Wood Routers: Reviews

Workbench Magazine: After comparing ten 3-hp plunge routers based on tests for seven factors, this review gives top ranking to the Bosch 1619EVS: "If you're only going to have one router in your shop, this is the one." The only drawback noted is that it's slightly top-heavy.

Woodworker's Journal: This detailed review compares the Bosch 1619EVS with 11 other big heavy-duty routers, testing each primarily for use in a router table.

New Woodworker.com: This well-illustrated, detailed single-product review by woodworker Tom Hintz tests the Bosch 1619EVS both for freehand and table use, concluding that it's easy to use in both modes.

Amazon.com: Over two dozen owners review the Bosch 1619EVS wood router here, praising its power and usefulness in a router table, but also noting some drawbacks.

Epinions.com: Only a handful of owners review the Bosch 1619EVS here, but the reviews highlight both pros and cons -- including some drawbacks not noted elsewhere.

PopularMechanics.com: For the best fixed-base router, Popular Mechanics gives top ranking to the Milwaukee Body Grip 5615-21 after testing it in comparison with six other routers for performance, ergonomics, ease of control, adjustment and bit changes.

New Woodworker.com: This detailed, well-illustrated review recommends the Milwaukee 5615-21 BodyGrip router for hand-held routing operations like edging and joinery, saying its single speed is adequate and makes it more affordable.

Amazon.com: Nearly three dozen owners review the Milwaukee 5615-21 router here, most with praise but several noting excessive vibration -- apparently a quality-control issue.

Epinions.com: A handful of owners give the Milwaukee 5615-21 mixed reviews here, some comparing it favorably with competing models, others noting quality-control problems.

Wood Magazine: This recent review compares the Bosch 1617EVSPK with 11 other router combo kits,testing each for power, comfort and feel, and the features that make for ease of use.

PopularMechanics.com: This review gives the Bosch 1617EVSPK top ranking after testing it in comparison with six other router combo kits.

Taunton Tool Guide 2007: Readers of Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding agree with editors in giving top ranking to the Bosch 1617EVSPK as the best router combo kit.

Tools of the Trade: This older comparison review covers an earlier version of the Bosch 1617EVSPK that doesn't include easy adjustment above the table, but still gives it top ranking compared with the other three combo kits tested.

About.com: The Bosch 1617EVSPK shares top ranking here with the Porter-Cable 893PK, compared with eight other router combo kits.

New Woodworker.com: This detailed single-product review is lush with illustrations, covering all aspects of the Bosch 1617EVSPK adjustments and operation.

Amazon.com: Over a hundred owners rate and review the Bosch 1617EVSPK router combo kit here, with the majority praising it.

Wood Magazine: This recent review recommends the Craftsman 17543 as a budget router kit -- though noting inconveniences -- after testing it in comparison with 11 other combo kits.

Sears.com: About two dozen owners review the Craftsman 17543 router combo kit here, praising its smooth operation, but with a few complaints that using large bits requires buying extra sub-bases.

RouterForums.com: This brief forum message notes that the Craftsman 17543 router kit looks quite similar to the well-recommended Porter-Cable 890 series, but adds useful LED lights.

Fine Homebuilding: This review gives the Bosch Colt PR20EVSK trim router top ranking after testing it in comparison with nine other trim routers for performance and ease of use.

Taunton 2009 Tool Guide: This review of trim routers includes the results of the annual survey of over 7,000 readers of Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking.

American Woodworker: This review compares eleven trim routers based on shop tests, giving the variable-speed Bosch PR20EVSK the highest rating.

Woodworker's Journal: This review compares eight medium-priced trim routers for performance and ease of use, testing each by cutting dadoes and rounding edges on hard maple.

Popular Woodworking: The Bosch PR20EVSK earns top ranking in comparison tests of nine trim routers, not only for power but for the best depth adjustment and visibility, plus a large base opening.

Tools of the Trade: This comparison review is unusual in that the five trim routers are tested over eight weeks of jobsite use on trim work that requires precision.

Amazon.com: More than 50 owners review the Bosch Colt router here, giving it mostly high praise.