Features

• Powerful 10 Amp motor
• 18,000 RPM no load
• All ball-bearing construction
• Plunging action for greater versatility
• 2 12in plunge distance

Product Description

15 Amps, AC only, 21,000 RPM, 1/2" collet, 3" plunge range with 6 position stop turret, Includes 1/2" collet and collet wrenches. ... Read more

Features

• 1/2" collet
• 15 Amps, AC only
• 21,000 RPM
• 3" plunge range with 6 position stop turret
• Includes 1/2" collet and collet wrenches

Amazon.com Review

Porter-Cable's 1-1/2-horsepower router is popular with woodworkers for good reason. It's reliable, powerful, and exceptionally smooth running--not to mention versatile. While you can get this great tool in a two-handle fixed base, plunge base, or D-handle configuration, this kit--which includes both the two-handle and the plunge base--is the best deal going. We really appreciate Porter-Cable's new autorelease collet, which prevents bits from getting frozen in the machine. It'd be great if Porter-Cable could come up with an alternative to needing two wrenches for a bit change, but this minor inconvenience is far outweighed by the tool's overall quality. In fact, Porter-Cable's focus on simple, quality engineering is the reason for this model's long-lasting success. The router doesn't offer electronic variable-speed control or enough power to effectively double as a shaper, but it is among the smoothest-running routers we've tried, producing consistently clean results. For most applications it offers all the versatility and muscle you need. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty/30 day performance certification
• Powerful cutting action
• Auto-release collet system
• Precision machined aluminum motor housing and base, includes fixed and plunge bases for versatility
• Long lasting, smooth operation

Reviews (15)

It will be used by many people for a long time
This set represents a very good value and versatility. Though I found securing the motor into the plunge base could be designed in a way more "user friendly " fashion, but being the only option in its class, P-C is happy with the sales graph and I don't think there will be any improvement about that anytime soon. These routers have 10 Amp. motors and they are capable of doing many routing tasks without a hiccup(within its capacity). All kinds of accessories and attachments are available from a wide variety of sources. I think their collets is the very best, regardless their duty class.(75XX series share the same collet.) Also, the other good thing about it; Their collets can travel beyond their sub-base, an often ignored, but when the time comes, appreciated feature. (Though, this nothing to do with the collet design; Because, both 690 and 693's based are designed to allow maximum travel of the motor unit, beyond the sub-base line.) It's also available with a D-handle Bottom line; It's a keeper.

A good tool value.
The versatility of this router is hard to beat. I leave the standard base fastened to my router table and use the plunge base for free hand work. The motor has power to spare and both bases are easy to adjust and use. My only serious criticism is that releasing the clamping mechanism on the plunge base is rather difficult. Keeping track of the wrench, screw, washer and nut while tapping the clamp free can be quite challenging if you work on a busy job site. I would recommend this product to anyone who needs a professional quality tool but has a limited budget.

Great buy
I just purchased this router and have been greatly impressed. Sure, there may be better routers out there in terms of more HP or finer plunge adjustments and so forth, but they are alot more expensive. I've learned to be realistic with my tool buys. I'm not a contractor, carpenter or professional woodworker. That being said, I try to spend my money wisely on tools the fit my hobby - weekends spent in my little home shop building funiture (tables, bedframes, picture frames, etc.) for myself and friends.

That being said, this is really a great router. The double base is wonderful in that I know I won't have to purchase another router for a long time. I don't find swapping the bases to be that big a deal at all. Bits are easy to change in and out. The only thing that concerned me was that it was only 1 1/2 horsepower. I thought I should get a beefier router at 2 or 3 HP. But after using this router for several projects now, I have learned that 1 1/2 HP is clearly enough power for nearly any job out there. I've not had a single hiccup or hesitation. The motor moves through the wood like a knife through butter.

I've used this router for detail work, like cutting details into picture frames, and for grunt work, like etching out mortises for a bed frame, and it handled both with ease.

For all my fellow weekend warriors, I'd highly suggest this router.

More Power Needed
I bought this Router and it worked just fine, until I had to do some real work. It lasted about 3 weeks.

I was routing a 1/2 inch wide by 3/4 deep rabit on a piece of red oak, using the router in a table. I had four bords to rout. I was almost done with the second board when the router started to make rude noises. A few seconds later, it just quit, leaving large amounts of ozone tainted air and a very frustrated user.

It turned out that both brushes were gone, totally burned away. One of the brush contacts on the spindle was entirely fused off. The router is now scrap.

