PC 690LR 1-3/4hp router and raised panel bit

[jason_31]

ok so i have read mixed opinions on this issue. MANY say that you need at least 2hp and up for a raised panel bit and ive read some others that say you can use something 1-3/4 hp if you take many light passes (common sense) im just asking because i went out and bought this pc router with intentions of using it for raised panels, without checking what is required first...DURRRR so im just asking if anyone out there has used this router or something like it and been fine with a panel bit. my table is solid so that shouldnt be an issue. the router does not have variable speed so im hoping i didnt waste money on it. i picked it up for $100 and it looks used maybe once or twice so getting my money back shouldnt be a problem if thats what i have to do.

thanks guys!

[Mike in Waubaushene]

I have the PC 690 D grip. It's a great router, but does not have variable speed. That is pretty much required when you are swinging a panel cutter bit. I use a Freud FTE 2000 at 8000 rpms when panel raising. That's a lot of iron trying to turn 25000??? rpms.

[Woodwreck]

The 690 router is just fine... you are using it in a table (RIGHT?) ... stop all the fretting and spend the time wasted posting frets in using the thing and enjoying it. Yes it is noisy and so forth but that is the way it is.

if you take many light passes (common sense

No, not many light, but taking a couple - one or two - passes yes, is just fine for most cuts...

Yes a bigger router is nice, has advantages and in some cases could be a necessity, but the 690 is fine for most 3/4" work,..

Go for it. I have half a dozen and use mine amongst them all.

["C"]

The 690 router is just fine... you are using it in a table (RIGHT?) ... stop all the fretting and spend the time wasted posting frets in using the thing and enjoying it.

While I don't share Steve's 'throw caution to the wind and do something you aren't sure is safe' approach, I agree, your 690 is fine. A big 3 hp router is great for panel bits, but not a necessity.

C

[jason_31]

haha ok thanks a lot guys. I'm kind of just starting out in woodworking, im 24 years old and have gone to school for it and such, and its just that, im trying not to do things that are unsafe, and i figured id ask the people on here with more knowledge than myself before i tried it. thanks again guys.

[Mike in Waubaushene]

I'm not sure it would be that unsafe if it were chucked in tight. But it goes from 0 to 27500 in less than a second. That much torque on the shaft can't be good for the motor. I would think it would severely shorten it's life. There are vertical panel raisers that will put a 1 1/2inch profile and the bit is only about 1 1/4 inch in diameter. The workpiece is fed thru in the upright position.

[Rusty]

The router WILL spin it, the bit WILL cut, but I'm not sure I'd want to be standing close by if that bit decides to break or throw some shrapnel at 25,000 rpm. If you can return it, do so. Buy a variable speed with minimum 2 1/4 hp.

[Don Burch]

There re lots of web links to router bit speeds. As well, the bits you are planning to use should come with a manufactures recommendation.
You do not want to take a full cut regardless of the router. Build up the fence thickness with 1/4" strips of HDPE. Make a pass, remove one piece of HDPE, make another pass, repeat until finished. This limits each pass to 1/4". Router is happy, bit is happy, you are happy.

Don

[jason_31]

hmmm, i have no problem with keeping it and selling my other two to get something a little more beefy. has anyone had any luck with those external speed controls ? im just a little scared of what was mentioned, spinning the bit too fast.

[Woodwreck]

Well, apparently we are together on the latter part of your statement Clint, but gosh I certainly never meant any such thing as caution to the wind. I am sure sorry that somehow got misconstrued out of it. Anything about just fine meant adequate for most of your apparent needs and please note the reference to maximum of 3/4" stock and panels.

[Tim in Milton]

I wouldn't run it at that speed. The hp is kind of irrelevant in this instance in that it will spin it but it might bog down if you were making too heavy a cut. The salient point has already been made. It is way too fast an rpm for a wide bit. This may well give you some more info http://www.rockler.com/articles/router-bit-basics.cfm

Assuming you have a 2 1/2" diameter bit. At 8,000 rpm the outside edge is travelling at c 95kph. At 25000 it is roughly 300kph.

[Tom Brown]

I picked up the big Milwaukee router for my router table specifically for doing raised panels but I've used a 690 for years and would have used it in the router table if it was variable speed. If I were doing it again, I'd use a Hitachi M12VC in the router table. The Hitachi can be picked up for $140 without having to search very hard, is variable speed, and is lovely and quiet.

I just went with the Milwaukee because I'm trying to set up a nice shop so I'm worried about compromising but, in retrospect, that was needless and ego based for what I'm doing. You may find the same.

[jason_31]

i was actually looking at the exact hitachi model on amazon for 110. wasnt sure if it was something i should go for or not.

["C"]

Rusty's post seems spot-on. Myself, I use a Triton 3 1/4 hp with variable speed. I like the Freud 3 1/2" panel blades with the back cutters. It's a big bit, and I'm glad I can slow it way down and have the extra HP behind it. Probably wouldn't use those bits on the PC 690LR... but that's not to say you couldn't.

I've also been looking at the Hitatchi, but it is the M12V2. Best price I can find is just under $200. 3 1/4hp


C