What happened to Porter Cable Routers

**Pusser** · 27th September 2007, 01:14 AM

I have been reading the posts on Router selection and it seems triton is the most popular. I have the big triton, a big makita but my favourite router is a 2 hp Porter Cable which has great balance, low vibration, smooth plunge and no runout that I can detect and a terrific long and soft power cord and a good soft start. I bought it at Caratec at a show five years ago. They were bought out by Black and Decker (along with Dewalt) and the routers seem to have vanished in Aus. One of the demonstrators at the Canberra show told me Black and Decker had taken them off the market and were concentrating on the Dewalt and Firestorm brands. If so it is a pity because it is a great router and I would like another to permanently mount on my FMT jig. It seems not only are all power tools made in Asia but are going to be owned by GMC and Black and Decker!??

**joe greiner** · 27th September 2007, 01:29 AM

Yep. Porter-Cable was once the "Black & Decker" of power tools. Ever since Alonzo Decker Jr died, Black & Decker is no longer the "Black & Decker" of power tools. Mostly crap now.

Joe

**Honorary Bloke** · 27th September 2007, 01:59 AM

Of course, Porter-Cable still make some of the finest routers around. I have one in my table and love it. I don't know why they quit Oz. Maybe they felt they couldn't compete with Triton. DeWalt make a very good router as well, but the Black & Decker branded stuff is cr#p.

**Gwhat** · 28th September 2007, 09:32 AM

Hi

This debate is never ending, PC aren't available here in Oz anymore, they're a nice router. The best router available here would have to be the DeWalt 625. It's the old ELU reworked and is a good all rounder, like all companies who mass market their products, B & D have certain price points that determine the quality, DeWalt is the top end of their range and the 625 is the top end of routers (affordable ones that is).

My thoughts for what they're worth.

BTW we dont sell routers just the goodies that make them work.

Regards

The Woodworker

**Template Tom** · 28th September 2007, 12:10 PM

One of the disadvantages I see with the Porter Cable routers is the lack of ability to attach a 40mm Template guide. The opening in the base is to small. Though I suppose the base can be removed for larger cutters????
Tom

**Pusser** · 29th September 2007, 12:43 AM

Originally Posted by Template Tom

One of the disadvantages I see with the Porter Cable routers is the lack of ability to attach a 40mm Template guide. The opening in the base is to small. Though I suppose the base can be removed for larger cutters????
Tom

The base has a 90mm hole but the standard template guide hole has a 30mm thread. Odd that a US router has metric scales on the fine adjust (one turn = 4mm) and depth setting rod.

Pusser

**warmtone** · 26th October 2007, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by Gwhat

Hi

This debate is never ending, PC aren't available here in Oz anymore, they're a nice router. The best router available here would have to be the DeWalt 625. It's the old ELU reworked and is a good all rounder, like all companies who mass market their products, B & D have certain price points that determine the quality, DeWalt is the top end of their range and the 625 is the top end of routers (affordable ones that is).

My thoughts for what they're worth.

BTW we dont sell routers just the goodies that make them work.

Regards

The Woodworker

I own a Triton and a Festool OF 1400 Router (both excellent and the Festool in a classs of its own) but have to say the DeWalt 625 (modelled on the famous ELU Router)

is a seriously good machine and exceptionally quiet and smooth as noted at the recent Melbourne Wood Show (Incra Stand). reasonably priced too!

I also have soft spot for Porter cable stuff as I own their buscuit joiner
.......and would love to see more of their machinery

**ciscokid** · 5th November 2007, 01:21 AM

I own a huge Porter Cable router that I keep mounted under my router table. No problems with it. I also own a Porter Cable 690 that I absolutely love and use mostly with my dovetail jig. I would like to buy another 690, but I've heard that Porter Cable is discontinuing that model.

Why would they stop making such a fine machine?

**Pusser** · 5th November 2007, 09:03 AM

The 620 is what I wanted to buy. Why discontinue it? Why not sell in Australia? - I blame Black and Decker who push dewalt. I have no idea but I guess it is product rationalisation. Pity they did not keep the better kit rather than the popular and recognisable colour scheme.

Pusser

**Ken Savemoa** · 7th March 2008, 10:30 PM

I appreciate the opportunity to subscribe to your forum.

A Mission Organisation in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea has asked me to source the following parts for a Porter Cable Model 23-557-56 Plate Joiner. The serial number is Q99573-011214

Quantity Reference # Part # Description
2 150 892143 Left Pivot, T2
2 151 892144 Right Pivot, T2

Can any one point me in the right direction to find these items or am I to understand that they have gone off the market.
Thank you.

**bsrlee** · 9th March 2008, 09:06 PM

The Porter Cable 557 plate (or biscuit) joiner is still in production. I think your best bet would be to contact someone like Rockler ( www.rockler.com ) and ask if they can supply the parts, or contact Porter Cable direct and ask for a list of dealers that stock parts who have an internet address.

Aldi have/had a close copy of the PC 557 in their weekly specials for $69, which could probably be stripped for parts.

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