How to Install a Large Center Hole Sub Base on a Porter Cable Router (690 Series)

Center hole too small for your router bits? It's time to face the fix. Whether you are a master carpenter or a weekend woodworker, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

The standard sub-base on a Porter Cable router has a fairly small center hole. That center hole is designed specifically to accept guide bushings for template work. However, many router bits are larger than the standard opening. One possible solution is to drive a router bit through the existing sub-base to make the center hole larger. However, doing this will render the original base unusable with template guide bushings.

A better solution is to use a sub-base with a larger center hole. Not only does this accessory bolt quickly and directly onto your router; it allows you to keep the original sub-base for future projects. This article provides step-by-step instructions for removing the sub-base on a Porter Cable 690 series router and installing a sub-base with a larger center hole.

Let's get started.

  REMOVING THE SUB-BASE [top] 1. Remove the original sub-base.

Remove the (3) screws from the sub-base.

Remove the sub-base from the housing.

  INSTALLING THE NEW SUB-BASE [top] 2. Install the sub-base.

Place the new sub-base onto the base housing; align the mounting holes.

Secure the new sub-base to the housing with the (3) screws (supplied).

Dovetails. Rabbets. Dados. Grooves: The possibilities are as priceless as machines that create them. But you don't have to be a carpenter to cut out the middle-man. Repairing your own powered equipment is easy and economical when you follow our step-by-step guides. Not only did you restore your router at a fraction of the cost of replacement; you built on your ability to face the next fix, whatever it may be.

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