Replies

1. 
   Routerman | Nov 19, 2005 05:37pm | #1

   There are clear benefits of the 890 over the 690. More power, 2 stage depth adjustment, lever motor lock, and more north/south motor travel than any fixed base router. Is the 690 sick, lame  or lazy? If it's still a good tool I would not upgrade.

    

   Routers

1. 
   caplacq | Nov 21, 2005 03:54am | #7

   Thanks for the input. I like things simple and lean towards the 690 model which seems to be everyone's router at one time or another. The noise can't be any worse then my old Sears router.

2. 
   forestgirl | Nov 19, 2005 08:34pm | #2

   I own the 690, and it's a pretty good router, but if I were in your situation I'd get the new model.  The above-the-table adjustment capability alone is worth the extra cost (IMHO).  They're currently running a rebate where you can get either the high-end edge guide or the height adjuster.  That edge guide is really nice.  Not sure why the height adjuster isn't already included.  Might want to see what the combo packs offer.

   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" .... :>) 

1. 
   caplacq | Nov 21, 2005 03:57am | #8

   I did look at both models and they are offering a free d handle with the 690 model. I felt the 890 model was a little top every when I handled it in the store. thanks for your help

1. 
   forestgirl | Nov 21, 2005 08:12am | #9

   Sounds like you'll be using yours more in hand-held situations than in a table?  That could make a difference!  Sorry I didn't ask....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" .... :>) 

3. 
   ted | Nov 19, 2005 10:02pm | #3

   Neither. I had two 690's and they both were loud and obnoxious. I've been using Bosch 1617's for the last 6 years, they have their own problems too but they are repairable
   in-house and do not require any proprietery tools like the PC's do.

1. 
   none | Nov 20, 2005 05:18am | #4

   What kind of problems have you had with the 690 that can't be fixed with ordinary tools?  I regularly fix my 690's ( own 11 of them) with tools from my trusty box of Sears tools. The hardest thing to do is remove collet from armature, and an inpact wrench (electric or air) does that Upper bearing can be removed with a small gear puller. Nothing left to take apart. Only bad thing I have found is PC tends to use bastard sized or special bearings. Local bearing dist. usually can have them for me in couple of days, though PC is often cheaper.

2. 
   DougU | Nov 20, 2005 05:31am | #5

   Ted

   I'm with none, what was the problem that you had with the 690's?

   I have a half dozen of them, been using them for so long now I dont even remember getting most of them.

   I've used the Bosch 1617's and I dont see where there any better.

   Doug

1. 
   ted | Nov 20, 2005 06:57am | #6

   I had a problem pulling the collet from the armature too. As I remember, the bearing is located above the housing and without being able to get the collet off you can't get to it through the housing. I don't own an impact wrench so I guess I never tried that avenue. I remember when I was trying to change the bearing I called a PC service agent and he told me there was some special gizmo they had that slipped over the windings on the armature that held it in place allowing removal of the collet assembly. Anyways I figured it wasn't worth my time back then and switched out to Bosch. The difference I noticed right away when I plugged it in was it is probably the quietest in it's class. The fine adjustment and belt buckle lock down is a lot nicer than the big wing nut on the 690 and the old fashion height adjuster.
   I must admit though as I mentioned the 1617 is not without it's own set of problems either. I just threw out one that was around seven years. I think I replaced the bearings in it something like three times. The final straw was the corrosion problem with the magnesium housing finally got so bad it became very difficult to slide in and out of the base.

4. 
   Ribeye | Nov 21, 2005 11:05pm | #10

   I have two 690s and am reasonably content with them. But(!) I do wish that the 890 had been far more readily available when I went and bought the second 690. The newer 890 has a lot of refinements that are no doubt the result of competition from Bosch, Makita and DeWalt among others. (I'd swap my 690s for the 890 version.)

   -- Steve

   Enjoy life & do well by it;

   (it might well be the only chance you get.)

1. 
   caplacq | Nov 23, 2005 05:41pm | #11

   I just bought the 690 at home depot. I haven't used it yet, but I'll let you all know how it is. I also see another router in my future.

1. 
   forestgirl | Nov 25, 2005 05:44am | #12

   "I also see another router in my future."  ROFL!!  "another router" singular?  Probably more than one.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" .... :>) 

5. 
   BarryO | Nov 29, 2005 10:50am | #13

   I don't like the plunge mechanism in the 890 series.  It "rocks" when you put a little pressure on the right handle, causing the bit position to change.  Mine does this, and others have reported it as well. 

   I was in the local Western Tool Supply store today.  They had the PC 890, Dewalt, and Bosch 2+ HP routers sitting next to each other.  The Dewalt and Bosch plunge mechanisms didn'y rock at all, but the PC 890 did just as badly as mine.

   I think PC blew it with this one.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/29/2005 2:51 am by BarryO

1. 
   caplacq | Dec 08, 2005 08:09pm | #14

   I just used my new pc 690 fixed base this weekend. Had to cut down a tv cabinet and make a new top for it. I really liked the soft start and with the 1/2 inch collect, the router performed extremely well. I'm happy! Still haven't used the plunger base yet.

1. 
   jc21 | Dec 09, 2005 03:37am | #15

   Glad you like it. Maybe I'm a luddite, old school, or whatever but I prefer my old 690 to the 890; balance- it just feels better in these old paws of mine. I like the Model 100 even more...... it was a workhorse at a shop I worked at years ago. Same base as the 690, 1/4 collet only, and just 7/8 hp but to me it seems just right for a lot of jobs- dovetail jigs, round edges over ............

6. 
   hammer1 | Dec 10, 2005 07:08am | #16

   I recently bought the 694 VK kit to replace some old Rockwell 630s. Plunge and fixed base. The base now has a lever lock not a thumb screw, the switch is a covered rocker instead of the old toggle and it's variable speed. Much quieter, very quiet at low speed, self release collets, same size wrenches top and bottom, fits all the old 630 and 690 bases. The long time workhorse has had some nice refinements.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match