Porter Cable is known for great routers, we take a look at the Porter Cable router combo kit the 450PK and see if it worthy of the Porter Cable name.
Specifications of the Porter Cable
- 1.25HP motor
- Soft starting motor – Full-time electronic feedback to maintain motor speed through cuts
- Adjustment to within 1/64”
- Plunge Base and fixed Base
- 5 position adjustable turret
- Up to 1.5” depth travel with standard base and 2” with Plunge base
- 8 slot ¼” collet
- 7 Amps
- No load Speed – 27,000 rpm
- Rocker Switch
- Weight 4.1lbs
Where do we start. Do we start talking about how much we like Porter Cable routers and this is no different or do we just start with how cool routers are to use. I guess we should probably start with this kit and skip the first two items.
This kit includes the router (I hope so), fixed base, plunge base, collet wrench, owner’s manual and nylon storage bag. When you pick up the router, it has a great feel to it. If you are used to the bigger routers, then this all most seems like a toy, well I guess it is a toy, but it sure doesn’t have the stats as a toy. This offers plenty of power to get most jobs done while your bigger routers can sit and collect dust on the shelf. With a 1.25HP and a no load speed of 27,000 rpm, this will work on almost any project. One nice feature we like is the soft start, that way all the power is not transferred to your hands and jerks the tool. To turn the router on, there is a rocker switch located towards the bottom of the plastic housing, which the switch is encased to protect from dust and debris. This is a very high quality tool and we highly recommend it.
The top part of the router is made from ABS plastic, so its lightweight and durable. On the body is helical grooves that act as a thread for spinning the depth adjustment. Adjustments are very easy to set and you can be confident the adjustment will stay in the exact place you set it. You can make adjustments up to 1/64”, pretty cool.
While some routers can be a pain to change the router bit, changing the bit on this is easy. There is a lock button to lock the spindle in place. You can use the provide wrench to loosing the nut up and insert the ¼” bit.
Switching over to the plunge base, again we are going to say, very easy. Basically everything about this router is easy to use and set. You can watch the set up of the plunge router with the video below and see for yourself how easy it is to work with.
Conclusion
The Porter Cable combo kit is a steal. With a name and backing of Porter Cable and their history with routers, you can’t go wrong. Having the plunge base and fix base make it easy to do all most anything with this router system. The router is light enough and easy enough to have complete control of the router when working even with finer detailed work or when you want to use one hand.
We always like to hear back from our readers on their experience with these tools – good or bad. Do you have experience with these tools? How has the long term use been? What applications have you used the tool for? Is this a DIY or professional grade tool? Let us and other readers know.
