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Porter Cable 690LR Router Zoom

Porter Cable 690LR Router

Item #: 29205
A classic tried-and-true router that has remained virtually unchanged for decades - if it's not broke, don't fix it!
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$159.99
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Overview

Porter Cable promotes power and efficiency with this 690LR Fixed-Base Router. Featuring a powerful 1-3/4 horsepower motor to generate 27,500 RPM for precise cutting. Stressing comfort and ease of use, this unit has two ergonomic handles allowing you to comfortably control every move. Router includes collets to accept both 1/4" and 1/2" shank bits.


Features:
  • 11 Amp motor producing 1-3/4 Peak HP
  • 27,500 rpm single speed motor
  • Cam lock lever enables simple coarse height adjustments and motor release (fixed base)
  • Micrometer depth adjustor accurate to 1/128"
  • Dust-sealed switch and sealed ball bearing construction enhance tool durability
  • Precision machined aluminum motor housing and base
  • Auto-release collet system allows for easy bit removal after use
  • Collets included to accept 1/4" and 1/2" shank bits
  • Under table stop prevents motor from inadvertently rotating out of base
  • Overmolded grips for greater comfort in extended use

Important Notes



With the Rockler Protection Plan, you'll get accidental damage coverage immediately upon purchase of your tool. Plus, we will extend the manufacturer's warranty for your choice of an additional 1 or 2 years. We'll take care of all parts and labor for any repairs, with no deductibles and no hassles. If your tool can not be repaired, we'll gladly replace it. Available in the US only. Click here to learn more.

Standard Manufacturer's Warranty: 36 months

What's included

(1) Porter Cable 690LR Router
(1) 1/4" Collet
(1) 1/2" Collet

Technical Details

  • Power: 120 VAC, 25-60 Hz
  • Amps: 11 A
  • Motor Diameter: 3-1/2"
  • No Load Speed: 27,500 RPM
  • Collets: 1/4" and 1/2"
  • Base: 5-3/4" Round
  • Length: 12"
  • Width: 5-1/2"
  • Height: 8-5/8"
  • Weight: 8 lbs.
  • Brand: Porter-Cable
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 690LR
  • Weight (lbs): 9.7000
  • Speed Range: 27500 RPM
  • HP: 1-3/4 HP