I would buy, and am now, a router with more horsepower if you intend anythin else but occasional weekend work. Do not expect this router to last under anything other than ossasional use.

Great versatile tool, but has a few compromises
For home woodworkers, this is one of the best routers on the market. It allows you to permanently mount the fixed base into a table while still retaining the versatility of a plunge router. It's powerful, relatively free of vibration, and very well made.

One does make some compromises in choosing this over standalone plunge or fixed routers: most plunge routers (including PC's own dedicated 1.5 HP plunge router) have smoother action than this and more precise adjustments. The router is perfectly capable in this role however, and the average home woodworker will have no trouble with it as a plunge router. By contrast, this router is really excellent in a table: it's solid, quick to adjust, and relatively powerful. However, it doesn't have the power to drive the largest horizontal panel raiser bits, and to safely operate this router in a table you will need to buy a separate speed control.

I highly recommend Porter Cable routers; I think they are the best out there. If you're on a budget but still want a strong tool with lots of capabilities, this is absolutely the best choice. But if you have the money, buy the PC 3.25 HP fixed router for your table and buy the PC 1.5 HP plunge router for plunge work. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

When we bought our first router, we agonized about whether to buy a fixed base or a plunge. Well, we went for the fixed base; in fact, it was this model's predecessor, the Porter-Cable 690. But just as you'd imagine, we also ended up buying a plunge router later on. Had this deal been available back then, we'd have snapped it up. It offers one of the best basic fixed-base routers on the market with a second base that turns it into a plunge. The fixed base has P-C's neat micrometer ring adjustment that lets you raise or lower your bit just a hairsbreadth. This set is ideal for mounting the fixed base in a router table and lifting the body out to use in the plunge base, which, by the way, operates smoothly, has a nice chip deflector, and includes a convenient plunge lock right next to the handle. It also features a six-position stop turret with a 2-1/2-inch plunge range. Best of all, the router offers all the durability and smooth, reliable performance of the original 690 model, with a little more horsepower and a new take on the depth adjustment that prevents the motor from accidentally falling out of the base. If you're looking for bells and whistles, shop up the line a little more, but if you're looking for a solid workhorse with great accuracy and reliability along with the plunge option, this is a great deal. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• The motor housing and both bases are precision machined aluminum for better heat dissipation and long, smooth operation
• Get both a fixed and a plunge base for all routing applications
• 1-3/4 hp motor provide ample power for all but the biggest routing applications
• The 10,000 to 27,000 rpm electronic variable speed allows you to adjust your speed to accommodate any type of wood
• New "lever-release" height adjustment on the fixed base and a smooth locking lever on the plunge base ensure accurate routs every time

Reviews (14)

Porter-Cable 693VSPK Fixed and Plunge Base 1-3/4 HP Router K
Porter-Cable 693VSPK Fixed and Plunge Base 1-3/4 HP Router Kit with Case & Edge Guide
Porter-Cable.

I have looked at and tested alot of routers in the past month. If you want to save alot of time, go for this Porter Cable set. This is serious quality. There are a few that might be a little more user friendly, but you can bet they are cheaper made and will probably fall apart after a run them a few times.

I am just very pleased to own this Porter Cable Router set and wanted to pass that on.

Very nice router package
I purchased this kit earlier this year and have used it to build several projects, mostly lawn furniture and the like. It's a very high-quality kit, easy to use and understand. I've gotten consistent results, depth is easy to fix, and stays put. The edge guide is real time saver too.

My one complaint about routers that convert from fixed to plunge base is that the power switch (located at the top of the router) cannot be accessed without taking a hand off of one of the handles and reaching up. When you do this, your other hand is left trying to hold up a fairly heavy tool (esp after several hundred cuts) while the bit's spinning away. It just doesn't feel safe to me.

bad points
bad points-
1.) i don't understand why they're still making this in 1 3/4 hp. I guess they must have ordered too many of those 1 3/4 hp motors from taiwan

2.) customer service is poor. they should allow their customers to S-I-M-P-L-Y return their purchases when they are dissatisfied.. i say this especially for contractors who have to make a L-I-V-I-N-G and support our F-A-M-I-L-I-E-S with our T-O-O-L-S!!!

CONCLUSION
I got a Dewalt 2 hp plunge router instead... i'm satisfied with the versatality and power of the Dewalt.

