This Old Workshop, Porter Cable Router Kit review, woodworking

Woody Tool Workout:

Porter-Cable Variable Speed Super Combo Kit

Available from Rockler

The Porter-Cable Variable Speed Super Combo Kit became a recent addition to my growing router setup in my shop. I was looking for a combo set that offered some good versatility along with decent value. I wanted a router that would fit well into my Mast-R-Lift Router system table, as well as offer a wide selection of uses. The PC Combo kit fit the bill. I liked the ability to choose which base I needed to use to fulfill the requirements of the specific job I needed to perform. The PC motor changes out very easily from base to base and each one is well thought out and designed with realistic use in mind. You will find the adjustments easy to reach, manipulate and change with accuracy and ease. The added feature of variable speed adjustment makes the use of large or small cutting bits safe as well as productive. The 1-3/4 HP motor packs the strength and durability you need in a shop. The Carrying case I received with my kit did not fit the 'D' handle base which is a minor inconvenience if you want to keep the set together but this detracts very little from the set on the whole.

Over the coming seasons I have planned many projects to put this set through it's paces. I will keep you informed on its durability, but I expect it to be a strong contender with my experience with Porter Cable products in the past.

After putting the Router to work in each of the bases, as well as in a fixed base inside my router table. I found it powerful enough to cut well in both hardwood and plywood. I used it to build a finely crafted Walnut tressel table for a friend, as well as creating molding to finish out some of the trim in my house which was about to hit the sales market.

Porter Cable lists its features as:

Model 694VK
11 amps, AC only, 1/4" & 1/2" collets.
10,000-27,500 RPM, soft start.
Auto-release collet system ends "frozen" bits.
Solid, die-cast and precision machined motor housing and bases for greater accuracy and durability.
Dust-sealed switch.
Permanently sealed precision ball-bearing construction.
Under table stop prevents motor from inadvertently rotating out of base.
Power: 120 VAC, 25-60 HZ
Motor Diameter: 3 1/2"
Peak HP: 1-3/4
Rated Input Current (Amps): 11
No-Load Speed (RPM): 10,000 - 27,500

It has always been my contention that every home shop without exception needs a router set up to be complete. The versatility of these tools is without question. It is also my contention that the Porter-Cable Variable Speed Super Combo Kit offered by Rockler is an outstanding system and any woodworker who needs a versatile setup could not go wrong with this combo kit.

For these reasons I give it a 'Full Woody' rating

Check out these other router deals from Rockler.