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Made by: Porter-Cable
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Product Description -- When it's time to step up to a bigger router, Porter-Cable's 7518 should be on your list of contenders. It has as powerful a motor as you can find on a router and a reputation for accuracy and dependability. It's designed to work with bits as large as 4 inches in diameter and has electronic soft start and five speeds, to ensure that you'll be able to use those giant panel cutters safely and smoothly. The large bit capacity also makes it a great poor man's shaper when mounted on a good router table. Like most of Porter-Cable's routers, this model features their autorelease collet system, which does a good job of eliminating the problem of frozen bits and the need for rapping on the collet to remove them. Of all the routers we've tried, Porter-Cable's are among those with the lowest vibration and cleanest cuts. One thing we wish Porter-Cable would improve on is the lack of a spindle lock, which means that two wrenches--and potential knuckle wracking--are involved in bit changes. But given that a router's real value is measured by the results it produces, we'd still recommend the 7518 as one of the best routers available and a great choice for any shop.
From the Manufacturer
Built for durability, accuracy, and power, this rugged 3-1/4 horsepower router is a true workhorse. With a beefy five-speed, 15 amp motor that maintains a constant speed under load, this router is up to any task. Designed with 100% sealed ball bearings, the bottom bearing in the motor is closer to the workpiece, giving it the least vibration and run-out. A precision-machined aluminum motor housing and base prevent the heat build-up that can damage motors. Router bits will not become "frozen" or stuck in the collet due to an exclusive auto-release design that frees the collet from the arbor as the locking nut is loosened. Though a 1/2-inch collet is provided, collets are available for 1/4- and 3/8-inch shank bits. Truly built for power, this router packs a punch. However, the soft start makes startup safer and easier on the operator. Great for the production shop, countertop fabricators, and furniture makers. When used in a router table it can also act as a shaper for shops with a smaller budget. Includes motor #75182, base #75361, 1/2-inch collet #42950, two collet wrenches #42596, and operator's manual.
FEATURES
. 15 Amps, AC only
. Electronic five-speed with soft start 10,000, 13,000, 16,000, 19,000, 21,000 RPM
. Maintains constant speed under load
. 1/2" collet
. Auto-release collet system ends "frozen" bits
. Unique design pus bottom bearing closer to work fro minimum bit run-out and vibration
. Precision machined aluminum motor housing & base
. 100% sealed ball bearings
. Standard Equipment: Router motor #75182, base #75361, 1/2" collet #42950, collet wrenches #42596, and operating manual
SPECIFICATIONS
. Power: 120 VAC, 60 HZ
. Net Weight: 14 1/2 Lbs.
. Shipping Weight: 18 Lbs.
. Peak HP: 3 1/4
. Motor Amps: 15
. Motor Diameter: 4.2"
. Speed RPM: 5 speed with soft-start 10,000, 13,000, 16,000, 19,000 and 21,000
. Collets: Standard: 1/2" Available: 1/4" & 3/8"
. Height: 11"
. Width: 11"
. Base Dia.: 7"
WARRANTY
One year warranty with a 30 day performance certification.
No Faults -- According to Pat Warner, this router was specifically designed for use in a table. I've had one for about 3 years now, and I can't really fault it. I've never used it handheld; I have other routers for that. The soft-start is really much easier on the nerves. The adjustment mechanism - when it's clean - is fast and precise, but it does have a problem with sawdust clogging it. I was in the habit of changing bits while the motor was still mounted, but I developed the habit of taking it out to change bits and cleaning the threads on the base before remounting it. The problem of the cord I solved by shortening it to about six inches long and using an extension cord. The best was to do that is to shorten it at the motor end rather than the plug end. The motor is powerful enough to drive a horizontal panel-raising bit at full depth without hesitation. Operator hesitation is another matter though! As per PC practice, the buyer gets two separate collets, one for 1/4" shanks and the other for 1/2". The collet is tightened by using two wrenches (supplied) which is more reliable - if more awkward - than the shaft lock used on other makes.
