Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable 694VK 11 Amp 1-3/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This router kit is a great value--but the plunge base leaves a great deal to be desired in terms of quality. I decided on going with the P/C because of their router tradition--probably the most pedigreed of any major manufacturer. The 690 is the standard, and it can be found anywhere and everywhere. The reason is seems to be: 1) its slow evolution (there haven't been to many drastic technical/design changes in the long make of this basic tool) which makes it easy for companies, even PC competitors to standardize around this model; and 2) a simple, extremely well built motor and housing-I've never seen an example of one ever dying--(cords come and go, brushes need replacing once in a blue moon, but the motor doesn't die).

That said this particular model definitely shows its age in comparison to others. The quality is still excellent, probably still best in its class, but some of the refinements in terms of ergonomics, and general fit and finish now becoming standard on the most recent generation of mid-size routers are missing. The lines where the cast aluminum base was removed from its 2-part mold are very visible. The gray enamel paint job seems somewhat indifferent as does the haphazardly applied "porter-cable" sticker (if you're casting the base why not have the brand name in the mold?). There isn't a spindle lock which is a definite drawback: fumbling with two wrenches is inconvenient and would be a nightmare if the router didn't have its trademark "flat top". The plunge action on the plunge base isn't all that smooth. The black plastic case is fairly cheap and baffling in its layout--I can never figure out where to put the bundled up cord. The extra rubber reinforcement where the cord enters the housing (where cords flex most and thus break most) doesn't seem to be as tough as the older steel coil. The variable speed dial--an excellent feature--always seems to slip into lower speeds (vibration?) which means you constantly have to check it: this could be potentially remedied by going with its big 3hp brother's positive speed selection switch. All in all, while I can't necessarily call any of this "poor quality" and certainly doesn't reflect on the terrific performance of this router, it certainly doesn't reflect well on P/C which doesn't seem committed to meaningfully updating an otherwise solidly designed tool for the 21st century.

The 1.75hp motor I have found completely adequate, overly so in many cases. The weight, while heavier than some comparable models is not nearly as heavy as some others. The soft start works great and the bit depth adjustment on the fixed base, a simple corkscrew, is a great example of simplicity being the best, most effective approach. The generally basic, simple approach of this tool--an admirable approach for P/C which still produces the incredibly rugged worm gear driven circ. saw, jig saw, and belt sander--would be a benefit except, many of the "improvements" introduced in the course of router evolution by other companies, and apparently ignored here by P/C are genuine improvements that ought to be mandatory.

The Bosch 2.25hp with the wooden handles and the Milwaukee with the rubber gripped housing are both extremely nice options I wish I had considered more seriously--especially the Bosch (although removing the fixed base from the motor is really tough). Both of these seem built to higher standards, at least superficially, and both are a pleasure to use. Unfortunately, neither manufacturer has the long router legacy that P/C still has; a legacy P/C may not perpetuate much longer without a serious commitment. I have yet to use their new 2.25hp models, which look great in catalogs and probably are excellent--but I can't help but feel as though in releasing a totally new router they've neglected to perfect the already fantastic one they've been producing for decades. Nonetheless it remains the standard router--almost all router accessories are designed for this model: edge guides, sub bases, table base plates, etc. All in all a good router at a reasonable price.

I bought this kit a couple of months ago and have used it for one project. The first thing I was surprised be was how quite it was. I had used a 690 router years ago, and it screamed. This is much quieter.

The soft start is nice and smooth. The lever release works well, big improvement over the thumb screw setup on the 690.

The plunge base works well, the springs are stiffer than they need to be. It would have been nice to have a lever release on the plunge base, not an allen screw. If you are going to changing between the bases frequently, that would be an issue.

I agree with the other reviewer that Porter-Cable should have sent a sub base with a wider opening with one of the bases, you don't need two the same. I just widened one of the holes to fit my 1/2" roundover bit.

Overall this is a great router and a good value, definetly worth considering.

I recently purchased this combo because I had a need for both an evs router and a plunge option. I have a Milwaukee 1-3/4 body grip router and the 3-1/2 hp evs that I use on a regular basis. Unfortunatly Milwaukee is not coming out with a plunge base for any of their routers so I went with the PC. The evs option is nice, as are both of the bases. Where this combo falls short is 1 Both bases are set up for template guides not the wide hole for most bits. That is an option. (C'mon PC! Wake up!! how difficult is is to supply both bases with a 2 base set?!?!?). 2 the guide that comes with it, although very smooth and easily adjustable also throws off the balance of the machine making it difficult to use on long runs as it makes the router side heavy as the handles are perpendicular to the guide as opposed parallel which would make it easier to control the guide as well as push the router through the stock.
3 the evs speed settings are somewhat vague.

