Power Tools Reviews
Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets
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 A very nice router I received the Bosch router table first, and when my craftsman router didn't quite fit, I bought the Bosch router. And I am extremely happy I did. I thought I would just end up with yet another redundant tool, but OH NO!!! Huge difference, smoothe, no rattle in the machine. Easy to change bits and at the same time solid and secure once in. I am still "getting to know" the tool, but thus far I am very pleased. I would say staight away, don't save a buck by going for a cheaper router, because you don't think you'll use it that often. You'll use it more once you see how well it works. A versatile tool in my shop I was turned on to this tool by a professional woodworker. He has four in his shop that he uses every day. It has power all day and with the optional base mounts it is a versatile tool in my shop. The ergonomics of the fixed base is easy to use. I like the removable vacuum attachment. It is constructed of clear plastic and is of practical design. Outstanding quality This is my only router. I looked through magazines and sites online for over four months to find the right router for me. A recent article in Fine Woodworking Magazine strongly supported the Triton Plunge router which would have been another excellent choice. But, chances are, most of the work a do-it-yourselfer will be interested in can be done in the fixed base. You are also going to want a router that performs well upside down in a table and can be used to cut stop grooves from time to time (plunge). Basically you want it to do it all but you NEED it to excell in the fixed base role. For this, there are few routers I've compared that measure up to the Bosch. It's strong, durable, high-quality and reasonably priced. It has a lower center of gravity than you'd imagine and the handles are comfortable and allow great control of the bit when working. It also offers soft-start, variable speed control, and automatically adjusts the speed of the bit to remain constant through differing wood density. And the fine depth adjustment has to be felt to be appreciated, truly the best aspect of this router. For all these reasons it is very favorably reviewed in almost all magazine articles I've seen. I would caution buyers who are considering a reconditioned model, the one I purchased required some clean-up and tuning to be acceptable. I found some oxidation and corrosion on the router I was sent and it smelled a little like moldy cheese. Other than that, it runs fine and I saved a few bucks so, what are you going to do? Great tool with fixable problems I bought this tool after much research and I knew that what I was getting was probably the best router combo on the market today for the price. It has not been a disappointment in that regard. It has all the power I need, the bases are easy to change, the collets release bits without a moments difficulty, the drop forged wrenches are easy on the hands, and the plunge unit is both easy to set up and to use. The variable speed works well and the router maintains its power throughout the speed range. Also, the included accessories make this a really good deal - I especially like the above table height adjustment and the superbly designed attachment for rub collars. But there are some challenges. First, the weight/balance of this tool was a bit of a surprise, and I've been using routers professionally for 35 years. Second, the wooden handles on the fixed base are VERY slippery and make this tool hard to handle in that configuration. I am going to buy a can of that liquid rubber and dip these handles to see if I can make them less of a problem. Finally, when the fixed base is in a table the on/off switch is nearly impossible to find - I had to install a remote switch on the outside of my shop made table because I just couldn't find the switch on the motor when I needed to. | |||||||||
