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Customer Reviews for Bosch 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horse Power Corded Peak Variable Speed Plunge and Fixed Base Router Kit with Hard Case

Internet #100341666

Model #1617EVSPK

Store SKU #1000303525

  • Use for precise bit plunging, edge forming, slot cutting and more
  • Rounded hardwood handles maximize user control
  • Includes plunge base, fixed base, 1/4 and 1/2 in. chucks and more

Customer Reviews

  • 4.6
    out of 1,449 reviews
  • 92% recommend this product
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Showing 1-30 of 1,449 reviews
Not quite what I expected, but passable.
I was expecting an all metal router table, the legs on this are plastic. When I opened the box it was taped not glue sealed and there was damage to the box. When I open it up and get all the parts out I carefully examined all of them and found some damage to the fence. I had to wait till Monday to call Bosch Customer Service. After an hour on the phone they said they are sending a new fence.
by
    • Recommended
    In Store Pick-Up Only
    I ordered this a few months back and just set it up this week. The package it was shipped in it was a mess and one of the legs was broken. There was no padding other than some bulled up packing paper. I pieced it together, but there were random pain splotches all over everything. Once the table was together is seemed to "work", but my router table combination was extremely loud and the table was only slightly more stable than the routing table I replaced. It is a little concerning that it doesn't seem like this went through any quality control process.
    by
    Response from BoschToolsJan 22, 2024
    We are sorry to hear about this issue. Home Depot is focused on ensuring complete customer satisfaction. As the manufacturer, we are very interested in supplying consumers with a quality product that delivers the expected performance. Please contact Home Depot customer service at 1(800)466-3337, for assistance with your order. If you need further assistance you may email us at bosch.tools@us.bosch.com or contact us at 1-877-BOSCH99 (1-877-267-2499) from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST.
      You get what you pay for - barely good enough precision
      This is the second table I've got because the first one was not even close to being anywhere near flat. The insert plate is cheap and they seem to have a natural bow to them. You can eliminate most of this if you win the machinery lottery and by adjusting the leveling screws to flatten it out. The miter slot isn't even close to usable with my Incra miter. The slot is oversized and there's a ton of play. The table near the miter slot has a noticeable dip in it as seen in pictures. You get what you pay for and maybe this is good enough for someone just starting out and wants to get better and inevitably upgrade. Otherwise don't waste your time and save up for something better in a different league.
      by
      Response from BoschToolsJan 22, 2024
      Hi! Home Depot is focused on ensuring complete customer satisfaction. As the manufacturer, we are very interested in supplying consumers with a quality product that delivers the expected performance.Our RA1181 has an acceptable flatness of.020 across the table top. Even if not perfectly flat as long as it is within tolerance the table will perform. As for the miter slot, it is designed to be slightly loose, which is a safety requirement. For further assistance, you may email us at bosch.tools@us.bosch.com or contact us at 1-877-BOSCH99 (1-877-267-2499) from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST.
        I have had mine for several years. I have had several brands and models, this is by far the best.
        by
          • Recommended
          It’s great I also got the under mount accessory.
          by
          • Verified Purchase
          Router great but problem with table assembly
          Bought the bundle and am well pleased with the router. Didn’t assemble the table until a couple of weeks after the purchased. I checked the parts list in the instructions and all present and accounted for. However, upon assembly, I found the the “Front Fascia Plate” was too small (see photo). I could probably return everything to Home Depot but don’t want to, so called Bosch & they are sending the right part N/C. Will probably fab a new fascia whilst waiting.
          by
          Response from BoschToolsMay 30, 2023
          Hi there! Thank you for suing a Bosch tool router and router table. We apologize if you have received a wrong plate for your table. Rest assured that the one we will be sending is the correct one for you to use the kit for your application. Once it arrives, kindly let us know if you got the right one, or email us at boschtools@custhelp.com. Thank you!
            • Recommended
            3 found this review helpful
            Strongly recommend this...
            Strongly recommend this
            by
            • Verified Purchase
            The possibilities are endless
            This router gives the table saw a run for its money being the most versatile tool out there.
            by
              • Recommended
              Love/Hate Relationship
              I like the steel deck, but the fence is really difficult to get squared and lined up with the bit perfectly. Also, the channel for mitre dealie is too wide. I did some beautiful cabinet doors with it, but that fence was a pain.
              by
              Response from BoschToolsSep 7, 2022
              Hi there! Thank you for posting your review of the RA1181. If you are having issues with the table, I suggest you contact us at 1-877-267-2499 for instruction or for available options. Just provide us with your details and your router table information. You may also email us at boschtools@custhelp.com. I hope to hear from you.
