Porter Cable Router quote - 690Lr

Porter Cable Router quote - 690Lr

We have always liked the Porter Cable Routers, but they still need to go straight through our power tool communicate steps. The first thing we noticed was the case. When we opened the case, the router was a tight fit. We normally like a puny room for bits or other items that belong with the tool. We took the router out, unpacked everything, and tried to put it back. Obviously it fits back into the case, but there is no room for any other connected items.

At first we though it might be heavier than the weight of 8lbs. After picking it up we found that it was highly light because of the machined aluminum case and base it is made from. This is good news! You want a lighter router because you don't want to fight the weight of the tool. Heavier tools create more force when used, and this can wear a user out.

Miter Saw Blades Slide

The 1/4" and the 1/2" is a nice feature because most workers have both sizes of router bits. Putting the router bits in place is a breeze. The router comes with two wrenches that will let you tighten or loosen the collet. This is much easier if you set the router on a workbench instead of tying to hold on to the router. We were a puny skeptical of the auto release theory that keeps the bits from frozen up in the tool. Anyone who has ever had this happens knows it is very annoying. After setting the router up, the rest was a breeze. There is a t-bolt that will let you adjust the height of the router, this is a snap. Once you have the router at the allowable height, you can fine tune the height using the micrometer adjustment. This is just a ring you turn with your hand. You can adjust it up to 1/128"

We started out with some sharp bits and ran it straight through pine. The router ate straight through that easily. The router just laughed at us. We went to a harder wood, oak, and then walnut. Again, it ran straight through these without heating up. Yes, we did have a sharp blade, but as a craftsman you should know that having a sharp blade is highly important. Well, we were bored with this testing rather quick because the router was handling all with ease. So we ran the router blade over a bunch of plywood, hoping the blade would dull down from the glue. Well, the router ran straight through that test fine. The bits didn't dull as fast as we had hoped, so we filed them dull and tried the test again. straight through the pine, the router ran fine. Then the oak and Walnut caused the motor to fight a puny for some air. We did have a big bit and had it set deep. We took that bit out of the tool and it did slide out with no effort, so the auto release theory seemed to work fine, but we weren't done testing it yet!

We put the bit back in and tightened it as much as possible. We then beat on the side of the bit to jam it in there. We also dropped the router level on the top of the bit and then gave it a concentrate whacks with a hammer. We basically did all inherent to make sure the bit would not come out, even though no one in their right mind would do all these things. Next, we loosened the collet, and this time the bit didn't come right out. We did wiggle it, and pulled with a pair of forceps and with that, the router bit came out. This told us two things. First, under general wear and tear, the auto release theory should work well, and the bits should not get stuck. Second, once the bit is in the router, it will stay in the router. You shouldn't have any worries about it arrival out, unless you want it to.

All the other tests we ran the router straight through passed with flying colors. We dropped the tool a concentrate different times and it held up fine. The max height we used for the drops was 7 feet. I was pleasantly surprised that the base of plastic didn't crack.

With a concentrate of tricks, this router was very easy to turn into a table router for use on a table saw extension. This makes the tool that much more attractive.

After using the tool for a long time, our arms felt fine. We did not touch any vibrations what so ever.

Over all, our power tool communicate for the Porter Cable router is Excellent. We were highly impressed with this power tool. This router has great power and splendid features. Any craftsman should be proud to have this router in his/her wood shop.

Pro's
Good power, Comes with 1/4" and 1/2" collets, will also accept 3/8", Depth Adjustment, Seal power switch

Con's
Case is very small - tight fit for the router

Porter Cable Router quote - 690Lr

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