Porter-Cable 690LRVS 11 Amp 1-3/4-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Product Details

Shipping Weight: 10 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: B00006411B
California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
Item model number: 690LRVS

By : Porter-Cable
Price : $157.98
You Save : $176.28 (53%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Utilizing a hefty 1-3/4 HP motor, the Porter-Cable 690LRVS 11 Amp fixed base router offers a powerful variable speed motor plus a lever release clamp and a dust proof switch. Built on the classic Porter-Cable design, the 690LRVS is a mainstay of remodeling, woodworking, cabinet making, trim, deck building and home improvement job sites.

690LRVS 11 Amp, 1-3/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Router At a Glance:

1-3/4 horsepower variable speed motor generates 10,000-27,500 RPM
Micrometer depth adjustor accurate to 1/128-inch
Cam lock lever enables simple coarse height adjustments
Includes standard base with overmolded grips
Three-year limited warranty; one-year free service

Power and Performance
A more powerful version of Porter-Cable's classic 690 router, the 1-3/4 horsepower, 11 amp 690LRVS delivers a variable speed from 10,000-27,500 RPM for use in hard and soft woods, plastics, PVC trim and MDF. The cam lock lever enables coarse height adjustments and motor release for basic edge-forming while the micro depth adjustor is accurate to 1/128 inch. It accepts collets for 1/4 and 1/2 inch shank bits. An auto-release collet system minimizes frozen bits.
Additionally, the 690LRVS offers a drop-kick feature that prevents the motor from dropping out when the unit is placed under a table. You can release the motor by pushing up, turning the motor housing and removing it from the table.
Comfort and Convenience
To ensure years of top-notch performance, the 690LRVS is equipped with a dust-sealed switch and sealed ball bearings to keep dust out, and both motor housing and base are crafted from precision machined aluminum. Its overmolded grips provide greater comfort in extended use. The router is compatible with Porter-Cable's interchangeable router base system, including plunge base, D-handle base, and router table (all sold separately).
Warranty
This Porter-Cable tool is backed by three-year limited warranty covering any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship (from the date of purchase). It's also covered by Porter-Cable's one-year free service contract, where Porter-Cable will maintain the tool and replace worn parts caused by normal use--for free.
What's in the Box
Porter-Cable 690LRVS variable speed router motor; fixed base; 14/- and 1/2-inch collets; collet wrench; operating instructions
From the Manufacturer
Built on the classic Porter-Cable design, the 690LRVS 1-3/4 horsepower fixed base router is a mainstay of remodeling, woodworking, cabinet making, trim, deck building and home improvement jobsites. Simple to use, rugged, and accurate the 11 amp soft-starting motor delivers a variable speed from 10,000-27,500 RPM for use in hard and soft woods, plastics, PVC trim and MDF. The cam lock lever enables coarse height adjustments and motor release for basic edge-forming while the micro depth adjustor is accurate to 1/128 inch. It accepts collets for 1/4 and 1/2 inch shank bits. An auto-release collet system minimizes frozen bits. When used upside down in a router table, its integrated stop prevents motor from rotating out of the base. Ninety-day money back guarantee, 3 year limited warranty, 1 year free service contract.

Technical Details

11 Amp motor producing 1-3/4 peak hp 25-60 HZ
Soft-starting motor with variable-speed from 10,000-27,500 rpm
Cam lock lever enables simple coarse height adjustments and motor release (fixed base)
Micrometer depth adjustor accurate to 1/128-inch
Dust-sealed switch and sealed ball bearing construction enhance tool durability; Precision machined aluminum motor housing and base

Porter-Cable 690LRVS 11 Amp 1-3/4-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router

Customer Reviews

I received this Porter Cable router from Amazon in hopes that it would fit in my JDS Multirouter. It won't, because of the lever's requirement to pop out to approximately 1-1/2" from the body when released.
BUT...
No big deal... I just switched bases with my old PC router, and I'm up and running. So, in case you're wondering if this motor fits the old bases, it does.
After that, I tried the new router, and here are my observations... First, some people complain about the switch being changed from a toggle to a rocker, but I don't mind that. Neither is particularly easy to switch on and off, but between the two, the rocker (shielded by rubber) is probably less likely to accidentally turn on if accidentally bumped by something (e.g., a cord).
The soft start is not the same soft start that the big PCs have. Those machines have a VERY soft start. This router's soft start is a fast one... In fact, if I hadn't known it was a soft start and hadn't A-B'd it with my other 690, I would never have noticed it being a soft start.
The main thing this router brings to the table is the variable speed coupled with the 1-3/4HP motor. The two together enable the use of big bits (which need to turn slower but also need more power). My big 1-3/4" cove bit (yeah... it's really that big) works a lot better at the slower speed afforded by this router. My old 690 always burned the wood a little with that bit... not this router, though.
The locking lever is nice... No more breaking your thumb on that tiny bolt mechanism on the 690.
Other than those differences, this router has one other important feature -- it still adheres to many of the industry standards set by the 690. The base plates, etc. are interchangeable, which means there are a lot of jigs and add-ons that will fit this router.
I highly recommend this as an all-around router... whether for table use, for freehand use, or used in a horizontal positioner like the MultiRouter (but as mentioned, in that case will require a standard base, not the lever base).
5 Stars!

I dedided to buy the PC 690LRVS instead of the Makita RF1101 because I could not center the base of the current Makita RF1101 that I own. The Makita may be a little quieter, but I use ear protection anyway. I also wanted soft start, so I didn't buy the less expensive Porter Cable router. One reviewer said the soft start was not very good on this router, compared to the larger models. He may have a bad router. My 690LRVS has the softest start of any router that I own (I own 5 routers).