After adding an extension to my Table Saw a few years ago to use for a Router Table, I've been trying to come up with an easier way to change, raise and lower the bits. To change the bits, I have to pull the router out of the table. Adjusting the height of the bits is somewhat easier, since my table is open, I have access to the router and the adjusting knob. But raising and lower is a slow process, so I eventually, I wanted to come up with an easier way to both change bits, and to adjust them.

I did an extensive search on the 'net to see how other woodworkers had solved this issue, but I found that most had devised very complicated 'Divinci' type mechanical contraptions, and most are permanent. Since I don't leave my router in the table, I needed to come up with a much simpler, but effective way to accomplish the same goal. The solution I came up with came from one of those "A HA!" moments. My solution ended up being very low-tech, but very effective and easy to use.

My original goal was to come up with an adjusting method with a crank above the table going down to a mechinism attached to the threaded rod on the router similar to the aftermarket devices sold by several manufacturers. However, one evening while fiddling around with the best way to do it, It finally hit me that I could go with a much easier, low-tech way that wouldn't cost me a thing and that I wouldn't have to make any changes to my router or the table.

My solution? A simple home-made WRENCH! My router (a FREUD FT2000E), uses a simple threaded rod with a plastic knob as a means of raising and lowing the bit. To make this work for changing bits, I purchased a Collet Extension from MLCS Woodworking.com. Now I can raise the Collet Extension above the table to change bits, then using the Router Wrench again to lower the bit to the desired height for use. See the pics and instructions below to make one of your own!