Remember - Measure Twice, Cut Once

Professional Renovations - 30 Years Experience

The Best Router – Period!



If you know a few carpenters or woodworkers, you will know they love to talk about “Good” tools. The ones that exceed their expectations.

I think it is because there are so many crappy tools around that the good ones really stand out, and when they find ones that work well and can take a crap load of abuse, they just have to tell all their friends and anyone that happens to lend an ear.

I’m no different… and that leads me to the Porter-Cable 9690 Router

I’ve owned a lot of power tools over the years and only a small number last more than several years. The Porter-Cable 1/2″ router is one of these. The 9690 I own has been with me so long I can’t even remember how long ago I bought it – has to be several years at least and I use it on a weekly basis so it gets its share of use… and abuse, I don’t baby this router. It has been dropped, pushed to the max, used on maple, plastics, plywood and any other wood you can probably think of – and it works as good today as it did when I bought it!

Bottom line – this router kicks ass and is the best you can buy for the money!

What makes this router last so long is the design. It is simple and does not have lots of fancy springs and goodies. It is a old style design with enough modern features to make it easy to use. Listed below are a few things I really like about this router

  • Reasonably light weight and small diameter – I can use this router with one hand allowing me to hold the work with the other (and I have small hands)
  • 1/4″ and 1/2″ collet – lets me use all my router bits although I prefer my 1/2″ shank bits
  • Excellent construction – mostly aluminum – any plastics or rubber parts are top notch – to date, nothing has chipped or broken
  • Good balance – easy to handle with one or two hands
  • “POWERFUL” – Although I have not used this router to make raised panels, it has never bogged down with any bit or material.
  • Even with the power in this unit, it has minimal kick when you turn it on
  • Reasonable price

This router averages about $200 to $250 and is worth every penny. However, I have started buying my tools at Tool King in the USA – you can’t beat their prices on new and reconditioned tools. The Porter-Cable 9690 Router is no exception at $124.

If you are looking for a great router this is it. If you want it at a great price, check out the Porter-Cable 9690 Router on Tool King where you can get it at an awesome price of $124.03 ($USD or $CDN) – If you are in Canada, shipping and duty (if any) costs are super low!



Reconditioned 234x60
   

February 11, 2011 | Filed Under Tools 

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