I recently purchased a new dovetail jig, and I am considering buying a router to be used primarily for dovetails and other hand-held operations. Both my current routers are > 3HP, so I am looking for something a little smaller. I am primarily considering Porter Cable, because I already own bushings & accessories that fit the brand. I noticed that Home Depot & Lowes have a 1 3/4 HP PC router w/ case for $99(Model 9690LR). This looks like a pretty good price based on comparison w/ Amazon and other online sources. The only drawback is that it is not variable speed. How important is the variable speed option to cutting dovetails w/ a jig? I will probably be cutting joints in stock from 5/8″ up to 1 1/4″. Does anyone have opinions on the 9690LR? Thanks.
Craig
Replies
The 690 is the "old" model now. I have that model, but without the lever release. Variable speed problem is easy to handle by buying a speed control unit (about $20). Do you mind not having a collet lock?? Do your "accessories" include the fence (edge guide)? The edge guide for the plunge model is a different size than that for the fixed base, so just checking.
I'd be a little concerned maybe about the amount of power when you're working in thicker wood. I consider it the smallest motor I'd want to use in a router.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
A look at choosing a router at the selection link.
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