Porter Cable 690LR Router enough power for raised panel bits?

It’ll do it.

You can cut off most of the waste with the table saw first and
then the router doesn’t have to work as hard, the cut goes faster,
and there’s less mess.

I have used one for raised panels and had no problems. Make sure you buy quality bits which puts less drag on the motor.

Jerry

-- And Still Too Short - "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." John Lennon

It’ll do it, but it’ll struggle more than a router with a larger motor, which in turn will shorten it’s service life. The 690 is better suited as a hand router or table router for smaller bits IMO…..can’t help but think you’d be better served with a 13-15 amp router if you’ll be doing very many raised panels.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

Don’t think that I will be doing a ton of work with raised panel so I am going to go with that package. Just wanted to make sure that I wouldn’t be held back for future projects.

Thanks

I have one and have used it a lot for raised panel and everything else.
2 things to remember.
1 – don’t try to take too much on each pass
2 – check the router after extended use and see if you need to give it a break and cool down.
This is actually good advise on any router.

-- Website is finally up and running....www.woodandwrite.com

It just occurred to me that the 690LR doesn’t have variable speed. You won’t want to spin a 3” raised panel bit at 20K+ rpms. If you end up with the 690LR, you’ll either want to add a speed control or use a vertical panel raising bit.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

knotscott is correct. Don’t use a large diameter bit in a single speed router. Too dangerous.

OOPS! My bad. Mine is variable speed so it is a 690LRVS.
Sorry about that!

-- Website is finally up and running....www.woodandwrite.com

garyp is right although the one issue I have with the Bosch router (I just recently returned at 1617evs) is that while they are wonderful pieces of equipment. Something as simple as a PC compatible guide bushing needs 2 different adaptors to use. One of which you can’t even buy from Bosch’s website.

Dunno why Bosch couldnt have just included the d* $7 adaptor instead of making people have to try to track one down.

-- Chris ~~Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past."

I agree the 690, which is 1.75 HP, without variable speed is the wrong router for a panel raising bit. The 690 is a great router and buying this router will give you plenty fun routing experience. Plus getting this router will give you good justification to add another router to your collection down the road whenever you decide to raise panels.

-- Jerry Nettrour, San Antonio, www.topqualitycabinets.net

You might want take a look at this router table,but does not come with a router, can’t hurt to look
http://www.rt1000.com/index.html

-- E J ------- Always Keep a Firm Grip on Your Tool

O.K., since you have the variable speed router you should be fine. The biggest problem with underpowered tools, whether it’s a router or a table saw, is you have to adjust your technique to the tool. With a higher HP router, you could run a panel through in one pass if inclined. But with your 690, you will have to make several passes or hog out some of the waste on a table saw as Loren suggested—which is the method I would use if using a 690. If you tried to cut a panel in one pass on a 690, I can almost guarantee you’re going to burn the wood. So it can be done, but it will require more steps and take more time. If you’re doing small projects it’s not that bad, but it can be a real PITA if you had a lot of projects to do.

brianlee
D_Allen is the one with the variable speed router, not the poster,yellowtruck75
A PC ,690 ,is a good router to have in every shop

-- E J ------- Always Keep a Firm Grip on Your Tool