The Porter-Cable 690LR is powerful and efficient. It is powered by an 11-Amp motor that produces 1.75Hp to allow you to take on a wide range of jobs. This motor can deliver up to 27,500rpm for easy routing. The 690LR has an aluminium motor housing and base. This router has collets that will accept ¼ inch and ½ inch shank bits. An auto-release collet system makes the removal of bits quick and easy. Two ergonomic handles are very well placed to make routing easy and comfortable, even on all-day jobs. The Porter-Cable features an under-table stop to prevent the motor from inadvertently rotating out of the base.
Contents
Product Features and Specifications
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.0 X 5.5 X 8.62inches
- Motor: 11Amp/ 1.75Hp
- Speed: Single Speed (27,500rpm)
- Cam-lock lever for simple coarse height adjustments
- Auto-release collet system
- ¼ inch and ½ inch collets
- Precise depth adjustment
- 3 Year limited warranty, 1 Year service contract
- 90 Day Money Back Guarantee
The Reviews
The Porter-Cable 690 LR received very good feedback from consumers. Amazon customers gave this router an average rating of 4.5 stars out of a possible 5 stars. It was very hard to find a negative review. Customers rated this as a high quality and dependable tool. Most users found this router easy to use, well balanced with sufficient power. A plus point for a lot of users was the fact that it can take ½ inch and ¼ inch shank bits. One customer said: “ High quality router with a lot of power. Proven to be one of the best and has many features.” The one negative point that we found was the position of the on/off switch. A lot of users were not happy with the switch being at the top of the router. This means you have to take one hand off the router to turn it off.
Verdict
Doesn’t have as many features as some of the other routers we tested, but still a good quality router that provides excellent value for money.
Bosch Palm Grip Router
The Bosch PR20EVSK Colt is a popular router with the average DIY enthusiast. This compact and lightweight machine is designed for numerous light-duty applications. Power is delivered by a 1.0 horsepower/ 5.6 amp motor that spins at variable speeds of 16,000rpm to 35,000rpm.
The soft start works well to reduce the torque at start-up. Depth adjustment is simple and even the micro fine settings doesn’t require a lot of effort. The collet accepts standard ¼-inch bits. This is a user friendly tool that offers simple, straightforward operation. The motor housing has a palm-shaped, rubber over-moulded grip that allows for stable, one handed use.
Weighing in at around three pounds, the Bosch palm grip router is a versatile tool. It’s not just a laminate trimmer, but is ideal for trimming deck planks, hinge mortising, slot cutting, dovetailing, window cut-outs and decorative inlays.
Product Features and Specifications
- Motor: 1.0 Hp/ 5.6 Amp
- Speed: Variable (16,000rpm-35,000rpm)
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Soft Start feature
- ¼ inch self-releasing collet
- Constant response circuit to maintain speed under load
- Straight edge guide
- Shaft wrenches included
- Front spindle lock on motor
- 1 Year Warranty
The Reviews
When we researched the Bosch PR20EVSK we found that this router is a favourite with a lot of DIYers. Amazon customers gave the Bosch an average rating of 4.1 stars out of a possible 5 stars. Consumers that use this router for light duty work are satisfied with what it has to offer.
Users like the fact that is has 1 horsepower in such a small tool. Customers found this router easy to use and changing bits didn’t present any problems. One customer said: “ This is a very handy little router that I use a lot. It saves me lots of time and effort. Runs great, works great too!”
We saw some complaints about the angle of the bit not being spot on 90 degrees after locked in. This is a case of not reading the instruction manual properly. When doing it according to the manual, it was spot on 90 degrees every time.
Verdict
Very handy little router. Would not recommend it for heavy duty use. Visit our page on routers to compare all the features and specifications.
