Porter Cable vs. Craftsman

rprice54

Just wanted a little input on a router decision. I've basically narrowed it down to Porter Cable 694VK or the Craftsman 26620. From what I can tell the kits are basically the same, 1/4 and 1/2 collets, fixed and plunge bases, variable speed, etc. The only big difference is the reported HP of the units, PC being 1 and 3/4 with the Craftsman advertising 2 and 1/4. Right now I can find both for $199.

I know the power ratings aren't always the most accurate indication of power, but the craftsman seems to be more powerful. I'm leaning towards the craftsman after learning it's really made by bosch. I've found plentyof accessories for both, maybe a few more craftsman accessories but I know they're all out there online somewhere. just thought I'd ask you guys before I bit the collet and bought the thing. Thanks.

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berry

I've got two Craftsman routers. A fixed base older unit 17432 that use .25" collet. And a newer plunge router with .5" collet 275062. Overall they've performed well although I have nothing to compare it to and the fixed base did need service. I'm a hobbist, not a full time woodworker.

However, if I had it to do all over I'd go with Porter Cable. 1) It's VERY difficult to get a base or router table plate inserts that accepts Porter Cable style template guides and fits the 3 gazillion
Craftsman models. Sometimes I think each router Sears sells is a new model.

Anyway that's my 2 cents. Berry in St Paul

Glenmore

Welcome to the forums rprice54. In my own experince with craftsman is that if you buy their brand you will have to stick to their brand and only go to sears for accessories only. At least with the Porter cable accessorries are unlimted access. I had a fixed based crapsman I dumpstered it very disappointed with it couldn't adjust it and had to watch the switch kept coming on by it self found out 3 months later that there was a recall on the switch. So I went with the 690 porter cable I wish I went for the 694 just for the extra base. Hope this points in the right direction.

__________________
Glenmore

Days without wood working are days not worth getting up for.

jerrymayfield

Sears and many others state their HP (often in small print)as instantaneous HP.I spent many years in the electrical field,about 20 as an electrician, and in the real world this is no load power. The true HP is stated as the full load power or HP. An approximate way to determine no-load HP is Volts times amps divided by 746- although it disregards power factor this is very close. To say this is misleading advertising is being kind. Buy the Porter Cable.
Regards
Jerry

rprice54

thanks for the feedback. so even with the extra bells and whistles (work light, microadjustments, and maybe more power) on the craftsman you guys would stick with PC?

one more question, how important is the electronic feedback that's reported to keep the bit speed constant? I read one review that basically knocked the PC for not having this and praised the craftsman for having it.

as I look at router accessories, jigs, etc online I notice the PC routers seem to be pretty standard for accepting these.

reikimaster

Not sure if this whole URL will paste in here... but a quick check on "1617EVSPK" at Amazon.com also brought up this package deal 1617EVSPKE.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013

I have a Bosch 1617EVSPK and it's a nice machine.

rprice54

well I went ahead and got the PC 694vk. The free D handle after mail in rebate helped push me over the edge. and I picked up the template guides as well, but now I look at the bosch, very confusing. does that accessory pack come with it or is it extra, the website itsn't that clear.

I didn't realize amazon had tools as well. so do I return the PC now??? decisions, decisions...

bobj3

I have been using routers for about 35 years and the best one I have used is the
Porter Cable
I have 6 Porter Cables and many other brands but I like the P.C. best of all.
I have 3 of them in tables and the other are free to go where i need them.
They have got so much better in the last 5 years.
I got one of the new ones with the battery type and it's great.

Just my 2 cents.
Have a good one.