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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
Bosch's 1617EVSPK is a strong entry in the 2-1/4-horsepower combination router market. Solid construction makes the Bosch durable and lightweight, while special touches, such as wooden handles on the fixed base and contoured, soft-grip handles on the plunge base, add to the comfort of users and give the tool a look of distinction lacking in some of its competitors. Of course, looks are only skin deep, and this router has plenty to offer below the surface as well. At its heart, a powerful 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower motor delivers consistent results at variable speeds of 8,000 to 25,000 rpm. The exclusive precision centering design ensures bits are perfectly centered in the router base, a handy feature for maintaining accurate cut lines. A wider-than-average base opening provides superior visibility and allows the Bosch to accept larger bits, while a micro bit-depth adjustment system makes fine-tuning fast and easy. Unlike many comparable routers, the Bosch 1617EVSPK is designed to move from base to base without the use of tools. Instead, it clamps solidly into place for quick and easy transfers. What's more, the motor never rotates while adjusting depths, allowing you to stow the power cord on either side where it's out of the way. --Carl Thress
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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 Reviews
I've used a Porter Cable 3+ HP for years professionally and they seemed way more solid than this machine. 2nd time I realized that YOU CAN FIX THE SWITCH: pull it out, file the contacts off (it's faulty probably because of the wrong metals used in the switch causing sparks and carbon build up on the contacts thus reducing it's ability to conduct current). The switch has gone out twice on my machine. The plunge router is poorly designed making for continual need to tighten bolts on the handles. I've used this for 5 years or so.
The regular base is great for someone needing a moderate power router - it's not a high power router for heavy regular use. All in all it's a pretty faulty product with some strong elements. First time I bought a new one after looking for awhile online.
The quality, power, and handling are excellent. The wood handles are comfortable, and the unit's balance is good for hand held work, even with delicate cuts and designs. I agree with the many favorable reviews of this router. I am pleased with this purchase. The plunge and fixed base are mounted and removed easily, and once in place are secure.
I have been using this router for a while. You really have to use quite a bit of force for plunging the router and this is inconvenient in some situations like when doing a mortise. I like everything about this router except the Plunge Mechanism is too stiff (and perhaps the position of the switch).
I keep an extra switch around just in case. My only gripe is the on/off switch. If you at all handy, it's pretty easy to remove and clean the sawdust out of the switch or replace the switch if the contacts are damaged from arcing. I have had this router in my shop for a couple of years now, and it does a great job. The soft-start and speed control features make it nice for hand held and router table applications. If you are going to use this router in a table, I would advise plugging it into a switched receptacle and just leaving the on/on switch on all the time. My router spends a lot of time in a router table, and even with pretty descent dust collection, the switch gets packed with sawdust so that the contacts won't close.
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