router help

dug · February 05, 2012, 09:28:23 AM

I know virtually nothing about routers except that I needed one so I bought a Porter Cable 690 with 1001 fixed base yesterday. I also bought a couple of round over bits and was ready (I thought) to start cutting. When I went to install the 1/2 inch round over bit I discovered that it was too big to fit through the hole in the base, 3/8 round over wouldn't fit either.

Anyone familiar with this model? I was under the impression that this was a pretty standard router, and thought a 1/2 round over was a fairly standard bit. I am wondering if there is something I am missing before I return it and look like a fool when they show me that the bit fits fine!

rick91351 · February 05, 2012, 09:56:37 AM

Dug you more than likely one of these. However not plugging Amazon -

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42188-2-Inch-Hole-Base/dp/B0000222VD/ref=sr_1_8?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1328452376&sr=1-8

Woodcraft, Rockler, others would carry that as well. I know our local Wooodcraft Store does. I would assume that it came with a sub base plate for a trim bits and dove tailing. Good router from the reviews I have read. Where did you get it? Anyone there that might sort of 'splain to ya' what you might be missing.

Side bar there is a few tips and 'laws' using one of the dog gone things, if you are new to them. You might buy a good basic router 101 book and read it before you head out on that piece of full figured hard maple. Or tackle even some knotty fir boards. Most will explain direction to move the tool inside and out. (They are actually opposite.) How to turn the corner and just keep on keepin' on. How to do tight curves and not ruin the piece. Still takes a little practice and messing up. But do it with scrap of course. But with what I seen out of you you will have it down in no time!

February 05, 2012, 10:19:31 AM

Thanks rick, that looks like just what I need! I agree with some of the comments I read that suggest this model should come with it, like I said I am a newbie to the router world but it looked like at least half the bits I saw at the store would not work with this base.

I paid $139 for it at our local Ace store and was pretty let down when I got home and couldn't get going with it. I am halfway seriously thinking of ordering the new base and taking a uni-bit to the old one so I can get some work done in the meantime, but I should probably just wait and do a little reading up on the subject as you suggested.

Don_P · February 05, 2012, 10:25:38 AM

I've gotten a number of bits that don't fit through the hole in the subbase. If the plastic base means nothing to me, which is generally the case, I'll start with the base above the bit, switch the router on and lower the base letting the bit bore a clearance hole large enough. When I want to keep the subbase intact (which is a good idea) I'll replace the subbase with a piece of clear plexiglass (best) or a piece of 1/4" ply (works but you can't see through it.

Safety tip, when lifting a router develop the habit of always turning the bit end away from yourself, never in towards yourself.

Mike 870 · February 05, 2012, 08:22:31 PM

Can anyone reccomend good makers of bits? The internet is just overloading me with info/opinions etc. There is some pretty expensive stuff out there and also some pretty inexpensive stuff. I generally try to buy "best value", not cheap, but not top of the line. However, when push comes to shove, I'll upgrade rather than buying something that wont last. For example, I'd spring for a Dewalt but not Festool.

February 05, 2012, 08:30:21 PM

Freud

PEG688 · February 05, 2012, 08:50:56 PM

Grizzly for standard stuff. Whiteside's for any thing spiral.

rick91351 · February 05, 2012, 10:22:46 PM

Quote from: Mike 870 on February 05, 2012, 08:22:31 PM
Can anyone reccomend good makers of bits? The internet is just overloading me with info/opinions etc. There is some pretty expensive stuff out there and also some pretty inexpensive stuff. I generally try to buy "best value", not cheap, but not top of the line. However, when push comes to shove, I'll upgrade rather than buying something that wont last. For example, I'd spring for a Dewalt but not Festool.

I would take Pegg's statement a bit further. I would go with Whiteside for any bit I plan to use a lot. They are American made and out of a superb grade of carbide. These bits are made to last for years and years if well taken care of. Bearings can be replaced. Mountain Don's choice of Freud is very good choice as well. Great grade of carbide and good bearings. However if you use it once a month, once a year and you don't want to spend the $$$, any in house brand will do. Rockler and Woodcraft both have good house brands.