Reviews:
7518 is a very good router -- I use my Porter Cable 7518 mounted under a table. The speed control is essential, especially when using large bits. The soft start and relatively quiet operation are big bonuses. The only problem that I have is adjusting the height: This requires the motor to be rotated which can cause dust that is accumulated on top of the motor to become lodged in the threads that adjust the height, causing the mechanism to jam. Once in a while I have to unmount the router, remove the base and thoroughly clean. Otherwise it easily beats other routers I've used.
Super deal! -- The router arrived several days sooner than expected. So soon in fact, that I'm not ready to install it yet. The price was better than anywhere I could find using all available sources. The guy that works in the tool department at our local Lowes' store said I "stole it" at that price. No complaints on this transaction at all. And, with the name Porter Cable, you can't go wrong.
Pricey but worth it -- I bought this router about a year ago to put in a router table. I spent a fair amount of time trying to decide between a router table with a big router or just stepping up to a shaper. I'm glad I went with the router table and router combination.
This monster has handled everything I've thrown at it without a sign of bogging down. The electronic speed control works well keeping the spindle at a constant rate under varying loads and the 5 speed feature allows me to use whatever size bit I need to to do the job.
I have used this to make raised panel doors out of hard maple. No burning and no problems.
Almost perfect! -- I am an amatuer woodworker. I bought the 7518 to put in my Bench Dog router table about 5 years ago. I did lots of homework on routers and a majority rated this router high on the list for router table use. I found that it has plenty of power to spare and will handle any bit that will fit in a 1/2 inch collet. It has five speed settings (10,000 to 21,000 rpm) which handle all of the cutting I have ever had to do. The on off switch is a rocker panel style (but I run my 7518 through a "Rousseau" switch that is mounted outside my router table). You do not want to be reaching inside a router table to turn off the power quickly. (The Rousseau is a better switch than the Bench Dog or any other method because it has a "crash bar" over the stop button that is near impossible to miss with hand or knee or anything else you might use.) If there is a drawback to using the 7518 in combonation with a router table, it is the inability of being able to raise the moter up to change bits as some of the newer plunge routers are able to do. (I solved this problem by purchasing the Benchdog Promax Router Lift from Amazon. Addmittedly, I could have continued using the router plate insert and just keep taking the router motor in and out by lifting if out of the table, but the Promax solved several other issues as well, thus justifying the money spent).
And, you need two wrenches (supplied by Porter Cable with the 7518) to change bits. It would be nice if this router had a collet stop locking button, such as found on other routers like the Hitachi MV12, which requires only one wrench to loosen the collet.
Great for table AND handheld routing -- Don't be afraid to take this thing out of the table and use it in your bare hands!
This things works fabulously, both in the table and in my hands. For the table, it's a no brainer... this thing rocks and, being Porter-cable, you will NEVER have a hard time finding accessories. It is the standard.
About the hand-held use though: It's big, but the handles are great, makes getting a good grip on it super-easy. In fact, it's the most comfy fit to my hands that I've found (though I have not tried the Milwaukee 3.25hp router). Also, the weight, solidity, and power of the thing makes it such that it doesn't jump around and jerk like my lighter 1 3/4 HP Dewalt. Between its weight and power, it's actually a fantastic hand router, and cuts any wood (as a previous poster stated) "like butter".
I've used it for fairly delicate, precision work in tight areas as well and the really big stuff. Heck, The only time I've even made a bit chirp was when I was using a 2" long, 1/2" flush trim bit on the full thickness of solid 1.75" alder, and I was "trimming" just about the full diameter of the bit... that was just plain stupid of me. The router barely seemed to notice... the bit, however... well, it's resting in "piece(s)".
I would not necessarily want it as my only router in the shop. If it were my only one, I'd go with a 2 1/4 hybrid, because there are definitely times you do need something more manuverable for light trim work. But, if you have the option to buy two (or already have one) having a small packaged 1 3/4hp (or even PC's little 7/8"hp deal) partnered with this one, then you have a near unbeatable routing setup.