$5 PC router upgrade...why can't they just make them this way?

[John Ricci]

Anyone who owns a PC 690 or similar router will be familiar with the PITA clamp screw that adds that special touch of awkwardness to an otherwise nearly flawless tool. Lee Valley to the rescue.

Before...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/LPBlue/Workshop/PICT0005-1.jpg

And after
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/LPBlue/Workshop/PICT0004.jpg

Out with the old, in with the new.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/LPBlue/Workshop/PICT0006.jpg

I used a LV cam clamp http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/pa...,45034&p=45034 (http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&cat=3,43576,52799,45034&p=45034) with a 1/4-20x1 1/8" stovebolt and a lockwasher. The action is smooth and the clamping force is more than adequate. I have 2 of the 690s, one in a table and a stand alone that lives with a D4 jig both of which are now converted into what I call a vastly improved tool. My .02Cdn.

[Robert Mickley]

actuyally the new 690's are cam lock. But the cam from the new one won't fit the old style casting :confused:

[John Ricci]

Robert, thanks for the info. I had no idea that they had upgraded the 690s not being in the market for one so not keeping up. Who's the fool now?:rolleyes:

[nic obie]

John,

That is a great idea! I'm going to do the same to my PC routers.

[Rennie Heuer]

I'm sold! Following your link right now to buy one!

[Steve Clardy]

I did the same changeover about 4 years ago.

[CPeter James]

I did mine years ago with the lock from a mountain bike seat. Picked up at the local recycling center (dump) for nothing.

CPeter

[Robert Mickley]

Robert, thanks for the info. I had no idea that they had upgraded the 690s not being in the market for one so not keeping up. Who's the fool now?:rolleyes:

John I wasn't by any means implying you where a fool. :D
Actually I own a base like that. knocked my 690 off the bench and bent the base that came with it. A nice fellow sent me an old style base. Thats how I know the parts don't interchange :(

[Jim Dailey]

Hi & Welcome!!!

GREAT POST!!! GREAT TIP!!!

"Thank You!!!", jim

[Bruce Page]

Thanks for the tip John and welcome to SMC!
I'm going to order one of those for my 690 - the T-nut has always been a pain!

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

actuyally the new 690's are cam lock. But the cam from the new one won't fit the old style casting :confused:

I have the new cam lock. It has more than once reached out and pinched my little pinkie. I find the new cam lock unweildy. I'd switch out to the turn knob and I'd love to lose that idiotic dust proof switch. That thing is annoying. Ya can't find it then ya can't manipulate it.

What would it have cost to use a real dust proof switch? Anoether three dollars at retail?

[everett lowell]

great tip John, Lee Valley here I come! thanks,I always hated that tee nut.

[Dave Ray]

John, thanks for great idea,,,, like the others LV here I come

[Jerry Olexa]

Thanks Great tip for my first router..I'll get one in my next order..