Porter-Cable 693LRPK 1-3/4 HP Fixed Router and Plunge Base Kit

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Porter-Cable 693LRPK 11 Amp fixed router and plunge base kit utilizes a hefty 1-3/4 HP motor to generate a mind-blowing 27,500 RPM for ultra-precise cuts. The six-position adjustable turret makes stepped plunge cuts quick and easy, and motor transitions between fixed and plunge base extremely fast. The micrometer depth adjuster keeps things incredibly precise to 1/128 of an inch. To ensure years of top-notch performance, the 690LR 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

Porter-Cable’s 693LRPK multi-base router kit is ideal for woodworking, cabinet shops, remodeling, custom millwork and trim installations where routing applications from edge-forming dadoes to panel raising with a router table are accomplished. The 11 amp, 27,500 RPM router motor is the power plant. An easy to use cam lock lever enables quick adjustment and base changing. It accepts collets for 1/4 and 1/2 inch shank bits and features an auto-release collet system minimizing frozen bits. When used upside down in a router table, an integrated stop prevents motor from rotating out of the base. The unit ships with fixed and plunge bases, collets, wrench, and kit box. Ninety-day money back guarantee, 3 year limited warranty, 1 year free service contract.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 21.2 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.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00006411C
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 693LRPK
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,246 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #25 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Routers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Best of both bases, but lacking...., January 21, 2003

By 

B. Rush (Texas- United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 693LRPK 1-3/4 HP Fixed Router and Plunge Base Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

The first router I bought was a Ryobi R160 1 1/2 hp with 1/4" collet. I was just getting into woodworking and trying to save money. I upgraded to the 693 about six months ago and overall am pleased but there are things I would change if I could.

The first is the lack of a spindle lock requiring two wrenches. The Ryobi had that feature and I miss it. Haven't busted any knuckles, but it is more trouble to change bits.

The biggest problem is the fixed base lock. It is worthless. P-C dropped the ball on this aspect. I have read around the net and found several others voicing the same thing-some have even removed the "locking tab" using only a regular nut and bolt in it's place!

I miss the trigger power switch on the handle, but this is due to the interchanging of bases/handles.

It has good power and is reliable so far. I bought another fixed base and mounted under my table saw extension for a router table, so for the versatility of 3 routers for the relatively low cost it is alright. I would like to buy a bigger router to mount permanently in the table, and I would buy P-C again.

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's an average router in both fixed and plunge category, July 14, 2003

By 

C. Tang "P7M13 User" (Salt Lake City, UT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 693LRPK 1-3/4 HP Fixed Router and Plunge Base Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

This was the second router(s) I bought that I mainly wanted for handheld use. The weight and power are good enough for what I wanted to do. But there are just things that I wish they could be better.
Both for the fixed and plunge base, it's very hard to center the bit when using guide bushing. The screw holes in the base plate are counter-sunk, that means there is no room to position the base plate when the screws are tightened. Later I found other router plates have flat bottom recessed screw holes that allow you to move the plate in order to center the bit. So I have to drill another set of holes that allow me to make adjustment if needed and I do. Two wrench operation is another drawback. Come on, PC, we are in the 21st century, there got to be something easier and better than that. Even the Craftsman router has spindle lock. The locking lever on the plunge base travels too long. When you lock it down, it almost hit the router body. And it does not seem to have a way to set it at another angle. Once you centered the bit at a certain depth, if you raise or lower the motor, the bit becomes off center by quite a noticeably amount that requires another adjustment. That means the plunge rods are in question.
Actually, I bought a second motor to use in the second base. All I can say about these routers are that they are reliable and does a decent job, but not top notch quality for precision work.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Powerful, August 8, 2003

By 

Richard - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 693LRPK 1-3/4 HP Fixed Router and Plunge Base Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

The Router has plenty of power. I used it on 3/4" birch plywood to cut out some cabinet door openings and it handled the task effortlessly, not even a splinter. The draw backs... the knuckle buster bit change system. I can't believe a company as good as PC can't / won't do better. Very disappointing. Invest in the D-handle base. It is by far the most convenient and SAFEST of them all. Dust flies everywhere, so have safety goggles (glasses are not enough).