BOSCH 1617EVSPK Wood 12 Amp Router Tool Combo Kit - 2.25 Horsepower Plunge Router & Fixed Base with a Variable Speed Motor

What is the key feature that makes this router especially useful for some tasks compared with others I own? It's the depth setting adjustment, shown at the left side of the first image. It covers a wide range with fairly granular control of the depth steps.Why is this useful to me?This current project is a good example- speaker cabinet front panels fabricated from hard rock maple ply. This is serious stuff for power tool woodworking, cabinet grade MDF is like butter or cardboard in comparison. So, it's pretty mandatory when doing a deep route to use a number of shallow steps and a slow feed. This fixture makes that very straight forward, and very repeatable when doing multiple routes of the same dimension (second image, routing cut outs in progress for the inner front panel of an LF module for a high end speaker system.It's easy to calibrate for a consistent starting point and getting very exact results for a number of operations.Now, no router I've found is the perfect router for every job. This Bosch tool is very well built, has excellent torque and speed control, and with the additional fixed base can handle a variety of jobs. Where some might find it lacking is having a comprehensive dust collection feature built in with a clear dust dust shield over the working area, like some DeWalt and Porter Cable 1/2" shank routers I own. But that same dust shield can limit the utility - specifically, the depot of plunge for the router, and the depth of cuts. Here, on this project, I'm working with 1-1/4" maple ply and 1-1/2" maple ply, and doing cuts between 1" and 1-1/4". This isn't possible with the routers featuring the dust collection and dust shields, because of the limit these place on plunge depth with multiple passes.This is why I tend to have multiple routers chosen and setup for specific jobs, and leave them that way once things are dialed in. I have three of the Bosch 1617EVS now for that reason... two with plunge base setup, one with fixed base.The other thing I have found very useful with this Bosch model is the accessory template guide adapter and templates. Here are pictures of the base with the template guide and a short adapter for 1/2" solid carbide spiral up cut bit installed, in the "baseline" position and extended. One of the 1617EVS is always setup with this adapter.What I find the fixed base configuration useful for is trim functions using follower bits of various types- from setting the rebate for a high frequency driver after boring the original hole with a Forstner bit, or trimming a side or inner route flush using a 1/2" shear trim bit. I have jobs for which this configuration works better than my 1/4" shank trim routers.

I’ve always liked Bosch tools for their quality. When we found out we’re going to be grandparents, I wanted to make something for the kids nursery. Naturally a new cabinet / dresser necessitated the procurement of a new tool :) and since I’ve been eyeing this model for a while, it was time to buy. When I first used it, WOW, what an impressive machine. Plenty of power to go thru oak, 1/4 and 1/2” collets, solid base, plunge base, and storage case to store guides and a selection of router bits. What really impressed me was the micro adjustment for the depth which is adjustable not only from the top but also via a hex socket on the base when using this in the Bosch router table (which I also bought). A well thought tool and highly recommended.

I bought this router in June of 2012 and have used it for several projects now and I think that it is truly a great router. The variable speed is great to have. The fact that the wrenches are drop forged instead of cheap sheet metal is a real plus. The molded hard case is top quality. The rough and fine height adjustment is great especially with ability to do it from above on a table (however a little warning... make sure you un-clamp the tension for the height adjustment first before fine tuning the height and I would also suggest if you are adjusting it while mounted to the table that you put your hand on the motor for weight support. The fine adjustment rod works by putting pressure against a small split ring on the adjustment rod. Too much pressure and the split ring pops off and is pretty much destroyed - this happened to me the first month- replacement rings only come from Bosch for about $.80 plus shipping and are difficult to reinstall. With proper support there has been no trouble) Being able to switch bases is great, in fact I also bought the under-table base also sold here on amazon (which is essentially another fixed base without the wooden handles) The design for removing the motor isn't real easy but can be done. Plunge base works spectacularly with stepped stops for quick change of plunge depths. Also a tip for router template users, standard router templates (porter-cable style) do not work with Bosch's sub-base. You either have to buy Bosch's templates or the Bosch template adapter, or Lowes sells a Milescraft sub-base with all the adapters needed. I bought a porter-cable dovetail jig and had to buy the Milescraft sub-base to make my router work with the jig. None of my issues though bring down my rating of the router. It is top notch and the 2 1/4 hp motor works well even with large 1/2 router bits and very hard woods like oak and maple.

I recently added the Bosch router to my woodshop, and it’s been an impressive tool. The build quality is solid, with a robust feel that gives confidence, even during heavier jobs. Precision is excellent—adjustments are smooth and easy to make, allowing for detailed work and clean, professional-looking edges.The power is more than sufficient for hardwoods, and it glides through softer woods with ease. I also appreciate the ergonomic design; it’s comfortable to handle over extended sessions, and vibration is minimal. The dust collection port is a nice addition, keeping the workspace cleaner than expected.Overall, this Bosch router is a reliable, well-made tool that delivers precise, quality results. Highly recommended for both DIY enthusiasts and seasoned woodworkers.