              • Verified Purchase
              5 found this review helpful
              This is a fantastic and very versatile router with plunge...
              This is a fantastic and very versatile router with plunge base. The design seems to have focused on making every little aspect of either the router, the fixed or the plunge base very controlled and precise. The handles are wide and comfortable for prolonged work, and variable speed is has enough spread between 8-25k rpm to work with range of wood from soft to hard woods. I needed the router type that can work with both 1/4 and 1/2 collet without having to buy an adapter. At 14 amp (1700 Watts) motor and top RPMs it leaves nice, clean, razor-sharp edges and cuts even on the hardest types of wood. It is definitely worth buying a router table with it, as it expands the functionality of the tool tremendously. I loved every aspect of the tool, the built quality is superb, with high level of precision and materials used. https://youtu.be/WQbvR5Ztr44
              by
              2 found this review helpful
              Easy to assemble. So far I’m really enjoying the table...
              Easy to assemble. So far I’m really enjoying the table in combination with my new Bosch router.
              by
              • Verified Purchase
              1 found this review helpful
              I needed to replace 6 basement windows in my 90+ year old house. I bought this router table and a...
              I needed to replace 6 basement windows in my 90+ year old house. I bought this router table and a new Bosch router as well, along with the appropriate window sash bits and dug in. I am very pleased with this table and the vacuum hose port. Normally when I use a router I have wood chips everywhere but the vacuum port eliminates this problem. Plug you shop vac into the power strip along with the router and when you turn the power on, the vacuum starts along with the router. I opted for the aluminum top because it will be stored in my damp basement and I was afraid the other tops would not fare well over time. The windows turned out great and the table was easy to use. One problem I did have is that the 4mm screws to mount the router to the plate were too long for one of the three locations (4mm X 20mm). A trip to HD fixed the problem with 4mm X 12mm screws.
              by
              • DIY
              • Verified Purchase
              • Recommended
              4 found this review helpful
              My Bosch router platform
              This is an excellent router platform. I also bought a Bosch router to ensure compatibility. Works great and very stable. I have used it many times in the last few years and very durable. I call it a router platform because a table it is not. Too low to use on the ground and too high if used on a workbench. What I did was build a custom table that makes this the best portable Router table on the market. Love my Bosch Router platform/table.
              by
                • Recommended
                35 found this review helpful
                Ordered this with Bosch Gravity Rise Stand TS 2100. ...
                Ordered this with Bosch Gravity Rise Stand TS 2100. Though stand was made for table saw, it works well for router table after drilling holes to adapt. Order came to shop on schedule. Very pleased with Home Depot service. Thank you!
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                3 found this review helpful
                Perfection
                I’m not sure why anyone has an issue with this product. It has performed well beynd my expectations. You will NOT be disappointeded!!
                by
                  • Recommended
                  5 found this review helpful
                  The only issue I had with this is the instructions for the assembly of the router table. Had to m...
                  The only issue I had with this is the instructions for the assembly of the router table. Had to muddle through it, and take a couple of screws and bolts on and off, but after it was assembled it proved to be a sturdy router table ... I would recommend this but to take your time in the assembly of the table.
                  by
                  • Verified Purchase
                  • Recommended
                  1 found this review helpful
                  Easy to assemble. Rock solid stable. Feature packed. Did a lot of research before buying. This is...
                  Easy to assemble. Rock solid stable. Feature packed. Did a lot of research before buying. This is the absolute best value. Been using it for a month and still love it. Made my first ever raised pa em door with this table and a Ridgid router. Had to drill one hole in the mounting plate for the Ridgid height adjustment. So it IS compatible with the R2200 Ridgid router.
                  by
                  • Verified Purchase
                  • Recommended
                  6 found this review helpful
                  I was shopping for a router, found the Bosch and decided it was the one. Then Home Depot suggest...
