Porter-Cable 7518 Speedmatic 15 Amp 3-1/4 HP Fixed Base 5-Speed Router

Friday, March 30, 2012

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 11.2 x 9.5 inches ; 14.5 pounds
Shipping Weight: 19.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
ASIN: B0000222V3
California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
Item model number: 7518

Price : $285.73

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
The Porter-Cable 7518 Five-Speed Production Router provides five speeds between 10,000 and 21,000 rpm, so you can tackle a variety of jobs with ease. This Porter-Cable router can help improve productivity by saving you time and effort--even when you're dealing with big bits or making heavy cuts.

7518 Five-SpeedProduction RouterAt a Glance:

Electronic five-speed router for various rotor bit cutting diameters and applications
Five speed settings from 10,000 to 21,000 rpm
Soft-start feature reduces torque at start-up
Five-year warranty

Five-speed router with 15 amp electric motor lets you tackle a variety of jobs..Five Speeds Tackle the Toughest JobsThis five speed router's versatile 15 amp electronic motor offers speeds of 10,000, 13,000, 16,000, 19,000, and 21,000 rpm, so you have the power you need to handle all of your routing jobs.
Soft-Start Motor and Auto-Release Collet System Save Time and EffortFor smooth performance from the get-go, a soft-start feature reduces torque at start-up, and the motor maintains constant speed under load. To save time and effort, an auto-release collet system allows for easy bit removal after use.
Advanced Features for Durability and StabilityThis router not only has an impressive feature set, but it also boasts extreme durability. Its sealed ball-bearing design keeps the dust out of the vital components for longer life, while its precision-machined aluminum motor housing and base stand up to rough-and-tough jobsites. Additionally, integrated cast handles provide stability during operation, improving precision and preventing wear and tear on the machine.
Dimensions and Warranty InformationThis router measures 11 by 7 by 11 inches (L x W x H), weighs 14-1/2 pounds, and is backed by a five-year warranty.
What's in the BoxFive-speed router, motor, fixed base, 1/2-inch collet, collet wrench, and operating manual.

Integrated cast handles provide stability.
From the Manufacturer
Porter-Cable 7518 Speedmatic 15 Amp 3-1/4 HP Fixed Base 5-Speed Router

Technical Details

15 Amp motor provides the power and durability necessary for the toughest applications
versatile, electronic five-speed motor with 10,000, 13,000, 16,000, 19,000, and 21,000 rpm settings accommodates various router bit cutting diameters and applications
Soft-start feature reduces torque at start-up and motor maintains constant speed under load
Auto-release collet system allows for easy bit removal after use
Precision machined aluminum motor housing and base; Dust-sealed switch and sealed ball bearing construction enhance tool durability

Porter-Cable 7518 Speedmatic 15 Amp 3-1/4 HP Fixed Base 5-Speed Router

Customer Reviews

According to Pat Warner, this router was specifically designed for use in a table. I've had one for about 3 years now, and I can't really fault it. I've never used it handheld; I have other routers for that. The soft-start is really much easier on the nerves. The adjustment mechanism - when it's clean - is fast and precise, but it does have a problem with sawdust clogging it. I was in the habit of changing bits while the motor was still mounted, but I developed the habit of taking it out to change bits and cleaning the threads on the base before remounting it. The problem of the cord I solved by shortening it to about six inches long and using an extension cord. The best was to do that is to shorten it at the motor end rather than the plug end. The motor is powerful enough to drive a horizontal panel-raising bit at full depth without hesitation. Operator hesitation is another matter though! As per PC practice, the buyer gets two separate collets, one for 1/4" shanks and the other for 1/2". The collet is tightened by using two wrenches (supplied) which is more reliable - if more awkward - than the shaft lock used on other makes.

I was very surprised to see the 7518 getting anything but 5-star reviews. I have had mine for five years and had nothing but marvelous experiences with it. It has more power than you're ever going to need, has a soft start that's a very nice feature, variable speeds which come in handy at times, and it's pretty much bullet-proof. What's not to like?
I learned the bulk of my woodworking at Palomar College, which is where I was introduced to Porter-Cable routers. We were taught to always unscrew the base when we changed bits, so it's natural for me to do it that way. Their main workhorse is the Porter-Cable 690, and anything that will stand up to the kind of abuse that 150 students per day can dish out... I first purchased the 690 because of that, and when I made the ultimate router table in the Jigs and Fixture class, I graduated to the 7518.
Because of the weight (18 pounds), I have never left the motor in the router table, as some of my fellow students found that doing so tended to deflect the insert plate over time. I do leave the base attached at all times, but when I'm finished with the router table, I unscrew the motor, blow out all the sawdust from both motor and base, then store the motor in a cabinet. There are no scratches on the motor, and it has always been very easy to adjust the depth of the bit. I think those who are having problems with sawdust gumming things up over time could resolve this by simply taking off the motor and blowing out the sawdust when they're finished using it.
Changing bits has never been a problem because of the procedure I was taught at Palomar. I merely lift the insert plate with attached router out of the router table, unscrew the base and change bits. Pretty simple, really.
I have mostly used the 7518 in my router table, but there have been a few times when I've needed it for hand-held operations. The only drawback then is the weight, but all that power comes at a cost, I suppose. Actually, the much-maligned (and deservedly so) Sears router does pretty well for edge routing because of the light weight and those big handles.
After LOTS of use I can honestly say the 7518 looks like it's brand new. I firmly believe that I will be doing woodworking for the next thirty or forty years, and I have every confidence that my original Porter-Cable routers will still be in use, having, at the very most, had the brushes replaced.
It's a superb router. Buy it with confidence.