I can get 3 Porter Cable routers for $399 each but do not know how good they are. They are model #’s PC7539, PC7538 & PC7518. I only have a 1-1/2HP Dewalt router that I love but I’d like to have a more powerful router that I can leave mounted in my router table. I was gonna buy Bosch’s 1619EVS as it has an opening in its baseplate bigger than 3-1/2″ (the size of my Freud raised panel bits) but I could never find it on sale anywhere. I do know that Norm Abram used a Porter Cable in his router table for several years.
I remeber holding one of these routers in a tool store one time and thinking God this thing is HEAVY. I have read somwhere that the Porter Cable routers are top of the line and have been around for a number of years without any changes in their designs.
Who has used these Porter Cable routers and what did you think of them. Do you think $399 is a good deal for them?
Paul
Replies
You sound new to the business of using a router. I suggest you read a good book on routers and the use. Pat Warner's THE ROUTER BOOK: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE ROUTER AND ITS ACCESSORIES. He also has website: just Google "Pat Warner router." Also, go onto the Sawmill Creek or WoodNet Forums to get a lot of information about router use, accessories, and safety.
As for the Porter Cable routers, the $399 price for each is much too high. If you Google each model, you will find much lower prices. For example, Amazon.com right now has the P.C. 7518 for $330, with free shipping. It is a non-plunge router and probably the best one of the three for table use, especially with a lift. It is one of the classic routers for table use.
The 7528 is a plunge router with no variable-speed control. For safety reasons, you should not use it with bits more than 1 1/2" in diameter for safety reasons. (You need to dial down the rpm's for larger bits.)
The 7539 is the same router with 5 variable-speed settings. It is a fine router, although many woodworkers prefer a non-plunger for table use, especially if you use a lift of some kind.
I used to have a Bosch 1619 EVS with a Router Raizer in my table. It worked well, but I built a new table and got a Milwaukee 5625 and a Woodhaven lift, which system I like better. The Milwaukee is a non-plunge router, and the lift uses just the motor without the base. The Milwaukee is available for a lot less than $399.
Take some time to do some research before you make a decision. Google is your friend.
Joe, I live in Canada so that's why $399 seemed a lot to you. Then again our dollars are pretty much on par with each other nowadays. The problem I have is that Canada Customs charge too much in my opinion when something comes across the border.
Paul
The U.S. dollar has dropped a lot in value relative to the Canadian dollar, but manufacturers and distributors still don't seem to have taken that into account yet. The tariffs are an additional problem. I hope you're able to find a router that suits your needs at a good price.
email me please... Or post me...I think I can suggest a way for you to get each of those for about $100 to $170... each...Drew
Well you can buy it in the US and have them ship. Find a retailer who regularly ships to Canada and make sure they take care of taxes, etc..
Rage against the scam prices charged up here
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