Electronic Router Lift
Router lifts can be really expensive but they don’t have to be! Used plunge-base routers often pop up on Craigslist or Marketplace for under $100. And when combined with a Router Raizer add-on (see my video on this here) the plunge-base can be transformed into a router lift with easy height adjustment from the top or bottom of the table.
Now you can stop right there and have a super solid router table. But we wanted to take it one giant step forward and give it electronic height control with rapid movement as well as super precise control to really dial things in.
Some of the following links are generated by Amazon and provide me with a small percentage/kickback should you use them to purchase any of the items I use. Thanks for supporting me and this channel!
Installing Router Raizer lift kit video
Router Raizer kit: https://amzn.to/3jfaQ31
Router Raizer (Rockler): https://www.rockler.com/router-raizer
Digital height gauge: https://amzn.to/3JXbGyd
Parts Needed
To build one of these electronic router lifts, you’ll need a few things.
If you have lots of circuit building experience you should be able to put everything together from just what’s on this page (parts list, circuit schematic, and Arduino code) but if you want a little more guidance, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide.
You can source all the parts from the list below (links are included for your convince), however I’ve also put together complete DIY kits that, due to bulk purchasing, will be slightly cheaper than getting all the parts through Amazon. And the step-by-step PDF build plans is included as well.
Here’s the things you’ll need:
Parts/Supplies
Arduino Nano: https://amzn.to/3NFHwSk
Breakout board: https://amzn.to/38ikIrQ
Rocker Switch: https://amzn.to/3JWhDvm
Stepper Motor Driver: https://amzn.to/3qQYP9x
NEMA 23 Stepper Motor: https://amzn.to/3tViYwX
NEMA 23 mounting Bracket (optional): https://amzn.to/3MMIjQs
Rotary Encoder PCB: https://www.adafruit.com/product/4991
Rotary Encoder: https://www.adafruit.com/product/377
Limit Switch: https://amzn.to/3qT7Qi7
Toggle Switch (red cover): https://amzn.to/3795Yeo
Push Button: https://amzn.to/3JZKKOi
Flex coupling: https://amzn.to/36Dz9GA
DC-DC buck converter: https://amzn.to/3JX82V3
12V 3A wall transformer and barrel jack: https://amzn.to/3873kWK
Magnet: https://amzn.to/3IVboqr
Hex driver: https://amzn.to/35ruuGU
LED (prewired): https://amzn.to/3KdnYD3
Electronics Enclosure: https://amzn.to/3qSGTuV
(or 3D print: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5336847)
Screw, 4-40 3/8”: https://amzn.to/3Ln0yeu
Nut for magnet screw: https://amzn.to/3iTHJDs
Ring terminal: https://amzn.to/3wT3r2B
3D printed ring for safety button (optional): https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5359584
3D printed limit switch holder (optional): https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1409565
Wire, 22 AWG, 1 meter: https://amzn.to/3LG42ZZ
Wire, 22AWG, multicolor set: https://amzn.to/3KChf5A
Wire, Yellow, 18 AWG, 10”: https://amzn.to/3J9KOKt
Tools Needed/Recommended for Assembly
Digital Height Gauge: https://amzn.to/3JXbGyd
Soldering iron: https://amzn.to/3qUfA3E
Soldering iron: (budget friendly) https://amzn.to/3qR1Whw
Solder: https://amzn.to/385MPdx
Solder flux: https://amzn.to/370Y7zh
Precision screwdriver: https://amzn.to/3iVZHVX
Multimeter: https://amzn.to/3K4OLkU
Hot-glue gun: https://amzn.to/3iQAFHR
Wire strippers: https://amzn.to/3qSrfzQ
Needle Nose Pliers: https://amzn.to/3qQrc7u
Drill: Any kind or brand will do
Drill bit set: https://amzn.to/3DQCWfB
Circuit Diagram
Arduino Code
Before programming the Arduino make sure the Adafruit seesaw Library is installed.
Copy the following code into the Arduino IDE:
3D Printed Parts
Here’s the links to the 3D printed parts I used in my design. The parts don’t have to be 3D printed but if you have access to a printer, it’s a convenient option.
3D print of box/lid: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5336847
3D print of safety button rim: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5336830
3D print of limit switch holder: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1409565
3D printed router handle limit switch tab: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5336841
Did You Make It?
Post a photo of your build using #MadeWith42Pursuit and tag us to let us know how it turned out!