I have a portercable 690lrvs with a fix base(1001) and a plunger base (6931). I'm in the process of doing a simple router table and I want to use my plunge base on the table. Since thts is my only router I'm looking to see if people have modefied the holding clamp on the plunge base so it's esaiser to pull out???
Another fixed base is only about $35.00. I have one permanently mounted to the table. About the lock on the plunge base. There is a little trick that they should put in the manual that makes it work quite easily. When you put the motor into the plunge base, don't let it slide all the way to the bottom of the casting, leave about 1/8" gap. When you want to take it out, loosen the clamp and slide the motor in the rest of the way. The clamp will release easily. The way suggested in the manual is asinine.
CW - thanks, I been struggling with that #$%# clamp since that router combo came on the market, cursing the "engineer" who designed it each time I had to change over! I've even considered buying a new router just because of the poor design of that one part. One shouldn't have to resort to tool(s) to switch bases.
I have a Porter Cable 693 combo set like that. I'm not sure how it differs from the 690, but like you I chose to use the plunge base in my crude router table.
I didn't make any modifications to the plunge base except for adding an adjustment knob I bought from Highland Hardware.
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If I remember right, I just removed the adjustment nuts from the guide rods and screwed the knob on. Very quick and easy.
My router is easy to access from under the table, so I just flip the lock lever, turn the knob to adjust the height I need, then lock the lever again. It works wonderfully.
"Christian" wrote in news:ea2fe.9138$ snipped-for-privacy@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca:
I have been less than positively impressed with the plunge base for the 690 series. As another poster indicated, a spare fixed base is pretty inexpensive, and ends up getting a fair anount of use. I put mine in a horizontal configuration once in a while, for some mortising applications.
I'm looking to pick up a fixed base for my PC691 to leave in my router table- anyone have a link to a supplier that has got them at a decent price? I know it's not exactly on the original topic, but it seemed like a good thread to throw this into.
Nice tip and one that I'll be sure to use IF I ever get my plunge base to mate with my 690.
I bought a brand new kit, "new, old stock" on eBay. Router works fine in the fixed base but is damn near impossible to get the motor into the plunge base. I completely removed the locking unit on the plunge base and the router motor will not simply slip into the cast plunge base - it's as if it's a few thousandths shy of the correct diameter. It's not obviously deformed and if I push like crazy, carefully, it will go in but then it's equally difficult to remove. Waxing the router motor helps but only marginally.
PC Tech support says it's not a common problem and cautioned me to make sure the locking mechanism was totally removed (after ignoring my statement that that's exactly what I'd already done). They suggested that if that doesn't work, to take it in to one of their service centers which I will be doing.
Anyone else run across this problem? It appears as if the casting's been properly machined, i.e. didn't slip past the inspectors on a lunch break.
You can't be sure that it was properly machined by looking at it. You need to measure. If it's that tight, there is a problem. My plunge base also has a problem. I had had it over a year before I tried to mount an edge guide to it. I have the PC adjustable edge guide that fits the fixed base just fine. The mounting holes on the plunge base are out of position far enough that the edge guide will not fit. I have a PC service center about 1/4 mile down the road. Asked them about it and they basically said "tough shit".
Here's the response I received. Hopefully, by taking it to the FACTORY service center rather than an "Authorized" I might have better luck.
Think I'll dig out the warranty as well. The time has long since elapsed on this new old stock router set purchased from a private party but if the base doesn't properly fit the router there may be some merchantability issues which transcend the warranty. I hope!
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