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Read more Porter-Cable 694VK 11 Amp 1-3/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit
I bought this for my husband he was a little disappointed expecting the router to be larger this one is a bit smaller than the types he is accustomed to using, but when he started using he was quite surprised at the power and capability of this unit so therefore all in all I would highly recommend this item well worth the money.
I now have four routers, including a very old, worn-out Sears 1 HP and three that I bought for my shop within the past few months: DeWalt DW618 multi-base 2-1/4 HP kit, a Triton 3-1/4 HP plunge router, and the Porter Cable 694VK multi-base 1-3/4 HP kit. All three of the new routers are absolutely super. The DeWalt is used only hand-held and it is smooth, powerful, and with the D-handle very easy to use. The Triton is used exclusively in a router table, a use for it where it really shines. And the PC 694 kit, which I bought for use in the shop at my vacation home, is light, adequately powered, and very easy to handle. Both the DeWalt and the Triton are very easy to change bits, where the PC unit is much more difficult, requiring two wrenches (The Triton and DeWalt machines have shaft locks). The PC router doesn't seem to release the bits very easily. I can't rate longevity on any of these. Maybe this time next year.
i was looking to buy a v/s router looked at the dewalt.{ i own the single speed router.}happy with that one. but i did not like the v/s switch and after looking at this unit i gave it a go. very glad i did. you can rotate the speed knob easily.
I have had my PC router plunge/fixed base router kit for about 5 years, and have used it quite a bit. The PC 690 series are very good routers that are very durable and have been around for many years. The PC 690 was the router by which all other routers of similar power were judged. If you buy a PC 690 series router, you will have a very good router - however, you may find yourself wishing that you bought a different, more modern router for about the same amount of money.
As the years have passed, other routers have appeared on the market that are good routers with more modern features (above table bit changes / height adjustment, easier base changes, etc.) A few years ago, Porter Cable came out with a new and improved line of routers, the 890 series - that was obviously inspired by the 690 series.
If I were looking for a new plunge/fixed base router kit today, I would buy the 890 series - the 690 series is still very good, just dated.
PC seems to set the standard in routers and I can see why. Lightweight for easy handling, plenty of power (for a handheld) and the soft start is a big plus when hand holding. Setup for plunge cuts is easy.
Router works fine. The only caveat is that these are now made in Mexico. Porter Cable 690-series routers were among the last American-made power tools of which I was aware, and that was in large part why I bought this kit.
But, since all the other brands are now made overseas, I guess it really doesn't matter. I would still get this model; it has just lost some serious bonus points.
Great router for it's designed purpose, easy to use.
This router kit is a great value--but the plunge base leaves a great deal to be desired in terms of quality. I decided on going with the P/C because of their router tradition--probably the most pedigreed of any major manufacturer. The 690 is the standard, and it can be found anywhere and everywhere. The reason is seems to be: 1) its slow evolution (there haven't been to many drastic technical/design changes in the long make of this basic tool) which makes it easy for companies, even PC competitors to standardize around this model; and 2) a simple, extremely well built motor and housing-I've never seen an example of one ever dying--(cords come and go, brushes need replacing once in a blue moon, but the motor doesn't die).
That said this particular model definitely shows its age in comparison to others. The quality is still excellent, probably still best in its class, but some of the refinements in terms of ergonomics, and general fit and finish now becoming standard on the most recent generation of mid-size routers are missing. The lines where the cast aluminum base was removed from its 2-part mold are very visible. The gray enamel paint job seems somewhat indifferent as does the haphazardly applied "porter-cable" sticker (if you're casting the base why not have the brand name in the mold?). There isn't a spindle lock which is a definite drawback: fumbling with two wrenches is inconvenient and would be a nightmare if the router didn't have its trademark "flat top". The plunge action on the plunge base isn't all that smooth. The black plastic case is fairly cheap and baffling in its layout--I can never figure out where to put the bundled up cord. The extra rubber reinforcement where the cord enters the housing (where cords flex most and thus break most) doesn't seem to be as tough as the older steel coil. The variable speed dial--an excellent feature--always seems to slip into lower speeds (vibration?) which means you constantly have to check it: this could be potentially remedied by going with its big 3hp brother's positive speed selection switch. All in all, while I can't necessarily call any of this "poor quality" and certainly doesn't reflect on the terrific performance of this router, it certainly doesn't reflect well on P/C which doesn't seem committed to meaningfully updating an otherwise solidly designed tool for the 21st century.
The 1.75hp motor I have found completely adequate, overly so in many cases. The weight, while heavier than some comparable models is not nearly as heavy as some others. The soft start works great and the bit depth adjustment on the fixed base, a simple corkscrew, is a great example of simplicity being the best, most effective approach. The generally basic, simple approach of this tool--an admirable approach for P/C which still produces the incredibly rugged worm gear driven circ. saw, jig saw, and belt sander--would be a benefit except, many of the "improvements" introduced in the course of router evolution by other companies, and apparently ignored here by P/C are genuine improvements that ought to be mandatory.
The Bosch 2.25hp with the wooden handles and the Milwaukee with the rubber gripped housing are both extremely nice options I wish I had considered more seriously--especially the Bosch (although removing the fixed base from the motor is really tough). Both of these seem built to higher standards, at least superficially, and both are a pleasure to use. Unfortunately, neither manufacturer has the long router legacy that P/C still has; a legacy P/C may not perpetuate much longer without a serious commitment. I have yet to use their new 2.25hp models, which look great in catalogs and probably are excellent--but I can't help but feel as though in releasing a totally new router they've neglected to perfect the already fantastic one they've been producing for decades. Nonetheless it remains the standard router--almost all router accessories are designed for this model: edge guides, sub bases, table base plates, etc. All in all a good router at a reasonable price.
As my first router experience, it has worked great for me. The varible speed is good to have. I have done a few little jobs all without any trouble. Also bought the table which worked great as well. High quality build and easy to use, does not have spindle lock and requires two included wrenches to replace bits, but it's not like you do this often. Overall great product, and price.
Found this combo on clearance for $130 at Lowes 1 year ago and couldn't pass it up. Never used one before but in no time I am up and running making nice edges with minimal effort! No complaints!
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