Other than the above issues the tool is well constructed and the soft start is really nice. If PC corrected the above issues I would rate this tool at 5 stars.

I've been replacing my bargain Sears tools with those of better quality. Couldn't be happier with my other assortment of PC tools (nailers, saws, and drill). The router comb is definately nice, but not nearly as big of a step as I expected over a $59 Sears router. Depth adjustment is definately a big improvement, but took a step back by not having a locking collet (need both wrenches) for bit changes.

Bought at a sales rep demo and got the dust collection base thrown in for free. It is better than nothing, but I wish I would have looked closer at the Dewalt set-up.

Bottom line, does the job, but falls a little short of my high expectations for PC tools.

I picked this up as a second router, and for the price and quality, it's tough to pass up. PC tools are built like tanks, and should last much longer than lesser brands which are within shot of the same price range. So far, this router has shown plenty of power and surprisingly good balance & stability considering the weight (it won't blow away). The features on both bases are built to last for the long run. Porter-Cable included the deluxe edge guide with this, and it is very nice. Things that could be better for this kit? Handles--ditch the hard plastic and thrown on a set of ergonomic, rubber-coated ones for better grip. Also, include the base for the wider, edge-routing bits with this kit--it's kind of tacky to have to make a 2nd trip to pickup a base which is so obviously needed & used--and spend $15 for it. The case should also be molded to hold the edge guide that's included--it was loose in the shipping box.
Overall, very satisfied with the router & results for the money ($160).

As my first router experience, it has worked great for me. The varible speed is good to have. I have done a few little jobs all without any trouble. Also bought the table which worked great as well. High quality build and easy to use, does not have spindle lock and requires two included wrenches to replace bits, but it's not like you do this often. Overall great product, and price.

I have had my PC router plunge/fixed base router kit for about 5 years, and have used it quite a bit. The PC 690 series are very good routers that are very durable and have been around for many years. The PC 690 was the router by which all other routers of similar power were judged. If you buy a PC 690 series router, you will have a very good router - however, you may find yourself wishing that you bought a different, more modern router for about the same amount of money.

As the years have passed, other routers have appeared on the market that are good routers with more modern features (above table bit changes / height adjustment, easier base changes, etc.) A few years ago, Porter Cable came out with a new and improved line of routers, the 890 series - that was obviously inspired by the 690 series.

If I were looking for a new plunge/fixed base router kit today, I would buy the 890 series - the 690 series is still very good, just dated.

Found this combo on clearance for $130 at Lowes 1 year ago and couldn't pass it up. Never used one before but in no time I am up and running making nice edges with minimal effort! No complaints!

I have been using this router for the past year and half and have been very pleased with its operation. The variable speed control allows you to fine tune the speed of the bit to prevent tear out and burning of the wood. I recently helped make a platform bed frame for a friend and we were unable to make a rabbit on the table saw because the side support boards were nearly 7' long. With a chucked up a ½" rabbit bit we were able to plow out rabbits on the end of the boars that were nearly 1 ½ " deep with only two passes. I was humbly surprised at the quality of the cut the Porter Cable left behind. I have not used the plunge base yet, but have a few projects anxiously awaiting this great router! I have had absolutely no problems with this router at all. I would consider getting a different base because some 1/2" bits will end up hitting the sides of the base when fully extended. For the price on Amazon.com you can't beat it!!!

I now have four routers, including a very old, worn-out Sears 1 HP and three that I bought for my shop within the past few months: DeWalt DW618 multi-base 2-1/4 HP kit, a Triton 3-1/4 HP plunge router, and the Porter Cable 694VK multi-base 1-3/4 HP kit. All three of the new routers are absolutely super. The DeWalt is used only hand-held and it is smooth, powerful, and with the D-handle very easy to use. The Triton is used exclusively in a router table, a use for it where it really shines. And the PC 694 kit, which I bought for use in the shop at my vacation home, is light, adequately powered, and very easy to handle. Both the DeWalt and the Triton are very easy to change bits, where the PC unit is much more difficult, requiring two wrenches (The Triton and DeWalt machines have shaft locks). The PC router doesn't seem to release the bits very easily. I can't rate longevity on any of these. Maybe this time next year.