I can get one of these from Amazon for $130.00, wonder if anyone has
comments pro or con. Primary use is dado and use with Leigh dovetail jig.
I already own a Bosch 1617 and a PC7518 in my router table. Thanx.
Tom

"Tom Cavanagh" wrote in message
...
I can get one of these from Amazon for $130.00, wonder if anyone has
comments pro or con. Primary use is dado and use with Leigh dovetail jig.
I already own a Bosch 1617 and a PC7518 in my router table. Thanx.

Excellent router. Not the beefiest model they sell, nor is there any dust
collection built in, but bases are universal and it fits the Leigh jig w/o
any extra templates. I know they changed the collar lock from a metal twist
key type to a buckle-clasp, that looked plastic to me when I saw it in the
store. I bought a fixed base model like you're contemplating 3 or 4 years
ago. If I were to do it over, I'd spend an extra $50-$60 and get the combo
unit with the plunge base as well.

Cheers!
Dukester

I own two. Solid units, no problems over 7 years for the first one.
Bought the first one with the plunge base and fixed base, and to me
it's worthwhile to have the plunge capability. I got the second one as
a freebie when I bought Delta's 15" planer when they had a promotion.
I have the Leigh D4 and it works well with the jig. If I have the
opportunity to pick one up used I'd consider getting a third, as I tend
to leave roundover bits in one with the smaller collet, and use the
other for 1/2 inch shanks. I would not recommend them for router
table, but you have that covered.

Mutt

Tom Cavanagh wrote:

I can get one of these from Amazon for $130.00, wonder if anyone
has comments pro or con. Primary use is dado and use with Leigh
dovetail jig. I already own a Bosch 1617 and a PC7518 in my
router table. Thanx. Tom

Well, if you buy a Delta X5 tool (I forget which ones), you can get
that router for free. :-)

Hmmmm...probably the largest sold router in the USA and you
were wondering how good it is ???

It still is the router most others are copied from.

Tom Cavanagh wrote:

I can get one of these from Amazon for $130.00, wonder if anyone has
comments pro or con. Primary use is dado and use with Leigh dovetail jig.
I already own a Bosch 1617 and a PC7518 in my router table. Thanx.
Tom

The McDonald's cheeseburger is the best-selling cheeseburger in the world.
I guess it's also the best.

FWIW, I have a PC690. I'd like to get another one or three. I think it's a
great router. Something else to consider is that there seem to be more
aftermarket accessories that work with the P-C routers than the other
brands.

todd

"Pat Barber" wrote in message
...
Hmmmm...probably the largest sold router in the USA and you
were wondering how good it is ???

It still is the router most others are copied from.

Tom Cavanagh wrote:

I can get one of these from Amazon for $130.00, wonder if anyone has
comments pro or con. Primary use is dado and use with Leigh dovetail
jig. I already own a Bosch 1617 and a PC7518 in my router table. Thanx.
Tom

Good, basic, solid router. It's pretty much The Standard Router that
most accessories are designed to fit, and it has had fewer problems
than PC's more recent models.

"Tom Cavanagh" wrote in message
...
I can get one of these from Amazon for $130.00, wonder if anyone has
comments pro or con. Primary use is dado and use with Leigh dovetail jig.
I already own a Bosch 1617 and a PC7518 in my router table. Thanx.
Tom

I bought the Bosch 1617evs specifically to use on my Leigh DT jig.
Probably a better choice than the PC.

A D-handle version of the PC 690 would be good for the Leigh jig. I just got
one for that application and it's sweet. I wish I had two: one for the
straight bit and the other for the dovetail. I have two of the 690's now,
and the first one came with both the standard body and the plunge body. The
plunge body isn't exceptional but it does OK.

The new cam handle is metal, and unfortunately it looks like it won't fit
the older bodies. Wish it did. You can tighten a T-handle tighter with your
hand than you can untighten it.

The 690 is a good, basic router. No frills, but the baseplate is sort of the
gold standard for template guides. Everybody's template guides (except for
certain Lee Valley sets) fit the 690. If you already have a 7518 for heavier
work you'll do fine with the 1 3/4 HP of the 690. The 7518's just about fine
for your router table.

