Porter-Cable 690LR 11, A good router
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A good router
This review is predominantly for the hobbyist assessing which router to buy and looking for a 1-3/4hp router.
i own this router (690LR), and also the 690VSLR (variable speed). If you plan on using this router in a table and are going to use large bits (like stile and rail) you need to get the variable speed so you can run it at lower speeds. You only want to use larger bits in a router table.
Everyone complains the switch is in an inconvenient location. Me too. Though, this is not a show stopper.
i have 4 different bases for this router. Plunge, D-handle, fixed base, and plain jane base for the router table. Plunge base is good. Love the D-handle as switch is right there on the handle! Point is, you can buy this router and then as your needs arise buy different bases. Changing motor into various bases is very easy. Can even buy new motor. Also, brushes are easy to access and change.
Since this is the standard in routers there are a ton of after market items to use with this router (edge guides, bushings, etc…).
Takes two wrenches to change bits. Some would make this out to be a big deal. It is not. Changing bits is a snap.
You will find other reviewers that do not like having to remove the motor to change bits. But, removing/installing the motor is a very easy venture. If you think this is going to be a problem, do not like the power switch location and are only looking for a fixed base router you should also strongly consider the Milwaukee 5615-20.
Rated 4 stars based on power switch location, and find the micro adjustment capabilties are not as strong as they could be.
Porter Cable is still the standard in routers. This is a quality router. If expandability and compatibility with after market items is desired then this is a great choice.
PS - for about 50$ more you can buy this router in a combo kit with a Plunge base (693LRPK).
Update (5/19/2012): This item is currently on sale here for the lowest price I’ve seen.
The featured review for this product, Porter-Cable 690LR 11 Amp Fixed-Base Horsepower Router Tools & Hardware, was written by Robert Frapples.
The average rating for this item is out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.
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Tags: basic, basic router, door installation tools, first router, porter cable, porter cable 690lr router, porter cable 892, porter-cable router, reconditioned tools, router, routers, small router, tough, unclebilll, woodworking
Posted on: April 24, 2010
Filed under: Reviews
Reviews (3)
Andrew Violette
March 21st, 2010 at 12:02 am
Good router
I got frustrated with my Craftsman Professional router when I apparently bought the only model that didn’t support their guide bushings. So, I went out and bought this Porter-Cable router so I could use my dovetail jig. Like others, I find this router to be great for doing hand routing, and like other reviewers, I don’t like where the switch is located. I’m so afraid that I’m going to do a number on my arm sometime when I’m not careful, because you actually have to lift one hand off the router in order to turn it on and off. That said, it has a very solid feel and I use it for all my hand routing needs (the Craftsman router is now permanently attached to my router table)
Luke T. Evans
April 7th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
The production shop standard
Walk through any production cabinetmaking or woodworking shop and you’ll probably see 7 out of 10 workers using Porter Cable 690 routers. Most pro woodworkers own several (one guy in my shop owns 23, but he’s not normal), and have them equipped with the most commonly used bits and production set-ups. Durable, capable, and simple in concept and design, the 690 is hard to beat.
The new lever release adjustment clamp is nice, but a lot of people prefer the older turn-key type. I’ve found that the turn-key types tend to strip out over periods of extended use, but it is easier to get finer adjustments with them. If you get the lever type, keep it lubricated and adjusted (not too tight) and you’ll find it works just fine.
Lots of people seem to be unhappy with the updated switch placement, and I must say it is a little annoying, but not so much that it outweighs the other qualities of this fine router. The older toggle switch sure was nice, though. It could probably be retrofitted quite easily.
Due to the widespread use of this router, there are many jigs and templates available for it, certainly more than any other router. The Porter Cable plunge base that is available for this router is decent and durable. Like everything else Porter Cable, it is simple and not flashy. That’s fine with most pro woodworkers, since most know that function beats style any day. You can save some money by getting this router without the plastic case (the router with case kit is $139 at Home Depot/Lowes, but the router itself is only $112 on Amazon, a smokin’ deal). The case isn’t very useful anyway, as you have to wrestle to get the router to fit in it, and there’s no room for bit/template storage, etc.
What else can I say? If you need either a starter router or need to supplement you existing production capability, pick up a Porter Cable 690 router. Why stop at one? Buy several!
Robert Frapples
April 8th, 2010 at 10:49 am
A good router
Rated 4 stars.
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