                  I was shopping for a router, found the Bosch and decided it was the one. Then Home Depot suggested this to go with it. They hit it on the head! I'm doing a lot of rabbets and dados on furniture projects and I wanted cleaner more precise cut than my dados on my table saw was giving me. With this addition on my router I'm able to dial in depths perfect and repeatable. So far mostly rabbets, from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch and this device made it so much easier than trying to haul around a side of a bookcase to the table saw. If you are planning on doing any router work off of a router table, you can use this, in fact I would go as far as suggesting you need this. Just because sometime it does make more sense to bring the tool to the project than to bring the project to the tool.
                  by
                  • DIY
                  • Verified Purchase
                  • Recommended
                  6 found this review helpful
                  My last router was just not doing the job I needed it to do and one of my projects on "the list"...
                  My last router was just not doing the job I needed it to do and one of my projects on "the list" is a home made router table. So buying a new router became a mission for me. Besides reading tons of reviews, watched many YouTube videos, I also went to the woodworkers group I belong to. I was expecting a wide range of suggestions of which is better, in fact I was expecting suggestions for the very high end ones. Out of about 25 responses, 24 suggested this router and the one who didn't suggested one in the $1000 range, but also said this router was a good router too, a high praise for this guy. When we received our router, I went through the manual, then my wife and I went into the shop and went to work with it, We are working on making furniture that needed precise dados and rabbets. This router did them faultlessly! Can handle both 1/4 and 1/2 bits, comes with a fixed and plunge base and more than enough power to do the job! You looking for a router, look no more, you have found it!
                  by
                  • DIY
                  • Verified Purchase
                  • Recommended
                  15 found this review helpful
                  Haven't used it yet. The router seems well built, sturdy. It's big enough to handle an array of j...
                  Haven't used it yet. The router seems well built, sturdy. It's big enough to handle an array of job, but I am very disappointed that a router that could potentially be a 5 star product shows some poor workmanship.. The router came packaged perfectly so I was surprised to see that there were 2 scratches on the face of the table. one about 4" long on the left side going through the bosch name, and one small scratch on the left side of the table which is more visable. There is also imperfections on one of the legs. since the package was not damaged this was done at the factory and indicates very poor quality control. The major fault is the groves in the front of the table and the engraved name BOSCH. The edges are very sharp and if you rub your hand over the aluminum your subject to getting a nasty cut. Very poor workmansip and dangerous.
                  by
                    1 found this review helpful
                    Easy to assemble, fast shipping, Works wonderfully. Solid construction.
                    Easy to assemble, fast shipping, Works wonderfully. Solid construction.
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    • Recommended
                    1 found this review helpful
                    Wonderful Router, easy to learn how to use
                    Very first router i've purchased, but learned how to use it very quickly. Only thing, it didn't come with the 1/4" collet like it said it should, but i contact Bosch and they sent it to me. Great customer service is worth the extra money spent on the tool.
                    by
                    • DIY
                    • Verified Purchase
                    • Recommended
                    6 found this review helpful
                    Review of Bosch 120 Volt Corded 27" X 18" Router Table
                    After reading many reviews I selected the Bosch Router table as "best of breed" for the money. Believe me, I studied this for a while before making my purchase. I also went through several You Tube videos and was aware it took time to assemble this table. First, and much to my disappointment, the router table top and legs were scratched. It would have been impossible for the retailer to make the scratches because of the packaging so let me assume that Bosch send out the product on a day when their quality inspection team was on vacation. Second, and very important, is that there are a number of screws. It took me longer to determine where the screws went than it do to do the assembly. Why in the world would you not package the screws by the area in which they are destined to go rather then put them all in a single bag? Lastly, I will say that Home Depot was receptive to make everything right and agreed to take the product back with a full refund and a discount, but the time I invested in putting the table together helped me to decide otherwise. Bosh, I spend a lot of money on tools and accessories. I'm in Home Depot 2-5 times a week, but this is the last product of yours that will adorn my workshop.
                    by
                    • DIY
                    • Verified Purchase
                    23 found this review helpful
                    Great router set!
