Shopsmith Forums

I've never had a *good* router until now. I had an OLD Craftsman router with the "auto height adjust feature" (it couldn't be locked tight enough and the height/depth would change during operation) that sometimes got the job done, but I absolutely hated using. It recently broke for good. And I had a Hitachi 3HP which would have been a good router if it was complete. But it was missing handles, the depth adjust knob was broken, etc. It was given to me free for a reason. I've looked at router kits over the years, coming close to buying a Bosch or Dewalt set a few times but just couldn't bring myself to spend over $200 on a set.

But, I just got a Porter Cable 6902 set. I think it's an older model, but it was complete. Hard case, the router motor, plunge base, fixed base, 1/4" and 1/2" collets, wrenches, paperwork, etc. Some light rust on the plunge base depth rod, but otherwise looks like it was barely used. Cost was $90.

Maybe it was a great deal. Maybe not. But I'm excited. Like a kid with a new toy he's been eyeing at the store for so long and finally has.

That’s a good router, and a good deal, Heath. I use the motor in my overarm router, but unfortunately don’t have the plunge base.

Have you mastered the two-wrench collet technique yet?

I've had that router package for a good while. It's a workhorse. Now you need a good aluminum table insert plate and you'll be all set.

That’s a great deal Heath. Those routers are bulletproof and handle well. It will handle both freehand and a router table.
Paul

That's an outstanding deal, and these routers are rock solid. I've had it's predecessor the 693 for 25 years and never a hint of an issue with it.

I've never tried that particular router, but I can tell you from personal experience that you need a good router or two to do nice woodworking. If it works well for you, you will love it.
I have two routers and use them on every project I do. I have a 1/4" chuck router for portable work, and a 1/2" one mounted on a table.

Thanks for sharing in my excitement with me! Now I just need to find time to become better acquainted with it and put it to use. And I guess start looking for another one so I can have one dedicated to a table and one dedicated to handheld. Oh, and I need to build a table. But I've got so many things I need to get done before that...

BuckeyeDennis wrote:Have you mastered the two-wrench collet technique yet?

I haven't even had time to try yet.

Trim routers are handy, small easy to control . sounds like ya got a good deal.
Also a good gage is handy , not advertising this one but some thing long its order


http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... hgauge.htm

or

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V5ITA6/re ... 27206&sr=2

It can be used to set up about any saw blade depth .

I had a craftsman router for years. It seemed like every time I used it something would go wrong. I spent enough money on parts for it to buy a good router. One day I broke something expansive and trashed it. I spent a bunch of money on a monster 3.5 HP Porter cable the difference was amazing. Unfortunately, I bought it just before they came out with variable speed version.

Today I have three routers. The Porter Cable, Hitachi kit with both bases and my latest the little Dewalt kit that comes with both bases. The Dewalt is my go to router. The big ones only come out when it can't do the job. The only way it could be better is to be cordless.

The Porter Cable has had the electronics replaced after a bird got in the garage and built a nest in it. It was full of dirt an plant parts. I guess I didn't get it cleaned out good enough. Today it could use a new power cord but its over thirty years old.

I never bought another Craftsman power tool. The only one I ever had that lasted any time was a jig saw that I still have.

I can't say anything bad about Craftsman routers. I am using a Craftsman router that I bought in the early 1980s. It has 30 years of hard use on it now and has never had any kind of problem. It simply runs and does the job every time.