PORTER-CABLE Router, 2-1/4 HP (892)

This is the "perfect fit" for router table use. I can't comment on hand-held use because it immediately went into the router table. This machine is smooth cutting, powerful and quiet. The features for the table mount are perfect. PC put a lot of thought into this one! You can adjust the bit height using the 75301 height adjustment knob, lock/unlock the motor from the mount and lock the spindle all from above. The spindle/collet raises enough that you don't have to reach down inside the mount to get to the collet nut. My only gripe was that the height adjustment knob is an accessory costing an extra twenty to thirty bucks depending on where you find it. Amazon doesn't carry it yet but a web search will turn up a bunch of sites that do. I thought I'd save a few bucks and just use a 1/4 drive 3/16" socket and extension bar but none of the sockets I have found will fit through the hole in the base. The knob from PC has a second, located lower, plastic guide that helps to align the knob shaft with the height adjuster mounted on the base. I guess the best bet is to spend a few more bucks and get the PC version.This unit comes with an interactive cd that is very well done. Even has plans and a short movie from the router workshop on building a table. Very well done I might add.All in all I would give it six stars if I could. This is an up-date to a reveiw I posted in 2003 the same week I got this router. Well the good news is after 3 years of regular use I would still give this router 6 stars if I could. I figure I saved major money over buying a "router lift" type of accessorie because this router does all of that and does it well. The not-so-good-news is the router was recalled. I called my service center and drove over to be presented with a brand new router motor. Yes I am well out of warranty but they gave me the brand new motor, no questions asked! I don't think I could ask for more. I have since purchased the vac. handle kit and can rave over the performance of that item too. Once again, six stars if they would let me! I've never had one moment of dissatsifaction. I have had to make a few minor adjustments over the years but performance has never really suffered. Give this one a good look. I know you won't be disappointed. I sure haven't been!

This is a decent enough router, but I cannot give it 5 stars due to a couple of flaws that were not well thought out by Porter Cable.Porter Cable states this router can be used in the 690 spin down base. However, they neglect to mention that the socket gear on the side of the motor most be removed, and there are only 2 pins for the spin-down base. (The 690 uses 4 pins for a smoother fit). For me, the spin-down base I had permanently mounted in my router table was no longer an option. Taking off and re-installing the socket gear is sooner or later going to damage either the gear, or the 1/4 screws. The screws are soft, allowing for easy damage to their heads.So I had to purchase another base for the 892. Unfortunately, documentation is anything but clear on the proper part number for a complete replacement fixed base. Even Porter Cable's support site lacks proper images to ensure you are ordering the correct base. Emailing Porter Cable gave me the correct part number (A23656). Wasted time that proper documentation would have prevented.Used to the heavy duty sub-base of my 690 router, I find the sub-base of the 892 to be sub-par. The sub-base that comes with the router is cheap, brittle plastic which is flimsy, even with the reinforcing ridges molded into the sub-base. The bit opening is larger than the old 690, but this means that if you plan to use template guides (part number 42000), then you will need to buy the older replacement sub-base (part 42186). Thankfully the screw holes in the 42186 align for use with the 892.So a nice enough routerm but be ready to spend a little extra cash to get the parts that should have come with the router in the first place.

Overall a 5/5 with some caveats. Reliable, easy to use, seems sturdy and powerful, and quality all around.Two issues:The handles suck. It's made of hard rubber which is great but the problem is they twist on you easily. You can screw them down with a big fine threaded hex screw but the plastic/rubber crushes under the force and you're never able to get good tension. I'll turn my own handles when I get a lathe.The second issue is more minor but they should really include a second collet wrench. There's only one and "for convenience" you're supposed to use the spindle lock button. The problem is it's really difficult to unlock the collet with just one wrench and a small spindle lock. I ended up jamming my hand almost every time changing bits. I bought a second wrench for ten dollars and it works much better.That's it. Annoyances aside, I would still buy this router.

This is a very nice design for mounting under a table because it's possible to make small height adjustments from above, without groping under the table. To do that you drill a hole in the router table that lines up with a hole in the router base, and to adjust the height you use a special wrench. (Devise your own using a hex wrench bit or buy the outrageously priced tool offered by Porter Cable. Porter-Cable ought to thrown in the adjusting wrench as part of the price.)Three problems: (1) The printed manual doesn't say a word about mounting and adjusting it in this way, even though that's the main benefit of the 890 series design vs the cheaper, better-built workshorse 690 series. You have to figure it out for youself. (2) It uses a plastic rack-and-pinion gear to adjust the depth of cut, which feels less solid than rotating pin alignment of the 690 series. (3) When you release the lever that locks the depth of cut setting, the router wobbles a little, so you have to re-check the height carefully after the router is locked in place. We're used to rock-solid tools from P-C, not plastic gears and wobbly housings.Plus side: It's quieter; the RPMs can be adjusted; it's safer, faster and much easier to change bits -- no more skinned knuckles! It comes with a CD that shows more about how to use it. Not really four stars, but better than 3.

I set this router up in a large router table that does not have a switch fastened to it. I've been working with woodworking tools for well over 50 years and this router has the weirdest on/off switch that I have ever used. I'll have to buy a paddle switch to fasten to my router table to plug the router into. The router itself is easy enough to use, although there is a slow start up to full speed when you switch the machine on.

This one's quite heavy, very nice, read people use these 20+ years in machine shops and only need to replace bushings... Updated review because the locking pin broke for changing bits, and I was just doing normal hand tightening, the thick pin bent. It is a horrible problem most likely a cheap fix, hope I can get the part replaced through the local warranty repair shop.

I bought the router for a specific purpose, which is to combine with a lathe to make baseball bats.The router is perfect. Lots of power and great adjustment in speed control. I wish I could say the same with the lathe. Excellent piece of equipment. Highly recommended.

I purchased this for the variable speed and the extra power for my router table, Runs well and cutting hardwoods is no problems with this router.

This was supposed to be compatible with the Leigh Dovetail Jig with-out any adapters. It wasn't. Difficult to set the lock pin unless the router height is in the right place. Other than that, it is smooth running and easy to handle.