                    I received this router set primarily for using with a circle-cutting jig so the plunge base was a must have. I knew once I owned it that I would use it for much more. I researched, read reviews and talked with a few wood-workers that I know. All recommended the Bosch or Porter Cable routers for general use. I ended up with Bosch because quite frankly, I love the wooden handles on the fixed base. Yeah, I'm that guy. The soft-start feature helps keep the router from torquing when you switch it on and the optional dust collection kit is really well done. Especially for the plunge base. I'm more than pleased with this set and after borrowing mine, my finicky brother ordered the same set of routers. I may have been equally pleased with the Porter Cable or a few other notable brands but this Bosch set feels good in my hands, functions really well with the depth controls and adjustments intuitive and easy to operate. The router also feels solidly built and mills away wood without straining, and changing bases is very easy. Two complaints that I read on various sites were the switch becoming fouled with dust and the handles being slippery, loosening or just being difficult to hold on to. The switch issue was addressed by the factory some time ago and with regard to the handles, mine have not loosened up and more importantly they feel great in my hands and I feel that I have great control of the tool because they are so comfortable. I realize this is personal preference so take it with a grain of salt.
                    by
                    • DIY
                    • Verified Purchase
                    • Recommended
                    26 found this review helpful
                    Easy to set up and work!
                    Have only used this product for straight edge work; have yet to try radial cuts. This router guide is simple and quick to set up and start working. Place two rods into port on base (fixed or plunge), move to desired distance, and screw two wingnut-like screws by hand to hold distance. You can then move the router in either direction with ease. I didn't notice any skipping or bouncing. This edge worked very well with Bosch 1617EVSPK plunge router (see image) up to about 8-12" in from edge. You could likely build your own edge guide for less $$, but this is the answer if looking for a quick and easy solution!
                    by
                    • DIY
                    • Verified Purchase
                    • Recommended
                    8 found this review helpful
                    Easy to Use
                    This is the first router I have ever used. It is light enough to make handling it very managable. So far I have used it on 3/4" finish plywood. It cut like butter. The bit adjustment is very easy. I am buying a Rockler universal router base to attach to it to make a larger base for stability. (but it works just fine without it)
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    • Recommended
                    3 found this review helpful
                    router works great
                    It has been years since i have used a router for any of my projects. I use to use an old craftsman router and it worked ok but this one is so much better. I have not even come close to using it for everything that it is capable of but i am sure it will do whatever you want it to. It is the smothest and quietest router I have used. If you are looking for one I would definetly recommend this one.
                    by
                    • DIY
                    • Verified Purchase
                    • Recommended
                    18 found this review helpful
                    Overall a great multi-purpose router
                    I've never owned a Bosch tool before so was a bit apprehensive buying. I had the old Porter Cable plunge many years ago and it was a very nice router but sold all my equipment and have now recently bought a full shop again. I couldn't resist this kit finding it on a good sale and I think I also had a 10% coupon off one item. But even at the full retail price, the Bosch router with plunge still remains a good value. I have used it several times now and really love how it handles. It is a very smooth tool, with it's soft-start a very nice feature. Adjusting the speed wheel fixes any rough cuts or burning I have had so far. There is plenty of power, though I have not yet tried it mounted on a table. If I were to complain about something it would be the location of the switch. This is not only Bosch but most other manufacturers as well that place the power switch in pretty inconvenient locations, making it a bit awkward at times. One other nitpicking suggestions would be for Bosch to replace the outdated looking wood grips and use something with a textured or rubberized surface. Overall, these are pretty small details that wouldn't influence my opinion of this being a fantastic router. I would highly recommend it to any woodworker who needs one!
                    by
                    • DIY
                    • Recommended
                    6 found this review helpful
                    Strong, Reliable, Dependable
                    I used this router for over 8 years. While working in construction as a finish carpenter, I saw and borrowed several different routers. For me, NOTHING compared to this router. There wasn't a job that i did that it couldn't handle. I had multiple jobs that i used it for from simple rounding over the edge to full out raised panels. When it came to flutting, and i did a lot of it, this router is the easiest to hold and manage. After doing several 8ft columns and two mantels with a few custom flutted cased windows and doors, at the end of the day, i was still able to grip it again for those last minute detail work.
                    by
                    • Pro
                    • Recommended
                    92 found this review helpful
                    Bosch router kit 1617EVSPK, plunge & fixed base, great combination.
                    Bosch quality and power with versatility too. Router can be used as fixed base, mounted to router table, or install router motor in the plunge base, all switch with relative ease. Note: To use threaded template guides you must additionally purchase Bosch #RA1126 quick change template guide adapter which attaches to router base plate, and #RA1100 threaded template guide adapter which clicks into quick change adapter.
                    by
                    • DIY
                    • Verified Purchase
                    • Recommended
                    12 found this review helpful
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