Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 29, 1999 06:40pm | #1

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   Look at the Porter Cable 690. It is a great router and you can get 3 different bases plus an optional table. It really is a great router, don't know much about the Dewalt, my Porter Cable's are so good I have no need to look elsewhere.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 30, 1999 02:14pm | #2

   *I agree with J.D. on the Porter-Cable brand. Get the 693PK. It has both the fixed and plunge bases, same 1 1/2 hp motor as the 690, but both bases. The Delta 43-505 router-shaper is a nice little unit for the right use. It has an induction motor, which gives it more torque than the universal motors in the hand-held routers. Good for raised panels, large bits, etc, but not close to the same power as a shaper. More for occasional, rather than sustained use.

2. 
   tom_burton | Jan 30, 1999 06:35pm | #3

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   Troy: Thanks for your input. What are the power comparisons between the PC 693 and the delta 43-505, for driving the freud 3 piece raised panel door kit. I'll be doing about 10 ddors for my own use, not production work. Thanks

3. 
   Guest_ | Jan 31, 1999 07:55am | #4

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   TOM, the PC693 router is only 1 1/2 hp. Not big enough, plus you need to run those large diameter bits slowly. PC693 turns at about 23000 rpm. You could buy a 3 hp variable speed router like the PC7539. The Freud 3 pc set has to be used in a table.
   The Delta 43-505 turns at 12500 rpm, accepts 1/4 and 1/2" router bits, plus you can get an accessory spindle for using 1/2" shaper cutters. Sears and Delta both sell these cutters. The Delta 43-505 will have more power than the 3+ hp routers. Good luck.TT

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 31, 1999 10:55am | #5

   *Troy, I'm interested in routers and speed as I know you can get a varible speed router, but I've never really seen a good discussion about speed and what operations are done under different speeds. I own a Porter Cable 3 hp with a single speed. I mostly do minor profile work so I don't have much problem. I think if I was having problems I would, if possible, make several passes at different depths. I really am interested in the speed issue.As for power and the 690, I have cut out 1/2" plywood sheathing over window rough framing with one so it is powerful, I think though that I was pushing it to an early death and I think a 3 hp would definitely be better.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 31, 1999 05:25pm | #6

   *J.D.Jesada Tool makes very good router and shaper bits. Their catalog has a pretty reasonable discussion of speeds, set ups, etc. And they stock much more detailed books on the subject. http://jesada.com

1. 
   Guest_ | Feb 03, 1999 11:26am | #7

   *J.D., Sorry, have been busy and not able to get online. Yes, the 690 series (1-1/2 hp) routers are good. The 690's are more for edge treatments, cutting dovetails and ligher cuts. They are lighter weight, therefore, easy to control. The 3hp models are bulkier and heavier. They are made for heavier, deeper cuts, i.e. plunge cutting mortises, cutting that 1/2" plywood and heavier, more massive bits. The variable speeds are really good in a router table. The larger the bit diameter the slower the speed. The bit manufacters will usually recommend the speed to use the bit at. The reason for this is that, take for instance the panel raising bit, the outer cutting edge is turning much faster than the inner cutting edge. So the slower speed will reduce the splintering and burnishing on the wood as a pass is made. Where wood has been burnished it will not take a finish the same as wood that has not been burnished. You must still take shallow passes, even with the 3hp, the reduce the chance of splintering. Hope this helps.TT

1. 
   Guest_ | Feb 03, 1999 05:08pm | #8

   *I think given the choice I would have bought a shaper. I have a 2 1/2 hp plunge router. To me, it is too bulky to do hand work. It has spent 90% of it's time in the table making molding, trim, etc. Given my usage, I think a shaper would be better off. Also, getting custom bits made would be cheaper. Custom router bits made locally cost $150 - $200. The sets of steels for a shaper head cost $90. Considering that you can buy a 3hp shaper at the Grizzly tent sale for $100 that will be my next purchase.-Rob

2. 
   Guest_ | Feb 04, 1999 04:22am | #9

   *Tom, A hand held router will be more versatile than the shaper, once you build yourself a router table. You mentioned that you have the Freud raised panel router bit set. I have the same set. To use them most efficiently and safely you should purchase a 3hp router with variable speed. You will want to run them as slowly as possible. I would also suggest purchasing a router with a micro-depth adjuster. Porter-Cable, Dewalt, and Freud each make a 3hp router.

3. 
   Guest_ | Feb 04, 1999 05:20pm | #10

   *I used my 690 with a 2" long 3/4" dia. two flute flush trimbit to edge old, hard 2" butcher block and power was no issue. It did the work just fine. The cuts had to be shallow to minimze vibration and tearout, but not because the motor bogged down.I imagine on softer wood and hogging material or with really large diameters like panel bits, power might become an issue. Ann no variable speed could be a problem too.

4. 
   Guest_ | Feb 05, 1999 12:02am | #11

   *Sorry, I mis-stated that the outer cutting edge is turning at a faster rate then the inner edge. The outer edge is traveling a longer distance in relation to time then the inner edge. The whole bit turns at the same rpm. The lower speeds also minimize vibration of the bit. TT

4. 
   Norm_ | Feb 15, 1999 04:41am | #12

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   Tom, I recently purchased the
   b Delta model 43-505 Router-Shaper,
   and I'm happy to say I'm very pleased with it. I fought with the decision in the beginning. I do a lot of trim work, picture frames, and some panel doors. I like the performance of the machine. The only draw back I have found is with the installed fence. It only extends a little more than an inch from the bit center line. I made an aux. fence to use when cutting coves and flutes in larger material. All in all I think it's a good machine.

5. 
   Guest_ | Feb 16, 1999 05:35am | #13

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   Routing end grain at a slow speed really reduces burning, which in turn reduces sanding and scraping, which means more time to go fishing. The big Bosch 1615EVS is a dream, and I've hooked a speed reducer to to my PC 690 D-handle, and my laminate trimmer. I get in a lot of extra fishin'.

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 21, 1999 09:11am | #14

   *The outer edge does have a faster angular velocity than the inner, but does have the same RPM

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 21, 1999 09:12am | #15

   *Where and when is the Grizzly Tent Sale?

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 22, 1999 02:46am | #16

   *Had the 10" Grizzly 3hp cabinet saw, the motor burned up, and luckily, I was able to sell the beast and replace it with a uni-saw. The difference is huge.Grizzley has a customer referral program, they'll hook you up with someone nearby who has what you're interested in. I'd check that shaper out to see how smoothly it cuts. You might be sanding more than you'd like.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 03, 1999 08:25pm | #18

   *Jeff-Grizzly Industrial Tools and Accessories 1-800-523-4777 or grizzlyindustrial.com I think they import tools (lots of woodworking tools big and small) from Asia. I have heard mixed reviews about the shop readiness of them from different folks but I have had real good luck with my drum sander. They have showrooms in Bellingham, WA Memphis, TN and Williamsport, PA.

6. 
   tom_burton | Apr 03, 1999 08:25pm | #17

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   I have a router, but want to upgrade to a better router and/or a router table. However I see ads for the Delta model 43-505 router-shaper, which appears to be a mini shaper, or like a router in it own table. Anyone have any experience with that model?