If you are familiar with any kinds of power tools, then chances are, you have heard of Porter-Cable. Due to its massive success, Porter-Cable has managed to touch almost every niche of power tools you can think of, and they have been successful in every one of them. There are rarely ever any Porter-Cable tools that are bad as they pull no punches when making their tools. Even though the PCE606K is a really powerful tool, as well as being a very versatile one, it is almost half the price of the XMT03Z.
The one thing you need to keep in mind when looking at the tool is that it is a corded multi-tool, and therefore, if you are looking for a cordless OMT, then this is not what you are looking for. However, if you want a full quality, and featured packed OMT at the cost of a cordless tool, then this is worth a look at.
Performance
The PCE606K packs a 3 AMP motor that is more than perfect for working with wood. It delivers a powerful and quick finish to your projects, and you do not need to worry about battery life since this is a corded multi-tool. The best thing about using a powerful oscillating tool is that you can do various types of work, ranging from cutting and scraping to sanding, and grinding.
Like all the best multi-tools, the PCE606k also has a variable speed control dial that has a speed range from 10,000 to 22,000. The higher quartile makes this tool more versatile than the XMT03Z, even though it is almost double the price of this tool.
The biggest advantage that corded oscillating tools have over cordless ones is that you do not need to worry about the battery at all; this is a concern because most cordless multi-tools run around 20 minutes, and not much more. Even though 20 minutes can be considered ample, it still does not compare to unlimited time on a tool.
If you do not have any trouble with a corded tool, then this will not trouble you when working as the cord is 8 feet long! So, if you have a power supply nearby, mobility will not be an issue in your workspace.
Build Quality and Design
Since this is not a cordless oscillating tool, there comes no surprise that this is a heavy tool. The machine weighs 6.5 pounds and is quite large compared to other multi-tools. Although 6.5 pounds can easily be said lightweight when compared to other power tools like drill presses, and drills; it is, however, not as light as the average multi-tools on the market. In fact, this is the heaviest multi-tool amongst the top three tools on this list.
While the earlier two tools were very comfortable to handle, this takes the grip to another level, as the PCE606k has three over the mold rubber coat. With exactly the perfect weight for a corded tool, and the size, plus the rubber coating, you do not need to worry about slips at all.
Last of all, the design of the tool is fantastic since it is has a tool-free system. So, like the M12, and unlike the XMT03Z, this multi-tool has an easy blade change system. All you need to do to change the blade is pull the lever near the mounting bracket, and the blade comes loose. Also, the mounting bracket is sturdy enough that you do not need to worry about unwanted blade loose.
Control and Ease of Use
As a tool from Porter-Cable, it comes as no surprise that this tool does an excellent job of keeping you from feeling every vibration when it oscillates. However, unlike the M12, this one does not go above and beyond in this aspect. But it is enough to say that working with this tool is comfortable even for an extended period. You definitely will not feel any numbness or fatigue using it for a long time as you will when you use cheaper and lower quality multi-tools.
One of the bad aspects of the PCE606K is that this tool does not do a good job of keeping noise to a minimum, and like the XMT03Z, produces sound up to 101 dB (A). The noise level is high enough for you to wear hearing protection of any kind to reduce ear damage in the long run.
Things we like
- It offers great value for the price.
- It has a powerful motor that easily handles wood.
- It is a multi-tasking OMT.
- It has a variable speed control dial that makes it versatile.
- It has an 8-feet long cord for better mobility.
- It has three over the mold rubber for better grip and comfort.
- It has a depth-cut guide for better precision cuts.
- It helps you get to awkward angles and small places.
Things we do not like
- It can get hot when in use for long periods.
- It is not considered lightweight compared to other multi-tools.
- The barrel grip might be uncomfortable to hold for smaller hands.
Conclusion
When you look at this multi-tool, professionalism first comes to mind, and that said, the multi-tool is exceptionally reliable. The 3-amp motor will do an outstanding job of working with all kinds of wood. The angle of oscillation also does its job in ensuring accurate cuts, and getting into tough places; and also, it has a vibration reduction technology that prevents fatigue from setting in.
With all things said, this is a multi-tool for both professional and amateur users. The price makes this tool a mid-range OMT, even though it has all the functions of a premium multi-tool, and therefore, if corded power tools are not an issue for you, then this is worth checking out.