Shopsmith Forums

My routers consist of two ancient Craftsman 1/2 hp. They do the job, but I have a chance to get a decent deal (half price) on the above router (used but in near new condition).

I "had" been planning on saving my pin money and getting the newer model MRC23evsk after Christmas.

Who of you have experience with the 1617 model fixed and plunge? Do the idiosyncrasies out way the benefits?

Not too worried about new versus used.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Be well,
Ben

I'll try to make this short as I have posted about this some years ago over on the router forum.

From what I had read and the recommendations of several users I headed out to the store to buy a Bosch. When I got stand base model in my hands it just didn't feel right. I didn't like the plunge version any better, well to be truthful I disliked it more. The action of the plunge is what really turned me off.

I then started looking at the other routers they had and came home with one that had the feel I was looking for. In the long term I purchased 3 more for a total of 4 of that model. If I were to need yet another router I'd go back and get another. (Hitachi)

The two most recent routers were from DeWalt, of the two I like the small plunge version the best. This is because I've been looking for that design for more years then I can count.

The best advice I can give is to find one to handle and see how it feels. Of course do some research as to what you are looking for before hand(features/HP/collet size/plunge/removable base/size/etc). I'd stay away from off-brands and very cheap ones. And remember the router is the cheap part of the routing experience. Once you start adding up the cost of good bits that will make since to you if it doesn't already.

BTW I have Hitachi(5), Dewalt(2), Wards(1), Sears(3), Trend(1) and Porter Cable(3) routers but no Bosch routers. This is not because I hate Bosch routers but for me there are better fitting ones. I know a lot of Bosch users who love them but please take a few minutes to get to know the other brands/models.

Ed

I continually have trouble keeping the Porter Cable plunge action smooth. I take the plunge rails apart and clean and JPW them. It is good for a few plunges but then one or the other start to hesitate again.

Any suggestion would be appreciated (even if it is to go buy something else!).

Thanks

Forrest

reible wrote:I'll try to make this short as I have posted about this some years ago over on the router forum.

From what I had read and the recommendations of several users I headed out to the store to buy a Bosch. When I got stand base model in my hands it just didn't feel right. I didn't like the plunge version any better, well to be truthful I disliked it more. The action of the plunge is what really turned me off.

I then started looking at the other routers they had and came home with one that had the feel I was looking for. In the long term I purchased 3 more for a total of 4 of that model. If I were to need yet another router I'd go back and get another. (Hitachi)

The two most recent routers were from DeWalt, of the two I like the small plunge version the best. This is because I've been looking for that design for more years then I can count.

The best advice I can give is to find one to handle and see how it feels. Of course do some research as to what you are looking for before hand(features/HP/collet size/plunge/removable base/size/etc). I'd stay away from off-brands and very cheap ones. And remember the router is the cheap part of the routing experience. Once you start adding up the cost of good bits that will make since to you if it doesn't already.

BTW I have Hitachi(5), Dewalt(2), Wards(1), Sears(3), Trend(1) and Porter Cable(3) routers but no Bosch routers. This is not because I hate Bosch routers but for me there are better fitting ones. I know a lot of Bosch users who love them but please take a few minutes to get to know the other brands/models.

Ed

Thanks you. I have had the Bosch in my hands and it was not exactly comfortable, but leaps and bounds beyond the craftsman that I now use. The fixed base with wooden knobs were not as ergonomic as the grip style of the plunge.

Not much chance to handle a variety of tools here. Stores carry what they can move and the more expensive models are not in that category. The closest Woodworking store is 300 miles.

I've been trying to talk myself into a large router that can handle table and manual use, but with your words I may go check out the smaller DeWalt combo and think about a bigger hp router when I have a real use for one.

Thanks for the insight Ed! It is greatly and truly appreciated.

Be well,
Ben

I'm not sure if there's any difference between the EVSK and the EVSPK but I have the Bosch 1617 EVSPK:
Bosch 1617EVSPK

I've never to date used the plunge attachment, so I can't speak to that - I have it mostly mounted in my Bosch router table (RA1181) and I love it. I did a lot of reading and review checking and had narrowed down to the Bosch or a Porter Cable and went with the Bosch. Zero complaints - does everything I want it to do, it's a perfect match for the router table, and I wouldn't go back or second guess myself for a second. Tons of power and very smooth to operate. I actually like the feel of the wooden knobs - just feel more solid to me then the hollow plastic ones that were on the Craftsman router I used before. I have a couple of other older routers as well but they sit on the shelf, as this is always my go-to machine. I think routers to some degree are a personal preference kind of tool, so I'd suggest borrowing or otherwise road testing the various types you are interested in first if possible.

forrestb wrote:I continually have trouble keeping the Porter Cable plunge action smooth. I take the plunge rails apart and clean and JPW them. It is good for a few plunges but then one or the other start to hesitate again.

Any suggestion would be appreciated (even if it is to go buy something else!).

Thanks

Forrest

If you promise not to tell anyone I'll reveal my secret.

STP

Yes the same stuff they sell as an oil treatment.

Yes it collects sawdust but the sawdust simply wipes off and you can add a new coat using a q-tip. I can go months now without issue where as at some points I was lucky to get a week before having to clean up.

OK now just keep the secret....

Ed

You may rest assured that my lips are sealed.

(a quiet THANKS!)

Forrest

dgale wrote:I'm not sure if there's any difference between the EVSK and the EVSPK but I have the Bosch 1617 EVSPK: I'm sure they are the same, I probably entered an incorrect character.
Bosch 1617EVSPK

I've never to date used the plunge attachment, so I can't speak to that - I have it mostly mounted in my Bosch router table (RA1181) and I love it. I did a lot of reading and review checking and had narrowed down to the Bosch or a Porter Cable and went with the Bosch. Zero complaints - does everything I want it to do, it's a perfect match for the router table, and I wouldn't go back or second guess myself for a second. Tons of power and very smooth to operate. I actually like the feel of the wooden knobs - just feel more solid to me then the hollow plastic ones that were on the Craftsman router I used before. I have a couple of other older routers as well but they sit on the shelf, as this is always my go-to machine. I think routers to some degree are a personal preference kind of tool, so I'd suggest borrowing or otherwise road testing the various types you are interested in first if possible.

Without ever using one, I am convinced that Bosch will have a place in the shop, but most of my short term work will be done on a bench so I think smaller and more control will be better for me. When I advance to the table router setup (which was my intent before I bought the M7), I will most probably go with the MRC23.

The plunge aspect with loads of control is what I need now. Common sense (what's that:rolleyes: ) says buy smaller for now and go bigger later!

Thanks for the information!

Be well,
Ben

reible wrote:BTW I have Hitachi(5), Dewalt(2), Wards(1), Sears(3), Trend(1) and Porter Cable(3) routers but no Bosch routers.

Someone needs to join Routers Anonymous.

algale wrote:Someone needs to join Routers Anonymous.

Someone once opined that Norm had a router for each of his bits.
It is an addiction.