Bosch Power Tools 2.25 HP Variable Speed Router 1617EVS

Product Information

Introduction - After 20+ years of woodworking, I have discovered a couple important facts about routers - safety is very important and it is convenient to have more than one router. I have the plunge base for freehand work, and the regular base permanently mounted in my router table. I would have expected to pay in the mid-200-dollar range for a Router of this caliber and performance so for me I can’t see a single thing to complain about cost wise.

The major portion of the motor case is a magnesium casting and typical high-quality Bosch molded plastic components. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it looks like there is a standard for router bodies to fit into router bases and tables, and that standard is 3-1/2". This may sound like a minor convenience, but in practice can be a big help when moving the switch or cord location makes using the router easier or safer. Only when I intentionally increased the feed rate far above reasonable levels did the motor begin to bog. Dust is down 90 to 95%, and since I'm not forcing air through the tiny funnel you get from bosch it's also quieter.Sure, you can avoid it because you find it distasteful, but 300mm, 600mm, 900mm sizes for drawers and cabinets and desk heights, 25mm boards, 100mm anything… all still here in the metric world.

The Bosch 1617EVS Variable Speed Router is very well balanced and has an exceptional feel when held. The motor also features constant response circuitry to help regulate the start of the router and allow it to maintain consistent speed during use. The math wizards on the forum say you don't have a 3 1/4 HP router and can't have one, looks like you and I paid paid a extra 100. HP Combination Plunge- and Fixed-Base Router has the power to get results, with a 12 Amp motor and adjustable speed settings.The best bonus though is this Router is a particularly good value for the performance and features you receive. Bosch is easily one of my favorite tool companies for tools like a router where you need consistent and powerful performance.

HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router has the power to get results, with a 12 Amp motor and adjustable speed settings. You could make a custom router base but you have got a much bigger diameter router and the leverage on even an HDZ might be in question.The Chinese HF spindles all have questionable (if even available) specifications and are limited to to ER11 collets in that 110V compatible power range, However, the European manufacturers (which have realistic and published specifications), offer likely far superior HF spindles with ER20 collets. When making the first roundover cuts, I had the switch above the left handle as I am accustomed to, but the cord was catching on the clamps that secured the workpiece. Switching between the two bases takes only a matter of seconds which keeps the Router versatile for users who want to use it both in the table and hand-held. They make a huge difference in how much you have to shift the router to be able to access the chuck.

This groove and detent array is repeated on the other side to allow moving the switch (and cord) from side to side. The rounded hardwood handles on the fixed base maximize user control, and they make a fine addition to your router table. Performance - For me, one of the primary reasons for upgrading from a smaller router to a larger router was performance.I made sure I re-installed the motor in the same detent and intentionally resumed the cut, overlapping the last few inches of the first pass. The switch is located on the side of the motor housing in easy reach from the handles of both the fixed and plunge bases. I will say though, that as soon as the inch is brought up, I lose interest in the conversation altogether. After changing to a 5/8"-diameter flat bottom bit (1/2"-shank) I set the plunge depth for 1/4" and made a pass.