Porter-Cable 7529 2-Horsepower Heavy-Duty, Electronic Variable Speed Plunge Router

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Porter-Cable 7529 2 HP Heavy-Duty, Electronic Variable Speed Plunge Router

From the Manufacturer

This plunge router is as easy to adjust for router table use as it is for freehand work. An advanced micro height adjuster allows the operator to manually adjust the bit depth to within 1/128-inch, even when installed in a router table. The trigger switch locks on, allowing the use of the master switch on top of the motor for easier access. The micro height adjust can also be used to set a depth stop for plunging during freehand work. A unique depth stop rod allows selection of multiple stops without letting go of the handles. This reduces down time and increases safety because you don't have to turn the motor off since your fingers never get near the bit, unlike base-mounted turrets. For added safety, the 12 amp variable speed motor has a soft start and an electronic brake. The soft start prevents the router from jerking to a start and the brake slows the bit down to a stop sooner, reducing the risk of injury. A variety of tasks can be performed using the top-mounted dial to select speeds from 10,000 rpm to 23,000 rpm to match the application. A large base opening allows use of bits up to 2-1/2 inches in diameter. A dust collection port is built into the base and the router comes with a unique dust cup for edging applications. A precision edge guide is also included for cutting operations using non-piloted bits. The removable chip guard and spindle lock allow quick and easy one-wrench blade changes. To prevent frozen or stuck bits, the included 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets are an auto-release design that frees the collet from the arbor the locking nut is loosened. Includes router, 1/4" and 1/2" collets, wrench #42596, dust cup, and operator's manual.

FEATURES

• Extra Heavy-Duty 12 Amp AC only motor
• Includes 1/4" and 1/2" collets
• Variable-speed dial with 10,000 to 23,000 RPM speed range
• Micro height adjuster ideal for under table and free hand applications
• Unique depth stop allows depth adjustments without removing your hands from the handles
• Through the-base dust collection
• Spindle lock for single wrench bit changes
• External access for brush changes
• Stable 6 1/2" base diameter with 3 1/2" bit opening
• Standard Equipment: Router, wrench, template adapter, and operating manual

SPECIFICATIONS

• Power: 120 VAC, 60 HZ
• Base Dia.: 6 1/2"
• Net Weight: 11 Lbs.
• Shipping Weight: 14 Lbs.
• Peak HP: 2
• Motor Amps: 12
• Motor Diameter: N/A
• Speed RPM: 10,000-23,000 RPM
• Collets: Standard: 1/4" & 1/2" Available: 3/8"
• Plunging Depth: 2 1/2"
• Height: 11 7/8"
• Base: Round

WARRANTY
One year warranty with a 30 day performance certification.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.6 x 14.6 x 10.8 inches ; 11 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 pounds
• 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: B0000222V0
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 7529
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #451,603 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Porter Cable quality, February 12, 2001

By 

D. Matthews "lotosawdust" (Cortland, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 7529 2-Horsepower Heavy-Duty, Electronic Variable Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

After comparing several different brands in the same price range (DeWalt, Bosch) I chose the Porter Cable for the ergonomic design, placement of controls, and wide footprint (reputation definately was a factor). As far as tool layout and design are concerned, it is by far the best. The Dewalt has a small footprint, which I found unstable and the Bosch had a cheap plunge stop.

Unfortunately, the Porter Cable fell short where it really counts: performance! I used it once and put it back in the box for a return. Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of power and the tool felt great, but the unit does not lock up on the guide rods securely. Even when the router is locked on the rods the unit will pitch about 1/16 of an inch so the bit is no longer 90° to the working surface. I thought I may have gotten a bad one so I went back to the store and checked 2 more - same thing. There is slop between the bearings/bushing and the small guide rod. I checked the DeWalt and Bosch and they didn't have this problem.

To sum it up, I am returning it for the DeWalt. If Porter Cable wants to make a top notch piece of equipment that lives up to their reputation, they have to fix this critical shortcoming. All else was great.

41 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good tool, January 10, 2000

By 

Chad (Salem,OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 7529 2-Horsepower Heavy-Duty, Electronic Variable Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have never used a router before until I purchased this router. It is very friendly to first time users. It operates very queitly and efficiently. The mirco depth adjustment is easy to use and is always right on. I don't feel I could have purchased a better tool for my money. If I was to do it again I would purchase this router over any of the other 2 hp routers.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good machine, but..., January 21, 2005

By 

Luke T. Evans (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 7529 2-Horsepower Heavy-Duty, Electronic Variable Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have to agree with many of the other reviewers who like this router for its smoothness, power,and low noise level. The grips are great, it plunges nicely, and the quality of materials seems top rate. However, my experience with this router has revealed two flaws that greatly detract from what would otherwise be a truly fine machine. While these flaws are not necessarily deal-breakers, those of you who are considering buying this tool may want to be aware of them.

First, as another reviewer has pointed out, it is impossible to accurately center template guides within the base plate. The user must screw the template guide holder into the baseplate, and since the holder does not precisely register into the baseplate, it is thus extremely difficult to accurately center the guides. If you use template guides and require even a moderate degree of accuracy, this flaw is a deal-breaker. Do not buy this router. On the other hand, if you never use template guides or plan on parking this baby in a router table, you'll have no problems. This would be a fine router for those purposes.

The other problem is another quality/design issue that can be remedied but is a moderate annoyance. On my machine, the release/locking lever for the plunge mechanism came loose on several occassions, making it impossible to plunge and lock the router at a desired depth. There is a small set screw in the lever mechanism that works loose and has to be constantly tightened and adjusted. This problem is not an isolated incident as it also has occured with two other cabinetmakers and their identical routers in my shop. In the end, having tired of constantly fiddling with our machines, the three of us adjusted the mechanisms as best we could, applied Lock-Tite to the set screws, and hoped we did it right because there would be no way to disassemble the levers once the Lock-Tite cured. Fortunately, the fix worked fine, and all three of us are happily using our machines without any problems. Again, not a deal-breaker and the problem was fixed, but this seems unnecessary for a $200 router.

The other router to consider in this price range is the DeWalt DW625 3 HP plunge router. Though it has more power than the PC 8529, it is the same size and weight. It's also variable speed and would be great in a router table. I've never been a huge DeWalt fan (many of their products seem overrated and overpriced), this seems to be an excellent machine. Several of the guys in my shop own them and use them for the dual purposes of plunge operations as well as major hogging through lots of material (the extra hp makes a big difference). Add it to your list of possibilities.