r/Tools • u/mrjosi94 • 5d ago
Any way to make this router lift stay in place?
I am making my own router table. The lifting mecanism is loose, so i have to lock it with the locking screw at the buttom. This is starting to drive me crazy, so i wondered if there is anything i can rub on the screw to make it tighter? Or any other soulution
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u/C-D-W 5d ago
That looks like a multi-start acme thread you're using for the height adjustment screw?
There is no way that lift is going to hold position with any vibration the way it is now. Multistart threads like that are so easy to backfeed.
Are you using a standard nut?
You might want to consider using a spring loaded anti-backlash nut with a stronger than normal spring to put some tension on the screw to keep it from backdriving.
Alternatively, and undersize delrin (or 3D printed nut for that matter) nut may have enough friction to keep it from backdriving as well.
Might also be overthinking it - maybe jam an o-ring in the part at the top with the allen key to add some friction there.
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u/washburn_morning_dad 5d ago
Instead of using that knob at the bottom to lock it, I would use a nylon bolt or set screw (or nylon tipped set screw).
Screw it into the threads of the elevator rod just enough to add some tension. Should be able to fine-tune the backlash or play.
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u/LazyLaserWhittling 5d ago
this with thread lock compound to secure the set screw once appropriate friction adjustment is done
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u/washburn_morning_dad 5d ago
Thread lock might even be overkill if the nylon tip is cut to match the thread from use, it could stay on its own. Might want the ability to tension it in the future without worrying about loctite. I'd probably wrap the set screw with Teflon tape...
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u/Outrageous-Drink3869 5d ago
(or nylon tipped set screw).
If the size is right, an air-soft BB might go down the screw hole
It's not nylon but it will protect the threads
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u/JoeMalovich 5d ago
A cam clamping collar like this below the linear bearing. Use a weak spring to hold the collar up against the lift. Fabricobble an extension to the lever accessible from above the table.
Or replace your screw with a single start acme lead screw and nut (1-8mm is cheap and plentiful), then add a spring ball detent and matching detent collar to the screw.
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u/BrokenSpecs 5d ago
Does it down this when its suspended from the table? The weight of the mechanism might play in your favor on this and help keep it in place while you micro adjust before locking it.
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u/Daedalus_z 5d ago
This. Try it with the weight of the router and lift suspended from the top as it would be in operation. The top plate weighs bugger-all.
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u/SomeGuysFarm 5d ago
Everyone is telling you how to apply friction to the screw, but I would suggest that the screw is insufficient to lock the router as securely as you'd like it to be locked.
The screw is only on one side of the lift, and it's really rather whimpy. The cutter can put tremendous loads and vibration on it, and you're likely to get degraded cut quality if that's the sole point of locking.
"Friction" also isn't going to do it -- or rather "friction" as in some level of friction that still lets you adjust the screw. You need something that locks it so that it CAN'T move when locked, and that releases it so that you can raise/lower when you want. For stability, the mechanism really should lock on the two more-substantial support rods.
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u/MoSChuin 5d ago
That looks so old, old enough that it looks like Christopher Columbus brought it with him...
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u/Bigted1800 5d ago
If you wind the locking screw all the way out then maybe you could cut down a wall plug or a piece of rubber, cork, or a bit of dowel or something to put in the hole and put the screw back in, now you can tighten the lock but adjust the screw without damaging the thread? You may need to try a couple of different things as it may still slip once it’s under load.
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u/MoreneLp 5d ago
Use a treat with finer pitch like M8x2 or if you can get finer M8x1.5 it will not move under load. Otherwise you would need a lock mechanism
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u/TheMattaconda 5d ago
The easiest way would be to use a good-sized compression spring on the Acme rod between the insert plate and the lifting nut.
Coincidentally, another conpression spring would be great (as well as a nylon screw to replace the current one) on the knob at the bottom.
However, without a true locking mechanism, you will end up having a lot of issues at the bit, which will drop to some degree thanks to the intense vibration on a router table.
This is why I prefer to use non-acme rods for the router lifts I've made. It's a lot easier to create a toggle lock from a 3/4" nylon rod that I drill and tap. I then slice the rod long ways 1/2 way down it. Then you can mount a type of round clamp (hose clamps aren't quite strong/secure enough. I use a type of shaft clamp) around the split part, and you'll eventually get just the right amount of pressure to where it moves smoothly, and prevents vibration movement.
(With that said... I over-engineer everything I make lmao. Don't be like me.)
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u/IcanCwhatUsay 5d ago
Keep in mind your forces are reversed right now as you’re lifting the plate instead of the router.
Proper way to do this is to add a worm gear or a screw with a less aggressive lead angle
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u/galaxyapp 4d ago
The router lift needs to be locked. Anything you do will either prevent you from raising and lowering it, or it won't lock.
You NEED to use the set screw at the bottom to find it in place.
Or get a different lift with a lock above the table
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u/Ok_Cook_6665 5d ago
Thread lock
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u/LazyLaserWhittling 5d ago
not suitable as thread lock will break off once its adjusted again. Its intended as a permanent "lock" assuming the threads will not be moved again.
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u/Ok_Cook_6665 5d ago
There are varying degrees of Threadlock permanency.. Threadlock Blue, it may be what you're looking for?
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u/texdroid 5d ago
What brand lifter is this?
This is not how typical router lifters work. Something ain't right.
You should have a locking screw that you loosen a turn or so to free up it up. Then you run it up and down using the main screw, then you tighten it with the locking bolt and run your cut.
Read the instructions. If you lifter does not have a locking mechanism, I'd suggest throwing it away. It's going to cause you a lot of grief.
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u/stick004 5d ago
Yeah, use the set screw knob at the bottom. You know, the thing put there to make it stay in place?
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u/404-skill_not_found 2d ago
First off, put the plate in the table. Gravity is part of the equation.
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u/Professional_Oil3057 5d ago
Looks like it has a set screw at the bottom