Porter-Cable 693VSPK Fixed and Plunge Base 1-3/4 HP Router Kit with Case & Edge Guide

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Porter-Cable 1-3/4-horsepower fixed and plunge base router kit with case and edge guide features the convenience and practicality of a fixed and plunge base router with the addition of an electronic variable speed 1-3/4-horsepower motor and a professional edge guide, all in one package. With a speed range of 10,000 to 27,000 RPM, the machined aluminum motor housing is designed for durability and heat dissipation and features a 100-percent sealed ball bearing construction.

The included 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets have an auto-release design that prevents router bits from becoming frozen or trapped in the collet after use. This eliminates the need to tap on the arbor to break the collet free, a practice that can damage the motor. Adjusting the bit depth when using the fixed base is as simple as releasing a lever and turning the motor within the aluminum base. A micrometer ring on the base acts as a reference for fine adjustments as small as 1/64-inch. The plunge base has simple and easy-to-use controls, as well. A large locking lever and a depth stop with a six-position turret make setting the bit to the proper depth a breeze. Fully enclosed springs ensure smooth operation all throughout the 2-1/2-inch plunge range. The motor is also interchangeable with the #1001 fixed router base and the #6911 D-handle base for added versatility.

What's in the Box
Motor #6902, fixed base #1001, plunge base #6931, professional edge guide #42690, 1/4-inch collet #42999, 1/2-inch collet #42950, two collet wrenches #42596, heavy-duty carrying case, and operator's manual.

Amazon.com Review

When we bought our first router, we agonized about whether to buy a fixed base or a plunge. Well, we went for the fixed base; in fact, it was this model's predecessor, the Porter-Cable 690. But just as you'd imagine, we also ended up buying a plunge router later on. Had this deal been available back then, we'd have snapped it up. It offers one of the best basic fixed-base routers on the market with a second base that turns it into a plunge. The fixed base has P-C's neat micrometer ring adjustment that lets you raise or lower your bit just a hairsbreadth. This set is ideal for mounting the fixed base in a router table and lifting the body out to use in the plunge base, which, by the way, operates smoothly, has a nice chip deflector, and includes a convenient plunge lock right next to the handle. It also features a six-position stop turret with a 2-1/2-inch plunge range. Best of all, the router offers all the durability and smooth, reliable performance of the original 690 model, with a little more horsepower and a new take on the depth adjustment that prevents the motor from accidentally falling out of the base. If you're looking for bells and whistles, shop up the line a little more, but if you're looking for a solid workhorse with great accuracy and reliability along with the plunge option, this is a great deal. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

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Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 20.6 pounds
• 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: B00006411I
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 693VSPK
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #328,511 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice improvement on an old standby, August 20, 2002

By A Customer

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

I bought this router to handle a variety of routing jobs both in and out of a table. I was looking for more horsepower than a 1 1/2 machine and was excited to see the new model. It has variable speed, 1/4 more horsepower, quick release bracket, electronic speed control (to help maintain a constant rpm under load), soft start and a great depth stop sytem on the plunge base. When I recieved the router I was impressed with the router's fixed base but was quite disappointed in the motor removal process of the plunge base. It is way too tedious and you have to keep track of little parts while removing the motor. I had quite a hard time doing this process but I feel it would get easier with practice. In addition, the plunge action is accurate but quite stiff. The machine, overall, is great and there are a ton of accessories available at your local hardware store. I, however, returned the machine and bought the Bosch 2 horsepower kit and am quite happy with the machine. The Bosch router is quieter, has more horsepower, and has a really nice plunge base.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Porter Cable Fixed and Plunge Base Router Kit w/ Edge Guard, March 24, 2003

By 

A. Maceroli (Chatham, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

I recently purchased the Porter Cable 693VSPK Fixed and Plunge Base w/ case and Edge Guide to replace a low-end Ryobi router that had served me well in several projects, but that I feel I had outgrown. I looked at several other combination kits, including the DeWalt and the Bosch routers. Let me say that I think you probably could not go wrong with any of them, but I chose the PC because of reputation for quality, ease of setup, and recommendations from people I trust.

I was not disappointed. The packing was secure, and everything arrived in good shape. The instructions are readable, and explain the major setup features. The router has a smooth start feature, which is a welcome addition since it allows you to work in tight spaces and control the tool as it starts up. It also runs a good deal quieter than my old router. I have already used the fixed and plunge base on oak hardwood and the motor has plenty of power. Operation in the fixed base is very easy, and depth adjustment is accurate and stays put. The plunge base (I had never used one before) is a little harder to set up correctly, but operates easily once you get it set up. The only flaw with this setup is removing the motor from the plunge base, and the only reason I gave this product 4 stars instead of five. You have to use the included hex key to "tap" out a metal retainer that holds the motor in the base. It seems somewhat difficult to remove. Maybe I'm being too careful, but it seems like you could damage the unit if you slip off the small area that you can contact to perform this operation.

The edge guide is exceptional. It has a fine adjustment knob that allows you to zero in on your mark exactly. The large face that runs against the workpiece is very easy to keep tight to the work, so it makes the job easy. I routed a slot through 3/4" oak that required three passes. Each one was done accurately and smoothly using the edge guide. I would recommend this piece if you don't already have one for your router.

This is an excellent package that gives you both a fixed and plunge base at a very good price. If you can, take advantage of the special and get the free edge guard. It's worth it.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent value for money, May 12, 2003

By A Customer

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

I researched all the usual manufacturers with router kits: DeWalt, Makita, Porter-Cable, Bosch. After reading many, many reviews on the available models and their pros and cons, I settled on the Porter Cable 693VSPK, ..., for the following reasons:
- the free (limited time) precision edge guide.
- RECENT improvements: soft start and variable speed.
- quality.
- availability of accessories.
- Price.
The biggest drawback about this router is the somewhat "rough" feel of the plunge base. This has been commented on by many others who have used or owned this tool and I was reluctant to buy this router initially for this very reason. The term silky smooth does not really apply to teh plunge action. It is smooth, but by no means silky - at least that is how it feels on demo units at the store. The DeWalt's plunge action is really silky smooth in comparison.
However, I decided to buy the PC router and put up with this small negative in this excellent tool's overall design. Once I got the tool home, I decided to look into why this plunge action felt "rough"... the answer is quite simple: the internal spring rubs against the screw threads on the internal guide rod that supports the travel limiting nuts. Here is what I did:
- remove the "stop nut" and travel limits nuts. The upper part of the plunge base will come off, exposing the internal springs.
- Remove the plastic base plate and undo the nut securing the threaded guide rod.
- gently file smooth the tips of the screw thread on the guide rod (it feels quite sharp, hence the source of the noise).
- remove all the factory grease and reapply wheel bearing grease all over the threads and the springs.
- reassemble the plunge base.
- apply some automobile engine oil to lubricate the plunge base moving parts.
The result: a silky smooth plunge action!

The one other thing I noted about this tool was that some cost cutting is obvious on some parts to keep the price down. Example: black oxide finished steel rods are used instead of polished steel, the fixed base clamp level is stamped steel instead of being a diecast piece (unlike DeWalt).

So far, I have no regrets with this tool purchase. Anyone looking for a fixed / plunge router kit should give the Porter Cable a serious look FIRST, before looking at the others and then ask yourself: is is worth paying $$$ more for other makes?