I was looking at this router at my local big box store. It was on the discount table. It appears to have been used once and returned. The wrenches, and both collets are in the plastic case, but no manual. I did notice the screws for the router plate are missing.

For those of you that have one (fixed base), what is your opinion?

Cheapest price I have found is $131.00 at Amazon. This one is marked $99.


I don't have a specific reason for buying another router except for the price.

What's y'alls take on this? Yes/No. No maybes

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50-75$ because it's used and you weren't there when it was used...
let alone stuff missing and the new generation PC bearings are in question...

I have a 690 that I'm quite pleased with. I'd bite because a guy can never have too many routers, but it's not the deal of the century.

I think I will pass. To me, if the screws are missing, it must have been mounted in a table... or...???I don't know.
Thanks for the help.

@ Andy - I am not accustomed to the depth adjustment by having to turn the motor. I guess that is something that I would get used to.

I've used PC690's for years, and really like them - other than the locking mechanism although I understand that some of the newer models use a different lock than the T-bolt on the older models. As I've gotten older, my hands have a problem tightening the T-bolt properly so I've been converting them to use an adjustable handle as shown - handle down is locked tightly and handle up is loose enough that the motor spins easily in the base. The router shown is actually the D-handle with one of Alan Warner's extended/offset bases which, to me anyway, gives a really stable operating unit. I probably like the D-handle model because it reminds me of my first router, a Sears with the trigger switch in the handle (stolen many years ago). I have another 690 motor, variable speed, mounted in my router table, one mounted in a fixed base like the one you show and one in a plunge base. I don't really need another router either, but would probably jump on that one for $99.

Tom

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Thanks Tom. The one I looked at has the lever release (or clamp) to secure the motor in place.

PC stuff is all new territory for me. I have Bosch routers and a Triton.

The 690 was the best router for the money you could buy. Every after market product for routers were designed to fit the 690. Good for you on the Bosch routers. Bosch make there base holes the same as the 690 to capitalize on the above fore mentioned.

I think the micro adjust works a little better than your Bosch. If you need to micro adjust just line up the zero on one of the lines and slightly open the latch. Twist the desired amount and relock. Its fast and ready no matter what depth the router is set at.

But don't get me wrong. I was looking to pick up a Bosch last week and know its a really good router.

Al

Geez Mike I'd hate to see you make the jump to quality equipment like Porter cable . Just stay with your average routers Eh .
Where would this madness stop , Festool?

I have purchase that same router for $99 delivered on Amazon a couple of times, so that's not a good deal. $75 would be about correct.

I have to say. Some parts of the new 690 are not as good of quality as the older 690s. I like to buy the older ones even if they're used.

Al