Porter-Cable 693PK 1-1/2 HP Router and Plunge Base Kit

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Porter-Cable's 1-1/2-horsepower router is popular with woodworkers for good reason. It's reliable, powerful, and exceptionally smooth running--not to mention versatile. While you can get this great tool in a two-handle fixed base, plunge base, or D-handle configuration, this kit--which includes both the two-handle and the plunge base--is the best deal going. We really appreciate Porter-Cable's new autorelease collet, which prevents bits from getting frozen in the machine. It'd be great if Porter-Cable could come up with an alternative to needing two wrenches for a bit change, but this minor inconvenience is far outweighed by the tool's overall quality. In fact, Porter-Cable's focus on simple, quality engineering is the reason for this model's long-lasting success. The router doesn't offer electronic variable-speed control or enough power to effectively double as a shaper, but it is among the smoothest-running routers we've tried, producing consistently clean results. For most applications it offers all the versatility and muscle you need. --Brian Trinen

Product Description

Sold as one unit. (1 unit = each.) 1-3/4HP. 11 amps. 27,500 RPM. 1/4" & 1/2" collet. New auto-release collet system ends "frozen" bit. 2-1/2" plunge range with fully enclosed springs. Depth rod & 6 position step turret. Includes plunge base, collet, wrenches & case. Precision machined aluminum motor & base. Dust sealed switch. Lever release. Boxed . Manufacturer number: 693LRPK. SKU #: 2029981. Country of origin: (TBA). Distributed by Porter-Cable/Delta.

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 20.2 x 7 x 17.5 inches ; 20 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 20.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0000222VL
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 693PK
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #440,224 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An old time workhorse needs updating, September 7, 2001

By 

Glenn K "espresso" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 693PK 1-1/2 HP Router and Plunge Base Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

There is no doubt this set is legendary for reliability and versatility. It's been a good set, however, when I bought a new Bosch router too add to my collection, what a difference! The porter cable has a slight jerk when it turns on and revs to full speed. Not a comfortable feeling when you have small hands and have to remove a hand to turn it on. The PC is also a screamer, it's loud, it vibrates, and after a few hours of use, you're still tingling from use. I've tried 3 of their plunge bases and they are okay. Mine were hard to plunge, they'd bind, they'd jerk and pungle. Try the dewalt plunger for comparison. The newer routers like the bosch have soft start, super smooth motors, with less vibration, less noise, and overall better feel and more power. Bosch will also have a dual base kit like this in October. The PC is a great oldie that needs updating.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good deal, January 10, 2000

By 

Pat Lundrigan (US of A) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 693PK 1-1/2 HP Router and Plunge Base Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

Get the standard base and plunge base -- but once you get the hang of using the plunge base, you may never use the standard base again! Plunge base has multiple click stops which is helpfull when plunge routing. If you get 1/2" bits, some will not fit the standard base. Case is a tight fit, power cord must be bent a little to fit.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Two Routers in One, July 13, 2000

By 

Wayne Cease - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 693PK 1-1/2 HP Router and Plunge Base Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is a really nice package, you get a fixed base and plunge router all in one. The motor screws out easy and drops in the other.

I use this router in a router table and with a PC dovetail jig. It is such a standard that you can get predrilled router table inserts made for this router.

Switching between 1/4" and 1/2" collets is simple. You can switch back and forth without a concern.

The only thing I don't like is the toggle on-off switch when using it in my hands. That's fine for the router table, but I prefer a finger trigger switch for handheld use.