Porter Cable 690LR Router

[CNCRob]

I was wondering if anyone has any recomendations for a speed controll or bit adaptors, or any other accessories for a Porter Cable 690LR router. Thanks-Robbie

[tauscnc]

Hey bud,

I have the same question. I did turn some "collet inserts" for 1/8" and 3/8" endmills. I would love some type of chuck when you want to use drill bits, etc.

As for speed control, mine has it on the router. I assume your asking it to be controlled from the software? I did order the Relay board just a few min. ago to switch stuff on and off http://www.cnc4pc.com/index.htm

I plan to connect at least the router to it.

taus

[ger21]

http://www.eagle-america.com/html/ca...oup.asp/333711

I think Harbor freight has a similar unit for $20. I haven't used either. Porter Cable makes 3/8" collets, for about $12

You might want to check out this ER chuck mentioned in this thread, http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9925

Just put it in a 1/2" collet. A bit pricey, though.

[Beezer]

That looks exactly like the speed control I bought for my porter cable router and I am not completely satisfied with it. The main problem I found was if you had the switch set for "Variable" and the speed knob not at full the router would not turn on when Mach 2 called for spindle on. You first had to set the switch to "Full" and when the router came on you could switch it over to "Variable" then adjust the router speed. Not sure if there is some type of circuit inside the speed control that does not allow the router motor to start up at lower rpms or it has something to do with my particular model of Porter Cable router (Mdl. 690). Still trying to figure out what the problem is.

Carl

[LeeWay]

I have one of thos router speed controllers that I use on my Dewalt trimmer. I haven't tried it on the PC 690. I heard that they won't work right with soft start routers. Maybe this is what's happening with it.

[ger21]

I've heard that you do need to have it on full speed when you start the router. I've never used one, though. You could always buy a variable speed 690, ~$150, or 892, ~$200

[PaulH]

I would agree with that... The variable speed PC 690 is 10k-27k RPM. If you want to go with something smaller, like a laminate trimmer, consider the new one from Ridgid. They're readily availble at Home Depot, and are variable from 20k-30k RPM.

[Beezer]

I am going to contact Porter Cable to see if I can change my 690LR router into the 690LRVS if I replace the top cap with the one from the 690LRVS model along with the speed control module. Looking at the parts schematic for these models that looks like the only difference beween them.

Carl

[CNCRob]

Hey Beezer,
Keep us posted on what you find out.

[Beezer]

Ooops. Me bad. I should have looked much closer at the schematic. Looks like the complete motor coil needs to be replaced also. Then it is not worth doing the change since the cost of those parts would be pretty high. Better to just buy a 690LRVS motor off ebay.

Sorry about that. Guess I better get my eyes checked. LOL


Carl

[PaulH]

The 690LVRS is available through Amazon for about $145. That includes the fixed router base, which obviously is not needed in a CNC application. On eBay I found the motor alone for under $100, but the condition may be suspect.

If you have a Rockler store nearby, try them for router motors. I was able to buy the 5-speed 3.25 HP motor for a router table (cabinet making) sans base. They actually stock them that way purposely for people building router tables from their kits. http://www.rockler.com/

[Beezer]

Well that didn't take too long. Found a brand new 690LRVS router with base, 1/4" & 1/2" collets, wrenches, manual and plastic case for a "Buy It Now" of $120.00 on ebay. I will just take the standard 690 motor that is on my CNC router table now and put it on the base that comes with the new router, then mount that complete unit to the router table plate came with my Ryobi table saw. Might as well make good use of the spare motor since I have it. HEHE

I also saw just the 690LRVS motor for auction but it didn't come with any collets or extras and it was already up to a $98 bid price with a couple hours left. The new one seemed like a better deal for the extra $20.00.


Carl