Porter-Cable’s new 8529 2-hp mid-size plunge router (available in October) strikes a welcome balance between power and size. It’s big enough for most router-table operations, yet small enough for benchtop use.This makes it well suited to home or small professional cabinet shops.
The 8529’s biggest innovation is for router-table use. An offset wrench and a calibrated rod-and-knob assembly (packaged together as a $20 accessory) allow bit installation, removal and height adjustment from above the table.They’ll also work with Porter-Cable’s 7529 plunge router.
The 8529’s integrated dust-collection system is designed to lift debris from the cut during benchtop use, and to keep debris from falling into the motor housing during under-the-table use.
The 2-hp 8529 comes equipped with electronic variable speed, soft start and a 3-1/2-in.-diameter hole in its base.However, it’s not designed for continuous production use with large-diameter panel-raising bits.