Variable speed control for Porter Cable 7518 router

[Dennis Olson]

I built a dust collection box for my router, which prevents me from reaching the 5-speed control switch. Some people claim the Rockler variable-speed control unit will work, but others say it won't work because of the soft-start feature of the motor. Why can't I set the manual switch on the router to the highest speed and then control the rpm with the Rockler unit?

[Rick Potter]

I have the Rockler steel box, and I can reach the speed control from the front through the door, and from the back through the 4" DC fitting.

You have to do it by feel, but it is easily done. If you don't have a door in your shop built box, perhaps it is still possible to build one. I much prefer the original switch to an add on.

Hope this helps.

PS: I also put tape labels at both ends with the speeds on them. Since it is done by feel, I just go to one end of the dial and count clicks. Note that one way will be backwards of the other, since you are accessing from two sides.

[Peter Froh]

You will lose soft start but you can disable the speed control. I had to do that when I attached a Super PID to mine.

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[glenn bradley]

After testing a few speed controls with my soft start router and being less than impressed with the result I opted for orienting the router with the speed control at the "front" when I open the door. Sure, I need to open the door to change the speed but, the router has been running near daily for over a decade without issue. I read a lot of posts where others experience a variety of failures.

[Jim Becker]

My setup is identical to what Glenn describes...the speed control on my PC7518 is accessible through the door on the cabinet under the router table.