Which router to get PC 693 / 893

[ogahyellow]

Hey everyone, thanks for reading...

My mom is getting me a router for my birthday, so I did research, research, research. I narrowed it down to 2 choices, the Porter Cable 693 (1 3/4 HP) (http://www.portercable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2816) and the Bosch 1617. I liked the feel of the PC more so I wanted to go that way.

Then today I was looking around for the best deal, and I found the PC 893PK (2 1/4 HP + Variable Speed) (http://www.portercable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=4856) and the 694V (1 3/4 HP Variable Speed) (http://www.portercable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=4731). They are all within $10 - $15 of each other for a set with a fixed base and a plunge base.

It looks like the base of all of them is the same (and therefore works with the Jasper Jig). Does anyone know if this is true?

Also, which would be your pick?

[MIAaron]

I wouldn't consider any router that doesn't have a dust collection system.

[ogahyellow]

I wouldn't consider any router that doesn't have a dust collection system.

You can get a dust collection system for all of them. However that purchase would have to be made separately by me.

[newtitan]

I have the 693, which works very well for me, but if I had my choice again (since birch is harder and I tend to use it now), I'd recommend the 893 for the added HP. get a 1/2 down spiral carbide bit, one 3/4 roundover bit, and a jasper jig set and your done

[Whiterabbit]

for an extra $15 there are no doubts. For an extra $100 Id have to thikn about it.

[Rudeboy]

Never used a 6 series, but the 893 is sweet.

[exmaxima1]

I narrowed it down to 2 choices, the Porter Cable 693 (1 3/4 HP) (http://www.portercable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2816) and the Bosch 1617. I liked the feel of the PC more so I wanted to go that way.



I have a 5 or 6 PC routers, and non of them are variable speed. They are fine using smaller bits (ideally with a D-handle) but tend to burn harder woods like birch or maple when using larger bits.

I use a variable speed router (especially feedback regulated) any time I use larger bits. The job looks better and the bits last longer as well. I like my Bosch 1613EVS plunge router the best, mainly due to the switch in the handle, the micro-adjust knob, the soft-start, and the smoothness of the plunge. But PC routers are certainly workhorses and last a long time.

Good Luck,

Matthew

[Mr Marv]

I'd pick the 893 as well especially since the cost difference is so small as mentioned. :)

[ogahyellow]

...I like my Bosch 1613EVS plunge router the best, mainly due to the switch in the handle, the micro-adjust knob, the soft-start, and the smoothness of the plunge. But PC routers are certainly workhorses and last a long time.

Good Luck,

Matthew

After all that back and forth, I did decide to go the Bosch route. They seem to be really popular among the elite on routerforums.com. Also, the 890 series apparently had some warped plates on the bottom, and PC's customer service was iffy on them. Since it was going to come from a budget place anyway, I figured avoid the hassle, go with the 1617.

Thank you everyone for looking/helping. Maybe I'll get to post my first review... not that I know my ass from my elbow...

[exmaxima1]

After all that back and forth, I did decide to go the Bosch route. They seem to be really popular among the elite on routerforums.com. I figured avoid the hassle, go with the 1617.



I think you will be disappointed that you didn't get a variable speed router---it's definitely worth having. Also, most of the Bosch aficionados use the 1619 (or the older 1613 like mine) as it is a better balanced design and easier to control. The 1619 was top-rated in many tool reviews as well. I suspect that the 1617 will be a tad top heavy, although it is slim enough that you could likely grip it by the barrel with one hand, which would be very cool.

Let us know how it works out!

Matthew

[exmaxima1]

I figured avoid the hassle, go with the 1617.

Thank you everyone for looking/helping. Maybe I'll get to post my first review... not that I know my ass from my elbow...

How do you like the Bosch 1617? What did you end up paying?

The reason I ask is that I am selling off some of my unused tools, and I have a Bosch 1617EVS Kit, with both fixed and plunge bases. It is brand new, unused, and I thought I might sell it off to the DIY readers. Let us know your opinion!

Matthew

[durwood]

Bosch Router FTW! :D /shameless company plug

I have the 1617 sitting in my garage for 2 years brand new never used or unwrapped too. I really need to put it to use:blush:

Matthew-do you have any unused router bits you might be getting rid of too or just the router?

[Puffhead]

The 893 is a workhorse. Mine's been going strong for almost 3 years now doing some heavy duty cutting and it doesn't even flinch. If you get it it'll probably be the last router you'll ever need to buy.

[GlasSman]

I have a PC 690 combo with the fixed and plunge base. Mine is from 1997 when Porter Cable was stilled owned by the founders or at least another American company that didn't diminish the quality. Porter CAble was purchased by Black And Decker a few years ago and I don't feel the quality is the same. They're still an American company but I know my router was MADE IN THE USA.

[azngotskills]

i got a BNIB PC router for sale with both the fixed and plumge base that im thinking about selling...PM me if you interested :)

[Finleyville]

You can always get the Festool OF1400 (http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=4&prodid=574267)! :o

[Lightninghoof]

hahahaha, when I clicked on this thread and saw people talking about "PC routers," I was thinking "why are these guys talking about computer routers in a car audio forum?" Took me a few to finally realize what sort of routers you were referring to. :blush: