Porter Cable Router?

[lockman]

Porter Cable 690 Router, 10.0 Amp, 23,000 RPM, Like New. Includes over 20 Bosch Carbide router bits (some never used), 1/4" and 3/8" collets. Price is for router with bits. Price does not include shipping.

Good deal??

[sawduster]

Might be able to answer that if you told us the price. ;D

Interesting that it has 1/4" and 3/8" collets with no mention of a 1/2" collet. I think that is an older PC 690. Yeah, I just checked mine and it is a 10 amp.

[rrich]

Jerry,
You stole the words from my keyboard.

No 1/2" collet?

Why a bunch of Bosch bits? Nothing wrong with it, but it is just a weird combination. Not what one would expect to see together especially for a little used router.

[TDHofstetter]

I'd sure like to know what they're asking, and also what condition the bits are in.

I've got a 3/8" collet for one of mine, but only because I special-ordered it. I think I've always had 1/4" and 1/2" collets for 'em.

[lockman]

Sorry, price is $150. No pictures so I am sure the bits are well used, but I don't know.

[lockman]

Here is new link. Now there is a picture.
appleton.craigslist.org/tls/1530962077.html

[fredbelknap]

Todd that looks like it is a single speed. Variable speed is great if you are going to use larger bits like panel risers. Most bits are 1/4" or 1/2". I probably pass if it was me but that is just me.

[lockman]

That was my thought Fred. I don't need it, just curious about the price with the unknowns.
Thanks Fred.

[scottd]

This is a much better deal for a new router:

www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-5615-24-1-75-Horsepower-Multi-Base-BodyGrip/dp/B000QV35AK/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1262224034&sr=8-29

Scott

[TDHofstetter]

Were it not for the bits... that'd be too high a price for the bare 690. You can pick one up for under a hundred bucks these days, which is amazing 'cause they're FINE FINE routers.

Figure the bits would cost maybe $15 or $20 apiece, though... and "over 20" of them, and "some never used"... well, let's say there are 21 of 'em and 2 have never been used. That's still purt'near 20, at half their street value they'd be worth about $170. The router, at half its street value, would be roughly another $50, so added together you're lookin' at roughly $220 value.

I'd grab it... then sell off the router bits I didn't have any use for & maybe wind up with a free 690.

[Joe Lyddon]

My 1st impression:

No big deal... better to be had... by far...

[Leo Voisine]

Value wise - Tim has you covered.

On a 690 series router - single speeed is fine. You are not going to put a bit bigger that 1" in that router and that is the only time you will turn the speed down.

I have a 3/8 collet for mine but never use it.

I try to be a 1/2 only shank size user.

Chances are - with the bits - the ones never used are the ones that you also would not use. Likewise, chances the bits that you would use may be so dull that the bits are not really an issue.

A brandy new 690 at Amazon $148 -- I know you can find a better deal.

www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-9690LR-4-Horsepower-Router-Collets/dp/B00005QEVR/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1262228874&sr=8-17

Ohhh yeah -- you would need to go get a 1/2 collet at $15-$20.

Nah - I think I would pass.

Besides - a kit of fixed base and plunge base is really what you want.

[Ruffnek]

It would all depend on the type and condition of the bits. Bosch makes good router bits although that 3/8" shank is not one you see a lot. I know Whitesides makes a few bits with 3/8" shank but not that many.

If you are close enough to examine the bits, then it's probably worth a look-see and maybe a counter offer. If the bits are all sharp and are profiles that you can use, then it's a fair deal...not a smokin' one, but fair. If you would have to buy sight unseen and also pay for shipping, I'd definitely pass.

FWIW, I'm gradually getting a small fortune tied up in router bits because nearly every project requires one that I don't have.

[dcarter636]

If that router is in verifiable good condition I would go $75 for the router and think about the value of the bits to me. That router is often found on sale new @ $120 with a 1/4" and 1/2" collet, PC sells the 3/8" collet separately.

It is a very good reliable router design, but the trigger switched D handle base is preferable. I have two of those, one is 20 years old and still runs like new.

[rrich]

OK, looking at all the other comments.

Remember that Delta was giving away that router with the purchase of a major power tool. (I got one with my table saw.)

You are NOT going to raise panels with that router unless you install it in a table. AND even then it would not be wise to attempt to spin a large diameter router bit in that router.

Do you really need variable speed in that router? Probably not.

Thinking about the situation...

It is doubtful that the seller is a woodworker. If he was AND he was selling the router, the bits would be used in their OTHER routers.

The one thing about that particular Porter Cable router is that if someone makes an accessory for a router, there is a 99.9% probability that the accessory will fit that router.

In all probability, the 1/2" collet is in the router AND the 1/4" and 3/8" collets are separate. (RBTL, the seller does not know much about routers.)

If it were me, AND it was not much more than a 4 gallon round trip, I would go look and then offer $75 for everything. Your ammunition is that a new PC 690 is $148 and a new Milwaukee is $120. Of course both come with a full factory warranty.

[sawduster]

My 10 Amp PC 690 is circa 2000-2001 and I believe that they kicked the power up to 13 Amps a couple years after I got mine. Check out the bits. The ones that are most used will be straight bits, round-overs, and maybe rabbit bits. If the bits came in a set, there are likely a bunch of others that are not used near as often as those. Nice to have, but check out condition of the most used bits.

Spin up the router and listen to it. The 690 is quite a noise maker, but listen for any sort of grinding noise and look for sparks in the case while it running.

If that all checks out, offer $75.