Looking for online, up to date, review of mid-priced routers. Bday means new tool time. Currently have cheap Bosch fixed base router, looking fro 2.5 HP
1/2" multi-base router. Looking to spend around $200.Point me to the right place - thanks!
PC 890 series. You'll not notice the 1/4 HP difference.
You _sure_ you can't put a different base on that router? If the motor can be removed, if it's round, and if it's 3.5 inches in diameter, and if the switch is on the motor and not on the base then it will probably fit the Porter-Cable bases.
I doubt it'll fit PC bases, have you actually done it? It sure would be cool if they were interchangeable.
Bosch makes a whole lineup of bases for the 1617 series of routers. I have a single speed and variable speed motor, a plunge base, two fixed bases, a fixed base in a table, and a D handle, all interchange happily.
Barry
I recently purchased a DeWalt 618B from Amazon and love it. The "B" designates the kit that includes the plunge base, the fixed double ear base and the fixed D base, all in a plastic case and a couple of extra base plates. I paid $245 with shipping and it arrived in 3 days (to upstate NY). I looked hard at the PC's and decided on the DeWalt based on the included bases - otherwise I find PC and DeWalt to be very competitive routers.
There's a good list of routers and their specifications at
Like I said, measure it--if it's round, 3.5 inches in diameter, and doesn't have anything oddball sticking up then it will fit. Personally I'm running the motor from a '60s vintage Black&Decker that I inherited from my father in a Porter-Cable plunge base. The base has a round clamp for holding the router motor, it's just a smooth cylinder 3.5 inches in diameter with several grooves, one of which provides clearance for the adjustment rack on the B&D motor.
FWIW, the 1617 fits the same Mast-R-Lift adapter as the Porter-Cable 690
--that same ancient B&D motor fits that adapter just fine, so it's a fair bet the 1617 motors will fit the Porter-Cable plunge base as well.
Some data on DW 618 here:
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