Porter-Cable 693LRPK, Best of both bases, but..
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Best of both bases, but lacking….
The first router I bought was a Ryobi R160 1 1/2 hp with 1/4″ collet. I was just getting into woodworking and trying to save money. I upgraded to the 693 about six months ago and overall am pleased but there are things I would change if I could.The first is the lack of a spindle lock requiring two wrenches. The Ryobi had that feature and I miss it. Haven’t busted any knuckles, but it is more trouble to change bits.The biggest problem is the fixed base lock. It is worthless. P-C dropped the ball on this aspect. I have read around the net and found several others voicing the same thing-some have even removed the “locking tab” using only a regular nut and bolt in it’s place!I miss the trigger power switch on the handle, but this is due to the interchanging of bases/handles.It has good power and is reliable so far. I bought another fixed base and mounted under my table saw extension for a router table, so for the versatility of 3 routers for the relatively low cost it is alright. I would like to buy a bigger router to mount permanently in the table, and I would buy P-C again.
Update (2/6/2012): I also found some auctions for this item here.
The featured review for this product, Porter-Cable 693LRPK 1-3/4 HP Fixed Router and Plunge Base Kit Tools & Hardware, was written by B. Rush.
The average rating for this item is out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.
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Tags: fixed-base routers, plunge routers, porter-cable, router, routers, unclebilll, woodworking
Posted on: July 28, 2010
Filed under: Reviews
Reviews (3)
Richard
June 23rd, 2010 at 4:59 pm
Powerful
The Router has plenty of power. I used it on 3/4″ birch plywood to cut out some cabinet door openings and it handled the task effortlessly, not even a splinter. The draw backs… the knuckle buster bit change system. I can’t believe a company as good as PC can’t / won’t do better. Very disappointing. Invest in the D-handle base. It is by far the most convenient and SAFEST of them all. Dust flies everywhere, so have safety goggles (glasses are not enough).
B. Rush
July 10th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Best of both bases, but lacking….
Rated 3 stars.
C. Tang
July 21st, 2010 at 9:27 am
It’s an average router in both fixed and plunge category
This was the second router(s) I bought that I mainly wanted for handheld use. The weight and power are good enough for what I wanted to do. But there are just things that I wish they could be better.Both for the fixed and plunge base, it’s very hard to center the bit when using guide bushing. The screw holes in the base plate are counter-sunk, that means there is no room to position the base plate when the screws are tightened. Later I found other router plates have flat bottom recessed screw holes that allow you to move the plate in order to center the bit. So I have to drill another set of holes that allow me to make adjustment if needed and I do. Two wrench operation is another drawback. Come on, PC, we are in the 21st century, there got to be something easier and better than that. Even the Craftsman router has spindle lock. The locking lever on the plunge base travels too long. When you lock it down, it almost hit the router body. And it does not seem to have a way to set it at another angle. Once you centered the bit at a certain depth, if you raise or lower the motor, the bit becomes off center by quite a noticeably amount that requires another adjustment. That means the plunge rods are in question.Actually, I bought a second motor to use in the second base. All I can say about these routers are that they are reliable and does a decent job, but not top notch quality for precision work.
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