Porter-Cable 690LR 11 Amp Fixed-Base Wood Router Review

Efficient and powerful, the Porter Cable Router 690LR Fixed-Base uses a heavy motor of 1 ¾ horsepower in order to generate an excellent 27,500 rpm for accurate cuts. There are two ergonomic handles strategically placed on the router in order to make routing more comfortable and easier, even on all-day tasks. For extra practicality, the router includes Collets which can accept half-inch and quarter-inch shank bits.

A vital add-on to any woodworking store, the Porter Cable router owes its vigorous execution to an 11-amp, single-speed motor that gives 1 ¾ peak horsepower in order to deal with an array of tasks. For a steady and consistent execution, the cam-lock lever allows for basic height adjustments. A fast fixed-base motor release permits the user to transfer the motor pack between the d-handle and plunge bases. Precise to within 1/128 inches, a micro-depth adjustor guarantees the best possible accuracy.

As hard-wearing as it is effective, the router features an accuracy-machined aluminium motor base and housing. A sealed ball-bearing construction and a dust-sealed switch protect against wear and tear, even in an industrious store or busy job site.

Features you might like

5 Year warranty

The Gold Standard Manufacturer in routers

Built to last

A bit facts for the consideration

Poorly located switch

No soft start feature

No speed control

The Porter-Cable 690LR 11 Amp Fixed-Base Wood Router is best suited for:

Hand routing

Home use

Industrial use

Porter-Cable 690LR 11 Amp Fixed-Base Wood Router Features:

11 Amp motor

1-3/4 Peak hp

27,500 rpm single speed motor

Cam lock lever enables simple coarse height adjustments and motor release (fixed base)

Micrometer depth adjustor accurate to 1/128-inch

Dust-sealed switch

Sealed ball bearing construction

Precision machined aluminum motor housing and base

Here is a review by “Luke T. Evens”

Walk through any production cabinetmaking or woodworking shop and you’ll probably see 7 out of 10 workers using Porter Cable 690 routers. Most pro woodworkers own several (one guy in my shop owns 23, but he’s not normal), and have them equipped with the most commonly used bits and production set-ups. Durable, capable, and simple in concept and design, the 690 is hard to beat.

The new lever release adjustment clamp is nice, but a lot of people prefer the older turn-key type. I’ve found that the turn-key types tend to strip out over periods of extended use, but it is easier to get finer adjustments with them. If you get the lever type, keep it lubricated and adjusted (not too tight) and you’ll find it works just fine.

Lots of people seem to be unhappy with the updated switch placement, and I must say it is a little annoying, but not so much that it outweighs the other qualities of this fine router. The older toggle switch sure was nice, though. It could probably be retrofitted quite easily.

Due to the widespread use of this router, there are many jigs and templates available for it, certainly more than any other best wood router. The Porter Cable plunge base that is available for this router is decent and durable. Like everything else Porter Cable, it is simple and not flashy. That’s fine with most pro woodworkers, since most know that function beats style any day.