Help on selecting a Porter Cable Router
- Status
I highly recommend the Dewalt 618 combo kit if you are looking for a 2¼ hp router.
Why more HP, well that's just silly, because it's bigger :lol: You need a bigger motor to turn larger bits. A 2¼ hp router will turn all but panel raising bits. It is what I have and have been very satisfied with until I can find a good deal on a bigger router, because I would like to start doing RP projects.
Dave
Why more HP, well that's just silly, because it's bigger :lol: You need a bigger motor to turn larger bits. A 2¼ hp router will turn all but panel raising bits. It is what I have and have been very satisfied with until I can find a good deal on a bigger router, because I would like to start doing RP projects.
Dave
I also would go with the 893 for both the additional power and the newer features. I have a couple of them and they are nice pieces, very smooth and quiet.
Mounted in a table, I have made many raised panel doors with this power level, taking light cuts as we should anyway.
Mounted in a table, I have made many raised panel doors with this power level, taking light cuts as we should anyway.
Pc 893
Travis,
Go for the bigger motor. If the machine has more power, it's less likely to strain to get through a cut, thereby giving you a cleaner cut.
Ray
Go for the bigger motor. If the machine has more power, it's less likely to strain to get through a cut, thereby giving you a cleaner cut.
Ray
Travis, I have the PC 690 series and wish I had gone larger. Of course it just means at some point I'm gonna have to tell LOML I need another router!! :lol:
Chuck
Edit In...I should say the router has worked just fine...No problems. I just wish I could spin larger bits.
Chuck
Edit In...I should say the router has worked just fine...No problems. I just wish I could spin larger bits.
Last edited:
On second thought, we should have asked what and how the router will be used.
Hand held, table mount or both?
Simple profiles to door panels?
Hand held, table mount or both?
Simple profiles to door panels?
I know Porter Cable makes a Great product and don't want to start a discussion on Manufacturers Merits , BUT have you looked at any other brands of routers ?
Last year , after doing some research I purchased a Milwaukee 5616 - a 2 1/2 HP router and am extremely happy with it. Here are some of the benes', Body grip design makes a nice hand held, variable speed, easy to remove body for bit changing, plenty of power.
Also purchased was an extra Base assembly, this allows me to easily use the router on the router table or as a hendheld by just slipping the body from one base to the table mounted base. With a supplied wrench you can also raise and lower the router from above the router table. Milwaukee has alos just been bought out by an off shore company so the quality may change in the future.
I have cut raised paenls with this tool, making several small passes.
F.Y.I, I am NOt associated with the company, but do have a portable 14.4 drill by Milwaukee, that is also a joy to work with.
And also some Porter Cable Tools, Biscuit cutter, portable drills,Air nailers.
http://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product2_27_40027_-1_281166_189343_362
Last year , after doing some research I purchased a Milwaukee 5616 - a 2 1/2 HP router and am extremely happy with it. Here are some of the benes', Body grip design makes a nice hand held, variable speed, easy to remove body for bit changing, plenty of power.
Also purchased was an extra Base assembly, this allows me to easily use the router on the router table or as a hendheld by just slipping the body from one base to the table mounted base. With a supplied wrench you can also raise and lower the router from above the router table. Milwaukee has alos just been bought out by an off shore company so the quality may change in the future.
I have cut raised paenls with this tool, making several small passes.
F.Y.I, I am NOt associated with the company, but do have a portable 14.4 drill by Milwaukee, that is also a joy to work with.
And also some Porter Cable Tools, Biscuit cutter, portable drills,Air nailers.
http://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product2_27_40027_-1_281166_189343_362
Most of the current breed of routers are great, but one thing a lot are missing is built in dust extraction. My next router will probably be the dewalt with the "through the handle" extraction, but not until my 500 Watt (3/4 hp!) hitachi breaks. I have had this ni on 20 years and made everything with it. I do have a 2hp freud in the table.
I recently purchased the Dewalt 618 combo. It packs a lot of power in a small, comfortable package and the plunge is very smooth. However, I've only used it a few times. Since I lack experience I'm pretty safety conscious. Adding the DC hose probably works great, but I have enough trouble just keep the power cord straight . . . much less adding vacuum hose. I really like the combo package, but was disappointed it didn't include fence.
Roger
Roger
if i remember correctly. [and sometimes i dont!] the 890 series has some recall issues. I have read some terrible reviews on other groups also. the 690 series is a tried and true performer. depending on your usage you may want to look at the hitachi m12v on amazon for around 150 or so. 3 1/4 hp is great for table use but may be a bear to use freehand. cant speak to free hand because both of mine have only been used in the table. You will also not go wrong with bosch.
fred p
fred p
A general rule-of-thumb for power is the hp needed is roughly equivalent to the diameter of router bit used.
I also have the Dewalt 618 and particularly like it for hand-held projects since it is shorter than the PC 890's - i.e. it is easier to control the shorter router when edge routing. The plunge base is also great and does have a good dust collection port built-in. I did also get the D-handle but rarely use it. (I bought the 3 base kit).
The PC 890 series 895 package includes a handle and wrench to make using the router in a table very easy. The handle enables you to adjust the router height through the table - an important cost savings. I'd weigh the anticipated use and go with the 890 if you plan to use it in a table and go for the 618 for all freehand use.
I also have the Dewalt 618 and particularly like it for hand-held projects since it is shorter than the PC 890's - i.e. it is easier to control the shorter router when edge routing. The plunge base is also great and does have a good dust collection port built-in. I did also get the D-handle but rarely use it. (I bought the 3 base kit).
The PC 890 series 895 package includes a handle and wrench to make using the router in a table very easy. The handle enables you to adjust the router height through the table - an important cost savings. I'd weigh the anticipated use and go with the 890 if you plan to use it in a table and go for the 618 for all freehand use.
Matt said:
OK, that settles it. the best selling router on the market is really junk!
I must not be using the two I've had in the shop for a couple years right.
http://www.newwoodworker.com/badtoolrprts.html
I agree with you. But there was a run of badly QC'd ones that got out the door, but they fixed that long ago, I have one and have not an ounce of trouble with it.tom hintz said:
I think it is important to keep sight of the fact that anyone that makes hundereds of thousands of anything is going to have a few duds get out, regardless of how hard they try not to.
I know it really sucks to get a bad one and I have had it happen to me in the past. It is frustrating but we have to remember there are way more people happily using the same product without a problem.
In most cases, the manufacturer will make it right if we give them the chance.
I know it really sucks to get a bad one and I have had it happen to me in the past. It is frustrating but we have to remember there are way more people happily using the same product without a problem.
In most cases, the manufacturer will make it right if we give them the chance.
- Status
Similar threads
Premier Sponsors
Contact for your financial processing needs!
Our Sponsors
LATEST FOR SALE LISTINGS
-
-
Porter Cable 4210 Dovetail Jig $100 PRICE REDUCTION… $50- Started by Kelly
- Replies: 0
-
-
-