98 RE: Router Recommendations Wanted
Description
This article is from the Woodworking FAQ Collection 4, by multiple authors.
98 RE: Router Recommendations Wanted
From: rhaar@rcsuna.UUCP (Bob Haar CS50)
Date: 3 Oct 89 13:22:05 GMT
I recently bought a router that pretty much fits your specs - a
Porter Cable model 693 plunge router. It is rated at 1 1/2 HP, but has
lots more effeective power than the 1 3/4 HP Sears that it replaced. It
also has a 10 Amp electrical power rating which the same as many 2-3 HP
rated routers, and is often a better measure of working power.
It has both 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets - a better system than using a
reducing sleeve for 1/4" bits in a half inch collet. The plunge mechanism
is very smooth and well designed. One design aspect that I like especially
is that the plunge release lever is spring loaded so that it locks securely
when you let go of it - better than having to push against a spring to lock
it.
I decided against electronic speed control (or variable speed) because
all the models I found with it were to large and heavy for convenient
free-hand use and because I haven't particularly felt the need for it.
You may want this if you use large ( > 2" diameter) panel cutters.
This is a brand new model from Porter Cable. It lives up to their
reputation for solid, well designed tools and is even built in the USA.
The plunge router base is available without the motor and can be used
with their standard router motor (model number 6902 ??), costs about $70.
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