Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I bought this router after reading a number of great reviews in on-line magazines but before reading any of the reviews here on Amazon.[com.] I'm a bit surprised to read how many people have had problems. Here are my experiences so far:
My first task was to figure out the lock-on thumb switch. It seems to work backwards of the way I think it should. Now that I know how it's supposed to work, I can get it locked on every time.
The plunge was rather sticky for a while, but has smoothed out as it breaks in.
It took me an evening with the router and the directions to figure out how the heck the micro adjuster works. I'm still not totally clear, and it seems like there'd be a much easier way, but it still gets the job done.
Beyond that, I really like it. I haven't had any problems related to power, it eats right though whatever I've put in front of it.
It's rather quiet, especially compared to my PC 690!
I'm really surprised at how well the dust collection works, it does a fantastic job. The port underneath can get clogged with big chips if you are routing plywood so be sure to clean it out now and then.
I like the spindle lock idea, though I find it a bit difficult to hold the router steady and hold in the lock pin while twisting the wrench. I hate using two wrenches so I'd rather fumble with the mechanism.
Ergonomically it works for me. I like the feel of the handles and the placement of the major controls. The depth rod knob is a bit tight to get at, but still no big deal.
For the most part, I feel the fit and finish is very good. I'm sure there are higher build quality routers out there, but not for this price!
For the hobbyist, I think this is a great choice, but we'll have to see about it's longevity.

I spent a good chunk of change on this router 2-3 years ago. It got great reviews at the time.

I am a weekend woodworker and I take good care of my tools. With high price, light use and good maintenance I was repaid with this:

1. Motor lost at least half of its power within 2 years. Has trouble cutting small dadoes in poplar. Problem may be related to the known issue with the switch on the handle, but I don't really care to find out, especially since PC has discontinued it. I only use it to round over edges in soft wood now.

2. The knob that pins the depth setting rod failed totally. I am not King Kong or anything, but even my casual use was too much for this feeble part. Now it is impossible to set a plunge setting.

I have had good experiences with PC in the past, but my experience with this product makes it impossible for me to pay a premium for that name brand, at least for the foreseeable future. Will wait to see whether this was a fluke or an indicator of things to come.

I just found the Hitachi M12V and have ordered it to replace this miserable unit. Funny that it is a much more powerful machine and cheaper today than what I originally paid for the 7529. Live and learn.

This Porter Cable 2HP plunge router model number 7529 took Popular Woodworking's Best New Tool award January 2000. That is the end of the positive review. I had 7529, and 8529, and the variable speed circuit board, as I understand it is the nature of the problem as to why it barely crawls, and if you leave it run for about 10 minutes it will take a tiny bit off of your work project. Look elsewhere for a router. I barely used it.

Before purchasing a Porter-Cable 7529 router, I compared it thoroughly with comparable products from other reputable manufacturers (DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, etc.). Overall, the Porter-Cable offered the best combination of features.

The 7529 is very powerful, making even deep cuts with ease. Moreover, the power is well-controlled. The "soft start" feature, together with the solid feel of the tool, render the 7529 very smooth and a pleasure to use.

The ergonomic design of the tool is superb--much better than the competition. Every control is right at hand and very comfortable to employ. The Porter-Cable plunge-lock design is without a doubt the best out there.

As with all Porter-Cable power tools, the 7529's level of fit and finish is outstanding. I could tell that it was a high-quality tool even before I used it. Although the plunging action was initially slightly "sticky", it quickly became very smooth with use. As for the criticisms of the chip deflector which I have read in some other reviews: while it is true that the deflector will tend to fall off if the tool is turned upside down, a hand-held router is used in an upright position, so I have not had any problem with it.

The Porter-Cable 7529 router is a truly industrial-quality tool. In my opinion, it is the very best in its class. If you are looking for a mid-sized router that will provide you with many years of superb service, get a Porter-Cable 7529.

As with many others here, I cannot recommend it.

It feels great in your hands. Keeping everything close to your hands was a great idea. Portercable usually does their homework before tools leave the prototype stage. Apparently, the 7529 was an exception.

It has a very powerful motor (what pc doesn't?). The soft start and adjustable speeds are great! The 2hp motor really plows through the material. It's a bit heavy, but not any more than other plunge routers of the same hp. Bit changing has never been easier.

However, it's got it's problems too. The biggest problem is my trigger lock to keep the motor engaged in my router table doesn't work anymore. Now a screwdriver holds it in the on position. The adjustable depth lever doesn't work at all. The plunge feature springs out WAY to fast and with WAY to much force.

My suggestion is to stear clear of this router until Portercable decides to do a recall on them. I'm going to be taking mine to a service center to be fixed (hopefully).

I'd recommend the Freud FT2000EP 3-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Plunge Router for ...here at Amazon. I have one of these as well, and I love it.

This router is a piece of [poor workmanship]. You can take my word for it or waste your money. First off, the brake stopped working almost immediately. The clear plastic chip deflector does not fit and is worthless. The depth rod locking knob stripped rendering the depth rod useless. The micro plunge locking mechanism does not stay disingaged making it a major hassle to use micro plunge adjustment knob. Also, it is very difficult turning the micro plunge knob to raise the router - It takes quite a bit of muscle. When plunging, the router has a lot of play. A small amount is understandable, but this router has way too much play. The plunge itself is not smooth - Its jerky making it difficult to make smooth plunges. And if you can put up with all of these problems, there is the problem of power. This router simply keeps bogging down and at times will completely stop. I can not use this router any more. It has ruined my last project and unless I can get it fixed under warranty, I will have to buy a new one. I own a lot of tools and this router is by far the worst investment I have ever made. Take my advise and stay away. Buy the Dewalt, Makita, or Bosch. The Dewalt 621 in particular is a very fine router. If still want to buy this router, I would be happy to sell you mine real cheap.

I have had my 7529 for over a year and in balance, I am disappointed. When new, I had to go back to the retailer 3 times to find a unit that worked properly (plunge lock would not stay unlocked) and even it lacked several minor parts. Porter Cable responded to my first inquiry with a free replacement part (lock nut for the plunge lock), but has ignored subsequent requests for a part (bushing on plunge gauge). The screw that holds the plunge gauge won't stay tight. Now the power lock won't stay on and I have to use a clamp to keep it going. I cannot recommend this unit.