You can't go wrong using this router. Excellent balance, power, and speed control are just a few of the features that make this router a tool to have. A little heavier than most routers, but what do you expect for a 3 1/4 production router?

Listen people...this beast is a continuous duty production router, not the one router you will ever need. It is HEAVY because it is made to spin big bits without vibrating. Mass absorbs energy e=MC sq! Notice the handles? It can be used freehand. I have used it freehand to bullnose 200 LF of 3" solid Mahogany counter tops that could not be pushed through a shaper do radiused corners. It can handle your biggest jobs with grace. It has good balance and finesse, beautiful soft start and NEVER bogs under load. There is no other 15 amp production router by any manufacturer this smooth and balanced, and I have tried most . I use it only on jobs for which it makes sense and no other machine will do. Otherwise you are just lugging a barbell. It is not a laminate trimmer nor a lightweight edge profiler. Panel raising is no reason to to spend this much on a router. If you are stupid enough to spend $400 on a router then $500 on a lift then more on a table to "raise panels" when you could have bought a small or used shaper then my condolences. My shaper raises panels clean in one pass and will do so all day long. This router will too but 1/2" shank router bits can't take that kind of stress for long. For occasional panels buy a nice 2-hp model or run vertical bits. If you don't plan or need to use it freehand you can buy just the motor at a discount for a dedicated table application from some suppliers, great choice for a table if you have the money. Ps-why would you want to spin 1/4 inch bits in a 15-amp router?

Purchased this router in conjunction with the Jessem Mast-r-lift what a fantastic combo. As an armature woodworker and enthusiast I highly recommend this combination.

I have several 7518 routers and several 7539 style routers. I have found them to be very dependable and repairable if needed, so far not because of the manufacturer but foreign objects getting inside. To make these easier to use in a table the Quick Change collet is a great addition.

I recently purchased this router on Amazon; it's my second PC 7518. I have two router tables in my shop and this one will live in the second table. I've had the other one mounted for over 4 years now and it's hasn't missed a beat! This router is a "locomotive" with power to burn. It was built by Porter Cable for a production environment; I'm a hobbyist and expect them to run forever. For a router table application, it's hard to beat, IMHO.

This router works beautifully and fits my Jointech Smart Digital router system. Has plenty of power for cabinet doors, jewelry boxes. Superior product.

This is a fine router and I would give it 5 stars except for the fact that the speed control switch is a little flimsy. The fit and finish are not up to the old PC standards. I have several older PC tools (a router and two drills), some of which I bought in the late 70's, they were well built and after changing motor brushes and the on/off switchs they work as well as the day I bought them. The construction of this router is not as robust.
I bought this router to use only in a router table, I have a 3 HP Makita plunge router that I like, but didn't need the plunge feature in the router table. Thus far, the PC 7518 has cut like a dream using both large and small bits. I like the "easy out" collet, it is well designed, works as promised and is a great improvement over the old collets.

The slow start is a safety feature. Any maladjustment can be detected before the thing gets going too fast. Like any other fine tool, you have to keep it clean, so the blades are set properly. The height adjustment is stable and easy. I replaced the router base with a 10" by 10" see-through 3/4-inch plastic base for more stability, especially for during slot cutting, where any change of plane mis-places the slot and hence the spline, hence the alignment of the boards. The machine is powerful and smooth. I bought it because my friend -- something of a genius in cabinet-making and in almost all other areas -- swore by it. He was right.

I bought this router thinking that it would have no problem cutting raised panels based on PC description of the product. When I received the router I tried cutting raised panels in red oak with a 3 1/2" panel cutter, the router stalled and had to be reset. I thought something was wrong with it so I called PC and they sent me a new one. It did the same thing. You'll have to take at least 4 passes and even then chance burning the wood if you use this router. It worked great on all other bits except the large panel raiser, which is why I bought it. I could've spent a whole lot less for a router to use with my smaller bits. When I contacted PC about the problem they informed me that that was the design of the router circuitry to stall if too much load was applied. Having to take 4 passes in red oak is a bit excessive. I've had the router for 2 years and ready to throw it in the drawer and not use it.

The Porter-Cable 7518 3-1/4 HP router is an excellent router it will do every thing it is supposed to do. I now have two of them.

