This may be a real REAL dumb question but I’ve been scratching my head for weeks so here goes!
For Christmas the missus bought me a new PC 890 with the plunge and fixed base. It’s really a sweet upgrade to the old ryobi fixed base. Anyways, you are supposed to be able to change the bits above the base, i.e. the collet should stick out further than the bottom of the router. Well 2 problems, 1. the collet is too thick to go that far out. 2. I can’t use a 3/8′ rabbiting bit, because it’s too big a radius to fit through the hole.
So….am I doing something wrong? Did I misunderstand what it’s supposed to do? Or is there another issue??
Replies
Derek,
Your question isn't stupid, my guess is that Porter cable didn't give you the correct plastic base plates on one or both of your bases.
The 890 I looked at has a small diameter hole in the base plate of the plunge model and a large diameter hole in the base plate of the fixed version. As you discovered, the chuck won't go through the small diameter hole which is sized for guide bushings.
The two base plates are interchangable, with the larger hole, the above the base bit change feature will function on either the fixed or plunge models. On the plunge base, you will also have to remove the clear plastic dust collecting shield to clear the chuck. The larger hole is 2 1/2 inches across so it will allow you to use large diameter bits.
If your bases don't have the larger holes you should be able to get replacements from Porter Cable. If you don't want to wait for replacements you can enlarge the opening in the small hole plate by sawing through the web between the edges of the six holes that surround the center hole.
John W.
Edited 1/12/2004 8:09:49 PM ET by JohnW
John-
Thanks for saying it wasn't a stupid question...but it was. I had both plates and the other one will work like a charm.
Duh! I am really dumb sometimes...=)
I've had a PC 690 combo kit for quite a few years now. Can't answer #1, but #2 is easy. Porter Cable makes a different base plate for their routers with a larger center clearance hole for big bits. You can make your own from a piece of clear acrylic, or go to your favorite tool store and buy the factory base plate.
Edit: I see John posted a much better answer than mine at exactly the same time. Glad to see we had the same answer - you need a new base plate.
Edited 1/12/2004 8:08:31 PM ET by mercury
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