I need to pick up a router for some work this spring (DIY) and have had my eye on the Porter Cable Fixed / Plunge Combination Router (Model 693LRPK). I was in that big orange box store taking a look at it and noticed that they had a Dewalt (DW616PK) with identical features.
I’m leaning towards the PC even though it’s a bit more expensive since I’ve heard good things about it. Anyone have any comments either or both of these routers?
Thanks
Replies
No personal experience, I'm in the market as well. The latest issue of American Woodworker has a review of the Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, and Porter Cable offerings. It's worth a look, they like the Bosch.
Bart
I have the PC set you are looking at and would recommend it to anyone. I hear the DeWalt is a good setup too.
Matt-
And I just got the Bosch 1617EVSPK combo, and it's wonderful. All of the routers mentioned are fine. Go look at them and pick 'em up. Odds are good that one of them will just "feel" better to you that the others.
i have had craftsman, dewalt, and makita routers. i started using porter cable 690 and probably won't go back unless something really bad happens with them. i like my PC 19.2 screwgun also, but it stays in the shop. the dewalts go to the jobsite.
i'm currently designing a double router table that's going to have two pc 690's in it.
good luck rg
Caleb
All of them will get you there. I personally like the Bosch kit from Lowe's at $219. It just feels better in my hand. Hold all 3 as the performance is comparable from one to the other and then compare prices.
Good Luck...
sarge..jt
I bought the PC690 in the Porter-Cable "Ultimate Router Workshop", which has more than what you're looking at.
While I'm very happy with the D-Handle base for the router, which I think is an extra in the kit you're looking at, the plunge base is less delightful - weirdly top-heavy, hard to release it to plunge, switch inconvenient, etc. They've made some improvements to their routers lately, with a lever-release and a variable-speed model, but I don't think I'd buy this combo kit if I were to do it again.
Hi, Just bought the Dewalt combo and really like it. Haven't used the fixed base yet The only thing I really don't care for on the DeWalt is the height adjustment ring. Not just the DeWalt but any ring type height adjustment. The price was pretty good and all in all an excellant router.
Is there a Bosch kit that allows you to you the fixed base, the plunge AND the D-handle???
I really like the Bosch and need a new small router. But it looked to me like the 1617 kit has a long cord that wouldn't allow use of a D-handle base. That seemed to be the 1618.
Am I off my rocker here? If there is such a setup that allows all three bases, that will be my preference.
Thanks, in advance, for the input folks.
Hello Robbie-The DeWalt Mdl DW618 combo kit w/ fixed and plunge bases,Which I just got , is really great. A D-handle is available as an accessory. the bit changes quickly and there is a detachable cord. You just unplug it at the motor which makes it easier than finding a wall plug or power strip. 12 amps..plenty for my use, but not too big.
If your looking for just a fixed base system, I highly recommend the milwaukee mdl 5619(just got it too..starting a collection!) .It has a great rubberized grip that is wrapped around the housing. You really feel in control. I love the height adjustment. It's a dial on top (or bottom when installed in my table). Super easy to reach and adjust. A D-handle mdl is also available. Whatcha building these days? Brian
Brian: I've got a DW625 and a very old Black & Decker (which is essentially the identical router to the current Dewalt classic 1.5 hp). The DeWalt is too top heavy for freehand routing and isn't the best router for a table -- but that is where it will likely go. This is one of my few "buyer's remorse" purchases. Would have now preferred a smaller plunge router and a fixed base for the table (PC 7518?). How about you?
The bearings are wearing out on my 23 year old B&D (it was second hand when I got it), so I want to replace it with a mid size. The DeWalt is a possibility, but I really like what I have seen from Bosch as well.
Just finished a set of end tables, coffee table and sofa table for our family room. Right now, my project is more tuning up my shop. I just sold my Delta contractor saw with Biesmeyer in anticipation of a cabinet saw (PM-66 or Unisaw). My dust collector is in the shop. So, I am taking the downtime to kind of organize and tune everything.
Next project is a computer desk for the kids' room and then some more formal tables for the living room.
How about you?
Hello Robbie, You may want to try a larger sub base for the De Walt. Could give you more control.
I haven't really looked at the PC's much. Hear their nice. Very happy with My DeWalt plunge and Milwaukee fixed.
As far as my next project, I'm sort of in "woodWorkers Block". Can't decide. I have a a 13"X 10' piece of Jatoba (Brazilian cherry) that is just sitting there aging. Nicely I might add. Thinking a blanket chest of some sort but would like to break out of the box mode. Suggestions? Thinking about some built in bookshelves. Hmmmm. Later, Brian
Caleb,
I bought this package (if it's the 1 1/2 hp model) as my handheld router. Much to my surprise, I've never even put it on the plunge base.
Seemingly sound little motor though. Solid router.
My complaints about the PC - the switch isn't as convienent as it could be. I'm constantly trying to find the darn thing.
Another problem - the base isn't perfectly concentric with the bit so if you're using a guide bushing for some work, there's a minor difference in dimension depending on the orientation of the router.
Takes two wrenches to change a bit. Some routers have shaft locking devices, don't they.
jdg
FYI - Rockler has a deal on this router, with extras: Fixed base, plunge base, D-handle base, edge guide, all for $239.
http://www.routermania.com/shopping/product_details.cfm/offerings_id/254/sid
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