Porter-Cable 690LRVS 11 Amp 1-3/4-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Porter-Cable 690LRVS 11 Amp fixed base router utilizes a hefty 1-3/4 HP motor to generate a variable speed of 10,000 - 27,500 RPM for ultra-precise cuts on a variety of stock. The micrometer depth adjuster keeps things incredibly precise to 1/128 of an inch. To ensure years of top-notch performance, the 690LRVS is equipped with a dust-sealed switch and sealed ball bearings to keep dust out. The included collets will accept 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch shank bits. Routing is made easy with the dual, ergonomic rubber handles strategically mounted on the router for easy, comfortable operation.

From the Manufacturer

Built on the classic Porter-Cable design, the 690LRVS 1-3/4 horsepower fixed base router is a mainstay of remodeling, woodworking, cabinet making, trim, deck building and home improvement jobsites. Simple to use, rugged, and accurate the 11 amp soft-starting motor delivers a variable speed from 10,000-27,500 RPM for use in hard and soft woods, plastics, PVC trim and MDF. The cam lock lever enables coarse height adjustments and motor release for basic edge-forming while the micro depth adjustor is accurate to 1/128 inch. It accepts collets for 1/4 and 1/2 inch shank bits. An auto-release collet system minimizes frozen bits. When used upside down in a router table, its integrated stop prevents motor from rotating out of the base. Ninety-day money back guarantee, 3 year limited warranty, 1 year free service contract.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 10 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00006411B
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 690LRVS
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,264 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #22 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Routers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid Improvement to an Industry Standard, May 13, 2003

By 

Jeffrey A. Smith "jasncompany" (Athens, AL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 690LRVS 11 Amp 1-3/4-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I received this Porter Cable router from Amazon in hopes that it would fit in my JDS Multirouter. It won't, because of the lever's requirement to pop out to approximately 1-1/2" from the body when released.

BUT...

No big deal... I just switched bases with my old PC router, and I'm up and running. So, in case you're wondering if this motor fits the old bases, it does.

After that, I tried the new router, and here are my observations... First, some people complain about the switch being changed from a toggle to a rocker, but I don't mind that. Neither is particularly easy to switch on and off, but between the two, the rocker (shielded by rubber) is probably less likely to accidentally turn on if accidentally bumped by something (e.g., a cord).

The soft start is not the same soft start that the big PCs have. Those machines have a VERY soft start. This router's soft start is a fast one... In fact, if I hadn't known it was a soft start and hadn't A-B'd it with my other 690, I would never have noticed it being a soft start.

The main thing this router brings to the table is the variable speed coupled with the 1-3/4HP motor. The two together enable the use of big bits (which need to turn slower but also need more power). My big 1-3/4" cove bit (yeah... it's really that big) works a lot better at the slower speed afforded by this router. My old 690 always burned the wood a little with that bit... not this router, though.

The locking lever is nice... No more breaking your thumb on that tiny bolt mechanism on the 690.

Other than those differences, this router has one other important feature -- it still adheres to many of the industry standards set by the 690. The base plates, etc. are interchangeable, which means there are a lot of jigs and add-ons that will fit this router.

I highly recommend this as an all-around router... whether for table use, for freehand use, or used in a horizontal positioner like the MultiRouter (but as mentioned, in that case will require a standard base, not the lever base).

5 Stars!

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Porter Cable 690LRVS - Five Star Features, January 10, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Porter-Cable 690LRVS 11 Amp 1-3/4-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I recently purchased the Porter Cable 690LRVS router to replace a store brand model I have used for several years and it has all the features I desire in a router. Most all the work I do with a router is with the router mounted to a small router table and I found the 690LRVS especially good for this use. The 1001-T2 base is an excellent design and makes bit height adjusts easy and precise. The lever lock feature and the pin guides in the base allow easy and precise adjustments with simply a quick release of the lever lock and a twist of the motor to raise or lower the bit height. (The motor diameter is just right to grasp and turn with one hand.) Even mounted upside down under the table, the bit height remains where set without having to support the motor with the hand to keep it from dropping down before re-engaging the lock, as I had to do with my old router. Even so, the router motor is easy to remove from the base if need be to use the motor in another base for off table work or for bit replacement. Athough the 690LRVS does not have a shaft lock feature, I have no problem replacing bits using the two wrenches while the motor is under my table. The opening in the base is just big enough.

I like the sealed rocker ON/OFF switch, rather than a toggle switch. And, the variable speed feature is great to be able to adjust the speed for different wood hardnesses and bit sizes. (My old router accepted only 1/4 bits, so its great having the 1/2 bit capability with the 690LRVS.)

Only adjustment I had to make for the 690LRVS was that I had to modify my router table mounting hole pattern to mount the 1001-T2 base to my store brand router table. The 1001-T2 base has a 4 inch center to center spacing for the mounting screws, whereas my router table had a 4 1/2 inch spacing.

Great router. Definitely 5 stars!!

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Router for Dovetails and other Hand-held jobs, February 20, 2005

By 

Robert Strasser (Pulaski, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 690LRVS 11 Amp 1-3/4-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I dedided to buy the PC 690LRVS instead of the Makita RF1101 because I could not center the base of the current Makita RF1101 that I own. The Makita may be a little quieter, but I use ear protection anyway. I also wanted soft start, so I didn't buy the less expensive Porter Cable router. One reviewer said the soft start was not very good on this router, compared to the larger models. He may have a bad router. My 690LRVS has the softest start of any router that I own (I own 5 routers).