RUTLANDS R15 Router Lift and Motor

[NickDReed]

Hi all,

Anyone have experience of this, and would you recommend?

https://www.rutlands.com/products/r15-router-lift-and-motor

 

[Spectric]

Well my first question would be what materials are used, then look at the Rutlands version and an Incra (below) or Jessem which use a lot of ali and ideally you want to actually handle them but I have the Jessem prestige and it is excellent. Question is the Incra / jessem quality comes at close to double the Rutland price but does have remote speed control. They also use the high precision ER20 collets.

Now to throw something else into the equation, have you looked at spindle moulders, @deema has done a thread about these and they are not just for industrial workshops. It is something that has put my previous plans on hold until I make a decision on direction, router or moulder.

 

[Jake]

No experience of that, but quite enough of Rutlands to say avoid in case something goes wrong.

 

[alan895]

I've not used this router & lift myself but I've seen a number of reviews & comments online about the bearings not lasting very long, also the company not being very easy to deal with in terms of repairs/replacements for it or much else they sell.

 

[Spectric]

I've not used this router & lift myself but I've seen a number of reviews & comments online about the bearings not lasting very long, also the company not being very easy to deal with in terms of repairs/replacements for it or much else they sell.

Another reason to maybe look at

https://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/r...cvBs3GxD9s78y8kGxOq0iLpb4ZMPybMdVVX0Vqsqbk3z6

Customer service is great and they are knowledgable having used many of the products themselves and don't forget customer service has a value.

 

[NickDReed]

I'm aware of the questionable reputation Rutland have/had, wasn't sure if things might have improved.

Another reason to maybe look at

https://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/r...cvBs3GxD9s78y8kGxOq0iLpb4ZMPybMdVVX0Vqsqbk3z6

Customer service is great and they are knowledgable having used many of the products themselves and don't forget customer service has a value.

Think I'll need to keep saving and seriously consider this. Spindle moulder is likely too large a footprint for my garage, unfortunately.

Thanks all for your thoughts.

 

[David66]

I have one. It's OK. Awkward on/off switch, but it does the job. To be honest I dont use it much .... while not the most dangerous tool I own, I often feel it is the only tool in the shed that regularly tries to kill me!

 

[johnnyb]

I'm a spindle moulder fan tbh and liked those lovely little ones made by electra beckum and sheppach that so terrified diyers. The sheppach one had an integrated two roller feed as an option. Routers have been pushed a little beyond there practical limits imho. There much more versatile jigged and handheld. I also feel very high quality bits and bearings have a huge effect on finish. Whiteside bits look like any other but the finish they produce is quite remarkable.

 

[HamsterJam]

I bought one a while back (when it was on discount) and it’s been fine. I use a remote power switch with emergency stop so not phased by the awkward on/off switch mentioned above but do have to dive under the table to adjust speed.
I have heard the motor bearings don’t last but I’m only a hobby user so possibly don’t give them as much punishment as others.
As I have had no issues, I have not tested the after sales service and judging by other comments, I hope I never will.
Shout if you need any more info and I’ll try to help.

 

[niall Y]

I regularly purchase bits and pieces from Rutland. But one has to bear in mind that the majority of their stuff is relatively cheap for a reason. It is, however, a way of affording something, one otherwise couldn't - other than buying direct from China.
Their quality can be variable, but it is what it is. If one only has 'beer money', then 'Champagne' is going to be out of reach.

 

[Peter Sefton]

The AUKTools router I have developed has the best quality components available that I can specify. I prototyped the NVR and remote speed control in the UK 8 years ago, introduced the ER20 collets and have most recently incorporated a higher rated bearing for longevity, and speed control graphics to take away the guess work. We have 49 Five Star customer reviews on the router, some based on the product and some on the level of service or advice from the team.

I also have some new products coming in 2025 that will be great additions to the routers and retro fit our existing design, moving the whole system to the next level.

If you have seen the recent "Controversy" YouTube video regarding table saws by Rag 'N' Bone Brown, it shows two products that may look similar but the quality and customer service is dramatically different.

The router lifts we sell are made in Canada by JessEm whose quality is amazing, they invented the router lift in 1999 and we still support with spare parts from earlier models!

Remember Black Friday is just around the corner, check us out for discounts on these products and across the whole website, you might be pleasantly surprised!

Cheers

Peter