Posts Tagged ‘porter cable’

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Porter Cable makes a great router with a fixed base.  It works very well in a router table.  I have found several different types of routers in the Porter Cable lineup.  All have their pros and cons when it comes to using them in the shop.  Of couse you will find that most reviews of this router are also based on human opinion, so what you find out will vary quite a bit.  To start off, here are the basic specifications of the router.

• Variable-speed control feature (10,000 – 23,000 rpm) enables bit speed to be optimized for changing applications
• Soft-starting, 12 Amp motor featuring full-time electronic feedback that maintains motor speed through the toughest applications
• Release the motor, adjust bit height, and clamp the motor from above the router table with 3/16″ hex socket (sold separately) or model #75301 kit (sold separately)
• Dual-position switch allows user to cut power while maintaining control of the router
• Overmolded rubber handles provide a comfortable and secure grip
• Spindle lock system disables switch when engaged for router bit changes (most porter cable models have this)
• Durable latch lever enables quick and simple coarse depth adjustments and motor release for transition between bases
• Rack and pinion adjustment provides fine depth settings to 1/128″
• Collets included to accept 1/4″ and 1/2″ shank bits
• Motor transitions quickly between fixed base (included), plunge base (8931), and traditional spiral down bases (690 series)

Here are a smattering of review titles that you can find at amazon.  The titles are very helpful

• outstanding in & out of the table
• Great ideas – poor execution
• Powerful, quiet, a snap to set up
• Great design for under table mounting; build quality so-so
• Great ideas – poor execution
• Broke 2 levers before I turned it on for the first time
• Solid router; Nice features
• Great router

Purchase at:

Porter Cable 892 Router at The Router Maniac

Porter Cable 892 Router at Tool King

Porter Cable 892 Router at Router Table Depot

There is a discussion of this router at the WoodNet Forum

By Eric Griffin

We have always liked the Porter Cable Routers, but they still need to go through our power tool review steps. The first thing we noticed was the case. When we opened the case, the router was a tight fit. We usually like a little room for bits or other items that belong with the tool. We took the router out, unpacked everything, and tried to put it back. Obviously it fits back into the case, but there is no room for any other related items.

At first we though it might be heavier than the weight of 8lbs. After picking it up we found that it was extremely light because of the machined aluminum case and base it is made from. This is good news! You want a lighter router because you don’t want to fight the weight of the tool. Heavier tools create more force when used, and this can wear a user out.

The 1/4″ and the 1/2″ is a nice feature because most workers have both sizes of router bits. Putting the router bits in place is a breeze. The router comes with two wrenches that will let you tighten or loosen the collet. This is much easier if you set the router on a workbench instead of tying to hold on to the router. We were a little skeptical of the auto release system that keeps the bits from freezing up in the tool. Anyone who has ever had this happens knows it is very annoying. After setting the router up, the rest was a breeze. There is a t-bolt that will let you adjust the height of the router, this is a snap. Once you have the router at the proper height, you can fine tune the height using the micrometer adjustment. This is just a ring you turn with your hand. You can adjust it up to 1/128″

We started out with some sharp bits and ran it through pine. The router ate through that easily. The router just laughed at us. We went to a harder wood, oak, and then walnut. Again, it ran through these without heating up. Yes, we did have a sharp blade, but as a craftsman you should know that having a sharp blade is extremely important. Well, we were bored with this testing rather quick because the router was handling everything with ease. So we ran the router blade over a bunch of plywood, hoping the blade would dull down from the glue. Well, the router ran through that test fine. The bits didn’t dull as quickly as we had hoped, so we filed them dull and tried the test again. Through the pine, the router ran fine. Then the oak and Walnut caused the motor to fight a little for some air. We did have a big bit and had it set deep. We took that bit out of the tool and it did slide out with no effort, so the auto release system seemed to work fine, but we weren’t done testing it yet!

We put the bit back in and tightened it as much as possible. We then beat on the side of the bit to jam it in there. We also dropped the router straight on the top of the bit and then gave it a couple whacks with a hammer. We basically did everything possible to make sure the bit would not come out, even though no one in their right mind would do all these things. Next, we loosened the collet, and this time the bit didn’t come right out. We did wiggle it, and pulled with a pair of pliers and with that, the router bit came out. This told us two things. First, under normal wear and tear, the auto release system should work well, and the bits should not get stuck. Second, once the bit is in the router, it will stay in the router. You shouldn’t have any worries about it coming out, unless you want it to.

All the other tests we ran the router through passed with flying colors. We dropped the tool a couple different times and it held up fine. The max height we used for the drops was 7 feet. I was pleasantly surprised that the base of plastic didn’t crack.

With a couple of tricks, this router was very easy to turn into a table router for use on a table saw extension. This makes the tool that much more attractive.

After using the tool for a long time, our arms felt fine. We did not experience any vibrations what so ever.

Over all, our power tool review for the Porter Cable router is EXCELLENT. We were extremely impressed with this power tool. This router has great power and wonderful features. Any craftsman should be proud to have this router in his/her wood shop.

Pro’s
Good power, Comes with 1/4″ and 1/2″ collets, will also accept 3/8″, Depth Adjustment, Seal power switch

Con’s
Case is very small – tight fit for the router

Porter Cable 690LR router

Learn more about power tools, see power tool reviews, visit our forums and more at http://www.professional-power-tool-guide.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Griffin
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