Average Customer Review:
 ( 21 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 40 found the following review helpful:
THE basic router--an antiquated design, not yet obsolete / completely universal and solidly builtNov 06, 2005
By Matthew Sutton
This router kit is a great value--but the plunge base leaves a great deal to be desired in terms of quality. I decided on going with the P/C because of their router tradition--probably the most pedigreed of any major manufacturer. The 690 is the standard, and it can be found anywhere and everywhere. The reason is seems to be: 1) its slow evolution (there haven't been to many drastic technical/design changes in the long make of this basic tool) which makes it easy for companies, even PC competitors to standardize around this model; and 2) a simple, extremely well built motor and housing-I've never seen an example of one ever dying--(cords come and go, brushes need replacing once in a blue moon, but the motor doesn't die).
That said this particular model definitely shows its age in comparison to others. The quality is still excellent, probably still best in its class, but some of the refinements in terms of ergonomics, and general fit and finish now becoming standard on the most recent generation of mid-size routers are missing. The lines where the cast aluminum base was removed from its 2-part mold are very visible. The gray enamel paint job seems somewhat indifferent as does the haphazardly applied "porter-cable" sticker (if you're casting the base why not have the brand name in the mold?). There isn't a spindle lock which is a definite drawback: fumbling with two wrenches is inconvenient and would be a nightmare if the router didn't have its trademark "flat top". The plunge action on the plunge base isn't all that smooth. The black plastic case is fairly cheap and baffling in its layout--I can never figure out where to put the bundled up cord. The extra rubber reinforcement where the cord enters the housing (where cords flex most and thus break most) doesn't seem to be as tough as the older steel coil. The variable speed dial--an excellent feature--always seems to slip into lower speeds (vibration?) which means you constantly have to check it: this could be potentially remedied by going with its big 3hp brother's positive speed selection switch. All in all, while I can't necessarily call any of this "poor quality" and certainly doesn't reflect on the terrific performance of this router, it certainly doesn't reflect well on P/C which doesn't seem committed to meaningfully updating an otherwise solidly designed tool for the 21st century.
The 1.75hp motor I have found completely adequate, overly so in many cases. The weight, while heavier than some comparable models is not nearly as heavy as some others. The soft start works great and the bit depth adjustment on the fixed base, a simple corkscrew, is a great example of simplicity being the best, most effective approach. The generally basic, simple approach of this tool--an admirable approach for P/C which still produces the incredibly rugged worm gear driven circ. saw, jig saw, and belt sander--would be a benefit except, many of the "improvements" introduced in the course of router evolution by other companies, and apparently ignored here by P/C are genuine improvements that ought to be mandatory.
The Bosch 2.25hp with the wooden handles and the Milwaukee with the rubber gripped housing are both extremely nice options I wish I had considered more seriously--especially the Bosch (although removing the fixed base from the motor is really tough). Both of these seem built to higher standards, at least superficially, and both are a pleasure to use. Unfortunately, neither manufacturer has the long router legacy that P/C still has; a legacy P/C may not perpetuate much longer without a serious commitment. I have yet to use their new 2.25hp models, which look great in catalogs and probably are excellent--but I can't help but feel as though in releasing a totally new router they've neglected to perfect the already fantastic one they've been producing for decades. Nonetheless it remains the standard router--almost all router accessories are designed for this model: edge guides, sub bases, table base plates, etc. All in all a good router at a reasonable price.
11 of 11 found the following review helpful:
A solid valueJan 30, 2005
By MDF
I bought this kit a couple of months ago and have used it for one project. The first thing I was surprised be was how quite it was. I had used a 690 router years ago, and it screamed. This is much quieter.
The soft start is nice and smooth. The lever release works well, big improvement over the thumb screw setup on the 690.
The plunge base works well, the springs are stiffer than they need to be. It would have been nice to have a lever release on the plunge base, not an allen screw. If you are going to changing between the bases frequently, that would be an issue.
I agree with the other reviewer that Porter-Cable should have sent a sub base with a wider opening with one of the bases, you don't need two the same. I just widened one of the holes to fit my 1/2" roundover bit.
Overall this is a great router and a good value, definetly worth considering.
14 of 15 found the following review helpful:
 Could have been better thought outMar 27, 2004
By Richard Soby
"rsoby"
I recently purchased this combo because I had a need for both an evs router and a plunge option. I have a Milwaukee 1-3/4 body grip router and the 3-1/2 hp evs that I use on a regular basis. Unfortunatly Milwaukee is not coming out with a plunge base for any of their routers so I went with the PC. The evs option is nice, as are both of the bases. Where this combo falls short is 1 Both bases are set up for template guides not the wide hole for most bits. That is an option. (C'mon PC! Wake up!! how difficult is is to supply both bases with a 2 base set?!?!?). 2 the guide that comes with it, although very smooth and easily adjustable also throws off the balance of the machine making it difficult to use on long runs as it makes the router side heavy as the handles are perpendicular to the guide as opposed parallel which would make it easier to control the guide as well as push the router through the stock.
3 the evs speed settings are somewhat vague.Other than the above issues the tool is well constructed and the soft start is really nice. If PC corrected the above issues I would rate this tool at 5 stars.
19 of 23 found the following review helpful:
Nice but not greatMay 17, 2004
I've been replacing my bargain Sears tools with those of better quality. Couldn't be happier with my other assortment of PC tools (nailers, saws, and drill). The router comb is definately nice, but not nearly as big of a step as I expected over a $59 Sears router. Depth adjustment is definately a big improvement, but took a step back by not having a locking collet (need both wrenches) for bit changes. Bought at a sales rep demo and got the dust collection base thrown in for free. It is better than nothing, but I wish I would have looked closer at the Dewalt set-up. Bottom line, does the job, but falls a little short of my high expectations for PC tools.
9 of 10 found the following review helpful:
Great Router--Greater Value!Dec 30, 2003
By T. Hardy
I picked this up as a second router, and for the price and quality, it's tough to pass up. PC tools are built like tanks, and should last much longer than lesser brands which are within shot of the same price range. So far, this router has shown plenty of power and surprisingly good balance & stability considering the weight (it won't blow away). The features on both bases are built to last for the long run. Porter-Cable included the deluxe edge guide with this, and it is very nice. Things that could be better for this kit? Handles--ditch the hard plastic and thrown on a set of ergonomic, rubber-coated ones for better grip. Also, include the base for the wider, edge-routing bits with this kit--it's kind of tacky to have to make a 2nd trip to pickup a base which is so obviously needed & used--and spend $15 for it. The case should also be molded to hold the edge guide that's included--it was loose in the shipping box.
Overall, very satisfied with the router & results for the money ($160).
See all 21 customer reviews on Amazon.com
|
based on 21 reviews
