Replies

1. 
   yieldmap | Apr 30, 2004 07:02am | #1

   Stay away from the Craftsman with the "flip-over center" locking mechanism.  I have to set the depth, then strap on a couple of tarp straps to keep the lever from flipping loose.

   Otherwise the power is fine.  Just the depth lock requires some hillbilly engineering.

   yieldmap

2. 
   ASK | Apr 30, 2004 03:42pm | #2

   Sawdustmaker,

   I just got the new PC 892, but not with the D handle. Have't used it yet. PC says that you can use it in the old 690 base. What they don't tell you is that you have to remove a black plastic strip on the side of the motor. 2 screws. I am planning to use it in my table which already has the 690 base

   ASK

3. 
   aew | Apr 30, 2004 06:37pm | #3

   I just built a router table based on the PC 890 model and it works nicely.  Bought the mounting plate from Woodpeckers and it is drilled so you can access the depth adjuster (and the lock) using the PC fixed base and the provided tool (I think it is an extra cost item if you just buy the fixed base model though).  I am not sure if you can use the depth adjustment with the 690 base though.  I'd check this out first before I bought the 890 unless you buy the base and replace the 690 base in the table.

1. 
   ASK | May 04, 2004 04:14am | #16

   AEW,

   On the PC890 part of the depth adjustment is a plastic which is attached to the motor with 2 screws. This has to be removed to use it in an 690 base. Haven't used it yet but I will have to remove this to use it in the table or buy an 890 base for the table.

   ASK

4. 
   toddhunter | Apr 30, 2004 09:21pm | #4

   I've been using the pc8529 plunge with through the top adjustment, and it works nicely.When possible, I prefer to use shims, because raising and lowering the bit will move it off center slightly. But it is accurate and convenient to adjust height. If I were PC, though, I would alter the handle just a bit to allow quicker adjustment (sort of like the handle on the router raizer maybe).

1. 
   sawdustmaker | May 01, 2004 12:51am | #5

   Thanks for everyone's input and comments.

1. 
   sawdust50 | May 01, 2004 07:37am | #6

   Look at the DW625.  3HP, electronic varible speed, large plunge posts, comes with 1/4 and 1/2" collets.   Easy to mount in a table.   Has superior air flow through the motor to keep it clean.    I have put this in three two different table tops, occasionally remove it for some special operation.  The router raizer is available for it too.   I also have the PC 693 plunge (non variable speed) which I had in a table, but the DW625 runs like a shaper.  The largest bit so far has been 3 1/4" run at about 14k.  good luck with your choices.

2. 
   AlanMikkelsen | May 02, 2004 08:53am | #9

   The big Miwaukee router, all the way.  I replaced a 690 in a table with the Milwuakee and the difference is night and day.  Still use the 690 for a handheld, but that big Milwaukee sitting in the table is absolutely wonderful.Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. 1934,  Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT

3. 
   BrianMcG | May 03, 2004 10:01pm | #15

   Milwaukee 3.5Hp....plenty of power and user friendly.

5. 
   RANGERP75R | May 01, 2004 07:58pm | #7

   s d m

      Peek at a Milwaukee 3 1/2 HP fixed base with built-on board height adjuster from above the table. One price gets it all. Is it sturdy. It uses 5/16" mount bolts in the base to secure to the table insert. That's pretty healthy...

   Regards...

   sarge..jt

   Proud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Scarecrow | May 02, 2004 08:34am | #8

   Ya that's the bad boy I'm savin' my pennies for!

   "in the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king..."

1. 
   RANGERP75R | May 02, 2004 05:31pm | #10

   Scarecrow

      It's worth every one you save for it!

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Scarecrow | May 02, 2004 08:06pm | #11

   Here's a gander at my router table, currently I'm working out a suitable fence system for it.  Basic dims are 48"x 22"

   It just begs for the Millwakee..... ;)

   "in the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king..."

   
1. 
   RANGERP75R | May 03, 2004 06:48am | #12

   Scarecrow

      Nice table. Large table also. You got plenty of support for  wide panels with that "big-boy". Nice shop also.

      Fence? You might consider "chain link" and run it around the perimeter of that table. You could raise and breed dogs in there when you're not routing and use the money for wood!  ha.. ha...

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   Scarecrow | May 03, 2004 07:00am | #13

   Thanks Sarge, ya can never have too much room.  I got the Idea to have a large work surface because I plan on making my own base board for my 1940's house.  I'd like 4" tall cherry base boards with a nice little cove at the top and it would be much easier to run 8 foot sections over a large router table and not do the balancing act.

   But as you can see it just cries for the big Millwakee!  The JessUm universal router plate was 65.00 so I'll sink the rest of the money I save by not buying a router lift into a beefy router.

   "in the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king..."

3. 
   RANGERP75R | May 03, 2004 07:32am | #14

   Scarecrow

      That should do the trick for the longer moulding. I had to build a 50' custom parts counter over a year ago that required 10' router passes. I don't have room for a table that size, but I do have a heavy router cabinet I built along with a top 24" x 32". My company bought me 4 of the tilt-top, 4 point based adjustable support stands from HD. Those things are great. One person can easily adjust and set them up. They have a very wide top. I threw away two roller stands after using them.

      I have ripped 14' lenghts and jointed 10' using two for in-feed and two for out-feed. I can't say enough about how much I feel they are better than those irratating and dangerous standard rollers. Opinions may vary.. ha..ha...

   Good luck with the moulding...

   sarge..jt Proud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

6. 
   Sancho | May 04, 2004 06:21am | #17

   Yea the Milwaukie 3 hp is da bomb but If ya need something now check out the hitachi. 3 hp vs and everyone I know who has one is happy with it. But If ya can hold out...M-I-L-W-A=U-K-I-E..:>) 

    

   Darkworksite4:

   El americano pasado hacia fuera ase la bandera