I bought this router in order to place it under a router table. Currently, it is mounted in a Bench Dog Prolift, which is, in turn, mounted to the Bench Dog Cast Iron router table. All of this is mated to the left side of my trusty table saw. I think the weight of the set up contributes to a vibration free cut. A vibration free cut makes for a very happy me!
The very first thing I did was to raise a panel with a 3.5" Freud bit. I had used this bit before with a Makita 2.25 hp router. The results were fine, but it took forever and I thought I might burn up my little Japanese friend. Fortunately, we survived intact, but it took a toll on my nerves.
Skip ahead to now, I was able to make the exact same cut in 3 stress-free passes. Then I noticed the most amazing thing: the floor underneath my router table was littered with the most beautiful little shavings of wood. Imagine the fine, translucent shavings you would get with a well tuned Lie-Nielsen bench plane. The cut was beautiful! obviously, just as with stationary power tools, weight is a good thing!
As for the router, it is a solidly made tool. The electronics that control power work well. Upon startup, the router revs up and then slowly winds down to the proper setting. Start feeding your work too quickly and you can almost hear the router grunt as it applies more muscle to the job at hand. Back off on your work and the router speeds up and then slows back down to the correct rpm. I'm not too sure how I feel about the power switch and speed selection switch. neither seem to be protected from dust. I really do not care for the base casting. It is quite rough, with that "made in China" feel to it. However regarding both of these points, I am sure that this router was designed and built with table use in mind. In that case, perhaps these little concerns aren't particularly important... all in all, I am quite happy with my setup. I feel safe in saying that when mounted in a table, this router will produce consistent, high quality work!

If anyone wants a real router table and router that works try the Grizzly table this is one real working table and router .Adjustment is not that easy but what a product

Rockler.com has this same router for $309.99. Whats up with this price of $424?

The Porter-Cable 7518 and 7519 (it's fixed-speed cousin) are solid routers, but you should consider their advantages and drawbacks carefully before you buy.

Handheld, they are beasts, but that's true of all 15A (15 Ampere) routers. They weigh about 13 pounds, and using them is almost like weight training. That may be what you need in a production environment, where you'll beat the router to heck, but it's overkill for a home shop. For handheld use a 12A handheld router is plenty. The primary application for a 15A router is panel raising with large bits, an operation that should never be performed hand-held. (The Ampere rating is an indication of the power the router can safely deliver on a continuous basis without burning out. It doesn't describe the power the router normally draws, just the peak power it's capable of. With smaller bits, you'll never need the kind of power that a 15A router can deliver.)

The chief reason most of us would buy one of these routers is to use it under a router table. In my opinion, the best way to do that is to mount the motor in a router lift device. This enables you to adjust the router height from above the table, without lifting the router and router plate out of the table top (They're heavy and the handles nearly fill the opening, making removal awkward!) or struggling to work under the table. I recommend a router lift that can raise the collet above the table top to simplify bit changes. My choice was the Jointech SmartLift Digital. The JessEm Mast-R-Lift also raises the collet above the table, but I've never used it.

Even in a router table, you need 15A only if you're routinely spinning bits larger than about 2", which are mostly horizontal panel-raisers. A 12A router is fine for most router table use. A 12A router won't last as long if you're using large bits, however.

I can't imagine why anyone but a production shop would buy the 7519. The single-speed feature may provide very slightly higher reliability but it greatly restricts the bits you can use. If you shop, there's no real difference in price between the two models. For almost everyone, the 7518 is the best choice.

Porter-Cable should be ashamed for their unwillingness expend any R&D on the 7518 and 7519. Nowadays, every router has a self-extracting collet, but these are the only routers I know that don't have a locking spindle and therefore require two wrenches for bit change. (PC's latest 2 1/4 horse router has an auto-locking collet, so how primitive is one that doesn't lock at all?) I'd also blast their cheapness for not including a 1/4" collet. The location of the power switch on top of the motor housing can be awkward, since you have to remove one hand from the handles to cycle power.

When using the supplied base, the adjustment mechanism requires turning the aluminum-encased motor housing inside a huge aluminum screw in the base. (Few engineers would design with aluminum sliding on aluminum, particularly when the surfaces can't be lubricated.) Operation is rough and awkward, particularly under a router table. There's nothing to keep dust out of the adjustment mechanism, so the aluminum screw can collect grit, and under extreme conditions can jam. A router lift circumvents all these problems.

In summary, I recommend that you consider the 7518 and 7519 only if you'll be mounting the motors in a router lift. If you don't want to spend the money on a router lift, consider one of the newer routers that has built-in above-table adjustment. 12A routers are now available from Milwaukee (Model 5616-20), Porter-Cable (model 894PK), Freud (model FT1700VCE), and others. The Triton TRC001 is a 15A router that is reputedly excellent for use under a router table, but I haven't used it.

