New router motor - P-C 7518 or Milwaukee 5625

[David Jakoby]

I'm interested in getting a dedicated table mounted router motor, both the P-C 7518 and Milwaukee 5625 seem to be well liked. Anyone have any pro/cons one over the other? Price aside, the main difference seems be the P-C 7518 is a 5 speed and Milwaukee is an EVS, any advantage to EVS over 5 speed?

[Chip Lindley]

Hi David, I have been a P-C Man since wayy wayy back. No problems at all. The 5-speed 7518 is great if you need the slower speeds. There is also the 7519 Speedmatic from P-C, one speed only. Price-wise, I buy used and refurbish as needed. My 7518 was around $150, and 7519 around $100 at auctions.

Enjoy!
~~Chip~~

[Joe Scharle]

I have a 10 yr old 5625 in one of my tables. Replaced the switch last year. I'd buy another.

[scott spencer]

The 5625 also has top side height adjust. Very happy with my 5625.

[Rich Engelhardt]

The 5625 also has top side height adjust.I was going to say the 5625 has above table adjustability....
Once you've used that feature, you're loathe to go back to underside adjustments.

My two table routers are a Freud 1700 w/above table capability and a Ryobi 1.75hp that doesn't have above table.
I hate fiddling around with the Ryobi more than words can describe...

[Steve Wurster]

I have a 5625 in a Woodpeckers lift and love it.

Only qualm I have is that I've been unable to find a 1/4" collet for it, although I'll admit I really haven't done much searching for one. I just use an adapter when the need calls for my smaller shank bits.

[Jim German]

I have a 5625 too, and like it quite well.
I don't bother with the above the table height adjustment, find it easier to just open the door and use the knob than to find the wrench.

[Bill Wyko]

I have 4 PC 7518's and I truly abuse them. I've only had to rebuild one of them after 7 years of torture. Plus, everyone makes stuff for it and everything else uses an adapter. I say go for the 7518 & call it a day.

[glenn bradley]

A couple 5625's. I've been running them for years. Zero issues. Very quiet, except when cutting ;-) The electronic feedback that maintains torque under load makes things very smooth.

This is always a predictable response question because both of these beasts have been around long enough to have a good range of long term users. Both seem equally loved.

[David L Morse]

I have a 5625 in a Woodpeckers lift and love it.

Only qualm I have is that I've been unable to find a 1/4" collet for it, although I'll admit I really haven't done much searching for one. I just use an adapter when the need calls for my smaller shank bits.
Just stumbled across this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/48-66-1015-Milwaukee-1-4-in-Self-Releasing-Collet-and-Locking-Nut-Assembly-/290780033420?pt=BI_Tool_Work_Holding&hash=item43b3d7318c

[mreza Salav]

I have a 5625 in a Woodpeckers lift and love it.

Only qualm I have is that I've been unable to find a 1/4" collet for it, although I'll admit I really haven't done much searching for one. I just use an adapter when the need calls for my smaller shank bits.

I bought one from Amazon for $25 or so (made in India!) which I thought was too expensive. If I didn't have it I'd get one of these:
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=30126&cat=1,46168,46180,30126

[Steve Wurster]

I bought one from Amazon for $25 or so (made in India!) which I thought was too expensive. If I didn't have it I'd get one of these:
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=30126&cat=1,46168,46180,30126

Last I checked the 1/4" collet wasn't available on Amazon.

I have the Whiteside equivalent of that bushing.

[glenn bradley]

I have a 5625 in a Woodpeckers lift and love it.

Only qualm I have is that I've been unable to find a 1/4" collet for it, although I'll admit I really haven't done much searching for one. I just use an adapter when the need calls for my smaller shank bits.


Just stumbled across this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/48-66-1015-Milwaukee-1-4-in-Self-Releasing-Collet-and-Locking-Nut-Assembly-/290780033420?pt=BI_Tool_Work_Holding&hash=item43b3d7318c

Good job David. Yes, collets are readily available (Tool Up, Tool barn, Acmetool, etc.) and as you can see from the pic, quite beefy compared to many others.

[David Jakoby]

Thanks to all those who posted. I'm sure I won't go wrong with either of these. I've had bad luck with used tools in the past, so I'll probably go for new. I know Woodcraft has the P-C on for $260 plus S&H and taxes ($280 delivered) and ToolUp has the Milwaukee for $288 ($278 delivered after $10 discount - Subscribe10). Now I'll have to decide if prices will get much lower or if I should pull the trigger now.

[Dick Mahany]

Thanks to all those who posted. I'm sure I won't go wrong with either of these. I've had bad luck with used tools in the past, so I'll probably go for new. I know Woodcraft has the P-C on for $260 plus S&H and taxes ($280 delivered) and ToolUp has the Milwaukee for $288 ($278 delivered after $10 discount - Subscribe10). Now I'll have to decide if prices will get much lower or if I should pull the trigger now.


I bought the the 5625 about 5 years ago for that price and thought it was a great bargain then, still do for that matter. Best router I ever owned and now lives happily upside down in a PRL-V2 lift. I got it from Toolup on a sale and also bought a 1/4 " collet. I think both routers are about best in class and thse prices look great.......just pull the trigger :)

[Andrew Kertesz]

The price on the P-C won't get any cheaper at WC. The sale only lasts until the end of the month. I pulled the trigger on the P-C from Woodcraft and am waiting on delivery of my lift.