Again, at the risk of gushing, the changes made us love this router even more. What's not to love? The thing on the original 690 that we (and most of you) weren't crazy about was the T-bolt that locked down the bit height. It was a bit difficult to deal with, and it made for sore fingers. In this 9690 version, the bolt's been replaced by a smooth lever that takes just one hand to lock. Beautiful.

Porter-Cable's also redesigned the way the motor housing rests in the base for those who like to mount a router in a table. In the old 690, you had to be very careful not to let the motor slip down through the base while it was suspended in a table during bit-height adjustments. Problem solved with a few simple notches formed into the base that will keep the motor in the housing unless you specifically remove it.

The collets underwent a little redesign as well, and we won't complain about that either, as we've had to tap on plenty of stuck bits ourselves. Now, a quick release means no more wedged-in shanks.

Those changes (and a little increase in horsepower) aside, it's the same powerhouse router that's been dominating the market since it was introduced 20-something years ago. The depth adjustment is unparalleled, with a micrometer ring that lets you make changes in increments of 1/64th inch. Used freehand, you get great control with the knob handles, and of course, you can buy the D-handle if you prefer, though you'll be back to the T-bolt again. Frankly, after getting our hands on the lever, we won't go back.

The quality of this router makes it one of our most favorite tools, and to boot, this one comes with a rugged case. We can't recommend this highly enough.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Amazon.com Product Description
Very seldom can you improve on "perfection" but when you look at the changes on the infamous 690 router you will agree that is exactly what Porter-Cable has done. Since quality couldn't be improved, we attacked horsepower by increasing it to 1-3/4 and incorporated a new one-handed lever-release height adjustment. No more fumbling with the T-bolt, now just adjust your height "snap" it and rout. This new mechanism is extremely beneficial in router table applications where space is limited. To top it off we have added a dust proof switch and larger, more ergonomic handles for better control. Of course, you will find the same stand-by features that made the 690 famous; Precision machined aluminum motor housing and base, 1/64-inch micrometer depth-of-cut adjustment, 100-percent sealed ball bearing construction and 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch auto-release collets to ensure bit changes are as smooth as the router itself. Combine that with the Porter-Cable 1 year parts and labor warranty and you have a complete package that will be around for a very long time. And since this version comes standard with a carrying case with space available for bits, wrenches and collets you can keep everything you will need together making it just that much easier to use.

Technical Details
Power: peak horsepower, 1 ; motor amps: 11; speed, 27,000 rpm. Collets: standard: 1/4 and inch with 3/8-inch available. Weight: 8 pounds.

What's in the Box
Porter-Cable 9690LR 1-3/4 HP router with base #1001, 1/4" collet #42999, 1/2" collet #42950, collet wrenches #42596, and operating manual.

Applications Freehand routing or table-mounted.