[OP]
Member
Heard a rumor that was confirmed , but not verified that SBD has pulled the plug on Porter Cable routers. Stock is low or out at many retailers, and some sites have removed the brand’s routers altogether.
I’ve got a query into SBD, but don’t expect to hear anything meaningful , or for months.
If anyone has any knowledge, feel free to share.
Contributor
Shame. I have three, all running beautifully. One is from the USA construction era, the other two hecho in México.
Maybe the current offerings outperform the PCs? I suppose I'd like mine more if they had effective dust collection when used hand-held, the way many recent products do. In the table it doesn't matter. I keep saying I'm going to modify my plunge router to attach a dust hose, but then I just pull it off the shelf to use it and put it back after the job. And after sucking up a mountain of chips. Someday, maybe.
This means if my routers ever kick the bucket I'll need to replace them with a contemporary unit. Could be worse, I guess. It was ever thus. Even with the Bailey-pattern planes after about 60 years. I think the real news here is Stanley Black and Decker, the parent since 2010, could not maintain the Porter Cable brand identity, and that is lamentable.
Maybe the in-stock PCs will go on deep sale?
Contributor
If that’s true, it might be time to purchase a back-up 7518 for my router table. That is one I wouldn’t want to be without.
There is a very fine line between “hobby” and “mental illness.” - Dave Barry
Member
I bought a 75182 a couple months ago, no issue with stock. I've looked a bit at the mid sized combo set and it is out of stock. But the fixed base from that set was in stock each time I looked. But I really don't need another mid sized, I have two PC 690s. But the current model mid sized has dust collection in the plunge base. I would be a little sad if they went away but there are lots of good routers.
Member
Right now it's selling for $680 on amazon (and on the PC web site,) so it's probably time to look at other brands, maybe the bigger Makita motor.Originally Posted by Tom Bain
Moderator
I believe that Milwaukee has a "direct replacement" router motor relative to fit in lifts, etc., if it's still in their line.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
Contributor
Doesn't this assume that all the routers in the line will go away? I would think the ones that hit a specific market space might be rebranded. I know that some of the Dewalt routers were recolored Elu's. It seems the 7518 might be one that gets moved over to another brand. And aren't some of there tool models sold in both P-C and Dewalt livery?
John
[OP]
Member
The 7518/9 would seem to fill a hole in the DeWalt lineup. So maybe.
The only yellow and grey/black tools I can think are remotely similar are the palm router.
Contributor
I certainly hope so. Dewalt was smart enough to realize the Elu was a great plunge router and became the DW621, which is my favorite/go-to plunge. Hopefully, they get it with the 7518, as well.
There is a very fine line between “hobby” and “mental illness.” - Dave Barry
Contributor
Porter-Cable's 89X routers haven't been as popular as their 690 line. I have a fixed/plunge base 89X and it feels kind of awkward and top heavy. The dust collecting handle helps but it's still pretty tall. Then they had a router with significant switch/variable speed issues - 7529 or something like that? So their recent routers have not been best of breed. Plus Black & Decker bought Porter-Cable, Porter-Cable didn't buy DeWalt. Sometimes it seems like that matters as to which name survives.
Contributor
The late-model 7518s have had the variable-speed switch issue. It may have been fixed by now but the endless negative recent reviews of the 7518 made me pass on it for my router table. I went with the Bosch 1617.
I have a PC 890 that I bought about 10 years ago and have been pretty happy with it. It's still my go-to handheld router if I can't use my little palm router for a task.
Contributor
I'm happy with the 89X as well but if I were using it on a dovetail jig or something like that I think it'd be tipsy/top heavy. The squattier routers would be better there. OTOH I haven't heard of any variable speed issues with the 89X routers.
Contributor
For years the PC 690 was my go to medium router. I still have at least three of them, two set up for my dovetail jig and one old D handle model. When they got hard to find I tried a DW 616 and I've been very happy with it. Same form factor, easier to adjust, and so far durable and problem free.
BTW, the smaller DWP611trim router is great, too. I use it all the time.
Member
Years ago when looking for a router I had a hard time trying to decide between the PC vs DeWalt kit.
PC because it was the standard in routers back then. DeWalt because that is what I wanted.
I picked the DeWalt and like it a lot. Never regretted buying it.
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW618B...0809264&sr=8-6
Last edited by Dave Lehnert; 09-22-2020 at 5:24 PM.
"Remember back in the day, when things were made by hand, and people took pride in their work?"
- Rick Dale
Member
It seems that Emglo compressors are the only brand that has survived the Dewalt/Black and Decker onslaught. They came back rebranded as "jenny" but same great stuff. It makes me sad that in this day and age it has become normal to use a corporate takeover of your biggest competitors to gain market share. Whatever happened to just making a better product ? I own at least 4 PC 690 routers and really like them. Tough ,durable, and strong motors with a low center of gravity, what's not to like?
Last edited by Mike Kees; 09-22-2020 at 6:38 PM.
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