Tom Dacon


"Tom Cavanagh" wrote in message
...
I can get one of these from Amazon for $130.00, wonder if anyone has
comments pro or con. Primary use is dado and use with Leigh dovetail jig.
I already own a Bosch 1617 and a PC7518 in my router table. Thanx.
Tom

I use mine in a router table all the time. Works fine. No pane raiser but if
I was going to do that, I'd buy a shaper.

"Pig" wrote in message
oups.com...
I own two. Solid units, no problems over 7 years for the first one.
Bought the first one with the plunge base and fixed base, and to me
it's worthwhile to have the plunge capability. I got the second one as
a freebie when I bought Delta's 15" planer when they had a promotion.
I have the Leigh D4 and it works well with the jig. If I have the
opportunity to pick one up used I'd consider getting a third, as I tend
to leave roundover bits in one with the smaller collet, and use the
other for 1/2 inch shanks. I would not recommend them for router
table, but you have that covered.

Mutt

I am somewhat confused about the PC 690. For sometime I have thought that I
would buy one but a while back I read several remarks on this site that this
was not as good a router as I had thought and had told my sons. So what's
the real low down?

Walt Conner

I own two. Solid units, no problems over 7 years for the first one.
If I have the opportunity to pick one up used I'd consider getting a
third,

"WConner" wrote in message
news:88TUf.244$Od7.161@trnddc06...
I am somewhat confused about the PC 690. For sometime I have thought that I
would buy one but a while back I read several remarks on this site that
this was not as good a router as I had thought and had told my sons. So
what's the real low down?

The basic router itself is a good router. Its just that most every one
offers a better choice these days. Its yesterdays technology so to speak.
If you like it and it suits your needs, get it. IIRC the plunge base is the
draw back.

IIRC the plunge base is the
draw back.

Nothing wrong with the plunge base on my 690.

Lee


--
To e-mail, replace "bucketofspam" with "dleegordon"

_________________________________
Lee Gordon
http://www.leegordonproductions.com

I am somewhat confused about the PC 690. For sometime I have thought that
I
would buy one but a while back I read several remarks on this site that this
was not as good a router as I had thought and had told my sons. So what's
the real low down?

I don't think it was the 690 that people were complaining about. It was a
different (newer) PC model that was disappointing. Unfortunately, I don't
recall which model that was.

Lee


--
To e-mail, replace "bucketofspam" with "dleegordon"

_________________________________
Lee Gordon
http://www.leegordonproductions.com

Lee Gordon wrote:
IIRC the plunge base is the
draw back.

Nothing wrong with the plunge base on my 690.

Lee

I've been using a 690 in the plunge base a lot the last few days. my
big complaint is that the stop rod has no fine adjustment. I can
envision how to build one in, but it seems awkward. anybody made such a
modification?

Hey I really appreciate the feedback and will purchase the 690.
Thanx
Tom
"Tom Dacon" Tom-at-dacons-dot-com-nospam wrote in message
...
A D-handle version of the PC 690 would be good for the Leigh jig. I just
got one for that application and it's sweet. I wish I had two: one for the
straight bit and the other for the dovetail. I have two of the 690's now,
and the first one came with both the standard body and the plunge body. The
plunge body isn't exceptional but it does OK.

The new cam handle is metal, and unfortunately it looks like it won't fit
the older bodies. Wish it did. You can tighten a T-handle tighter with
your hand than you can untighten it.

The 690 is a good, basic router. No frills, but the baseplate is sort of
the gold standard for template guides. Everybody's template guides (except
for certain Lee Valley sets) fit the 690. If you already have a 7518 for
heavier work you'll do fine with the 1 3/4 HP of the 690. The 7518's just
about fine for your router table.

Tom Dacon


"Tom Cavanagh" wrote in message
...
I can get one of these from Amazon for $130.00, wonder if anyone has
comments pro or con. Primary use is dado and use with Leigh dovetail jig.
I already own a Bosch 1617 and a PC7518 in my router table. Thanx.
Tom

890. Big recall.

"Lee Gordon" wrote in message
...
I am somewhat confused about the PC 690. For sometime I have thought
that
I
would buy one but a while back I read several remarks on this site that
this
was not as good a router as I had thought and had told my sons. So what's
the real low down?

