Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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).

Just like the other Porter-Cable power tools I own. Very dependable and well made. I have not had any problems with it. It runs smooth and has very little vibration compared to other brands I have used. It is light weight, versatile and easy to control. I have used it on doors, and in build cabinets. It has never let me down. I would recommend it. It is a great hand router. I say hand router because it is not designed for a table router. If you a looking for a table outer I would go with a more simple one and with more horsepower. I gave this four stars because nothing is perfect.

This is a great and flexiable router. Moving between the two bases is very quick. The ease with which the fixed base can be removed makes it very easy to change bits and make adjustment. Pleanty of power and works great in all task especially cutting dovetails.

Porter Cable still makes the routers, and this one's proof. Dependable, easy to use, even makes my work look good (and sometimes that's hard to do.) Its also easy to get accesories, spare parts, extra bases, etc.

This router is a winner. It is the 3rd PC690 series router I own and they all perform extremely well.

Since I bought this router I have made a number of picture frames, and beveled my fence slats on one of my rental homes. Never a problem with it.

I got this for a job where I had to cut large circles in 3/4" plywood, it did this job without any problems. I am looking forward to using this in the future. The handles were easy to hold and not to small for my large hands witch has been a problem on others. Just one caution, it is a small router not made for removing lots of wood at once, but if you go in stages it will do the job on large bits.

When I decided I needed another "mid-sized" router, the choice was simple. I bought my first Porter Cable "690" series router with a plunge base back in the early 90's ($189). It was used professionally for about 5 years and has since been used in my home shop. Other models owned personally, by co-workers and friends have come and gone but my experience with Porter Cable has amounted to hundreds of hours of use with no problems.
I purchased the 693LRPK for two main reasons. (1) Quality. (2) My old router and the 693 fixed and plunge bases are interchangeable.
Some might say it is short on features and needs updating but I don't mind having to use two wrenches for bit changes (no collet lock) and I don't mind the size and weight. I believe it is a direct relation to the power and quality.

Out of the box there are only 2 noticable differances from my original. The on/off switch is no longer a toggle but a rocker type and the plunge base lever is plastic not metal. Use reveals plenty of power with accurate cuts so at this point, I am going to assume the unseen (quality) has changed little if at all.