WOW You get it all with this Router Kit, well almost.

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	• Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Variable-Speed Plunge and Fixed Base Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and ... BOSCH (S-B Powertools) BOSCH (S-B Powertools) average customer review:based on 23 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

WOW You get it all with this Router Kit, well almost.

This is a high quality unit and recommend. I looked at all the others. I purchased this having tried one beforehand from a friend. The kit is great and includes most everything.

One thing missing from the kit was the centering cone that I ordered from Amazon. I called Bosch directly. Bosch has the greatest customer service! They explained the cone was NOT part of the kit even though advertised as included by Amazon. They went ahead and sent me one at no cost! This is why I like Bosch tools. They stand behind the suppliers and for a $5.50 part (which is nothing to a big company like them) they have a happy customer who will come back again.

I like the wooden handles and how this router feels in your hands. It is powerful and easy to manipulate and operated.

You cannot go wrong with this router or the kit. The kit really saves you some money and that is good.

I recommend this kit and router.

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They can't get it right.

I had this router for 6 months and the on/off switch went bad. They replaced it no charge but warned me it could happen again. The new switch is the sixth iteration and they apparently still don't have one with adequate sealing to keep the dust out. No other router seems to have this problem. What's with Bosch?

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better than Porter Cable

This is a nice router combo. Changing the bases is easy, and fast. They do have annoying alignment pins on the router motor, but all you have to do is try this with the Porter Cable to appreciate how easy it is. It is also nice that they include a router guide and a couple of guide bushings. It comes in a nice blow molded case which holds everything, but you have to really pay attention when you try to put all the stuff back! (Something my employees haven't learned how to do!) The 3 1/4 HP version does have a collet lock button, which is nice, but no interchangeable bases. The collet, wrenches, template guide thingy, and most of the other parts are interchangeable with my other Bosch routers. It's kind of nice really...
I've had this set for over a year now with no problems of any kind. I can see how the switch could need cleaning occasionally, but we have had no such problems. I also think it is worth mentioning that the fixed base has comfy wood handles, not plastic. That is also nice.

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As the Router Turns: Choosing a Kit... in a nutshell

So...

I'll add my two cents. I too have wandered into the "choosing a router" soap opera.

I had been happy with my Dewalt 1621, until I tried to use a template guide. For some reason, the collet isn't remotely centered on the base plate - making the router useless with a template guide. There seems to be no way to adjust the 1621's base plate - so off I went in search of a new router.

The two kits I decided to choose from were the Bosch and the Dewalt. I read reviews of the Porter Cable, but the reviews seemed negative enough that they dissuaded me from considering it.

First, I took the Bosch kit home. Things to know:

A.) The kit I had was the 1617(whatever) router. This particular router is not compatible with the Bosch D-handled base. This seems to be a magnificent marketing failure. It means that if you want to use the D-handled base, you're going to have to buy another "motor" - the 1618(whatever).

B.) The Bosch fixed base router uses an awkward (in my opinion) three position depth setting. As the motor slides into the base, you can stop at one of three detents. Once you have picked a detent, a "fine setting" allows you to to move up or down from that particular position. Bottom line: You have to guess which detent will get you the depth you want (if it is close). If you're wrong, then you will have to completely reset the "fine adjustment" and move to a different detent.

C.) Bosch doesn't include the centering cone - essential if you are going to use template guides.

D.) They still don't seem to be using a sealed switch. The complaints about the switch, and Bosch's seeming indifference, were a deal-breaker. Who wants to have to deal with such an obvious deficiency in a product? The placement of the switch is also marginal at best. Unless you're a Horowitz, you're going to have to let go of a handle to flip the switch.

E.) The Bosch vacuum attachment is a piece of plastic that seems, in my opinion, apt to break in the sometimes clumsy hands of a tradesman. It doesn't fit the standard shop vacuum. Then again, none of the tools I own fit a standard shop vac... what *is* with that?!?

F.) The depth adjustments on the Bosch seemed like afterthoughts, in my view. The fine adjustment isn't easy to turn or read.

Now to the Dewalt:

A.) The Dewalt comes with a D-Handled base. The motor fits beautifully in all three bases.

B.) The Dewalt motor smoothly spirals downward into the fixed base. This makes setting the depth a much simpler prospect than with the Bosch. Loosen the base, twist one way to go up, or the other to go down. I fine adjustment provides, well, a fine adjustment.

C.) Dewalt includes a centering cone.

D.) The switch is sealed and well placed. You can engage without letting go of the router.

E.) The Dewalt Plunge Base includes a built-in, indestructible, Vacuum attachment. A marginal piece of plastic *can* be put on, but may not be necessary. In my case, I'm routing foam, yes, foam, and the vacuum worked great without the plastic attachment.

F.) The depth adjustments on the Dewalt were nothing to write home about, but they were better, in my view, than what Bosch offered. They put some thought into them, at least.

Last word: I have read the other reviews concerning exploding magnetic rings. We'll see... On the upside, Dewalt offers a 3 year warranty. Bosch does not.

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Overall, good router

I've used this router to build a few pieces.
One minus is that in the fixed base (which is also used in the router table) when you unclamp it, the router body gets too loose and it may be very difficult to advance cut depth reliable because of that.
Recently, I made a wrong cut and it caused kickback. Motor sound changed instantly. I stopped it and tried to rotate the spindle by hand. It seemed that the upper bearing got damaged. I'll see what it takes to replace it at the authorised Bosch service location.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The new Bosch 1617EVSPK gives you the best of both the fixed-base and plunge router worlds. It features a 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower, 8,000 to 25,000 rpm (no-load) motor with plunge base and fixed base in a rugged well-organized carrying case. This kit features the exclusive quick-clamp system, allowing tool-free movement of motor from base to base. Other key features include variable speed, soft-start, and Constant Response circuitry that maintains speed under load. The depth adjustment system features coarse and microfine bit depth adjustment with re-settable indicators. Both bases have large base openings with 2-inch sub-base openings, accepting larger bits and providing better visibility. The routers' right or left switch and cord locations provide both choice and consistency, and the motor does not rotate during depth adjustment. The tool-free templet guide adapter allows quick changes, and both bases feature the Bosch exclusive precision centering design for centering optional templet guides. The motor has a one-piece armature shaft for accuracy and long bit shank capacity. Multiple new optional accessories allow you to build a complete Bosch routing system. Bonus Pack Deluxe Router Guide - RA1054 5/16" Templet Guide - RA1103 7/16" Templet Guide - RA1105 5/8" Templet Guide - RA1113 Plunge Base Dust Hood - 2608190038

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