Technical Downloads

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Questions and Answers

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Browse 17 questions Browse 17 questions and 82 answers
Why did you choose this?
Rockler Store
it is the best reviewed router, i could find for my rockler router lift FX.
Kurt Lindhard K on Jul 27, 2017
highly recommended by other wood working enthusiast and also to replace my 20 year old porter cable router that quit working
jeremy z on Jun 2, 2017
it is the best reviewed router, i could find for my rockler router lift FX.
Kurt Lindhard K on Jul 27, 2017
I had one for many years. One of my workers thought he needed it more than me. He got fired and I needed a new one.
Gary C on Jul 7, 2017
highly recommended by other wood working enthusiast and also to replace my 20 year old porter cable router that quit working
jeremy z on Jun 2, 2017
I have one and my daughter wants a router for some framing work. I have bee very satisfied with mine. It is my primary router, I have two others by another manufacture. They have their place but I use the Porter Cable one most.
Eric F on May 26, 2017
Reputation of Porter Cable routers. I also read the reviews.
Charles H on May 7, 2017
Brand name and price.
John S on May 7, 2017
Price, Power, Good reviews. Will go in my Lift
Alan C on Mar 29, 2017
Go with a winner. It's proved itself over time and who am I to argue?
Paul J on Mar 26, 2017
I chatted with your Customer Service describing my capabilities. This was the recommended router for the DIY work I want to do. Also, I wanted a router with both the 1/4" and 1/2" collet.
Joseph A on Feb 13, 2017
because i have another same this
lorrayne l on Feb 9, 2017
best mid size router on the market for the money.
nathan s on Feb 7, 2017
Wanted to upsize shaft size
tony r on Feb 4, 2017
Part of the router package I got as a Christmas gift. Wish it had variable speed but came free with the router table assembly and fits the router lift fine.
QuarterInchOff on Jan 15, 2017
Compatible with router lift system I am buying.
Wayne M on Jan 3, 2017
For the table and PC are the best
Michael A on Dec 4, 2016
A good tool to have.
Robert P on Nov 19, 2016
price, costumer reviews
paul k on Nov 12, 2016
Good balance of price and performance for my needs.
RIC S on Nov 4, 2016
Replacement
John S on Oct 31, 2016
needed an extra router
Harold S on Oct 28, 2016
When I had a large cabinet shop, I had 10 of these routers with different bits, perfect for my use.
jerry s on Sep 30, 2016
Needed to free up my plunge router from the table.
Franklin W on Sep 26, 2016
On sale, needed a new router
D C on Sep 26, 2016
The price is right, and it will fit a router lift when I upgrade from my home-made router table.
Steve W on Sep 5, 2016
The router can be used with the routertable I ordered
James S on Jun 23, 2016
Good reviews and well known and trusted brand.
Steve H on Jun 7, 2016
To replace the one I used on a duplicator for the lathe. Good dependable router.
David M on May 31, 2016
I'm borrowing one now from a friend, and it works very nicely.
Michael C on Apr 25, 2016
Cause it works with the Rockler High Pressure Laminated Router Table plate A that i choose.
Dennis T on Apr 3, 2016
I bought this model to use in my new Rockler Router Lift FX . Comments are that it works well with the FX Lift.
Tom L on Mar 31, 2016
Great router, already own one and need to replace a Harbor Freight router on my router table.
David M on Mar 23, 2016
I need a second router to save time.
Rudolf S on Mar 22, 2016
Recommendation from a friend.
Ed R on Mar 21, 2016
From reviews seemed to be best offer for the money and durability.
Bob F on Mar 21, 2016
good price and reliable brand name
Michael T on Mar 14, 2016
on sale and matches my lift
DON N on Mar 7, 2016
I like Porter Cable
David B on Feb 19, 2016
WORKS WITH PHENOLIC ROUTE TABLE?
tom on Feb 7, 2016
I have other Porter Cable tools
Jim B on Jan 29, 2016
Fits Rockler Pro router base plate
CHERYL N on Jan 25, 2016
I need a new one, mine is very old and I had to give up on it.
Gary J on Jan 4, 2016
Very nice table for the money. Wish I had bought two.
Steve K on Dec 28, 2015
needed a simple router for my hortizontal mortise.
chester l on Oct 20, 2015
long time dependable routers with a good rep
scott s on Sep 17, 2015
Very nice router. Permanently mounted in my Rockler Router Lift. Lift and Router work very well together. I didn't have any setup issues at all. Came with a 1/4" and 1/2" collect
Guy W on Aug 10, 2015
I need it
Pat M on Jul 14, 2015
it was recommended to me by your tech support.
LESLIE P on Jul 10, 2015
good price good tool and free shipping
Conrad I on Jul 1, 2015
I have one like it,and it works very well.So I thought I would get what I know is a good router.
Gilbert B on Jun 21, 2015
gift for my husband, it's what he wanted
s. lynn c on Jun 19, 2015
I had one for many years. One of my workers thought he needed it more than me. He got fired and I needed a new one.
Gary C on Jul 7, 2017
I have one and my daughter wants a router for some framing work. I have bee very satisfied with mine. It is my primary router, I have two others by another manufacture. They have their place but I use the Porter Cable one most.