THIS TOOL HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY FLAW
The Porter-Cable router, while robustly built, has as its primary weakness a collet that does not adequately grip the shafts of bits. I expereienced a recent incident where a properly seated and tightened rabbeting bit came loose and was propelled at a very high velocity. The bit glanced off the router base, struck the workpiece, and ended up being lodged in the ground. Fortunately no one was hurt! Previous to this "incident," the collet would fail to release bits, requiring a great amount of hand force to insert or remove the bits. Yet the same collet will not hold a bit in place during rotation.

Due to this substantial weakness in the design, I cannot give more than a one star rating of this router. Run like hell from this one. A user would be better served spending his/her money on DeWalt or Bosch. Even my cheap $80 Ryobi has never presented any safety issues like the Porter-Cable.

Excellent value for money
I researched all the usual manufacturers with router kits: DeWalt, Makita, Porter-Cable, Bosch. After reading many, many reviews on the available models and their pros and cons, I settled on the Porter Cable 693VSPK, ..., for the following reasons:
- the free (limited time) precision edge guide.
- RECENT improvements: soft start and variable speed.
- quality.
- availability of accessories.
- Price.
The biggest drawback about this router is the somewhat "rough" feel of the plunge base. This has been commented on by many others who have used or owned this tool and I was reluctant to buy this router initially for this very reason. The term silky smooth does not really apply to teh plunge action. It is smooth, but by no means silky - at least that is how it feels on demo units at the store. The DeWalt's plunge action is really silky smooth in comparison.
However, I decided to buy the PC router and put up with this small negative in this excellent tool's overall design. Once I got the tool home, I decided to look into why this plunge action felt "rough"... the answer is quite simple: the internal spring rubs against the screw threads on the internal guide rod that supports the travel limiting nuts. Here is what I did:
- remove the "stop nut" and travel limits nuts. The upper part of the plunge base will come off, exposing the internal springs.
- Remove the plastic base plate and undo the nut securing the threaded guide rod.
- gently file smooth the tips of the screw thread on the guide rod (it feels quite sharp, hence the source of the noise).
- remove all the factory grease and reapply wheel bearing grease all over the threads and the springs.
- reassemble the plunge base.
- apply some automobile engine oil to lubricate the plunge base moving parts.
The result: a silky smooth plunge action!

The one other thing I noted about this tool was that some cost cutting is obvious on some parts to keep the price down. Example: black oxide finished steel rods are used instead of polished steel, the fixed base clamp level is stamped steel instead of being a diecast piece (unlike DeWalt).

So far, I have no regrets with this tool purchase. Anyone looking for a fixed / plunge router kit should give the Porter Cable a serious look FIRST, before looking at the others and then ask yourself: is is worth paying $$$ more for other makes? ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty/30 day performance certification
• Advanced micro height adjuster
• Soft start and electronic brake
• Variable speed adjustment
• Easy blade changes

Reviews (23)

Very nice plunge router
I have had my PC for almost a year at this point. The soft start, the plunge, the variable speed controls, the on/off switch on the handle and the micro-meter adjustment are all wonderful. The chip deflector will fall off every so often but it is okay as well. My only problem was the space age looking guide that I had to buy extra. It looked as if it would be perfect as it too has a micro-meter adjustment. However, the guide itself would never stay where it was set so the router wandered. Very dissapointed in this and wish PC would fix it. Without question, I would buy another one as the power is great as is the finish.

Good Router with Too many problems
As with many others here, I cannot recommend it.

It feels great in your hands. Keeping everything close to your hands was a great idea. Portercable usually does their homework before tools leave the prototype stage. Apparently, the 7529 was an exception.

It has a very powerful motor (what pc doesn't?). The soft start and adjustable speeds are great! The 2hp motor really plows through the material. It's a bit heavy, but not any more than other plunge routers of the same hp. Bit changing has never been easier.

However, it's got it's problems too. The biggest problem is my trigger lock to keep the motor engaged in my router table doesn't work anymore. Now a screwdriver holds it in the on position. The adjustable depth lever doesn't work at all. The plunge feature springs out WAY to fast and with WAY to much force.

My suggestion is to stear clear of this router until Portercable decides to do a recall on them. I'm going to be taking mine to a service center to be fixed (hopefully).

I'd recommend the Freud FT2000EP 3-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Plunge Router for ...here at Amazon. I have one of these as well, and I love it.

