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Porter-Cable 895PK 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge Base and Fixed Base Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets | List Price: $519.12
Discount Price: $279.00
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Brand: Porter-Cable
Binding: Tools & Hardware
Features: - 2-1/4-horsepower router combination kit with fixed base, plunge base, and height adapter
- Variable speed (10,000 to 23,000 rpm); soft start; table-top height adjustment
- Die-cast aluminum construction
- Includes router motor, fixed and plunge bases, 2 collets, wrench, height adjuster, two cases
- 22 pounds; 1-year warranty
The blue smoke [Posted on 2006-10-28]
came out of the top within one hour's use. They call it a 2-1/4 HP router, but it doesn't have the guts of the classic PC 1-3/4. Between going to buy it, and driving back to return it, I spent more time on the road than the router lasted. I'll rate this a one, because I can't rate it negative 4.
Almost Great if Not Used Often. [Posted on 2006-12-29]
I purchased the 895PK approximately 20 months ago through Amazon. The above the table bit changing and height adjustment along with the Porter Cable name were the main factors in the purchase. I mounted it in my homemade router table hanging off the right end of my table saw in a Rousseau plate.
Initially it was everything I hoped for. Then the following occurred: 1) the motor recall (just took awhile); 2) the spindle lock broke (repaired but still doesn't work - now using a bent wrench with the standard wrench); 3) Height adjustment rack broke in half and the small screws that hold it to the motor stripped out (bought new screws at the hardware store and holding rack pieces in place - waiting for it to break completely); 4) Adjustment Clamp came apart, affecting above table adjustment (tightened and pressed adjustment bit back into clamp assembly).
The motor has been great. The above table height adjustment works. I've had no problem with the plunge router, but have used it very little. The service center is about an hour away. I find myself wondering if I should have purchased a quality router lift along with the motor.
Design Issues [Posted on 2007-01-26]
I bought this router set because of the features that allow it to be used in the router table. In general it works very well in the router table with above the table height adjustment and bit changes. It's a little looser than I'd like while adjusting, but I've never noticed an change in height once it is locked.
However, there is one really stupid design flaw that made me take the router to a service center. The screws that hold the rack to the router body are cheapy 10/32 screws that both have broken. I'd replace them but they snapped in half and would require a screw extraction. Since it's under warranty I'll have the service center attempt that. Of course it's useless if you can't attach the rack to the body.
I haven't used the plunge base much other than testing it. However, I will say it seems difficult to use. All in all, I'd probably opt for a different router if I was buying again. I'd probably go with the Bosch or the Milwaukee (because of router table features).
If you like running back and forth to the service center, buy this router. Otherwise, I'd avoid it.
UPDATE: I got a brand new replacement from Porter Cable. Within 3 weeks the same screws snapped off again. Back to the service center.
What were they thinking? [Posted on 2007-02-17]
I own several routers (5) and this kit is very disappointing!
What were the engineers thinking when they designed the placement and design of the On/Off switch? It is poorly positioned as compared to say, a Makita, where I can still hold onto the router handles with both hands and flip off the machine using one finger.
The Plunge Base Vertical Adjustment is cheap and cumbersome!
I own several other Porter Cable products and they are absolutely great! Biscuit Jointer, Belt Sander, Nail Guns, etc. I wish I could say the same for this router kit!
After many years of satisfied use of Porter Cable products, both professionally and as a hobbiest, it pains me to write a poor review of a Porter Cable product.
Poor design [Posted on 2007-03-09]
I expected more when I shelled out the extra dollars for the 895pk. There is a lot of backlash in the fixed base. The above table height adjustment lock is very poor. It consists of a 3/16" hex shaft going through a cast aluminum locking lever to operate it. The small shaft easily breaks the locking lever. When I get my new locking lever, I will not use the above table adjustments (a prime selling point as I use my 895pk in a router table 95% of the time). Also when in a table, the motor jams in the base and is very hard to unjam. When I bought my 895pk, the spindle lock actuator on one of the bases was missing. I called PC and they said they no longer use or support this feature, and no longer even sells it as a repair part. When I was ordering the replacement locking lever, guess what I found in the replacement parts listing, the spindle lock actuator. Someone was either misinformed or lied. I wish I had kept the Bosch 1617 I had before this and put up with its switch problem.
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