Eric F on May 26, 2017
does this work well with the Leigh dovetail jigs?
R B on Mar 13, 2016
What are the options for dust collection? Thank you.
michael on Dec 21, 2015
BEST ANSWER: none
Does this router work with a variable speed control ?
Rex B on Apr 17, 2016
BEST ANSWER: I use this motor in my router table, I have a variable speed control mounted on the outside of the cabinet which is very convenient. I back off on the speed when using large bits, you know you're going too fast when there is vibration.
Do 1/4" and 1/2" collets come with it? 690LR router
A shopper on Jun 1, 2015
BEST ANSWER: Yes, the 690 router comes with both 1/4" & 1/2" collets, as well as a wide variety of accessories that are also available.
Would this router be suitable for use in UK ?
John K on Nov 9, 2015
BEST ANSWER: There are small in-home voltage transformers you can get. They plug in to standard 220v British mains, and have one or two outlets sized for, and putting out, 110v AC. While it changes the voltage, a transformer doesn't change the frequency, i.e. you'll still have 50Hz AC, at the lower voltage. I think transformers also cause a little bit of voltage drop, because they have some impedance. I've used transformers successfully for years in the UK and in Europe. If you live anywhere near a US military facility in the UK, see if you can find a GI who is moving back to the States ("PCS-ing Stateside," in military-speak) and buy his/her transformer.
Does this router have soft start?
Matthew W on Oct 15, 2015
BEST ANSWER: It is single-speed, no soft start. However, there is minimal jerking at startup because it is only 1-3/4 hp.
Are wrenchs included with purchase of Porter Cable router?
Ray B on Nov 18, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Yes
does it come with a case
William B on Mar 5, 2016
BEST ANSWER: No it doesn't come with a case. I have other routers that have cases and I find I never use them.
Do the PC templates fit the sub base of this router directly or do I need another sub base to use them? I'd like to get a dovetail jig eventually and need to use them
John T on Jul 26, 2017
BEST ANSWER: I believe that you are talking about porter cable guide bushings. At least I think you are. If that is
indeed the case then the answer is yes. The Porter Cable 690 base has the opening size to fit the
bushings
where is it made?
WYATT S on Mar 24, 2017
BEST ANSWER: The router itself is made in Mexico. The accessories are made in China. I have purchased over 50 of these routers over the years for my high production wood factory and they are excellent. RPM are very high, the cut is smooth and they last under heavy, daily use. Also, they are not as loud as many other routers.
Will this router work with the Rockler dovetail jig?
Brian H on Dec 23, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Yes worked very good
Hi,
Does it come with 230V or can it be switched to 230V ?
Arild A on Sep 26, 2016
BEST ANSWER: 120 volt
New kid on the block, just started wood working for bed headboards dresse,out door chairs,ext. which router would you recommend for amateur?
Bill A on May 31, 2016
BEST ANSWER: This is a great choice for a first router. I've got a number of routers in my shop, but the 690 is the one I use most often for general tasks - you really can't go wrong with this one.
I'm using the
1" D x 1-3/4" H x 1/2" Shank Rockler Pattern Flush Trim Bit
Item #: 37348 to pattern shape two pieces of 3/4" thick Marine plywood that will be laminated together to build an inflatable boat transom. Which router would be the best choice for this bit and job? I plan to cut the 1.5" thick transom plug about 1/4" proud of the transom template on all sides so the bit will be trimming about 1/4 of stock 1.5" thick. The transom plug is of such size, shape and weight I figured it would be best to clamp it to the work table and hand hold the router. two concerns are that I want a router powerful enough to do the job without bogging down and rippling the edge yet I want a router that's not to big that I can't control it with two hands. I'm looking at the Porter 690LR or the Porter 7918, is the Porter 7918 to large and powerful to hold two handed? on bench clamped stock? Is there a better choice than one of these routers?
Jim K on May 3, 2016
Porter Cable 690LR Router
Porter Cable 690LR Router
Porter Cable 1-3/4 HP D-Handle Router, Model #691
Porter Cable 1-3/4 HP D-Handle Router, Model #691
Porter-Cable Speedmatic 3-1/4 HP Five-Speed Router 7518
Porter-Cable Speedmatic 3-1/4 HP Five-Speed Router 7518
BEST ANSWER: I have the 3 1/4 router and I love it It has 5 speeds just take small passes and take your time I think you will get better uses with this router down the road
Will this work in the UK? we run on 230volts
El Tel on Dec 22, 2015
BEST ANSWER: Lol this is the second time I've gotten this question. My answer is still the same .... If you guys are running 220-250v then see if you can get one rated in uk for that. The ones here are built to run on 110v. Your other option is to look at one from trend I believe they are a uk company I have a plunge router from them and am quite pleased with it ..... Good luck hope this helped
Is a plunge base available for this router?
Thomas S on May 6, 2017

