Maybe now I have a reason to buy a router...

[ChadTower]

That post is perfect.  How did you identify the Porter so specifically?  I can't see the model # even when the image is enlarged... do you really know each model that well from sight?

[NiteWalker]

I'm familiar with a lot of routers. That particular kit is very popular because of its durability. The plunge base is crude but works well. No gimmicks with that tool, just all day workability. If that sale was near me I'd grab it even though I already own a few routers. ok I own 7...

For that model there's only 2 different motors; one with variable speed and one without. I actually prefer single speed in a 690 as variable speed isn't really necessary in that power class (11 amp 1 3/4 HP).

[ChadTower]

Cool.  I really appreciate the advice, I'm waiting on a response from the seller.  If I can get him to like $135 I'll probably drive over Sunday to get it.

[Chris G]

So what's up?  Are you the proud owner of a Porter Cable router now?

[ChadTower]

No response from the seller.  I guess he has either already sold it or he's not trying very hard.

[DrewKaree]

That post is perfect.  How did you identify the Porter so specifically?  I can't see the model # even when the image is enlarged... do you really know each model that well from sight?

Porter Cable doesn't have very many kits (nor do most, really), and those kits were somewhat specific to certain models.  The difference in the lettering for the model # is what came in the kits.  That Craigslist link shows the newer version of that Porter Cable kit (they redesigned the case from side-by-side to the upper-lower look you see there).

MAKE SURE that the D-handle is included.  The 3-piece kit from PC usually refers to the plunge base, the "mushroom ears" handle fixed base, and the motor.  That D-handle is a separate-purchase accessory unless that's a REALLY old Porter Cable kit (which it doesn't look like). 

Porter Cable offered the 3-BASE kit (notice the difference in how it's worded) quite a while ago, and dropped it for the 2-base (3 PIECE) kit for cost reasons, I'm guessing.  They also still sell the D-handle accessory.  From all the pics on that Craigslist link, the D-handle looks to be a SEPARATE piece, but he seems to be wanting to sell the whole shebang.

That kit, with just the blow-molded case contents, sold for ~$200, and that D-handle attachment is a $40-60 ADDED accessory purchase on top of that.  Those are normal prices you could have found that for from Home Depot, so he's lopping off about $100.  The only reason I can think of that someone hasn't jumped on that thus far is that he's not throwing in the D-handle, or they're expecting to talk him down to $100 or less (or whatever the ridiculous offers are given to him).

$125 isn't an unreasonable offer to shoot out there, but going lower IMO will simply get you no response.  $150 is a price for that thing that I'd be jumping all over - go donate some platelets for a few bucks or something, but snatch that up!

[ChadTower]

I didn't even make an offer - I just asked for the model # and said I was very interested.  I got a response to my third email saying it was sold.

If you look in the Price watch thread, though, the Fatwallet link shows how to get the 893 with both bases at Lowe's for just over $200 out the door with two $50 rebates.  So I may pick that up tomorrow and start saying "erm, yeah, about those bookcases..."   

[Chris G]

I've been pondering that 893 myself.  FWIW, there are a few reviews on Amazon that are making me a little hesitant.  More than once, the action on the plunge base is knocked, including by a veteran P-C product user who recommended the older 690-series.  Every product has a few nay-sayers, but often it's just because they got a faulty item or are griping about Amazon.  Anyway - I guess my point is, it's tough to know which one to buy without trying it.  I'm getting more and more tempted to take the (repeated) first-hand recommendation of our resident expert, NiteWalker, and go with the DeWalt.  Curious how you're arriving at your decision...

[DrewKaree]

The 800 series of that PC evidently started skimping on materials used in certain areas.  IIRC, that's the cause for many of the complaints about the plunge action.  I can't recall if it's a different metal used, or they switched to a plastic part, or what, but what you're referring to is one of the common complaints.  Still and all, I wouldn't hesitate to go with a PC router.


Hey, can anyone comment on a Hitachi M12V (I think that's the model number)?  I think it was a 2 1/2 horse model?  I'm kinda half-ass scoping out craigslist for an old PC for cheap, but that Hitachi (I can't recall for certain if that was the model, but I know it was compared to a 3hp with the price of a lower-hp model and I was considering looking at it for some semi-shaper-like duty for some molding runs on the router table.

[NiteWalker]

If it is the hitachi M12V that is their older model it works great. Very good machine. It used to sell for about $140-$160. It is a 3 1/4 HP machine at a lower HP price. It's a perfect router table router.

[DrewKaree]

If it is the hitachi M12V that is their older model it works great. Very good machine. It used to sell for about $140-$160. It is a 3 1/4 HP machine at a lower HP price. It's a perfect router table router.

That sounds like what I'm talkin' about.  Is that thing sold anymore, or did they "update" it and wreck it?

