Product Review: Porter-Cable 892 Router

The Porter-Cable 892 is fixed-base router. The tool can accommodate collets with a diameter of 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch. You can find the Porter-Cable 892 for an average price of $180. Let's take a look at some of the features offered by this fixed-base router.

The Porter-Cable 892 is equipped with a 2 1/4 HP, 12-amp motor. The soft-starting motor also provides variable speed adjustment. The motor delivers between 10,000 and 23,000 rotations per minute, complete with full-time electronic feedback. The variable speed adjustment allows you to use the small or large cutting bits Porter-Cable 892 efficiently.

The motor has a diameter of 3 1/2 inches. Therefore, you can use the motor with older bases. Also, you can easily transition the motor into a plunge base, fixed base, or spiral down base. Also, the Porter-Cable 892 is equipped with a spindle lock that engages automatically so that you can easily change the bit using a single wrench and one hand.

The Porter-Cable 892 also features a dedicated knob so that you can make micro-height adjustments easily. This allows you to achieve fine depth settings up to 1/128-inch. The Porter-Cable 892 is also equipped with a macro-height lever. This allows you to make coarse adjustments easily. The lever also allows you to release the motor without using any tools.

The Porter-Cable 892 comes included with a 1/4-inch collet and a 1/2-inch collet. You are also provided with an interactive CD-ROM. This CD-ROM provides video instructions so that you can easily build a router table to accommodate the Porter-Cable 892 router. Also, you are provided with a multi-function carrying case when you purchase the tool. This provides a convenient place to store your router whenever you are not using it.