Reviews

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4.8 / 5.0
23 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Stars
19
4
0
0
0
I bought my 690 in 1986...
I bought my 690 in 1986 and it still runs perfectly today and I do not ever baby it. I have had to replace the cord a few years ago due to the power cord rotting! I also had to replace the base locking key and bolt, but that was peanuts! I would buy another if and when I ever have to!
April 27, 2010
My son and I ordered a...
My son and I ordered a number of tools and supplies so that I could build him and his wife a new set of kitchen cabinets. I used the P/C router and Rockler combo dovetail jig and dust collector to make all 21 drawers. I liked the router so much, that I just purchased a second one from Rockler! Your service is excellent - keep up the good work!
December 20, 2007
Porter Cable Router - Excellent Choice
Router is easy to precisely adjust, runs smooth. Has plenty of power.

As with most Porter Cable tools, excellent value.
December 31, 2015
Purchased
 1 year ago
Woodworking Experience:
Advanced
The Standard
I needed a replacement router when the brushes on my 40+ year old one I inherited from my dad disintegrated mid job. I don't like replacing things; so, I wanted a sturdy reputable model. I'm a general DIYer, not a woodworker so I didn't need a bunch of attachments or extras right away. This one is perfect for me as an industry standard workhorse it has a good reliability record plus many many accessories are available later as needed. The biggest drawback, which you will often hear, is that it takes two wrenches to change bits and you theoretically need to remove the base from the motor. This is annoying when doing anything requiring bit swaps. It's more annoying when using a guide collar since in that case the base must be on the motor to mount most bits. That requires delicate balancing of the two wrenches and the depth setting, but can be done.
April 20, 2016
Purchased
 1 year ago
Woodworking Experience:
Intermediate
Bought this router to permanently go...
Bought this router to permanently go into my new Router Lift FX. It fit perfectly and works like a champ. Only regret is that I didn't know about the $20 rebate until 6/30/11 from Porter Cable and pitched the box. Needed the UPC from the packaging. : All in all, a good value, especially with the $50 gift card.
June 17, 2011
I purhased this router, one for...
I purhased this router, one for the price, and second for the 50 dollar gift sertificate. Once I received the router it was more than that. I put it in my small router table and it works great. I would recommend it to anyone and the price is right.
August 6, 2011
Porter Cable is Porter Cable, it's...
Porter Cable is Porter Cable, it's a quality tool company. The 690's power is great, height adjustments are accurate, and the bushings are easily replaceable. Very long lasting tool.
January 13, 2008
I have used Porter-Cable tools for...
I have used Porter-Cable tools for 25 years. I have three routers and two sanders which I depend on. You get what you pay for and it is nice to find a good deal on a quality tool like this. I used this router and it performed as expected. Perfect! Can't wait till the next sale on Porter Cable!
May 12, 2009
I've used my 690 for close...
I've used my 690 for close to 2 years now without a problem. It has power to spare and is rock solid. It has outperformed every other tool in my shop. In many cases I've found a way to use a router in lieu my other tools. I have great confidence it will last for many years. My dad's 690 is over 10 years old and still running strong (I've put a few hours on that one too!) I use it exclusively for hand work using the fixed and plunge bases provided, opting instead to use the bigger 7518 in my router table.I highly recommend this router to anyone. It is simple to use and inexpensive enough for a beginner, but sturdy and precise enough for a serious woodworker.
September 19, 2009
Great Router
This router is everything they say and more, I only wish I had bought it earlier
May 28, 2015
Purchased
 over 2 years ago
Woodworking Experience:
Intermediate

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