Bosch 1617EVSPK

This is the second 1617 I have purchased because I liked the first one so well. I have other brand plunge routers but this one is the easiest to use. The step gauge depth design is really great for make… multiple passes when going very deep into wood. Plenty of power for almost everything and not so heavy you can't use it for everything. I do a lot of free form work using templates and the Bosch template system is very quick to change out when going from one size to another. I prefer to use the universal screw-in adapter and use brass guides from other manufactures. The Bosch guides are kind of flimsy. Highly recommend this router, especially if you only are going to have one router.

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As a router, this seems to be a fine tool. But it is incomplete, and Bosch won't stand behind their manual's information. For this price, one expects a full package, but one doesn't get it. There are… numerous optional accessories, and they are noted in the manual as optional accessories. But one part that is NOT listed in the manual for the product as sold by Amazon is the dust collection hood for the fixed base. This is described in the manual as not being optional, as indeed it shouldn't be given the danger of dust in the workshop. (The days when providing for dust collection is considered optional by tool makers should be long behind us. But for Bosch, it obviously isn't.) When I called Bosch to ask them to provide this part, they claimed that it was indeed optional, even though the manual didn't state it as such. And both the service tech and the supervisor refused to honor the manual's information. Thus, potential buyers should be very aware of two things. First, to make a safe package out of this router requires the purchase of numerous accessories which may bring the total price to considerably more than one would spend on a full featured router package. Second, don't expect Bosch to stand behind their printed materials. They don't. My respect for Bosch as a responsible tool maker and seller has taken a major hit with this router. In future, I will look for tools from companies which are more committed to their customers than Bosch obviously is.

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I purchased this router with the intent of using it for a variety uses. I have been pleased with the performance of the router and its flexibility. The only concern that I have is the limitations it has… for using the larger router bits used in making raised panel doors. They will not fit in the base of the router. I will likely purchase a 3 1/4 HP router to mount "permanently" in my router table.

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Very high quality product. Almost got the Porter Cable set instead, but very happy i went with Bosch. Fixed base router has pass-thru hex socket so you can adjust height from above the table if so… mounted. no need to buy the table mount that Bosch sells, same functionality here. Also, my router set came with a FREE RA1054 Edge guide set, so don't buy one separately until you get your product. You might be in for a nice (free) surprise!

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