Let's clear a few things up
This Porter Cable 2HP plunge router model number 7529 took Popular Woodworking's Best New Tool award January 2000. This thing is a well-designed, super engineered, heavy-duty piece of equipment. I brought it home, spent five minutes with it, and learned the controls. I think that is where the misunderstandings arise. The plunge release lock mechanism handle is loaded with a backing spring, which enables you to adjust it. So you press it in, and it will move to a new position, let it go, and it pops out to a position on the locking nut. If someone sets it improperly, the locking knob with either not release the plunge mechanism all of the way, causing an uneven snag on the way down,or if improperly set, too loose, can cause the plunge mechanism to not lock completely in order to hold the position. I think it is great of Porter Cable to make that feature adjustable. Comments in those two areas are due to not figuring out how the adjustment feature works. Additionally, instead of the locking mechanism holding a setting by simply releasing the lever, it requires that you give it a push also. So you let go of the lever, the spring moves it out, then a quick push to total lock. With this done properly, their are no off angles, or erratic movement. This thing is one superb professional piece of equipment.
Pertaining to the two wrench concerns, Porter Cable went one step further and gave you both a locking collet, that you can use only one wrench to change bits, or use two wrenches. Even with all that, it is difficult to understand complaints.
Out of the mud, and into the light. The beauty of this router is that the fine adjust knob is superbly engineered for under the table work, in addition to hand held work. Typically other plunge routers are bad for under the table work, because you have to compress a spring to plunge the router upside down. Makes you lift the entire table while trying to plunge. What Porter Cable did was to take the adjustment knob and make it work like a fixed base knob. You do have to push the locking knob in, as in the release position, the turn the adjusting knob. It moves quite readily, and also gives you a nice micro adjust capability. At first I thought it was broken, because the depth adjustment knob would not work at all, then I discovered you need to push it into the full release position. So anyhow, with this router, for under the table use, you can forget about fighting a spring upside down, the adjustment knob works independent of the plunge. What a great simple idea. I have the Bosch 1619EVS, which has a spring, defeat mechanism, but with this 7529 you don't even need that.
It is in the league of the quietest routers out there. The Makita and Fein are equally as quiet. The Bosch routers are a bit louder, but are great routers nonetheless.
If I had to be critical of the unit, I would have to agree that the dust shield, which is a removable window of plastic, sits in its trough by gravity alone. When using it right side up, it stays parked, but upside down in a table, it will fall out. But then again, who needs a dust shield for under a table. The tabletop becomes your shield, so I wouldn't be using the dust shield under the table. BR>Pertaining to weight, it only weighs 11 pounds, but has a heavy-duty industrial quality feel.
This is a great router.

Not Satisfied with ToolKing
Reconditioned tools should be functionally checked and cleaned prior to shipment to any customer.. The 7529 PC Plunge Router I received was neither clean nor functional when I received it.

In all fairness to ToolKing.... they did refund my purchase price and the cost of shipment one way, but declined to absorb the cost of my shipping costs to them.

It's doing the job so far
I bought this router after reading a number of great reviews in on-line magazines but before reading any of the reviews here on Amazon.[com.] I'm a bit surprised to read how many people have had problems. Here are my experiences so far:
My first task was to figure out the lock-on thumb switch. It seems to work backwards of the way I think it should. Now that I know how it's supposed to work, I can get it locked on every time.
The plunge was rather sticky for a while, but has smoothed out as it breaks in.
It took me an evening with the router and the directions to figure out how the heck the micro adjuster works. I'm still not totally clear, and it seems like there'd be a much easier way, but it still gets the job done.
Beyond that, I really like it. I haven't had any problems related to power, it eats right though whatever I've put in front of it.
It's rather quiet, especially compared to my PC 690!
I'm really surprised at how well the dust collection works, it does a fantastic job. The port underneath can get clogged with big chips if you are routing plywood so be sure to clean it out now and then.
I like the spindle lock idea, though I find it a bit difficult to hold the router steady and hold in the lock pin while twisting the wrench. I hate using two wrenches so I'd rather fumble with the mechanism.
Ergonomically it works for me. I like the feel of the handles and the placement of the major controls. The depth rod knob is a bit tight to get at, but still no big deal.
For the most part, I feel the fit and finish is very good. I'm sure there are higher build quality routers out there, but not for this price!
For the hobbyist, I think this is a great choice, but we'll have to see about it's longevity. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