I don't think it was the 690 that people were complaining about. It was a
different (newer) PC model that was disappointing. Unfortunately, I don't
recall which model that was.

Lee


--
To e-mail, replace "bucketofspam" with "dleegordon"

_________________________________
Lee Gordon
http://www.leegordonproductions.com

That's what the screws in the turret are for. Not real convenient but they
do the job.

wrote in message
oups.com...

Lee Gordon wrote:
IIRC the plunge base is the
draw back.

Nothing wrong with the plunge base on my 690.

Lee

I've been using a 690 in the plunge base a lot the last few days. my
big complaint is that the stop rod has no fine adjustment. I can
envision how to build one in, but it seems awkward. anybody made such a
modification?

CW wrote:

890. Big recall.


What was the recall? I never got any notice on mine

Bad insulation. Windings coming apart and making the case live. Go to the PC
site. They have a list of serial numbers.

"Eugene Nine" wrote in message
...
CW wrote:

890. Big recall.


What was the recall? I never got any notice on mine

On 2006-03-23 11:37:07 -0800, "Tom Cavanagh" said:

I can get one of these from Amazon for $130.00, wonder if anyone has
comments pro or con. Primary use is dado and use with Leigh dovetail
jig. I already own a Bosch 1617 and a PC7518 in my router table. Thanx.

PC's 690 is a true classic.

Perhaps the best selling in the 1-1/2 HP class.

Also sold in a fitted box kit with several bases.

However, perhaps its variable speed version would be more useful in the
long term.

My 890 was on the recall list and the replacement router is made in Mexico. The
first one was U.S. made. I guess PC does not make anything in the U.S. anymore.



"CW" wrote in message
ink.net...
Bad insulation. Windings coming apart and making the case live. Go to the PC
site. They have a list of serial numbers.

"Eugene Nine" wrote in message
...
CW wrote:

890. Big recall.


What was the recall? I never got any notice on mine

"Lee Gordon" wrote in message
. ..
IIRC the plunge base is the
draw back.

Nothing wrong with the plunge base on my 690.

Lee


A DAGS will reveal the complaints that some have made a few years back.

Even the instructions that come with the Router Raizer that Rockler
sells (do we have a tongue twister there?) warns that it will not do
anything for the slop in the 690 plunge base. I have one. I do use it from
time to time but I don't expect a lot of accuracy from it. The springs are
heavy and it has considerable side play.

"Leon" wrote in message
. com...

"Lee Gordon" wrote in message
. ..
IIRC the plunge base is the
draw back.

Nothing wrong with the plunge base on my 690.

Lee


A DAGS will reveal the complaints that some have made a few years back.

On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 12:04:30 -0500, "Lee Gordon"
wrote:

I am somewhat confused about the PC 690. For sometime I have thought that
I
would buy one but a while back I read several remarks on this site that this
was not as good a router as I had thought and had told my sons. So what's
the real low down?

I don't think it was the 690 that people were complaining about. It was a
different (newer) PC model that was disappointing. Unfortunately, I don't
recall which model that was.

The 7529 was one which caught a lot of flack. P-C even apologized for
it and re-engineered it and then introduced it as the 8529.


Nothing wrong with the 690 as many have stated. Good, solid,
dependable, no frills router. How much "technology" does one need in a
router?

The 691 (D-handle model) is worth its weight in gold for some
functions. I like it a lot on my Omnijig (dovetail jig).

The 693 is a decent lightweight (compared to 3+HP routers) plunger
whose principle difficulty is the motor sticking in the base (not the
plunge action) when the motor is used in other bases. If used as a
dedicated 693, the problem goes away.

Note all three of these routers use the same motor (I believe the
motor itself is labeled a 6902). The difference in the base determines
the model number. The new 89x series does not follow this custom.


--
LRod

Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite

Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999

http://www.woodbutcher.net

Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997

email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month.
If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't
care to correspond with you anyway.

