Porter Cable 690LR Router – The Ultimate Buying Guide

The Porter Cable 690LR is a powerhouse router from the company which has been around for more than 100 years and has consistently provided and serviced quality router tools. It is the router tool which every woodworker has ever since he started with his woodworking hobby.

Benefits of Porter Cable 690LR Router

  • Powerful and Efficient: The router has a 1 ¾ horsepower running on an 11 amp motor at fixed speed of 27,500 rpm. With this kind of power, you can do ANY wood routing jobs with precise cuts.
  • Precise height adjustment: This Porter Cable router has a micro depth adjuster which is precise up to 1/128 inch for optimum precision. The cam-lock lever allows you to make coarse height adjustments for steady and consistent performance.
  • Durable base and housing: The Porter Cable 690LR has an aluminum motor base and housing which is precision-machined which improves tool durability.
  • Longer life: The switch of the Porter Cable 690 is protected against dust thus prolonging the life of the router.
  • Fast bit Removal: The router has an automatic release collet system for consistency and user-friendly performance. It also has a under the table stop to prevent the motor carelessly rotating out of the base. The router also has collets which can accept ½ and ¼ inch shank bits for your added convenience.
  • Comfortable to use and stable: The ergonomic handles of the Porter Cable 690 router makes it easy for you to do routing jobs comfortably. The wrists and hands are comfortable even for extended hours of work.
  • Warranty and Dimensions: The Porter Cable 690LR has a 3-year warranty which saves you money. It only weighs 8 pounds. You won’t get tired easily handling the router because it is lightweight.
  • Interchangeable bases: The router motor can be removed so that you can use it with the D-handle base, the plunge router base, and the router table. Moving the motor between the bases is easy therefore no time is ever wasted while changing the base.

Problems With The Porter Cable 690LR Router

  • Inconvenience: In a Porter Cable 690LR review, it is said that you may find the location of the on and off switch a bit awkward. Most users prefer the on and off switch in one of the handles. This potential problem can be solved if you purchase the D-handle base because the switch is conveniently located in one of the handles.
  • Not soft start: You may have difficulty handling the router when it starts. The router can go off your hand if you’re not holding it tightly.
  • Single speed: The 690LR Porter Cable router only works at 27,500 rpm. You may need a slower speed when the working on a router table and using larger bits so you may need another router to do the job; one which is capable of running in different speeds.

What Customers Say About The Porter Cable 690LR Router

  • “I find it to be ideal for my hobby needs” – Jeff Wells, Amazon.
  • “This is the best price I’ve found on these routers in a long time.” – Roger Lilly, Amazon.
  • “This isn’t a tool you have to “settle” on and upgrade later. This will most likely remain your go-to router, no matter how advanced you get.” – JR, Amazon.

The Verdict:

The Porter Cable 690LR Router is highly recommended for hobbyists who enjoy doing woodworking projects occasionally. The motor is highly powerful and runs efficiently. The depth of the cut can be adjusted precisely up to 1/128 inch.

If well maintained, this router can be used for a long time. The ergonomic handles make the router comfortable to use and because the Porter Cable is a well known brand, different templates and jigs are available for your use.

The router, however, is not designed for heavy duty use. To enjoy using this router for a long time, please make sure that you read the manual for its proper use and maintenance. A professional woodworker can try Porter Cable 8529 for any serious woodworking jobs.

Where To Buy:

The Porter Cable 690LR Router is available from Amazon for a low price of $122, from the list price of $287.46. You get at most 58% or $165.46 savings! You can also avail of free shipping with Amazon’s Super Saver Shipping.

But this great discount doesn’t last long! Try the Porter Cable 690LR Router at Amazon today!