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Bosch 1619EVS

*Est. $280

Reviewed by ConsumerSearch

Best heavy-duty plunge router

Pros

Comfortable controls
Two-stage depth adjustment
Large base opening (3.75 in.)
Good dust collection

Cons

Loud
Slightly top-heavy
Heavy (13.2 lbs.)
Occasional quality-control problems

Where to Buy

for $299.00

Our Analysis
Specs
41 Amazon Reviews

Reviewers praise the 3.25-horsepower Bosch 1619EVS as the best wood router for heavy-duty work -- even on hardwoods. As a plunge router, it can start grooves or cuts safely in the middle of a board, so it's versatile. Reviewers like its soft-start variable-speed motor, dust control, two-stage adjustment and self-releasing collets. Despite its 13.2-pound weight, reviewers say the Bosch 1619EVS maneuvers well for handheld use, yet also works well mounted in a router table. The large base opening and 2.56-inch maximum depth make it usable with large bits. The warranty is for one year. If you don’t need this much power, reviews suggest the 2.25-hp Bosch 1617EVSPK router combo kit (*est. $250), which comes with a plunge base (for cutting grooves in the middle of a work piece) plus a fixed base.

We found the best comparison review of big routers, including the Bosch 1619EVS along with other big routers, at Workbench magazine. An earlier comparison review at Woodworker's Journal provides plenty of detail, but doesn't rank or rate each router. At NewWoodworker.com, Tom Hintz provides the most detailed review of the Bosch 1619EVS, but notes no drawbacks. Several of the two dozen or so owner-written reviews of the Bosch 1619EVS at Amazon.com do note a few drawbacks and quality-control problems, as do the handful of reviews at Epinions.com.

Where To Buy

Bosch 1619EVS 15 Amp 3-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Plunge Base Router with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

(41 reviews)
Buy new: $609.00 $299.00 9 Used & new from $200.00

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. 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.

Review: 10 Plunge Routers, Bill Link, Aug. 2006

2. 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. The Bosch is one of the top three plunge routers ranked as excellent.

Review: Three Horse Routers, Bill Hylton, Dec. 2005

3. 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. No drawbacks are noted. "Throughout our testing the Bosch 1619EVS performed flawlessly."

Review: Tool Review: Bosch 1619EVS 3-1/4Hp Plunge Router, Tom Hintz

4. 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. It's louder than some other big routers, and some owners report quality-control problems.

Review: Bosch 1619EVS 15 Amp 3-1/4 HP Variable Speed Plunge Base Router, Contributors to Amazon.com

5. 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. The spindle lock, dust control and template guide system earn criticism here, but owners still say this is the best big plunge router.

Review: Bosch 3.25HP Electric Plunge Router 1619EVS, Contributors to Epinions.com

Bosch 1617EVS *Est. $155

2 picks by top review sites.