| Review by kshipp | posted 279 days ago | 419 views | 1 time favorited | 5 comments |  |
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This is a really nice router. It has an all metal case which is a rarity among tools now and it just feels sturdy without being heavy.
There are two removable shields for dust and chips and you can also put one in that has a 1” dust port. I just run this with the ShopVac hooked up to that dust port and almost none escapes because it’s completely sealed.
It comes with both 1/4” and 1/2” collets so it’s nice for a variety of router bits. The base has 3 LED lights built into it that provide good light on the work surface. That is a really nice feature because the router usually blocks the overhead light. If you are using this in a router table the light is insignificant.
It has a soft-start feature which is noticeable, but I think the only benefit to that is increased tool life. I don’t see how it would affect the operation of the tool.
The depth adjustment is what I love about this tool. I have a close-up of it in the picture above. You open the “door” to make adjustments. You can push in the button on the side for large adjustments or turn the knob for adjustments in 1/64” increments. There is a dial you can turn to whatever position the knob is in to start your measurements. That dial is marked in 1/128” but that seems a little too precise to me. One full turn of the knob is 1/8”. Once you close the “door” its locked in place firmly. Very easy to precisely adjust.
Here are some specs:
- 9.5 amp
- 1.75 hp
- 25,000 rpm
- 8.5 lbs
This is currently $79 on the Sears website. They also have other similar models in plunge and d-handle along with kits that include all three. It is also available as a combo with this router table but the router table is not nearly as nice as the router.
Highly recommended.
-- Kyle, Michigan
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5 comments so far
Woodchuck1957
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172 posts in 304 days
posted 279 days ago
I often wonder if the Craftsman router isn’t made by Porter-Cable. It looks alot like the PC890.
-- If you can't find the time to do it properly, how will you find the time to fix it ?
jeff robinson
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18 posts in 267 days
posted 266 days ago
i have two of these routers one for the table and one combo plunge. i have not had any trouble with either one of them
-- jeff robinson, panama city, fl
jake
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4 posts in 243 days
posted 243 days ago
I too have this router and it is a bargain, very nice quality but very decent price. The entire new line of Craftsman routers are variations of this basic design and several have more power, more features etc. I do not not believe it is a Porter Cable, the first three numbers of a Craftsman tool is the supplier. There are lists on the web that give you a reference for the numbers. I have what is called the zip code saw from Sears, a hybrid made by Orion, who is a division of Steel City, and it is 152 as the code. Several of the new power tools coming from Craftsman are made by the company that supplies this router, for example one of the Craftsman Professional circular saws is put out by the same company (it too is a very nice piece but a little pricey, needs to be on sale to be a good value). Seems like Sears is trying to regain the market, as many would agree for a long time they let their quality slip and gained the nickname Crapsman. Way to go Sears for coming back to its roots and not bowing to the trend to cheapen. As we all know most of the tools are now coming out of China but there are quality companies out there, even the big names are sourcing tools from China. Makita had to produce a line of Chinese tools to compete in the world market but at least they monitor the quality fiercely. If you look on the web for Maktec, the tools are sold worldwide to compete. They tried them briefly at Menards in the U.S. but does not seem like they sold enough to gain a foothold in the U.S. I am not in a position to alway buy high end so am glad to see a good tool at a good price like this router.
Woodshopfreak
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331 posts in 282 days
posted 219 days ago
I have the plunge base version of this router and I have to say that I would use it any day over the porter cables we use at school.
-- Tyler, Illinois
fredf
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228 posts in 250 days
posted 208 days ago
My late father in laws old craftsman is emiting “the smell” that says the magic blue smoke is on its way :-( this looks like a good replacement but see one very strange specification on their website “Tough, machined gear box provides efficient power to the router bit. ” GEAR BOX??? since when arn’t routers direct drive?? I assume the copy writers got a little carried away?? . . . .
anyway time for a trip to sears to check it out
-- Fred, Springfield, Ma