Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable 9690LR 11 Amp 1-3/4-Horsepower Fixed Base Router with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased a 9690LR to replace the spindle lock on crapsmen router broke. I use this smaller router for all my hand work, dovetails, dado's, etc. I have a more powerful router mounted to a table. There are sereval things I like about this router, and one minor complaint. First, there are two complete collets (1/2 and 1/4") included, not a 1/2 and an insert. Second, I have cussed other routers with stuck bits. The collets have a snap ring around the collet just above the locknut. This allows the collet to be pulled out of the spindle by the nut. Very cool - no more anxiety attacks switching bits. Secondly, the spindle has a fixed hex nut just below the collet to provide the 'spindle lock' with a wrench. This double-nut mechanism is far superior to any spindle lock schemes on other routers. The depth adjustment and associated lock is very accurate and easy to use. Power switch has a rubber dust cover. My only gripe is the lack of an effective soft start. Since I use this as a hand router, I have one hand on the handle and another on the switch. I cannot hold this powerhouse still when it switches on, bit of a dangerous situation - for me and my project. With this in mind, I think I would go with the variable speed design of this model for the extra $20 if I had to buy it again.

This is one of the best power tools I've ever owned. I am not a professional woodworker, but depend on a router for many household, furniture, and art projects (making canvas stretchers and picture frames.) I bought it a few years ago (90th anniversary edition #90690) to build a couch in oak. This one came with 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets, an edge guide, and a metal case. The finish is silver and not the putty color on other models.

This is my third, and I am sure, my last router. Previously, I owned a 7/8 hp generic brand which burned out, and a
1 1/2 hp Sears unit that wouldn't keep from wandering down in the base, and also seemed to strain in all but soft wood.

The solid construction and slight 'kick' when turning it on were immediately very pleasing. The power was appreciated on that first project whether making 'step' joints, cutting mortises (using the template guide that I bought seperately), or cleaning up less that smooth saw cuts. I built a simple table for it that is extemely useful, turning the router into a basic joiner or a milling machine for picture frames and mouldings. Even the depth guide on the base is accurate and stays true.

The torque is much higher than that of my other routers, which makes it safer and seemingly incapable of binding. The plunge base would be nice, but I can make the plunge cuts that I require by hand. Not sure I'd do this with less than 1/2 inch bits though.

This is a great tool and a superior value.

this tool works flawlessly, easy to insert router bits and easy to adjust tool for the job at hand, the noise level seems lower than most routers I have operated, and the tool has plenty of power to plow thru the hardest of hardwoods...

Already owning a Bosch plunge router, I wanted a lighter weight router as a companion for my Leigh dovetailing jig. After considerable research, I decided the Porter Cable 9690 would be my choice. I couldn't be more pleased with the performance of this machine. Good balance, light weight, and easy to adjust bit depth. Having read all the comments about the location of the on/off switch, and how disconcerting start-up is, I expected worse. I found start-up torque to be managable, even though I'm used to the soft start of my Bosch. All-in-all, the 9690 is an excellent router for the money.

I got this for use with a dovetail template system. It is a no nonsense router. Plenty of power for hand held applications. I only use small bits, so the fixed speed isn't really a drawback. I currently have a Bosch 1617 with plunge and fixed bases. This seems comparable quality.

I like most everything about the router performace, weight, ease of use, except the location of the "on-off" switch. I'm not a pro using it every day, so maybe I'm not used to not have a trigger switch like my old Black & Decker. I'd buy this one again even with my one complaint!

I have started to use this router for making Dovetail drawers. This router has worked great. The Porter-Cable reputation has held up to its name.

Use this at my company. Does the job. Used this model for years.

Great little router - but...

the "case"... WHAT is with tool companies and these minimalist, throwaway case designs lately????

Is it to save on shipping?

Is there ANYBODY out there that WANTS a tool's case to be so small that you need a degree in physics just to figure out how the tool is supposed to go back in? I mean, would it kill them to just give us an extra INCH or two???

I'm so bothered by this that I have to mark the tool lower than I would have otherwise. Portability is very important to me, and this case is obviously not intended to be used by somebody who travels with the tool.

Which begs the question, what IS the case designed for?

Apparently, it's designed for somebody who doesn't mind spending five or ten minutes figuring out how to get the tool in and wrap the wire just right so it's not getting crushed and kinked, each and every time they put it away.

That's not me. I want a case I can just drop the tool into and forget about it. This case doesn't even leave enough room for the instruction pamphlet once you've opened it! There's CERTAINLY no room for a couple of bits.

I just don't get it. What's the upside of making a case so small? Especially when just a LITTLE more room would make so much of a difference?

And as if the case's small size weren't enough, the overall case design - handle on the top half with that cheesy snap latch on the side - if that little plastic latch ever gives way, you're router's hitting the floor hard, no two ways about it. You can't help but worry about it every time you pick up. At least give us TWO cheesy plastic snaps!

I broke down and bought a separate case for my router and bits. If you travel with your tools, you will too - so factor that into the cost. (and join me in my frustration, wondering why a company like porter cable can't spend the dollar or two that it would take to turn the case into a useful accessory instead of the fancy shipping container that it is!!!)