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Porter-Cable 97529 2 HP Heavy-Duty, Electronic Variable Speed Plunge Router Kit | List Price: $484.00
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Brand: Porter-Cable
Binding: Tools & Hardware
Features: - Advanced micro height adjuster
- Soft start and electronic brake
- Variable speed adjustment
- Easy blade changes
- One year warranty/30 day performance certification
Not the quality I expected. [Posted on 2002-12-12]
The 7529 worked ok in plunge mode although it was rather stiff and smooth plunging was a problem. However in shaper mode it was a big let down. As noted by another reviewer the handle power switch would not lock on, I also had to tape it, but worse was the micro adjuster. The adjusting knob is too close to the body and not shaped for other than working with the finger tips. I could not move the bit up as the weight of the inverted router was too great for my fingers to overcome. My old ELU router (now DeWalt and the worse for it) had a rod with a Tee handle which extended clear of the body. This arrangement was far easier.
router [Posted on 2003-01-16]
This has been a good router for me. It has good power, and the soft start works well. The controls are easy to use.
Very disappointed! [Posted on 2003-02-16]
I was very disappointed with Porter Cable. The plunge mechanism sticks, the on button is hard to lock on for router table use, the depth gauge is extremely hard to use, and it is not compatible with most after-market accessories. Mine is sitting on a shelf. In its place is a DeWalt 621 plunge router. It is lighter, has a much better depth gauge and is just better all around. I love my DeWalt 621. I wish I had bought it first.
SHAME ON YOU PORTER CABLE [Posted on 2003-04-23]
PORTER CABLE REALLY BLEW IT ON THIS ONE. THE SWITCH WENT OUT IN THE FIRST 10 MINUTES. A YEAR AND A HALF LATER IT IS DEAD, WAITING FOR ITS FOURTH SWITCH. IN ADDITION TO THE SWITCH FAILURES, THE SWITCH LOCKING MECHANISM IS VERY AWKWARD AND IS PRONE TO FAIURE.
THE ROUTER IS ALSO UNDERPOWERED. THIS ROUTER STALLS OUT ON PROJECTS THAT MY 1-1/2 HP CRAFTSMAN BREEZES THROUGH. THE PLUNGE MECH CONSTANTLY STICKS AND THE MICROADJUST NEVER WORKED.
THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOT ANY BETTER. THEY HAVE YET TO RETURN MY PHONE CALLS OR E-MAILS. MY NEXT ROUTER WILL DEFINATELY NOT BE A PORTER CABLE.
A good machine, but... [Posted on 2005-01-22]
I have to agree with many of the other reviewers who like this router for its smoothness, power,and low noise level. The grips are great, it plunges nicely, and the quality of materials seems top rate. However, my experience with this router has revealed two flaws that greatly detract from what would otherwise be a truly fine machine. While these flaws are not necessarily deal-breakers, those of you who are considering buying this tool may want to be aware of them.
First, as another reviewer has pointed out, it is impossible to accurately center template guides within the base plate. The user must screw the template guide holder into the baseplate, and since the holder does not precisely register into the baseplate, it is thus extremely difficult to accurately center the guides. If you use template guides and require even a moderate degree of accuracy, this flaw is a deal-breaker. Do not buy this router. On the other hand, if you never use template guides or plan on parking this baby in a router table, you'll have no problems. This would be a fine router for those purposes.
The other problem is another quality/design issue that can be remedied but is a moderate annoyance. On my machine, the release/locking lever for the plunge mechanism came loose on several occassions, making it impossible to plunge and lock the router at a desired depth. There is a small set screw in the lever mechanism that works loose and has to be constantly tightened and adjusted. This problem is not an isolated incident as it also has occured with two other cabinetmakers and their identical routers in my shop. In the end, having tired of constantly fiddling with our machines, the three of us adjusted the mechanisms as best we could, applied Lock-Tite to the set screws, and hoped we did it right because there would be no way to disassemble the levers once the Lock-Tite cured. Fortunately, the fix worked fine, and all three of us are happily using our machines without any problems. Again, not a deal-breaker and the problem was fixed, but this seems unnecessary for a $200 router.
The other router to consider in this price range is the DeWalt DW625 3 HP plunge router. Though it has more power than the PC 8529, it is the same size and weight. It's also variable speed and would be great in a router table. I've never been a huge DeWalt fan (many of their products seem overrated and overpriced), this seems to be an excellent machine. Several of the guys in my shop own them and use them for the dual purposes of plunge operations as well as major hogging through lots of material (the extra hp makes a big difference). Add it to your list of possibilities.
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