1-1/2 HP D-Handle Router, 10A, AC Only, 23,000 RPM, 1/4" & 1/2" Collets. Auto-Release Collet System Ends "Frozen" Bits, Precision Machined Aluminum Housing & Base, Accurate Micrometer Depth-Of-Cut Adjustment, 100% Sealed Ball Bearings, Includes 1/4" & 1/2" Collets, Wrench Set & Operating Manual.
Porter-Cable's 1-3/4-horsepower router is popular with woodworkers for good reason. It's reliable, powerful, and exceptionally smooth running--not to mention versatile. Although the 691 comes with a D-handle base, the motor is interchangeable with Porter-Cable's excellent plunge base or two-handle fixed base. Both matching bases are available separately for much less than the cost of a new router, and switching bases for different applications is a quick and easy operation.
We really appreciate Porter-Cable's new autorelease collet design, 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 could ask for. --Brian Trinen
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
great router:
I've had mine for over three years now and haven't had a problem yet. As far as torque is concerned it's not Porter Cable's top of the line but it is in the way of the base design. The D-handle with power trigger is the way to go for maximum router control. I noticed that another customer accused this router of being a "knuckle buster." This is only true if you change bits incorrectly. If you position the wrenches close enough together you can squeeze them toward each other with one hand for the initial... more info
An aging standard:
I've owned this router for more than 10 years. It is dead reliable. I prefer the D-handle version as it affords better control. The 690 line is still THE standard reference for routers, though the design is aging. I would expect that anyone buying this router would be quite happy with it, but as more and more routers come available with variable speed, soft-start, better adjustment mechanisms, shaft locks, etc., the decision is harder than it used to be. 10 years ago I would have given this router 5 stars.... more info
Porter Cable 691 D-Handle Router:
This is an excellent router choice, either if you were looking for an extra router to add to your routing arsenals or simply looking for your first router. It is powerful and yet easy to handle. I believe this is the perfect router to be used on a dovetail jig, especially the Porter Cable jigs.
router review:
probably one of the best made would be perfect if they changed to a lever release and variable speed