If you want a single router for use in router table and hand-held, buy a multi-base kit to make it easy to switch functions. It is very time-consuming to convert a table-mounted router to handheld use when the router is screwed to the router plate.

my company builds highly customized residential and commercial interiors. we build a lot of raised panel wall systems, doors, mouldings,etc. and this router is without a doubt a true workhorse. we have several pc 7518s and have never had any trouble with any of them. thank you jim sabo owner signature custom interiors.

hi, i am just a novice woodworker who has made this a hobby. after buying several routers and router jigs i decide i needed a good table. i bought the bench dog top and built my own stand. it was pretty good but reaching underneth was a pain in the a.., so i bought the pro max lift. this lift was designed to hold the porter cable 7518 router so, you guessed it, i bought it. all i can tell you is of all the tools in my shop i have learned to love and depend on this setup and i see why they built their lift(bench dog that is) around this router. it is powerfull, has adjustable speeds and i cannot imagine any tool working better. i highly recommend that if you have a router table and want a great router to install on it you purchase the 7518. by the way, i had purchased the hitachi 3 1/ 4 horse power router for this table and now am so glad i returned it and got the 7518. thanks and good luck!

This is an exelent Router until you get into the 3 1/2" raised panel bits. I bought this router because of its power and Porter Cable Reputation. It stalls out out on hoging cuts forcing me to turn the router off then back on to continue the cut. It happend to me 20 times while cutting 19 raised panels. It is supposed to preform well even under the most demanding routing cuts according to the MFG. Porter Cable has replaced it but the replacement does the same thing. To make it work I take around 8 passes or go so slow I burn the wood black which is workable with a baby step cut as the last pass. Cutting the rails & styles of the doors in 1 pass it works well but so did my 80.00 dollar Craftsman 1 3/4 HP that was made in China. I am very dissapointed, may have to go to a Millwakee 3 1/2 HP.

This router runs very smoothly. I have 5 routers and it ranks near the top of the ones that I have.

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.

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.

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.

UPDATE 04/15/2006
CMT has been selling an angled wrench for Porter Cable routers. I bought one for my router table and the 7518. It helps in changing the bits, even with the ProMax router lift.

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.

A lot of people have reviewed this router so I'll just add something new that I didn't see in other reviews. Many people are using this router primarily for router table work. I use it for handheld work too and find its considerable weight to be advantageous there, because it helps keep the router on top of the work. And it cuts like butter. Also the router's power seems to prevent the kind of sudden jumps that smaller motor routers are prone to.

If you don't like horsepower and beefiness, than you may want to buy something else. On the other hand, if you want the toughest, most powerful router you can get, than this ones for you. This router was designed to be used in a router table with big bits. I have owned this router for 9 years. I make raised panel doors for a living. This tool has never failed me. I've been through three router tables, but only one router. Porter Cable could easily jack the price up on this router and it would have no problem selling. I own 7 routers. If I could only have one, it would be this one.

When I purchased the Porter Cable 7518 I did so because of the great reviews. And it is a fabulous machine! But honestly, I think it's more power than I need.

When I took it out of the box and realized just how massive it is, I decided it would be my "table router" and I went shopping for something I could use by hand. I ended up with the Bosch 1617EVSPK, and I love it!!

In hindsight, I wish I had purchased the Bosch 1617EVSPK combo first. I think the Bosch would handle 75% of the projects that I plan to build.

For operations that require a small table, I think an excellent choice would be the Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Portable Router Table.

For operations that require a large table... well, if you get to that point, then I think you should build your own. ;-)

If you're a beginning woodworker, like me, please consider the Bosch 1617EVSPK with the Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Portable Router Table.

Good luck!

If you ever watch tool time with Tim Allen, you would know the tool man loves power. He wouldn't have to make any adjustments on this machine, enough power for just about any project. This Porter-Cable 7518 can do that great job you've been looking for. Are you up to the power? Are you up to the accuracy of the cuts it will make? With the five speeds and soft start your ready to enter the world of the craftsman and wood cutting at its best. Do you have a router table? if not you should, to get the best out of this fine tool. I've been in the cabinet making business and the general contracting business for over 30 years and believe me I know a fine tool that will do the job when I see one and this is just such a tool.

In a sense this is the most straightforward of routers. It has five running speeds - 10,000, 13,000, 16,000, 19,000 and 21,000 rpm. It has a straightforward design reminiscent of the 690, and it has enough power to turn the hardest wood into sawdust. In fact, it has more horsepower (but less torque) than many shapers. Despite the soft-start feature there is a definite jerk when you start it up - this is a big machine. Too big for most home hobbyist needs, as a matter of fact.

