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Used this model for years. Use this at my company. Does the job.
Great little router - but.the "case". This case doesn't even leave enough room for the instruction pamphlet once you've opened it. Is there ANYBODY out there that WANTS a tool's case to be so small that you need a degree in physics just to figure out how the tool is supposed to go back in. Portability is very important to me, and this case is obviously not intended to be used by somebody who travels with the tool.Which begs the question, what IS the case designed for.Apparently, it's designed for somebody who doesn't mind spending five or ten minutes figuring out how to get the tool in and wrap the wire just right so it's not getting crushed and kinked, each and every time they put it away.That's not me.
At least give us TWO cheesy plastic snaps.I broke down and bought a separate case for my router and bits. There's CERTAINLY no room for a couple of bits.I just don't get it. Especially when just a LITTLE more room would make so much of a difference.And as if the case's small size weren't enough, the overall case design - handle on the top half with that cheesy snap latch on the side - if that little plastic latch ever gives way, you're router's hitting the floor hard, no two ways about it. If you travel with your tools, you will too - so factor that into the cost. You can't help but worry about it every time you pick up. WHAT is with tool companies and these minimalist, throwaway case designs lately.Is it to save on shipping.
What's the upside of making a case so small. (and join me in my frustration, wondering why a company like porter cable can't spend the dollar or two that it would take to turn the case into a useful accessory instead of the fancy shipping container that it is.). I mean, would it kill them to just give us an extra INCH or two.I'm so bothered by this that I have to mark the tool lower than I would have otherwise. I want a case I can just drop the tool into and forget about it.
I'd buy this one again even with my one complaint. I like most everything about the router performace, weight, ease of use, except the location of the "on-off" switch. I'm not a pro using it every day, so maybe I'm not used to not have a trigger switch like my old Black & Decker.
Good balance, light weight, and easy to adjust bit depth. I found start-up torque to be managable, even though I'm used to the soft start of my Bosch. Already owning a Bosch plunge router, I wanted a lighter weight router as a companion for my Leigh dovetailing jig. Having read all the comments about the location of the on/off switch, and how disconcerting start-up is, I expected worse. All-in-all, the 9690 is an excellent router for the money. After considerable research, I decided the Porter Cable 9690 would be my choice. I couldn't be more pleased with the performance of this machine.
I only use small bits, so the fixed speed isn't really a drawback. I got this for use with a dovetail template system. This seems comparable quality. I currently have a Bosch 1617 with plunge and fixed bases. It is a no nonsense router. Plenty of power for hand held applications.
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