[NiteWalker]

It isn't sold new anymore but it'll probably pop up used every now and then. Whoever designed the replacement also apparently works as a sneaker designer.

The new one works just as well as the old one but is a bit more expensive.

[Chris G]

Whoever designed the replacement also apparently works as a sneaker designer.

Ugh!  You're right - maybe it's a Transformer... changes into a spring-loaded hi-top or something.

[Chris G]

The 800 series of that PC evidently started skimping on materials used in certain areas.  IIRC, that's the cause for many of the complaints about the plunge action.  I can't recall if it's a different metal used, or they switched to a plastic part, or what, but what you're referring to is one of the common complaints.  Still and all, I wouldn't hesitate to go with a PC router.

Thanks for the info.

[BTW - I know that you (and many others) are woodworking pros too.  I'm sure you didn't take my compliment to Nitewalker the wrong way.]

[Rusty]

I'm getting more and more tempted to take the (repeated) first-hand recommendation of our resident expert, NiteWalker, and go with the DeWalt.  Curious how you're arriving at your decision...

For the record, I own the Dewalt 618 as well.  I believe NiteWalker has the same one, albiet the 2-base version.  Its and excellent router and you won't be disappointed in the least bit.

As long as you're patient, you can occasionally pick it up at Amazon for <$200.

As for the Porter Cable that I posted from Lowe's, I have no input on it whatsoever.  I've never even looked at one.  I just saw it was a pretty good deal so threw it up there in case anybody was looking.

[DrewKaree]

[BTW - I know that you (and many others) are woodworking pros too.  I'm sure you didn't take my compliment to Nitewalker the wrong way.]

Nah.  Some folks prefer how someone puts things, or "feel" more comfortable.  No biggie

It isn't sold new anymore but it'll probably pop up used every now and then. Whoever designed the replacement also apparently works as a sneaker designer.

The new one works just as well as the old one but is a bit more expensive.

That looks like ass exploded all over the drafting table when they were designing it and nobody bothered to clean it off

You ain't kidding about the sneaker look....I know it doesn't (or shouldn't) make a difference in the performance, but JEEZ, did they have to make it look SO friggen different (and by different, I mean weird)? 

Mebbe I can snag some old geezer's Speedmatic cast iron rock solid monster....or just buy a stupid shaper

[NiteWalker]

I have one of those speedmatics. Love it. Another worthy contender is the Milwaukee 5625. It's another beast. Both can be caught on sale if you wait and check often. I scored my 7518 (big PC router) for $236. The Milwaukee I mentioned was $190 a few months ago.

A shaper is a different machine than a router table. Similar but different. Already have a router table or thinking about building one? Let me know. I have a lot of plans you could look at.

[ChadTower]

I've got the wife on notice that if we don't find the bookshelves by next weekend, it goes on my project list, and there will be accompanying tool purchases.

[NiteWalker]

That's the way to do it!

[DrewKaree]

I have one of those speedmatics. Love it. Another worthy contender is the Milwaukee 5625. It's another beast. Both can be caught on sale if you wait and check often. I scored my 7518 (big PC router) for $236. The Milwaukee I mentioned was $190 a few months ago.

A shaper is a different machine than a router table. Similar but different. Already have a router table or thinking about building one? Let me know. I have a lot of plans you could look at.

Yeah, I've got the differences down, but for nice basic moldings I can get away with my router and table setup for now, it's just way quicker to do and seemed a whole heck of a lot easier to set up on the one I used.  It's not something I need, and can wait and let a few side jobs pay for it - it just all depends on what I stumble across.

I like Milwaukee for drills and saws, but I'm a little less impressed with their other stuff (but not enough that I'd pass up a good deal on something). 

[ChadTower]

That's the way to do it!

The logic is that she gave me this long list of tasks to complete and yet we spend half of sunday every weekend now driving to furniture stores.  Can't do both at once. 

 

[ChadTower]

I went to pick up the router tonight and forgot my 10% off coupon... oh well, I'll get it tomorrow.   

[ChadTower]

Just picked up the 893PK from Lowe's... 10% coupon + 15% off.  Now to submit the rebates.

[NiteWalker]

What do you think so far? It's too tall for my personal preference.

[ChadTower]

I think it fits nicely in the trunk of my car?  I haven't even opened it yet, I bought it on my lunch break.  I probably won't get to try it out for a few days but some of the sale conditions are almost over.

$198.14 out the door (+ 8% RI tax) before the two $50 rebates.   

[Rusty]

Chad, congrats and enjoy! 

[ChadTower]

Thanks.  FWIW, the register printed rebate receipt does not indicate directly that the discount for either 15% or 10% was taken.  It does show the end purchase price after the discounts were applied, though.  I'm guessing the only way the Lowe's employee processing this would know was if they recognized that the item is usually well over $198 and looked into it.


