Dave H Posted November 30, 2021 Report Share Posted November 30, 2021 I've been trying to replace my 690 router a few months ago couldn't find one. I thought it might be the supply chain or Covid but, there doesn't seem to be any Porter Cable routers for sale has anyone heard what the problem is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted November 30, 2021 Report Share Posted November 30, 2021 Shoot. . https://www.finewoodworking.com/forum/no-more-porter-cable-routers 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 From what I hear, they quit making 'real' routers some time ago. Shame. They used to be made in a plant across the road from where I work. Norm Abrams toured that plant in a NYW episode. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim DaddyO Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 FWIW the Bosch M23 routers are nice. The good old 1619 Bosch is not quite as nice, but I have one in mounted in my table and seems a good solid unit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 The odd thing to me from a business plan perspective is that routers were Porter Cable's claim to fame. It's what came to mind when someone said "Porter Cable". After that I'd have to have a good think to remember what else they make, and an even longer think to remember when was the last time I heard someone extolling the virtues of one of those "other" products. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 Their belt sander? I have a circ saw made by them and a jig saw. Both cheap but work well. I agree their routers were their ticket. Makes no sense to have axed them.... It's clear because it seems like all router bushings are based of the porter cable system.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 2 minutes ago, Chestnut said: .. It's clear because it seems like all router bushings are based of the porter cable system.... All the good ones, anyway. Bosch has their own design, stamped sheet steel that is rather poor. I have an adapter on my wish list, to make my collection of PC style bushings work in my new Bosch baseplate. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Immortan D Posted December 1, 2021 Popular Post Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 On 12/1/2021 at 11:18 AM, Mark J said: The odd thing to me from a business plan perspective is that routers were Porter Cable's claim to fame. It's what came to mind when someone said "Porter Cable". After that I'd have to have a good think to remember what else they make, and an even longer think to remember when was the last time I heard someone extolling the virtues of one of those "other" products. I have the PC 12" dovetail jig and even though it is not "state of the art" , I like it. I made several drawers with half blinds with it, they came out nice. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyJack Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 Their 690 routers were cheap. This is why cabinet shops ordered them. Why they sold so many. If I wanted a better router at the time Bosch was just more money. A lot of the cabinet making equipment in 80-90's either had PC or Bosch in them. Whoever got the the contact. The only reason OC got even further was the sale of a staple gun and compressor for $119 I think it was. Porter cable nails work in Senco guns. PC had a good run. Now? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 I have a whole bunch of 690's dedicated to special operations. I don't even know how many. One is a D-handled Rockwell, bought in the early to mid '70's. They're all still running. Since they're dedicated to a particular use, none get used a whole lot. For a while, they were giving away a small router when you bought a 690, so I loaded up then, and have a couple of tool boxes of palm routers with dedicated bits. Four 690's are dedicated for hanging house doors. One for the door template. One for the jamb template. One for the lock strike, and one for the lock plunger mortise in the door. When I change a bit in a router, the ones I reach for are mid sized Milwaukee. I don't remember the model number, but they're nice routers. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyJack Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 PC had a lot of reasonable tools. I sold the hinge plate setup. Came in a nice metal box. The cheaper small routers were the 7310. There okay.. The good compact router is the pc310. They used them in Castle poket hole machines among side the 0c690. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted December 1, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 Darn, I loved my porter cable router, I guess I'll just have to find a new favorite. I dropped my PC router off my bench it still works but it doesn't sound good anymore I've had this one for at least 10yrs. Thanks for the info guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlyoak Posted December 5, 2021 Report Share Posted December 5, 2021 On 12/1/2021 at 9:18 AM, Mark J said: routers were Porter Cable's claim to fame. This dates me. My first introduction to porter cable was the 503 sander. Looks like a locomotive. Very heavy. I had apprentice status and this sander was off limits to me. Not for the unexperienced. I did play a little with it and was glad that it was for the boss only. That was late 1960's. https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-porter-cable-locomotive-belt-3777360941 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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