The 7518 weights in at 18 pounds, which means you will need to be muscle bound to use it for delicate work. For hand-help purposes I prefer one of the new 890 series, which offer 2.5 horsepower in a smaller package. But where I find the 7518 unbeatable is in a router table. Here you can take maximum advantage of its power and precision - especially for the rigorous tasks like running big panel-raising bits. Used this way, I have nothing but superlatives to say for the tried and true 7518.

Be aware though that no router loves being upside-down. If you are depending on the base for height adjustment, you will need to regularly remove the router from the table and clean it. Also try to set up so that sawdust is quickly removed from the table. I use a solid mechanical lift and a dust collection system, which helps a great deal, but good woodworking habits are critical to making the best of the 7518 or any other stationary router as well.

[Part V of 'How to Build a Really Expensive Router Table']

This beast turns the Freud 3.5 inch router bits with ease. I have it perma-mounted in my Jessem router table. I would recommend this to folks that want to use large panel raising bits and don't want to make 3 passes. I've been able to run the Freud 3.5 inch bit with backcutter through solid cherry in one pass without any hesitation from this monster.

I bought this router to replace and older 1 1/2 hp Porter Cable router which I thought was great until I purchased this Porter-Cable 7518 3-1/4 HP Speedmatic 5-Speed Router, WOW what a difference in power it is night and day, I use to use a speed control to operate larger bits and the smaller router would bawg down but not this "Mac Daddy" it has speedmatic which increases power under load without making larger bits spin like crazy, I realize that it costs more but if you are a hobbyist like I am or even a proffesional this router is definately a good investment, my only complaint would be the two wrenches to tighten bits seems kind of old fashioned in this day and age

I think it's criminal that Porter Cable has chosen not to include both the 1/4 inch and the 1/2 inch collet with this $300 plus router. This collet can't cost more than fifty cents; yet it's retailing for around $12. This is especially true since Porter Cable has joined the ranks of other companies, manufactoring their blades and bits in China. I have a number of Porter Cable tools, and they've always been first rate. I was really surprised when I received my new 7518, and it only had one collet. If they're going to rip you off on a collet, who knows what corners they're going to cut inside the case.

Aside from the collet problem, this appears to be a first rate router. I bought it without comparing it to other routers in it's class because I have several Porter Cable tools, and I trusted their quality. I can't say I have the same level of trust anymore. In the future, I'll definately make some serious comparisons before I buy another Porter Cable product.

A real power house no doubt about it. I am only going to post my one comment, that is not listed in any of the other reviews. Maybe mine is deffective maybe not. I have mine attached to a router table with a Jessem Mast-R-Lift. When using a 3 ½" panel bit the varible speed is all over the place. Now in defense I was doing free hand with no guide (NOT SAFE) and taking irregular size cuts off the wood. I wanted to see if it would get bogged down and how it would recover. It has the power no doubt about it. It just takes time for the electronic speed controll to tell its brain to speed up. But remember anyone will tell you to take lots of smaller cuts rather than one big one. So this may not be a long term issue. Hope this helps. BE SAFE.

As a woodworking instructor I have seen three of these machines sustain quite a work load nearly everyday for the past several years. All three are still going strong despite the use, misuse and even abuse they take from high school students. They have far surpassed the longevity of other routers we have burned through in the past. We have,however, encountered one problem in particular. That is the need for very frequent cleaning of the grooves that allow depth adjustment! Once these become "clogged" with dust the machine can be very difficult to adjust. Which means that it is almost impossible to take apart to clean. I wish P.C. would come out with a way to remove the motor from the base without the need to unscrew it. This has proven to be a major design flaw. Otherwise, our machines have been great.

This is a monster of a router and is truely in a class by itself. I agree with most other reviewers, that it is outstanding when it comes to sheer power and precision. It should last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. No other routers can compare when it comes to the beefiness of this bad boy. Some users complain that lacks certain features, but keeping it simple is what makes it a no frills powerhouse. Definitely a 5***** rating!

The Holy Grail of table mounted routers. This is a premium router without the premium price tag. At 14+1/2lbs and 15 amps the Porter-Cable is a substantial Proffessional grade tool. Capable of powering large bits without complaint.

The large base opening will accommodate panel bits without modification. The five speeds will run all bit sizes safely. The heavy duty windings on the motor will sustain prolonged heavy use.

There are no fancy bells or whistles on this baby. It just does one thing, and does one thing well. If you appreciate quality workmanship and materials, buy this router.

Note: READ and follow the cleaning/maintenance instructions included in the operators manual.

This is a good router and works best in router tables. The problem I have with it is the switch. Keep it clean! It clogs with lots of use. Just blow it out regularly and there should not be a problem.