The Side Winder SW350 accepts the common 3-1/2-in.-dia. motors from fixed-base routers and combo kits.(The SW420 accepts larger models but costs $100 more.) What’s unique about the Side Winder is how fine adjustments are made. Instead of a removable crank handle that’s inserted through the table plate, the Side Winder uses a sidemounted crank. Unfortunately, the flexible shaft that runs from the crank to the lift adds a degree of play and stiffness to height adjusting that I didn’t care for. For fast height adjustments, the SideWinder uses an L-shaped wrench that fits through the top plate, locks, and lifts or lowers the motor to get the bit height close. Then you use the side crank to dial in the setting. The wrench saves a lot of cranking but I found it awkward to use.

Easy access. The adjustment handle on the Side Winder lift can be placed close at hand, but it is a bit stiff and jerky in use.