A lion of a machine with the personality of a lamb, thePorter-Cable 97529 packs an extra-heavy-duty 12 amp motor with a supersoft start and an electronic brake that slows the bit to a stop andreduces the chance of injury. Your neighbors will like this machine,too, as it runs far quieter than almost any other router we've evertried. It's a dream for handheld use--it won't pull you around theblock as it's getting even the big jobs done--though the grips may betoo big for folks with small hands. What makes this router a winner isthat it's just as great in a router table, and that's unusual for aplunge. It has an advanced micro height adjustment for changes of 1/128of an inch, even in your table. Free hand, the adjustment is your depthstop for plunging--the rod's tip offers multiple stops, and you don'teven have to let go of the handles. Porter-Cable also includes a clearchip deflector, a trigger-lock on/off switch, and a master switch. Thevariable-speed dial on top is a cinch to use, from 10,000 to 23,000rpm. Another feature high on our list is the dust collection port. Thiskit includes a hard case with room for bits and an edge guide.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty/30 day performance certification
• Advanced micro height adjuster
• Soft start and electronic brake
• Variable speed adjustment
• Easy blade changes

Reviews (29)

A Good Router With Some Minor Quirks
Router arrived in good shape. Overall the unit has plenty of power for most jobs. Like some other reviewers, I too have trouble with the trigger release since it is not a natural motion (maybe that's by design, I dunno). The plunge stop is easy to set. The spring is a little stiff so it does take a bit of effort to plunge the unit down. The electronic variable speed is relatively easy to set. I'm concerned, however, that dust and chips seem to build up around the variable control and work their way behind it. The first few times you use the router it seems a little odd in that the motor "spins up" slowly unlike a traditional fixed-speed router which runs full-tilt almost instantly. Bit changes are relatively simple. A spindle lock is provided. I didn't have any problem with the 1/4 inch collet like one of the other reviewers did. I still find myself using my old fixed-speed router for a lot of applications where I don't need the plunge capability (e.g. round overs, simple edge profiles, etc.) The PC unit accepts a variety of standard collars which is great for some applications.

SHAME ON YOU PORTER CABLE
PORTER CABLE REALLY BLEW IT ON THIS ONE. THE SWITCH WENT OUT IN THE FIRST 10 MINUTES. A YEAR AND A HALF LATER IT IS DEAD, WAITING FOR ITS FOURTH SWITCH. IN ADDITION TO THE SWITCH FAILURES, THE SWITCH LOCKING MECHANISM IS VERY AWKWARD AND IS PRONE TO FAIURE.
THE ROUTER IS ALSO UNDERPOWERED. THIS ROUTER STALLS OUT ON PROJECTS THAT MY 1-1/2 HP CRAFTSMAN BREEZES THROUGH. THE PLUNGE MECH CONSTANTLY STICKS AND THE MICROADJUST NEVER WORKED.
THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOT ANY BETTER. THEY HAVE YET TO RETURN MY PHONE CALLS OR E-MAILS. MY NEXT ROUTER WILL DEFINATELY NOT BE A PORTER CABLE.

Very disappointed!
I was very disappointed with Porter Cable. The plunge mechanism sticks, the on button is hard to lock on for router table use, the depth gauge is extremely hard to use, and it is not compatible with most after-market accessories. Mine is sitting on a shelf. In its place is a DeWalt 621 plunge router. It is lighter, has a much better depth gauge and is just better all around. I love my DeWalt 621. I wish I had bought it first.

router
This has been a good router for me. It has good power, and the soft start works well. The controls are easy to use.

Not the quality I expected.
The 7529 worked ok in plunge mode although it was rather stiff and smooth plunging was a problem. However in shaper mode it was a big let down. As noted by another reviewer the handle power switch would not lock on, I also had to tape it, but worse was the micro adjuster. The adjusting knob is too close to the body and not shaped for other than working with the finger tips. I could not move the bit up as the weight of the inverted router was too great for my fingers to overcome. My old ELU router (now DeWalt and the worse for it) had a rod with a Tee handle which extended clear of the body. This arrangement was far easier. ... Read more

Product Description

Two routers, one motor, in one kit. Kit includes #690 1-3/4 HP router with 10 Amps, 23,000 RPM, 1/4" & 1/2" collets and standard base along with plunge base, wrenches and case. ... Read more

Product Description

- Voltage: 120 Volt - Frequency: 60 Hz - Diameter of Blade: 1/2" - Plunge Depth: 0 - 2-19/32 - No Load Speed: 18,000 rpm - Includes Guide And Plate ... Read more

Features

• A Robsecure "Home Edition" 2 HP Electric Plunge Router

Features

• 2 Year Warranty
• 1.75 Horsepower 9 AMP, 25,000 no load RPM router
• 2 in. Maximum Plunge with 1/4 in. Collet Capacity
• All Ball Bearing Construction
• Easy-view depth indicator and fine adjustment knob

Reviews (4)

Inexpensive quality with one major problem
The Skil 1840 is one of the least expensive plunge routers you can buy, but the low price tag is not reflected in the quality. The router handles smoothly and doesn't feel "cheap" in any way. The low price does make itself felt, however, in the lack of bells and whistles that are found in higher-end routers. There is no dust extraction system, no soft-start, no multi-position turret.

