This router gives the table saw a run for its money being the most versatile tool out there.
by
Recommended
Dec 22, 2021
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
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2 found this review helpful
Jan 17, 2020
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!!
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Recommended
5 found this review helpful
Oct 30, 2018
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
Oct 30, 2018
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
Sep 20, 2016
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
Jan 19, 2016
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
Nov 4, 2014
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
Jun 4, 2014
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)
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Verified Purchase
Recommended
3 found this review helpful
Dec 18, 2013
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
Dec 6, 2013
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!
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DIY
Recommended
6 found this review helpful
Jun 3, 2013
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
Jan 16, 2013
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
Mar 27, 2024
Love this router set up with both the plunge and fixed base.
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Verified Purchase
Mar 13, 2024
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Verified Purchase
Mar 6, 2024
by
Verified Purchase
Feb 19, 2024
by
Verified Purchase
Feb 14, 2024
Great, top of the line
by
Verified Purchase
Jan 25, 2024
by
Verified Purchase
Jan 10, 2024
by
Verified Purchase
Jan 10, 2024
by
Verified Purchase
Jan 5, 2024
by
Jan 3, 2024
I used it to make some circular shaped marble solitaire games for Christmas gifts and it worked perfectly. It is well engineered and sturdily built.
by
Verified Purchase
Jan 3, 2024
This is a workhorse machine and does everything I need and want it to and it fits into my router table very well.
by
Verified Purchase
Dec 28, 2023
by
Verified Purchase
Dec 26, 2023
Collet comes loose during use
Collet cones loose during use and bit fall into work price. Multiple peicws ruined due to bit drop
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Response from BoschToolsJan 5, 2024
Hi! We apologize that the collect is loose. If the 1617EVSPK is still under warranty (corded tools have a 1-year warranty), we recommend you send it for repair. You may email us at bosch.tools@us.bosch.com and attach a copy of the original receipt to proceed with the repair request, or you may contact us at 1-877-BOSCH99 (1-877-267-2499) from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST.