Porter-Cable 7518 Router
March 13th, 2006
When you are ready to buy a great router for your router table project, the Porter Cable 7518 should be on your short list. The model 7518 comes with a 3 1/4 HP motor and can accommodate router bits up to 4 inches in diameter. That means this is a great router to mount those raised panel bits in, even with the craziest profiles.
Porter-Cable 7518 3-1/4 HP Speedmatic 5-Speed Router
Description:
When it’s time to step up to a bigger router, Porter-Cable’s 7518 should be on your list of contenders. It has as powerful a motor as you can find on a router and a reputation for accuracy and dependability. It’s designed to work with bits as large as 4 inches in diameter and has electronic soft start and five speeds, to ensure that you’ll be able to use those giant panel cutters safely and smoothly. The large bit capacity also makes it a great poor man’s shaper when mounted on a good router table. Like most of Porter-Cable’s routers, this model features their autorelease collet system, which does a good job of eliminating the problem of frozen bits and the need for rapping on the collet to remove them. Of all the routers we’ve tried, Porter-Cable’s are among those with the lowest vibration and cleanest cuts. One thing we wish Porter-Cable would improve on is the lack of a spindle lock, which means that two wrenches–and potential knuckle wracking–are involved in bit changes. But given that a router’s real value is measured by the results it produces, we’d still recommend the 7518 as one of the best routers available and a great choice for any shop. –Brian Trinen
Features:
- Ideal for table mounting
- Soft start for smooth performance
- 5 speed 15-amp motor maintains constant speed under load
- Aluminum motor housing prevents heat build-up
- Auto release collets
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tags: porter+cable, porter+cable+router, router+table, woodworking
Looking for a great plunge router with ample power, low-noise output, great feel? Then the Porter Cable model 8529 VS plunge router may be the one for you. This router comes equipped with a very smooth and quiet 2 HP motor. This is plenty of power for just about every DIY (Do It Yourself) woodwoorker out there who is looking for an intermediate router with power and plunge capabilities. This is *not* the router for you if you are looking for a table mounted unit or something that can be mounted to a router table or template guided, or heavy-duty shaping/router table duties. If you are looking for something like this, then you will want to look at a plunge router with some more power. However, don’t let that deter you from purchasing a fine model like the 8529. Most of us would like to think that we need every feature on the market when we are purchasing tools. But, most of the time, we will end up spending a great deal more than we need to and never use the capabilities of the router. This router can do just about anything you ask of it, and do it very well. Plunging duties are handled exceptionally well. The soft start feature makes for smooth quiet, jerk-free operation. Great handles and grips make for a positive feel and control of the router. And, with 2 horsepower on tap, it is able to handle the most demanding tasks without batting an eyelash. The model 8529 is a great all around plunge router for professionals and home DIY’ers alike.