Wide range of new Porter Cable routers

Wide range of new Porter Cable router models

Porter Cable introduced an entire new series of routers designed for both inverted router table mounting, as well as portable freehand use. The new Porter Cable 890 router series continues the Porter-Cable tradition of packaging a quick release motor with multiplebase and kit options designed to meet the versatility needs of woodworkers.

The muscle of the 890 router series comes from a Porter-Cable built, 2-1/4 horsepower, soft start motor. "With adjustable speeds from 10 to 23,000 rpm, this powerful motor handles most routing tasks from raised panels in a router table to rounding the edge on a table top," said Mark Woodlief, senior product line manager of woodworking products for Porter-Cable. "Smooth routing performance is guaranteed by utilizing advancements in electronics that feedback and maintain a constant rpm, even under heavy loads."

To ensure accuracy and convenience, the model 890 features a dedicated knob designed for easy micro-height adjustments both in and out of a router table. After quickly positioning the motor height using the macro lever, fingertip adjustments to 1/128" are accomplished by rotating the micro-height adjustment knob. When mounted in a router table, adjustments are made by engaging the knob through the tabletop using a 3/16" hex socket or Porter-Cable accessory model 75301.

"Woodworkers want all adjustments for router table's up top where the bit is clearly visible and easy to measure height," said Woodlief. "From above the router table you can release the 890 motor from the base, make all height adjustments, access the collet for bit changes, and clamp the 890 motor backdown to begin routing."

Other convenience features of the 890 include a dual-position dust proof switch, Overmold finger grips on the handles and motor barrel, and auto-engaging spindle lock. The switch, which is accessible with both hands securely on the handles, features a secondary position located at the top of the router motor. Linked together, the top switch always extends past the top of the router motor in the "ON" position for easy access in and out of a router table and from multiple hand-gripping positions. The auto-engaging spindle locks the shaft when the motor is lowered (free-hand) or raised (router table) to the position where the collet extends fully through the bottom of the base for single wrench bit changes. To prevent accidental start-up during bit changes, the switch is locked into the "OFF" position while the spindle lock is engaged.

For existing Porter-Cable router owners, the 890 router series maintains compatibility features to current routers that allow for added value. The clear, 2-1/2" large opening sub-base is interchangeable with sub-bases from the popular model 690 series routers. The 890 router series accepts existing Porter-Cable edge guides. All 890 models include Porter-Cable's premium ¼" and ½" self-releasing collet system for easy bit removal. Most importantly, with the easy removal of the rack on the 890, the powerful 2-1/4 horsepower motor will spiral into 690 series bases, thus offering additional expansion opportunities and unique jig and fixture set-ups.

Porter Cable Router 893PK	Porter Cable Router 894PK	Porter Cable Router 895PK

Six new Porter Cable router models

There are six new Porter-Cable router models- 890, 891, 892, 893PK, 894PK, 895PK. All "PK" models include the 890 fixed base with motor, as well as a full featured plunge base with machined brass post bushings, quick motor release, thumb rotating depth stop, templet guide sized sub-base, removable springs, and built-in dust collection. A single-hand GripVac handle attachment replaces the standard handle on models 891 and 894PK, thus offering through-the-handle dust extraction when joined to a top mounted vacuum hose. Models 892, 893PK, 894PK, 895PK include a multi-functional carrying case with bit and accessory storage that detaches into a pedestal for placing the router between cuts. Also, included with the model 895PK is the model 75301 router table accessory kit for bit height adjustments and motor release above the router table. The 890 router series will be available in October 2003 starting at $199.

As an added value, every 890 series model includes an interactive CD-ROM that highlights tips and techniques for getting started the feature packed router. Rick and Bob Rosendahl of the PBS series "The Router Workshop" present step-by-step instructions with easy to follow video clips on how to construct a router table for the 890. Valuable discounts to woodworking publications, additional woodworking projects, owners manual, and links to router accessoriesare also included on this value packed CD-ROM.