Porter-Cable 7539 3-1/4-Horsepower Speedmatic 5-Speed Plunge Router

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

This may be the most powerful router you'll ever own. Its 3-1/4-horsepower, 15 amp motor makes quick work of anything you can feed it. I expected it to tear out of my hands at startup, but for its heft, it has an amazingly soft start at every speed: 10,000, 13,000, 16,000, 19,000, and 21,000 rpm. This kind of power doesn't come without some noise, so be sure to wear hearing protection. The handles are comfortable and offer a secure grip, but at 17-1/2 pounds this is a heavier unit than most routers. The plunge depth range is 3 inches, and there's no doubt this guy can handle it. The ball bearings are 100 percent sealed, and a six-position depth-stop turret is a nice touch. It takes 1/2-inch shanks, so it could double as a shaper in a smaller shop. Here's another nice plus: a cool auto-release collet system that ends stuck bits--no more wrench-tapping and pleading! It's a beauty of a machine for heavy routing or production use. It won't disappoint you. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

From the Manufacturer

Porter-Cable 7539 3-1/4 HP Speedmatic 5-Speed Plunge Router

See all Product Description

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.8 x 14.8 x 11 inches ; 17.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 21.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• 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: B0000222V7
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 7539
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,301 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #48 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Routers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Router for table mounting, August 23, 2000

By 

Alan L. Wieskamp (Hills, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 7539 3-1/4-Horsepower Speedmatic 5-Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I spent a lot of time researching the best router to do everything that I wanted and this one was one of the best. If you want a great article on routers, see American Woodworker magazine, February 2000. It compares all of the big boys.

It has a great soft start 3 1/4 hp motor that has five speeds and will handle any bit and wood combination I've thrown at it.

The router's base will allow for 3 3/8" bit diameters. Most of the other 3 hp models will only handle 2 1/2" diameter bits. This is good if you want a router to use on a table to run panel bits or large moulding bits.

The router's downfalls are that it doesn't lend itself to be conveneint to use on a router table. The plunge lock lever needs to be pushed and held all the time while you are adjusting the depth. Makes you wish you had a third hand. It also does not have a shaft lock, so bit changes require two wrenches.

It does have a trigger switch that is handle mounted. (a must have for any router) and you can order a dust attachement from Porter Cable to hook up to your shop vac.

What I've learned about this router is that you need a second router to do hand held work for trimming laminate and doing small routing work. (1/2" bit diameter and less) This one at 20 pounds is too heavy for hand held work. My suggestion would be to get a good 1 1/2 or 2 hp model for lighter jobs.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super workhorse!!!, March 29, 2001

By 

Steve Gilliana (Bartlett, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 7539 3-1/4-Horsepower Speedmatic 5-Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is the most powerful router I have ever used. As a dedicated hobbyist I wanted a router to use with my Incra Jig to make boxes. I originally bought the Bosch 2 HP and tried to make one cut and packed it up and returned to get this PC. The difference in power is amazing when cutting oak and walnut. You will need the adjustment knob accessory to make raising and lowering easier in your table,(I also removed the plunge spring handle to make it easier to adjust). It is very large and heavy so to use it for regular routing I believe would be cumbersome on lighter work. The screws that mount the sole plate are hefty and up to the task. If you need power this fits the bill.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing's gonna stop this router!, February 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Porter-Cable 7539 3-1/4-Horsepower Speedmatic 5-Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

The first time I used this router, I could not believe how nicely it cut. Even on oak, it cuts as fast as you can feed it. I have mine in a table, since it is pretty heavy, and I bought it knowing that I would be doing raised panel doors with it. I have never gotten a burn on anything, and the speed adjustment is great. Before this, I had only used Craftsman routers, and I haven't since. I plan on getting a smaller Porter Cable in the future for hand work.