| Review by Rob McCune | posted 677 days ago | 772 views | 0 times favorited | 8 comments |  |
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- Porter-Cable 7518 3-1/2 HP Variable Speed Fixed Base Router
- Brand: Porter-Cable | Category: Routers
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I was trying to decide between a shaper and a high end router table when I came across some info on the Porter-Cable #7518 router. I decided to take a chance on it and I have not been dissappointed. There is a reason this has become the industry standard. While it may lack some of the features of some of the newer routers, the raw power and dead certain reliability of the 7518 more than overcome any shortcoming it might have. It has a 5 position variable speed selector switch that allows you to set the speed for your chosen bit/wood combination. The motor uses soft start circuitry that allows for smooth wind up then adjustment to the selected speed. One thing I had been worried about was wether the horsepower would change between the speeds and I really had nothing to worry about. It has the muscle to do everything regardless of the speed.
One of the few drawbacks is in how the height of the bit is adjusted. A series of grooves spirals through the inside of the base. Pins on the outside of the motor housing ride in the grooves and adjustments are effected by twising the motor in the base. While this allows for infinite adjustments, repeatability is sacrificed. This isn’t a problem for me because I also bought a Woodpecker lift plate for mine, but for someone who is only using the router base, it could prove problematic.
The 7518 comes with a 1/2” collet, but 1/4” and 3/8” collets are also available. Other accessories are also readily available owing to the large popularity of the 7518. Another thing to note is that this router is also available in single speed (7519), variable speed plunge (7538), and single speed plunge (7539). While the single speed is cheaper, I would only suggest that one if you have a rheostat switch on your router table.
All in all, this is a rock solid investment, especially if you intend to incorporate it into a router table. I had my doubts but the 7518 put all of them to rest. This will be a sure and steady resource in my inventory for years to come.
-- Rob McCune
8 comments so far
rikkor
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11335 posts in 773 days
posted 677 days ago
Sounds like a winner. I’d like a bit more power at the table than my 2 1/2.
GaryK
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9537 posts in 887 days
posted 677 days ago
I have one of these in my router table and it works great.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Rob McCune
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122 posts in 997 days
posted 676 days ago
Rikkor, there are only two 3-1/2 HP routers on the market, this one and the Milwaukee one. Of the two I have not heard about any reliability issues with either one. The Milwaukee has a couple more features than the Porter-Cable but the Porter Cable is easier to get accessories for. I found the Milwaukee for as low as $270 and the Porter-Cable was $290. I got the Porter-Cable because I didn’t like how the Milwaukee felt compared to it. There was just too much plastic in the Milwaukee for my taste, whereas the Porter-Cable just felt rock solid. I can’t actually recommend against the Milwaukee, as I have no experience with it. And yes, there is a big difference between a 2-1/4 hp and 3-1/2. Also, thank Gary for the support.
-- Rob McCune
rikkor
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11335 posts in 773 days
posted 676 days ago
Thank you for the follow-up.
FloridaUFGator
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34 posts in 912 days
posted 665 days ago
Good review Rob. I too have this router. I went from a Dewalt 621 to this. It’s like going from a go-cart to a race car. There is nothing wrong with the Dewalt (for hand held use) but it was a dog in my table. I dropped this bad-boy in there and almost had to strap down my table. It’ very intimidating at first. I went with the Woodpecker router lift (works perfectly with this router) and love it. This fixes the adjustment issues. I’m sure I will have this thing until I can pass it off to my son. It is rock solid.
-- ...and remember this: there is no more important safety rule than to wear these — safety glasses - Norm Abram
JerryS
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73 posts in 508 days
posted 151 days ago
Hi Rob
Great review on the router . I have to opportunity to buy this same router and Woodpecker Precision Router Lift both brand new in the box . How are you finding this setup after almost two years . Do you know what pitch the lift is ? 16 or 32 and whats your thoughts on it .
Regards
Jerry
After looking through some of your other posts I see what model WP lift you have . Pitch was an option for that one .
a1Jim
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17032 posts in 475 days
posted 151 days ago
Hey Rob
Good review I have a few 7518 they are power houses and have served well over the years.
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture ,maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com
Rob McCune
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122 posts in 997 days
posted 96 days ago
After a year and a half with this one, I have not ever been dissappointed with it’s performance or the WP lift. The combination has shown remarkable repeatability and with the table I built, I have been able to turn out some prtyy tight joints. I got the 32nd pitch lift and it makes for some amazing precision. I am still very happy with both.
-- Rob McCune