The 7529 was one which caught a lot of flack.

That's the one I was thinking of. However, I see in the new issue of
Woodshop News that arrived today that PC has recalled 70,000 model 890s.

Lee

--
To e-mail, replace "bucketofspam" with "dleegordon"

_________________________________
Lee Gordon
http://www.leegordonproductions.com

Mine never sticks and niether will yours if you use my method. The factory
procedure is sure to result in a stuck motor. When you put the motor in the
plunge base, don't slide it all the way down against the casting. Leave it
up about 1/8" then tighten the lock screw (snug is good enough). When you
want to remove the motor, just loosen the screw and the router will slip
that 1/8" further into the base, unlocking the wedge. PC's method of beating
on the wrench is full of it.

"LRod" wrote in message
...
The 693 is a decent lightweight (compared to 3+HP routers) plunger
whose principle difficulty is the motor sticking in the base

On sale at Woodcraft this month for $99. At that price I might buy
another on to go with my other three ...

On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 20:39:56 -0500, Eugene Nine wrote:

CW wrote:

890. Big recall.


What was the recall? I never got any notice on mine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2006
Release #06-072 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 949-6348
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Porter-Cable Announce Recall to Repair Routers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Porter-Cable 890 Series Routers

Units: About 70,000

Manufacturer: Porter-Cable, of Jackson, Tenn.

Hazard: The motor coil insulation can be worn away by vibration from
the motor, which could pose a shock hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled Porter-Cable routers are tools used in
conjunction with various bits to cut and shape wood. The model and
serial numbers are printed on the nameplate on the top of the router.
Routers marked with a “T” above “PORTER+CABLE” on the nameplate are
not included in this recall.

Model Number Porter-Cable Product Name Serial Number
891 2 ¼ Peak HP Gripvac™ Router 10001 through 24647
892 2 ¼ Peak HP Router Kit 10001 through 68442
893PK 2 ¼ Peak HP Multibase Router Kit 10001 through 68442
894PK 2 ¼ Peak HP Multibase Router Kit with Gripvac™ Attachment 10001
through 24647
895PK 2 ¼ Peak MP Multibase Router Kit with Router Table Height
Adjuster 10001 through 68442
8902 2 ¼ Peak HP Variable-Speed Motor 10001 through 68442

Sold at: Major home improvement stores and hardware stores nationwide
from September 2003 through December 2005 for between $180 and $269.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled routers immediately
and contact Porter-Cable for a free inspection, and repair if
necessary.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Porter-Cable
toll-free at (800) 949-6348 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday
through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.porter-cable.com

On Thu, 23 Mar 2006 14:37:07 -0500, "Tom Cavanagh"
wrote:

I can get one of these from Amazon for $130.00, wonder if anyone has
comments pro or con. Primary use is dado and use with Leigh dovetail jig.
I already own a Bosch 1617 and a PC7518 in my router table. Thanx.
Tom


These are a many years old design. Basic and no frills, but solid and
reliable. I've read that many commercial shops will have a bunch of
these preset with different cutters to use in production runs because
they are inexpensive but solid.

I have the set with standard and plunge base, purchased just before a
bunch of other vendors came out with slightly upscale combos. If I was
to do that today, I would pick a different set, maybe even the new PC
set but probably the Dewalt. If I just wanted a basic router and
didn't need higher power for big bits, I'd get another 690 in a
heartbeat.

"Jim Weisgram" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 23 Mar 2006 14:37:07 -0500, "Tom Cavanagh"
wrote:

I can get one of these from Amazon for $130.00, wonder if anyone has
comments pro or con. Primary use is dado and use with Leigh dovetail
jig.
I already own a Bosch 1617 and a PC7518 in my router table. Thanx.

Didn't I see a Woodcraft sale flyer yesterday with the PC690 for
$99.00?

--
"New Wave" Dave In Houston

"New Wave Dave" wrote in message

Didn't I see a Woodcraft sale flyer yesterday with the PC690 for
$99.00?

