Porter-Cable 693VSPK Fixed and Plunge Base 1-3/4 HP Router Kit with Case & Edge Guide

List Price: $440.00

Features:

• Get both a fixed and a plunge base for all routing applications
• 1-3/4 hp motor provide ample power for all but the biggest routing applications
• The 10,000 to 27,000 rpm electronic variable speed allows you to adjust your speed to accommodate any type of wood
• New "lever-release" height adjustment on the fixed base and a smooth locking lever on the plunge base ensure accurate routs every time
• The motor housing and both bases are precision machined aluminum for better heat dissipation and long, smooth operation

Accessories:
Quick-Grip Quick Change 518QCN 18-Inch Bar Clamp/Spreader	Porter-Cable 42188 2-1/2-Inch Hole Sub Base	Porter-Cable 42160 Standard Router Edge Guide	Porter-Cable 42000 9-Piece Template Guide Kit	Porter-Cable 42690 Edge Guide (for Models 100, 690, 691, 693, 891, 892, 893 Routers)

Customer Reviews:

Porter Cable Fixed and Plunge Base Router Kit w/ Edge Guard [Posted on 2003-03-24]
I recently purchased the Porter Cable 693VSPK Fixed and Plunge Base w/ case and Edge Guide to replace a low-end Ryobi router that had served me well in several projects, but that I feel I had outgrown. I looked at several other combination kits, including the DeWalt and the Bosch routers. Let me say that I think you probably could not go wrong with any of them, but I chose the PC because of reputation for quality, ease of setup, and recommendations from people I trust.

I was not disappointed. The packing was secure, and everything arrived in good shape. The instructions are readable, and explain the major setup features. The router has a smooth start feature, which is a welcome addition since it allows you to work in tight spaces and control the tool as it starts up. It also runs a good deal quieter than my old router. I have already used the fixed and plunge base on oak hardwood and the motor has plenty of power. Operation in the fixed base is very easy, and depth adjustment is accurate and stays put. The plunge base (I had never used one before) is a little harder to set up correctly, but operates easily once you get it set up. The only flaw with this setup is removing the motor from the plunge base, and the only reason I gave this product 4 stars instead of five. You have to use the included hex key to "tap" out a metal retainer that holds the motor in the base. It seems somewhat difficult to remove. Maybe I'm being too careful, but it seems like you could damage the unit if you slip off the small area that you can contact to perform this operation.

The edge guide is exceptional. It has a fine adjustment knob that allows you to zero in on your mark exactly. The large face that runs against the workpiece is very easy to keep tight to the work, so it makes the job easy. I routed a slot through 3/4" oak that required three passes. Each one was done accurately and smoothly using the edge guide. I would recommend this piece if you don't already have one for your router.

This is an excellent package that gives you both a fixed and plunge base at a very good price. If you can, take advantage of the special and get the free edge guard. It's worth it.

Excellent value for money [Posted on 2003-05-12]
I researched all the usual manufacturers with router kits: DeWalt, Makita, Porter-Cable, Bosch. After reading many, many reviews on the available models and their pros and cons, I settled on the Porter Cable 693VSPK, ..., for the following reasons:
- the free (limited time) precision edge guide.
- RECENT improvements: soft start and variable speed.
- quality.
- availability of accessories.
- Price.
The biggest drawback about this router is the somewhat "rough" feel of the plunge base. This has been commented on by many others who have used or owned this tool and I was reluctant to buy this router initially for this very reason. The term silky smooth does not really apply to teh plunge action. It is smooth, but by no means silky - at least that is how it feels on demo units at the store. The DeWalt's plunge action is really silky smooth in comparison.
However, I decided to buy the PC router and put up with this small negative in this excellent tool's overall design. Once I got the tool home, I decided to look into why this plunge action felt "rough"... the answer is quite simple: the internal spring rubs against the screw threads on the internal guide rod that supports the travel limiting nuts. Here is what I did:
- remove the "stop nut" and travel limits nuts. The upper part of the plunge base will come off, exposing the internal springs.
- Remove the plastic base plate and undo the nut securing the threaded guide rod.
- gently file smooth the tips of the screw thread on the guide rod (it feels quite sharp, hence the source of the noise).
- remove all the factory grease and reapply wheel bearing grease all over the threads and the springs.
- reassemble the plunge base.
- apply some automobile engine oil to lubricate the plunge base moving parts.
The result: a silky smooth plunge action!

The one other thing I noted about this tool was that some cost cutting is obvious on some parts to keep the price down. Example: black oxide finished steel rods are used instead of polished steel, the fixed base clamp level is stamped steel instead of being a diecast piece (unlike DeWalt).

So far, I have no regrets with this tool purchase. Anyone looking for a fixed / plunge router kit should give the Porter Cable a serious look FIRST, before looking at the others and then ask yourself: is is worth paying $$$ more for other makes?

THIS TOOL HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY FLAW [Posted on 2003-05-21]
The Porter-Cable router, while robustly built, has as its primary weakness a collet that does not adequately grip the shafts of bits. I expereienced a recent incident where a properly seated and tightened rabbeting bit came loose and was propelled at a very high velocity. The bit glanced off the router base, struck the workpiece, and ended up being lodged in the ground. Fortunately no one was hurt! Previous to this "incident," the collet would fail to release bits, requiring a great amount of hand force to insert or remove the bits. Yet the same collet will not hold a bit in place during rotation.

Due to this substantial weakness in the design, I cannot give more than a one star rating of this router. Run like hell from this one. A user would be better served spending his/her money on DeWalt or Bosch. Even my cheap $80 Ryobi has never presented any safety issues like the Porter-Cable.

Very nice router package [Posted on 2003-12-16]
I purchased this kit earlier this year and have used it to build several projects, mostly lawn furniture and the like. It's a very high-quality kit, easy to use and understand. I've gotten consistent results, depth is easy to fix, and stays put. The edge guide is real time saver too.

My one complaint about routers that convert from fixed to plunge base is that the power switch (located at the top of the router) cannot be accessed without taking a hand off of one of the handles and reaching up. When you do this, your other hand is left trying to hold up a fairly heavy tool (esp after several hundred cuts) while the bit's spinning away. It just doesn't feel safe to me.

Woodworker [Posted on 2006-03-08]
I purchased this item as a replacement for another PC product. I am very happy about the quality and ease of use. Before purchasing I had looked at other products, However I have found that for the money this is about the best deal on the market. I also read some of the reviews on this site especially the ones written by "A home improvement enthusiast". Please note that in an earlier review he made note of modification he made to the plunge base and then later stated he had problems with it and stated it wasn't safe. These routers are as safe as any other power tool if you follow the instructions and don't make modifictions like a Tim Allen wanna be. Also in another review someone stated that they had a bit come out while the router was in use. This might have been a fluke thing or if he had read the instructions he would know that you should never tighten the collet without a bit in place as this would damage it and could cause the bit to come out while in use and when placing the bit in the collet you should back it out about 1/16 inch to prevent it from being stuck. Most likely he did not follow or even read the instructions and this is what caused his problems. These two reviewers simply cannot follow instructions or they want to modify the product that has been built with safety and ease of use in mind. Most likely this is what caused their troubles. they should consider themselves lucky that they weren't injured or killed. Imagine a solid metal projectile spinning at around 27500rpm bouncing around your shop(sounds a lot like a bullet?).
These are excellent quality tools and I have never had a problem with Porter Cable tools and I would recommend them to anyone. This router has plenty of power to cut through dense wood and can also have a delecate touch with fine projects. It has a nice weight to reduce vibration. I particularly like the fact you can find accessories easily for this product. This is one of the best power tools I own.

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