Bosch 1617EVS 2-1/4 HP Variable-Speed Router
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Bosch 1617EVS 2-1/4 HP Variable-Speed Router
Customer Review: Quality Performer
Summary: 5 Stars
Have been wood working for about 20 Years.I purchased this router after selling my old Craftsman's 1 HP router. I have been very pleased with this Bosch router. It's quite, plenty of power for all hardwoods. The soft start feature is nice, no counter torque movement in start-up. The micro adjustment is very accurate and easy to adjust. No vibration, thick collet/shaft wrenches, easy operation. I use this router both freehand and in a router table. Most of the time is spent in the table. All in all I'm very pleased with this Bosch router, they did a fine job on this model. What a workhorse, and Quality power tool. Only recommendation would be to add an above table micro adjustment like that found on the New Milwaukee 1 ¾ hp router. Great Job BOSCH!
Customer Review: Router great but consider the combo
Summary: 4 Stars
Wanted to remind those thinking about this router to consider the combination plunge and fixed-based routers in the Bosch 1617EVSPK unit as an even better value. I have lots of good things to say about this router and recommend it. If you have or are considering a router table, leave the fixed base router housing on the table and do free-handing with the plunge router housing. The additional cost for the combo is definitely well worth it and if you have a router table you might regret saving a few dollars by not buying the combo set.Customer Review: Satisfied Customer
Summary: 5 Stars
Rock solid and simple. No quirky gimmicks or do-dads to cause problems down the road. I especially liked the spindle lock mechanisms, wrench flats and a wrench, the collets lock tightly and release easily. The electronic speed control works perfectly making it easy to cut in plywood, softwood or hardwood without burning. The height adjustment is simple , accurate and solid. It doesn't get any better than that. I purchased the Bosch EV1617 for mounting in a table where it should work perfectly. Now the problem is to save enough to get another one for hand work so I can throw the Ryobi piece of junk I have been using away. Or better yet sell it cheap to someone I don't like.Customer Review: Silly defects
Summary: 4 Stars
Like many of the others that have reviewed this product, I agree that it is a superior router in terms of use. It is as good as the reviews suggest it is. However, the problem with the switch is unforgivable. I too removed it from my router table to use on my Akeda Jig and it failed - once before it failed and I returned it to the factory for replacement. This time I had the presence of mind to read Amazon's good reviews and realize I had a bad switch. I removed the top of the router with a star or torx screwdriver (Sears sells a whole pack of different sizes) and vacuumed dust some dust. I removed the switch by using a small screwdriver to gently pop the switch bracket on the right and left. then, I removed the connection to the armature because it is soldered to the switch and popped the other clip off from the power source - making notes of what I had done (removed it with a pair of long nosed needle nosed pliers). I then used an eyeglass scredriver to pry the bottom off of the switch and found some dust. However, the silliest thing was that the spring had lubrication that attracted dust - in a router!! I cleaned it off, reset it (sitting down with good light and noting the contact point is such that it is better to install it with the switch in the off position). I reinstalled it and after making sure the speed control was properly lined up and the router worked fine. I also ordered another switch. My other problem with this router is that the motor case corrodes or somehow becomes much less slippery and it is hard to adjust the height. I lubricated it it with a little wax and it helps. Finally, the black bottom is a really bad idea - why can't they make it clear so we can see?
Still, I ordered another of these routers from Amazaon - it will stay on the bottom of my really useful and reliable Jessem router lift from Rockler and yes - do buy and use an on an off switch independent of the router - safety, reliability, etc.
Customer Review: Smooooooth!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a top of the line tool at a great price. It is extremely smooth and strong enough to do every job. If you are a first time router buyer, look no more! You will never need to buy another router again.