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Read more Porter-Cable 893PK 2-1/4-Horsepower Fixed- and Plunge-Base Kit
I purchased the Porter-Cable 893PK package here on Amazon.Com and couldn't be happier. My main project that I purchased it for was a rather complicated loudspeaker design involving lots of templates, MDF, solid cherry, veneer, etc. I can say that my expectations have been greatly exceeded. Combined with good bits, the PC has produced wonderful results. I have used both bases and I'm impressed by how smoothly and quickly the bases can be switched out. The soft-start feature is really nice because there is really no kick back, despite such a powerful motor. The clear base makes template work go very smoothly. I also used the unit for trimmning veneer edges with excellent and precise results. Recently, I used the router to trim sheathing on a shed project and was amazed at how quickly this unit and a 1/2 x 3" straight cutting bit could trim the edges on 8' ply and OSB panels, giving perfect edges on the shed cladding. Another feature that I think is really cool is the built-in dust extraction system on the plunge base. While cutting down a bunch of MDF using a template, I noted a huge amount of fine dust produced by the router. Then, I read the manual and discovered how to use the dust extractor with my ShopVac. This was very effective in eliminating most of the dust, although it required frequent cleaning of the ShopVac filter. MDF dust is probably the worst for clogging ShopVac filters. A true dust collection system would help here. Overall, I think this is a very capable router package and one that will likely serve me for years of wooodworking projects. Yes, this is a bit more expensive than other offerings, but the feeling of quality was evident the first time I opened up the package. I think the extra expense is well worth it.
Great product for both the router table & hand work! The soft start and variable speed are nice upgrades to the older P/C and the additional Hp is nice too. This is a powerful tool that does develop heat! if you enclose it in a table and don't provide adequate ventilation for it to keep cool, it will burn up.
The new dust extraction system (optional) for the fixed base is impressive. It carries away most of the dust and stops debris from being thrown up and out at you. Keep up the great work P/C.
Advice to others who had problems: 1) Read the owners manual. 2) Keep the machine cool if enclosed in a table. 3) Don't buy cheap bits that break and fall into the housing.
TA
Router does it's job. Plunger had to be sent into the manufacturer upon receiving it for repair. It wouldn't slide or lock lock.
I really love having this dual purpose. I have the fixed base mounted in router table. It is very simple to remove motor and place in plunge base when I need to use it outside of the router table.
I purchased this router for the intial job of routing a juice line on a maple cutting board. It worked like a champ. The dust collection was amazing, probably sucking away 95% of the chips. My only concern/gripe is with the rubber sleeve on the plunge base. While changing the plastic converter to connect my duct collection hose, the sleeve dropped down which if left in that position would allow dust to get into the mechanism. I do plan to contact PC and see what they recommend. I was able to slide it back in place but am not convinced that it won't be a continuous issue. The power is ample and it starts and stops very smoothly. The bit changing is easy with the spindle lock mechanism. I was not planning on purchasing a PC router b/c many of them do not have the spindle lock. I stumbled upon this particular PC model and ordered it right away. I don't spend hours everyday in my shop but I like to purchase top of the line tools, and this falls into that category, so when I am working on a project, I get good results. Overall I am very satisfied. If I can solve the sleeve problem this becomes a 5 star rating. I hope PC can help me fix it.
After 10 years I had to replace the old PC 690 router. Bought this new model and love it! The action is smooth, speed control is easy and working with it is a breeze. I enjoy feeding in hardwood and hearing the speed ramp up to match the load being imposed.
A definite thumbs up to PC on this router!
Jim
I needed a router with a bit more Horsepower - my old 1-1/2HP machine was just getting worked too hard. I should mention that I already owned 3 routers - 2 at 1-1/2 HP, and a small "trimmer" type that I use a lot - more as a router than as a trimmer.
I used one of the old routers in my router table, with an accessory variable speed control. I had already decided that a plunge base was in my future, because there were just times when nothing else was a better option. I decided to order the new Porter Cable 893PK, which, at 2-1/4 HP was a significant boost in horsepower. It included the plunge base at a better price than buying things separately. It has electronic variable speed, and a "soft start" feature that is wonderful - very little torque at start up. I was amazed at how much more quiet this machine is, than my old ones. Motors and mechanical things rotating at more than 20,000 rpm's tend to generate high frequency noise. Porter Cable has done a great job of minimizing the noise - the usual high pitched whine is gone.
