TOOL REVIEW: Bosch 1617EVSPK Router. Cost:$209

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This is a review of the 2.25HP VARIABLE SPEED BOSCH 1617EVSPK router.

{This link will take you to the main product description on Bosch's website.}

Comparable Unit:   2.25HP VARIABLE SPEED DeWALT 618PK.

{This link will take you to the main product description on DeWalt's website.}

I leave you to the task of comparing the two so the comparison is unbiased.

On with the review:

Fixed base on left. Motor in middle. Plunge base on right.

CLICK THE READ MORE >> FOR MY FULL REVIEW

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO FROM TOOLSELECTTV  TO SEE THE BOSCH 1617EVSPK IN ACTION

Would I recommend this BOSCH ROUTER? Yes. Emphatically.

PROS

Fixed and plunge router in package deal.

Comes with 1/2" and 1/4" chucks. 

Carrying case has tons of features.  It has room for both the fixed and the plunge bases, manual, slotted wrench holders, center cone (not included), fine adjustment extension (not included), collet storage for extra collet which IS included, template guide adapter (not included), areas for (6) guide templates (not included), it even has a spot for (10) 1/4" bits  and (7) 1/2" bits in the event you'd like to keep them in there (not included).  So this is a case that you can grow into for quite some time.  It is a very, VERY under appreciated asset.  Here is the case.

Variable speed. Between 8,000-25,000 RPM range.  

Soft Start feels nice and smooth when you hit the switch on.

Grooves on either side of the motor housing allow you to position the cord and power switch on either side of the base.

Everything is very high quality.  The body's are heavy and high grade.  The plates are the same.  Even the bit-change wrenches are forged metal, not stamped like many router wrenches.

CONS

No keyless bit change (can purchase a separate no-tools template adapter). 

No edge guide included.  They did, however, design the plunge router with a flat edge on the front so you can follow any clamped fence with ease.  Still.....  Most kits don't have an included edge guide (Craftsman router kit contained all of this), but I believe if you're including a plunge router, you should give me an edge guide, as well.  Hope you read this, Bosch.  Email me.

No dust port.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BOSCH EDGE-GUIDE/DUST PORT-IN-ONE ON AMAZON.  This, in my opinion, should be included in this package - but I can't complain.

CONCLUSION

Unbelievable quality.  I got it on sale during christmas for $170.  Here is the price at Blue right now. It does what a router should.  You will not be unhappy with this purchase.

I bought a 15-piece "starter" set of router bits from Skil (this is the set I have and a link to Blue's price.  The comparable kit that Orange carries is Ryobi and this is their listing)  They are 1/4" and I have to say, I am very impressed with them.  They have a really nice display/storage box. They cut so smooth, you really don't have to sand the edge after using them.  I have no complaints with this "cheap" set.

Let me know if you have any further questions, I will be happy to answer them.

So, how does the Bosch 1617 EVSPK do on the DIYandSIMPLIFY big three?

Cool? One of the coolest tools I own.

Cheap?  Ehh...Bosch is on the higher end of the cost scale for tools.  But, Bosch is a Bosch.  You get what you pay for.

Easy? Yeah, it's easy to use and makes your work a lot easier, too.

So, 2 outta 3.  Not bad.  Let's stamp it.