EDIT: 

So, Nitewalker, being our resident router expert... what's the best way to go about learning the best ways to use a router?  Seems like quite a few of us are about to learn. 

[Rusty]

So, Nitewalker, being our resident router expert... what's the best way to go about learning the best ways to use a router?  Seems like quite a few of us are about to learn. 

I have a feeling I know one of the recommendations Nitewalker will have for folks with a new router... Read Woodworking with the Router by Bill Hylton.  Its a wonderful book.



His other book, Router Magic, is also pretty well thought of.

[ChadTower]

Half.com shows that an older printing, from 1993, can be had for about a third of that price... I wonder how much difference there is in editions.

[Rusty]

Half.com shows that an older printing, from 1993, can be had for about a third of that price... I wonder how much difference there is in editions.

According to the intro in the book, he completely re-did it.  And maybe added a bunch of color pictures.  Let me go find it and see what it says exactly.

EDIT: He says he revised a good amount of the text, all of the pictures and drawings (changed to color), and replaced many of the jigs from the old book.

[ChadTower]

Good enough reason to pick up the newer one.  Thanks.

[Crax]

what's the best way to go about learning the best ways to use a router?  Seems like quite a few of us are about to learn. 

I've snagged a copy of the NYW Routing 101 part 1 and part 2 episodes.  They seem pretty good to follow along with.  I've heard great things about that book and will probably order it myself as well.

[ChadTower]

I need to stop dropping so much cash on stuff for the time being.  I'm going to see if my library system has it.

[NiteWalker]

So, Nitewalker, being our resident router expert... what's the best way to go about learning the best ways to use a router?  Seems like quite a few of us are about to learn. 

Rusty nailed it.
Woodoworking with the Router is the single most useful book I own (out of 40+). I bought the old version a while back and this past july when the new one came out. Nite and day difference. The new book is hardcover (the one I bought at least), completely in color, much bigger, deals with current router and router accessories, etc. It's great. It's been rewritten completely.

His other book mentioned, Router Magic, is also a great resource for jigs and fixtures for taking care of a lot of problems. I love both but wish he would rework Router Magic too.

The Router 101 episodes on NYW are good but not worth $40. Grab em from isohunt. I love Norm and NYW, but his plans and videos are way too much. Also no downloadable plans like from plansnow. So you have to pay shipping on top of the already high prices.

[ChadTower]

Understood.  I'm going to order that book once the funds are available.

[Rusty]

The Router 101 episodes on NYW are good but not worth $40. Grab em from isohunt. I love Norm and NYW, but his plans and videos are way too much. Also no downloadable plans like from plansnow. So you have to pay shipping on top of the already high prices.

I never would've thought to check isohunt for woodworking stuff.  Thanks!

 

[DrewKaree]

Chad, pick up some scraps from the cutoff bin at Home Depot.  Look for the panel saw in the lumber section and you'll see some odd-sized pieces with red, yellow, blue or black spray paint on 'em.  Pick up a few pieces to practice on.

Pick up enough 2x4's to make a box.  That way you can practice the right way to feed your router into the stock on inside and outside edges.  You'll notice how the router kinda keeps itself "stuck" to the wood when you go in the proper direction (well, at least if you're using a bit with a bearing).

Also, keep any scrap you cut off so you can practice the setup before mangling your project.

[welshmark]

I picked up the Porter Cable 893PK from Lowes last night too (grabbed the last one from the third store I tried).  I already have a set of bits from the Holbren deal posted a while back, so my wife knew this purchase was coming.

$259 - 15% - 10% + 8.25% tax - the two $50 rebates = a great deal.

Set the fixed base in a Skil router table I picked up at the same time, but haven't played with it yet.  Never used a router before, so I think I'm going to grab that book y'all recommended.  Thanks so much to all you guys who give such great advice to us newbies!!! 

The best price I've found on that book is at Hartville Tools - it's on sale for $12.97, but shipping of $5.95 knocks it up to the amazon price.  Anyone know of any coupons for Hartville?

[ChadTower]

Cool.  I have a bunch of random pieces of stock in the shed usually, 2x4s of various lengths, a couple sheets of 1/2" ply and scraps, etc.  When I have a project I tend to buy more materials than I need figuring I'll screw up at least once.  As time goes on I'm screwing up less and less so the extra is piling up.

I do have good adjustable sawhorses (I used to use them as a bench press spotter) and I also tend to use our picnic table as a cutting bench. 

welshmark, I have that same set of bits.  Soon, time to party with them.   

[ChadTower]

I tried to sneak outside over the weekend and get the router going.  Between the holiday, and a birthday in the house, it didn't happen.

I hate when I have stuff to do and there are visitors in the living room watching TV.  It's "rude to not visit" but there are few if any words exchanged.  What's the point?  Watching reruns is not quality time.