Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable 691 11 Amp 1-3/4-Horsepower D-Handle Router with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this tool to be up to the usual Porter Cable high standard. It was well finished, and ready to go out of the box. I especially liked the D-handle with trigger motor control which allowed for instant on/off control of the tool. Bits are securely held in the collet, and come out freely when the collet is loosened. There is plenty of power for a hand held router, and the torque is applied smoothely so the tool does not jerk in one's hand. The only reason I did not give this tool the highest rating is because of the "knuckle buster" type of wrench system used to loosen and tighten the collet, but this is typical of all Porter cable routers.

This router is great for a first or only router because of its versatility. You can buy a plunge base if you need it, but i dont really care for it too much but it is cheaper than a new diecent router.The dhandle is a great feature it gives you alot more contol than just the two knobs found on most routers.1 1/2 hp is pleanty of power for most applications.The collet i dont mind but use real wrenches,the ones in the kit are cheap and tend to cut your fingers especially if the bit is in there really tight.The 690 series is the most popular router, many other accesories are avalible, which make it even more versitle.If this is your 1st router of your 50th, you have to have one.

This is a wonderful router. We have made blind, taporing, dovetail socket routs, and parts to match. With this router we wiz right through the ladder rails and rungs with no complaints from this router. I just wish that the bits would keep up with the router. The "D" handle is just the perfect size, and the locking trigger is perfect for all of the routing that we do. The only complaint that i would have with this, and this is with every router I have ever come to research, and use, is that you can not hook up a vacume source anywhere on the router. Luckily i work in a wood shop with my father, and he is definatly from the "old school" and we designed a great design for that. Thanks Porter Cable, Daniel Kroeker Juniata, Nebraska GO HUSKERS!!

I've had mine for over three years now and haven't had a problem yet. As far as torque is concerned it's not Porter Cable's top of the line but it is in the way of the base design. The D-handle with power trigger is the way to go for maximum router control. I noticed that another customer accused this router of being a "knuckle buster." This is only true if you change bits incorrectly. If you position the wrenches close enough together you can squeeze them toward each other with one hand for the initial loosening.

I've owned this router for more than 10 years. It is dead reliable. I prefer the D-handle version as it affords better control. The 690 line is still THE standard reference for routers, though the design is aging. I would expect that anyone buying this router would be quite happy with it, but as more and more routers come available with variable speed, soft-start, better adjustment mechanisms, shaft locks, etc., the decision is harder than it used to be. 10 years ago I would have given this router 5 stars. The quality hasn't changed, but the market has. If a basic router fits your usage, however, you've found the right one - and without maintenance worry on features you don't need.

4 stars for showing its age.

This is an excellent router choice, either if you were looking for an extra router to add to your routing arsenals or simply looking for your first router. It is powerful and yet easy to handle. I believe this is the perfect router to be used on a dovetail jig, especially the Porter Cable jigs.

probably one of the best made would be perfect if they changed to a lever release and variable speed

I purchased this router specifically to cut dovetails for dresser drawers and it works very well. The handle helps me stabilize the router and control the power instantly rather than having to reach for the power switch to turn it off. One caveat about using this product to cut dovetails in plywood veneer: Despite trying all of the fixes I found on-line for the tear out problem, I had very poor results. Using solid wood, however, resulted in dovetails that were tight and strong. This router does what it's supposed to do and is a high quality product.

I've owned this product for about a year and it performs exactly as required. I use this for dovetailing and for edge routing. Very powerfull and very precise. You still need two wrenches to change the bit, but what's new?

The D-Handle is comfortable and ergonomic. Since it plugs into the handle, you can unplug the motor once it's stopped and it balances perfectly on its top.

Single speed but so what, this has been in the P-C line for quite some time and still a fine tool.

This product is very good. It is sturdy and works for me.
I would give it a five star rating.