PORTER-CABLE Router, Fixed/Plunge Base Kit, 12-Amp, 2-1/4-HP (895PK)

I won't waste space on the many positive aspects of the new 890 router. If I had purchased just the 892P fixed base unit, this would be a 5 star rating. The plunge base gets only 2 stars from me though. I only wish I'd known what to expect and saved the extra $60 for the plunge.Before addressing the plunge I do have 3 minor comments on the motor and fixed base. First, the spindle lock is not impressive. It's about a 3/32" pin that's fairly sloppy and it extends only about 3/32" into the much larger 3/16" spindle hole. Overall, it's much less positive than one on one my little PC laminate trimmer. With so little contact area, even light wrench torque will produce bearing stresses in the 100,000+ psi range. I expect the hole/pin would soon wear to the point of being useless. Also, the spindle lock actuator is a poor design. It requires the nearly square edged lock pin to ride up about a 45 degree ramp of aluminum as you extend the motor to full depth. It doesn't work well, but that's OK since I don't plan to use the spindle lock anyway. Porter Cable should definitely include 2 wrenches (you only get 1) for those of us who don't want to use the spindle lock. Second, the pinion gear on the height adjustment is plastic, and has only one thread. It hasn't broken yet, but time will tell. Third, the large hole base is too flimsy. The flex results in wavy edges when edge routing. Another reviewer blamed it on the fact the bottom of the fixed base is not machined. I don't think that would help. The base is just too flexible. I replaced it with the old style phenolic.As for the plunge base, I think PC really missed an opportunity. Despite all the design improvements in the 890 series, the plunge rods/bushings were not one of them. Don't be fooled by those tall plunge towers. Only the bottom 1 1/2" is bushing. With the plunge lock off, the clearances in the bushing/posts results in at least 1/32" lateral deflection at the point of entry of a 1" tall bit. It tightens up some when locked, but it still seems far too loose for precision template guide work. I don't think mine is just a bad example. This was just a mediocre design in the 690 and appears to have been carried over as-is. Maybe I was expecting too much since this is my 5th PC router. On the positive side, there are significant improvements in other aspects of the plunge base such as the motor clamp and dust collection provisions. If you are satisfied with the plunge action of the old 690 you will probably like the 890 better. In fairness, most other plunge routers in this price class are just as sloppy but many are smoother.

I needed a variable speed router so that I could start using larger bits, like raised panel, where you must lower the rpm or risk injury from carbide shrapnel. I already have an 690, and it's a fine machine, so I trusted P-C to make an equally good variable speed machine.1) I was very pleased with the depth adjustment rod that works with my current router table (after drilling the proper holes.)2) The plunge router base has an efficient dust containment/evacuation port where you can attach a hose to the top of the machine. I don't have the right hose size just yet, but managed to hold my 2-1/2" hose loosely over the port and it worked really well despite not having an air-tight connection.3) The soft-start motor is great and the router doesn't try to torque itself out of your grip.4) Speed control is done with a dial with speed indications on it. I once tried one of those stand-alone speed controllers  VenTech VT SPD-CTRL VTSPEED Variable Dial Router Fan Speed Controller for Duct and Inline Fans  where you connect the router to a small box and turn a knob. That thing does slow the motor but does NOT maintain speed under load. Only a router with built-in speed control (or a much more expensive SCR-type speed control box will do that.)5) Fit and finish of this router is very good. The handles are easy to grip, and the on-off switch is snappy and easy to reach (in two places).I do recommend buying the badge guide for this machine, especially if you plan to cut mortices, dados, rabbets, and so forth.  PORTER-CABLE 42690 Edge Guide (for Models 100, 690, 691, 693, 891, 892, 893 Routers)  The product description doesn't mention that the edge guide fits the 895PK, but it does.6) this router kit comes in a large black case. I do wish the instructions showed a layout of how the engineers envisioned the placement of the accessories inside the case. It's not intuitive where each thing is supposed to go.This afternoon I spend an hour practicing with my new router making mortices. Smooth action on the plunge base, and NO MESS because the dust collection system worked so well. I am very happy with my new router and wish I had spend the money on it sooner.

Awesome That’s all I can say. Thanks porter cable. Long story, but this is the best design yet.

Excelente equipo, me parece que el precio es mas alto que muchas otras marcas, pero si es mejor calidad!

Me gusto mucho. No hace casi ruido, es ligera, muy facil de utilizar. Compatible con otros accesorios.

love the router

Flawless work of art. A must have in any shop.