The most serious flaw with this router, though, is its depth gauge. In a nutshell, depth adjustment is far from accurate, and is best described as "eyeball and guess." If accuracy of depth is important to you, you'll have to make several practice cuts in scrap followed by minute adjustments to get it right. In fact, if accuracy of depth is important to you, you're better off with a different router.

Still, you can't beat the Skil 1840 for value. If you're on a budget and just want a quality router without the extra features, this is the one for you.

Great inexpensive plunge router
This router has done everything we have thrown at it without any trouble. Our only complaint is it's lack of a larger collet. We are looking for another router now because of that very reason. We need 1/2" capability.

Inexpensive, not cheap.
I didn't expect much from this router since it is priced so far below the competition. But I looked at it in the store, and I couldn't find any obvious problems, so I purchased. I have been pleased in every way. I'm a weekend worker, but I am a pretty heavy user in that category, using this tool to make trim and moulding for my hundred year old house. This router gives me more than I need, and hasn't been weak with cherry or oak. It moves smoothly, plunges with fairly high precision, and is not overly loud. I'm very happy.

Skil 1840 1-3/4 Horsepower Plunge Router Does the Job!
This Skil plunge router is a great buy for the money. It moves freely and does not bog down, even in hard, dry white oak. Easy to handle, good viewing capabilities, and is quieter than some I've used in the past. You definately get your moneys worth and then some! ... Read more

Features

• 2 Year Warranty
• 1/4 in. Collet Capacity
• Quick Collet
• Soft Start
• Variable Speed

Reviews (6)

Pleased
I didn't read the reviews before purchasing this router and I'm glad I didn't. I looked for the best combination of features and this was it. The quick release does take a bit of muscle behind it to lock into place but I still consider it easier that a wrench. I love the soft start and have had no problems with the motor. I have had the unit about 30 days but have not had any regrets yet.

absolute junk
OK, so I ignored the other reviews and bought it. What a mistake. You know the "Greed" thing that some humans suffer. It got me. I thought: variable speed, quick collet....what a deal. FORGET IT. The collet requires the fingers of a gorilla and the variable speeds are not what you think. The speed varies of its own desires. Very annoying until it completely stops. I took mine back and got the DeWalt 621. Right, Should have initially and saved the gas money. Believe the reviews....DON'T waste your time on this piece of junk.

Horrible
I read the reviews of this router before I bought it. I figured that the reports of dying motors and bad collets wouldn't get the best of me. I was wrong. After about a month and a half I am having huge problems. Cutting in soft pine, which should be no trouble for a router such as this, proved to be impossible for this pathetic machine. The engine faded and then died completely. After a few hours I got it running again, but the same thing happened again and again. This is about this most worthless tool ever, most Skil tools have proven to follow this trend. I am now waiting for a refund check (luckily this happened within the first 90 days) so that I can get a descent router. Take it from me, don't buy this router. I thought that I would save some money but get just a good of a router, doesn't happen. Spend some more money and get a good one, you will save in the end.

Quick Collet - Mine was BAD!
This router works great but my Quick Collet went BAD after about 1 hours use. The Bits would work there way out while cutting. I would purchase the model below this one that uses a wrench to tighten the bit in place.

Pure Junk!
Now I have had the opportunity to use many brands of routers andrecently I bought this model to play with.

Well after going to a. .. store near work; I went home and unpacked my new and shinny router. I loaded it with a bit and went to work. After about 15 minutes of use, the motor started to fade in and out. So after my second trip to [the store], [this time by my house] I again unpacked my second new and shinny router. This time after 15 minutes of use, the bit kept falling out and again the motor faded in and out. Seems the wrenchless collet did not want to hold any bits. So off again I went to [the store] but this time I bought a Porter Cable #7529. No problems with that one!

Now in all fairness if the motor worked properly and if the collet would hold a bit, this would have been a great buy. But instead, after shop testing two of these from different locations, I view this router as a BUST! ... Read more