I mounted the fixed base to my router table and keep the plunge base for other jobs. Of course, I still own all the other routers, so there are options aplenty.
I cannot say enough good things about the design of this tool. The depth adjustment in the fixed base is just fabulous - you just move the lever and make large or coarse adjustments. Fine adjustments are precise, quick and easy, and can be easily reached under my router table. Both the fixed and plunge bases lock or release instantly with the movement of a finger. The variable speed is smooth and maintains the power, even at the slower speeds. In fact, you need to carefully listen and look at the cut when using larger bits - the electronic control keeps a constant speed, so when you begin to really "work" this tool, it is not easy to tell - no telltale slowing down as in the past, just an instinctive feel that you are stressing the tool.
It has a spindle lock, so only one wrench is needed. The clever collet design eliminates the old "sticking" issues - you simply loosen the nut and the bit and collet comes away easily. I cannot think of a single thing that I would offer as an improvement to this design. Five stars might not be enough.
Ron Owens
I've been using PC products for 16 years and have loved every one of them until now. My last router was getting a little tired so I thought I would upgrade from a 690 to the new 893 and am appalled that PC put this unit on the market, it is a total waste of money. Here's what it comes down to: the motor itself is great, lots of power, smooth starting, and much quieter than the 690's, this is where the good review ends. The main problem I've found is that the bases are very poorly designed and constructed. It seems like PC was trying to add a bunch of new feautres to them and ended up sacrificing quality for nifty gadgetry. The new clear plastic base does not glide well over most of the woods that I use, instead it chatters causing rough choppy cuts. I tried waxing it, cleaning it with alcohol and even sanded it with 1200 grit paper and nothing seems to help with this problem. The bases are made from a very thin metal and do not seem like they will hold up well to the rigors of long term use. The plunge base has many problems including: depth adjustment/stop moves/comes out of adjustment when doing several of the same depth cuts in a row, the release lever seems to be desinged in a couter intuitive way and does not release in a consistent manner. The main guides that control up/down movement do not opperate smoothly and it's hard to tell if you've reached the stop or are just hung up in a sticky spot. I took this apart, cleaned it out and waxed everything and this did not solve the issue. The view on the measuring gauge is obscured by the tensioning knob for the gauge. All and all I thought these new features would work well
and was looking forward to the next generation of PC routers and what I found is that if this is it, Porter Cable has sunk to or below the level of Ryobi. I see there are several good reviews here and not much critisism, do yourself a favor and look at the reviews for the PC 895PK before buying this router, it is the same unit with an added feature or two. Alas do not be too discouraged by this, the 690 series are still great products, what I would consider to be the industy standard, buy one of these instead and you'll get many years of trouble free use from it. Oh I almost forgot, I contacted PC customer support to see if there was any way to exchange this for a 690, they were unwilling to do anything and were not even the least bit apologetic about the issues I am having.
Cheers!
J.
I set it up within a few minutes to make a name sign with the plunger. Thats was just to get a feel for it. Happy is all I can say. If it works for years like my old routers it will be a miracle, but its a HUGH improvement over my 30 year old craftsman in functionality. The depth adjustment on the fixed base RULES, what a GREAT piece of engineering. In the table is its most used position. Again the the depth adjustment is just
the best.
I just got this router kit becuase my makita kit plunge base fell off a bench and bent so badly it would accomodate the router motor anymore. The new part would have been $75 so I bought this one. First impression is very positive: Very smooth soft start, vibration free, even tho tall and hefty seems well balanced as hand held with plunge base. I routed a truss rod channel in a guitar neck I am building (first time routing a truss rod channel) and it went perfectly. Good plunge action altho. a little stiff. I also bought the micro adjustable edge guide. Hardly ever do I get it right the first time.
Very well behaved in the router table except the dust collection is not as good as the makita in the router table, but much better with the plunge base(no dust at all when hooked up to vacuum. Took some adapting tho.
Seems to have more power than just 1 amp would give difference between this one and makita.
Maybe I'll use a router more now.
I am just impressed with how well it is made.
kudos, porter cable. Actually 4 1/2 stars, maybe more or less with more experience with it.
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