Which Router? PC690LRVS or PC892 or somethin'else?

For a router table, generally the bigger the better.

If you are not using any big panel raising bits it really doesn’t matter though.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

for a router table in general bigger is better. if you are panel raising you might want to go with a 3+ router. Milwaukee has some good ones in that category. if you aren’t going to use panel raising bits you don’t need the extra hp but bigger is better on a router table so i would go with the 21/4 horsepower one. dewalt also has a good 21/4 hp and i think theres a sale on dewalt so you might want to check that out. hope this helps.

i have several 690s and really have no complaint . however if they have the quick release lockdown be sure to check the setting and that it locks down solid and wont move as your running a job . i have 3 of them in dedicated router tables . they work fine

i might add that triton is another one to consider

I’ve always had an arm load of 690’s, but the last one I got is already screaming and smelling like burnt metal. Most of my tools have been Portacable, but I’m switching. I hope I can find something that stands up better. I’m just getting too many burnt up tools.

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

I have a couple 690’s and an 892. I like ‘em all but the 890 is definitely better and I think worth the extra $$.
The extra power’s a plus for a table and when I upgraded my table to a cast iron I could no longer use my Rout-R-Lift. I found, however, that the base of the 892 works just great in a table without the expensive adjuster. The 690 base/mount/depth adjustment is not nearly as nice.

-- Patrick, Chicago, IL http://www.TenonAndSpline.com/blog

I have a 690 and love it, but read my review of this Triton beauty.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Hi Steve. I’ve got a PC 892, a Ridgid 2 1/4 hp (I can’t remember the mod. #) and a Triton 3 1/4 hp (can’t remember the mod. # on that one either), but I keep the Ridgid pretty much in my router table and I haven’t even plugged in the Triton as I’m building a new router table for it. Between the PC and the Ridgid, I lilke the Ridgid better, mainly because of the features. I paid $199 and it comes with both a fixed and plunge base, lighted plug, lighted collet, dust collection and above the table height adjustment. Occasionally they run them on sale at the big box store for $169. That being said, the PC 892 has done fine by me also, but I mainly use it for my dovetail jig.

Garyk is right, if you’re not using large diameter raised panel bits, a 1 3/4hp or 2 1/4hp will handle most things. You really can’t go wrong with Bosch or Milwaukee either. The Triton 2 1/4 hp is a really nice router judging by the reviews in the woodworking mags. I think CharlieM1958 just bought one, so you might try to contact him and see how it’s working out. It has nice dust collection features as well as above the table height adjustment. That’s all I know, good luck!
(speak of the devil, he posted whilst I was writing this) I’ll have to read his review!

-- Carl Rast, Pelion, SC

If you can I’d go bigger yet PC7518.

-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)

I am planning on getting a PC7518 for my new shop.

Tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

The PC7518 is what I have in my table and a PC7539 on my Legacy mill.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Take a peek at the Hitachi M12V and here is a good article at the Woodbutchers site about your question.

-- //FC - Round Rock, TX - "Experience is what you get just after you need it"

I use the hitachi m12v in the table and have had zero issues with it. The PC 7518 is the cadilac but carries a cadilac price tag. I believe the m12v is out of production now and the new and improved model that took its place is niether! I cant recall the model number for that one but it doesnt seem to get as good reviews. I also have used the PC 7529 and the 8529 plungers in the table and they work well. the 7529 needed some trigger work [ not recomended ] to eliminate the safety devises for table use. the 8529 was its replacement and had those devises removed at the factory. these 2 models are VS 2 1/4 HP and soft start. they will turn all but the largest panel bits. you realy should go big if you are going to spin the big bits. I use a shaper for raised panels. I sure cuts down on the pucker factor.

skeez

-- hey honey! watch this!

Now, we got ya good and confused, huh?

-- Thos. Angle

Not too confused. I already own the Triton 2-1/4 HP that CharlieM1958 reviewed, and I like it too, but I’m thinking I prefer having that out of a table for use as a plunge router.

I’m now thinking I should go with the Milwaukee 5625-20 3-1/2 HP variable speed router, which Amazon currently lists for about $270. Woodpecker’s QuickLift series has a match for it though it costs about $20 more than the 690/890 model. So all in all you guys have talked me into spending about $125 more than I would otherwise, but that’s what friends are for, right?

I’m planning to do the base cabinet myself and use the Woodpecker 24×32” top with their lift. I’ll post pix when I complete it.

Thanks for all the advice!

-- SteveL

Steve I debated getting a smaller router like the 690/890 series for my router table and in the end just couldn’t justify spending that much time and energy on a table and not go for something bigger. I ended up with the PC7518 and I absolutely love it. I thought about the milwaukee as well, but I have no experience with their tools. I would say get a 3-1/4 hp or better. I also use the woodpecker quick lift and really like it as well. Whatever you choose, don’t go below the hp level I mentioned. There is just no point.

-- Rob McCune

Steve,
I have the PC 690 and the Woodpeckers Quick Lift and have been very pleased with the results. I have made many frame and panel cabinet doors with this setup and the Freud panel bits. Weather you go with the 690 or the 892, both have the same barrel diameter and are interchangable in the Quicklift. Rule of thumb is supposd to be 1hp for each inch of bit you swing… My brother inlaw at Bosch says that is all just marketing hype. Since the bit speed must be reduced proportionatly as the diameter of the bit increases. Since Horsepower only shows potential top speed, torque is the actual force used to drive the bit and if the bit is sharp, you use less torque.

If I remember correctly, the 892 has a built in speed control. If it does, it would be a better bargain than getting the 690 and a seperate speed control.

All the best..
Tom

-- Anybody can become a woodworker, but only a Craftsman can hide his mistakes.