2. 
   nikkiwood | Nov 30, 2006 08:23am | #3

   I already had a good router table, and like you, I thought it would sometimes be useful to have a second router set-up.

   So I mounted one on the TS table. But I found it to be a PIA, since it always seemed that I would have use for the TS when I had the router set up for something or other.

   So instead, I built a portable router table top, with a set of detachable legs; this thing can be leaned on one of my benches for those times when I want a second set-up -- thus always leaving the TS free.

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   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   coolbreeze | Nov 30, 2006 04:49pm | #4

   Nikkiwood, I have a portable PC top that gets a lot of use. With the use of a straight edge, the split fence is easy to use. I have it on a portable stand which makes it too high and the ribbed aluminum surface sometimes leaves marks on the wood and the "dust collection connector is a joke. Overall, I do not like it much. The one I have completed(little drawer work left) will be my work machine. It is all Jessum with a 7518 PC. I may build a smaller router cabinet for my second and ditch the PC top.

   So far, two answers and two are negative. I am fast losing interest in my friend's 66.

   Thanks

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   Coaches who listen to the fans wind up sitting with them--Bobby Knight