Porter-Cable 892 2-1/4-Horsepower Router

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 8.6 x 12.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.7 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: B0000DCBK0
California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
Item model number: 892

By : Porter-Cable
Price : $177.98
You Save : $187.51 (51%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Great for woodworking projects,the Porter-Cable 892 Fixed-Base Router Kit offers powerful, smooth, reliable operation from 10,000 to 23,000 rpm. This easy-to-use tool lets you unlock the base and make a variety of depth of cut changes from right above the router table.

892 Fixed-Base Router KitAt a Glance:

Powerful router with 2-1/4-horsepower motor for smooth, reliable operation
Quiet, soft-starting motor with full-time electronic feedback for constant speed under load
Save time with easy changes and adjustments from above the table
Three-year warranty

Featuring a 12 amp motor and smooth operation from 10,000 to 23,000 rpm..Powerful, Quiet Performance In and Out of the TablePowered by a soft-starting, 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower motor with full-time electronic feedback for constant speed under load, the 892 can cut through molding and hard woods with speed and efficiency. For versatility, the motor moves easily between bases.
Above-Table Changes Save Time and EffortThe 892 offers the versatility and time-saving ease of above-table changes. In seconds, you can release the motor, adjust the bit height, lock the spindle, and clamp the motor from above the router table. Just use a 3/16-inch hex socket.
Design Features for Quick Changes and AdjustmentsDesigned for productivity, the 892 offers a range of helpful, user-friendly features. A dual-position switch allows you to cut power and yet still maintain complete control of the router with both hands still on the rubber coated handles. Bit changes are also a snap thanks to a spindle-lock feature that enables loosening of the collet with a single-wrench. A durable cam lever allows for quick, coarse depth adjustment and motor release.
Dimensions and Warranty InformationWeighing just 9 pounds and measuring 12.81 inches in height, the 892 is easy to handle and hold. It comes with 1/4- and 1/2-inch collets, a collet wrench, and a carrying case for easy portability.
The Porter-Cable 892 Fixed-Base Router Kit is backed by a three-year warranty.
What's in the BoxRouter motor, fixed base, 1/4- and 1/2-inch collets, collet wrench, carrying case, and operating manual.

Technical Details

Soft-starting, 12 Amp motor features full-time electronic feedback that maintains motor speed through the toughest applications
variable-speed control feature (10,000 - 23,000 rpm) enables bit speed to be optimized for changing applications
Release the motor, adjust bit height, and clamp the motor from above the router table with 3/16-inch hex socket (sold separately) or model 75301 kit (sold separately). Gripvac base only.
Dual-position switch allows user to cut power while maintaining control of the router
Overmolded grips for greater comfort in extended use; Spindle lock feature allows for single wrench bit changes

Porter-Cable 892 2-1/4-Horsepower Router

Customer Reviews

This is the "perfect fit" for router table use. I can't comment on hand-held use because it immediately went into the router table. This machine is smooth cutting, powerful and quiet. The features for the table mount are perfect. PC put a lot of thought into this one! You can adjust the bit height using the 75301 height adjustment knob, lock/unlock the motor from the mount and lock the spindle all from above. The spindle/collet raises enough that you don't have to reach down inside the mount to get to the collet nut. My only gripe was that the height adjustment knob is an accessory costing an extra twenty to thirty bucks depending on where you find it. Amazon doesn't carry it yet but a web search will turn up a bunch of sites that do. I thought I'd save a few bucks and just use a 1/4 drive 3/16" socket and extension bar but none of the sockets I have found will fit through the hole in the base. The knob from PC has a second, located lower, plastic guide that helps to align the knob shaft with the height adjuster mounted on the base. I guess the best bet is to spend a few more bucks and get the PC version.
This unit comes with an interactive cd that is very well done. Even has plans and a short movie from the router workshop on building a table. Very well done I might add.
All in all I would give it six stars if I could.
This is an up-date to a reveiw I posted in 2003 the same week I got this router. Well the good news is after 3 years of regular use I would still give this router 6 stars if I could. I figure I saved major money over buying a "router lift" type of accessorie because this router does all of that and does it well. The not-so-good-news is the router was recalled. I called my service center and drove over to be presented with a brand new router motor. Yes I am well out of warranty but they gave me the brand new motor, no questions asked! I don't think I could ask for more. I have since purchased the vac. handle kit and can rave over the performance of that item too. Once again, six stars if they would let me! I've never had one moment of dissatsifaction. I have had to make a few minor adjustments over the years but performance has never really suffered. Give this one a good look. I know you won't be disappointed. I sure haven't been!

This is a very nice design for mounting under a table because it's possible to make small height adjustments from above, without groping under the table. To do that you drill a hole in the router table that lines up with a hole in the router base, and to adjust the height you use a special wrench. (Devise your own using a hex wrench bit or buy the outrageously priced tool offered by Porter Cable. Porter-Cable ought to thrown in the adjusting wrench as part of the price.)
Three problems: (1) The printed manual doesn't say a word about mounting and adjusting it in this way, even though that's the main benefit of the 890 series design vs the cheaper, better-built workshorse 690 series. You have to figure it out for youself. (2) It uses a plastic rack-and-pinion gear to adjust the depth of cut, which feels less solid than rotating pin alignment of the 690 series. (3) When you release the lever that locks the depth of cut setting, the router wobbles a little, so you have to re-check the height carefully after the router is locked in place. We're used to rock-solid tools from P-C, not plastic gears and wobbly housings.
Plus side: It's quieter; the RPMs can be adjusted; it's safer, faster and much easier to change bits -- no more skinned knuckles! It comes with a CD that shows more about how to use it. Not really four stars, but better than 3.