I doubt seriously that it is the original 690, and it damn sure isn't $99
unless you buy into the "rebate" scam. Any retailer who posts a "rebate
price" as a come on needs to be drug and quartered.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 12/13/05

Mine said $119.

Mutt

I hate rebates in principle. But I use them. I have a scanner and create a
cover letter replete with images/copies of the coupons, ad, signed forms,
receipts, etc. included. On the occasion where the rebate did NOT arrive,
I've been able to get the store to make it good when I present such detailed
documentation. Only happened once and Office Max made good on it.

I print a copy and hang it on the wall until the corresponding rebate
check(s) arrive as a reminder. Works for me.


"Swingman" wrote in message
...
"New Wave Dave" wrote in message

Didn't I see a Woodcraft sale flyer yesterday with the PC690 for
$99.00?

I doubt seriously that it is the original 690, and it damn sure isn't $99
unless you buy into the "rebate" scam. Any retailer who posts a "rebate
price" as a come on needs to be drug and quartered.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 12/13/05

I'm sure it's not. The original probably never left the factory. It's the
ones that were made after that that were sold.

"Swingman" wrote in message
...

I doubt seriously that it is the original 690,

"CW" wrote in message

I'm sure it's not. The original probably never left the factory. It's the
ones that were made after that that were sold.

"Swingman" wrote in message


I doubt seriously that it is the original 690,


You need to lay off the sauce ...

The 690LR is NOT the same as the ubiquitous 690 of the past that set the
standard. It is the 21st century, "improved" version ... and we all know
what that means from Plastic Cable.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 12/13/05

On Sat, 1 Apr 2006 06:54:11 -0600, "Swingman" wrote:

"CW" wrote in message

I'm sure it's not. The original probably never left the factory. It's the
ones that were made after that that were sold.

"Swingman" wrote in message


I doubt seriously that it is the original 690,


You need to lay off the sauce ...

The 690LR is NOT the same as the ubiquitous 690 of the past that set the
standard. It is the 21st century, "improved" version ... and we all know
what that means from Plastic Cable.

Thanks for that cold slap of reality Swingman. I was half seriously
considering looking into getting one primarily for the purpose of having a
router with a collet precisely centered to the base for the purposes of
template routing with bushings (and for dovetail jig use).



+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough

+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

I wouldn't discount it due to Swingkid's conjecture. He has given no reason
to believe that he has actually tried one or has any real knowledge of this
routers performance.

"Mark & Juanita" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 1 Apr 2006 06:54:11 -0600, "Swingman" wrote:

Thanks for that cold slap of reality Swingman. I was half seriously
considering looking into getting one primarily for the purpose of having a
router with a collet precisely centered to the base for the purposes of
template routing with bushings (and for dovetail jig use).




+---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----+

If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough


+---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----+

On Sat, 01 Apr 2006 20:33:30 GMT, "CW" wrote:

I wouldn't discount it due to Swingkid's conjecture. He has given no reason
to believe that he has actually tried one or has any real knowledge of this
routers performance.


No, but the $99 price is starting to fall into the "too good to be true"
category. I may still check it out, but will be much more wary. Certainly
not going to go the mail-order route.

"Mark & Juanita" wrote in message
.. .
On Sat, 1 Apr 2006 06:54:11 -0600, "Swingman" wrote:

Thanks for that cold slap of reality Swingman. I was half seriously
considering looking into getting one primarily for the purpose of having a
router with a collet precisely centered to the base for the purposes of
template routing with bushings (and for dovetail jig use).




+---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----+

If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough


+---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----+



+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough

+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

"CW" wrote in message
I wouldn't discount it due to Swingkid's conjecture. He has given no
reason
to believe that he has actually tried one or has any real knowledge of
this
routers performance.

Overtaxed yourself with childish cleverness and missed the boat again, CW? I
simply stated the same thing that PC themselves clearly state - it is not
the same router.

With PC's track record of late, you're welcome to the 20 year wait to see if
their current marketing bull**** holds up as well as the original. They're
banking that smart asses like you will swallow their "new, improved" claims
hook, line and sinker ... and they're likely right.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 12/13/05