New router

[wannabewoodworker]

Not sure if I mentioned this or not recently as i have been on a binge of acquiring tools for my woodworking addiction. I have lusting after a Bosch 1617EVSPK for several months. Everytime I walk into the local Lowes to get something I stroll by the tool dept. and look at it. But for $200+ I just could not pull the trigger on that sum of money. I have an older Craftsman 1.25 hp. router that works but just isn't very precise or easy to use. So anyway I have been keeping my eye on CL for a Bosch. Well last week I was flipping through the ads and low and behold I see a 1617EVSPK for sale and it looks brand new. Better yet he only wanted $100 for it. So I contact him and we discuss it and because he lives quite a distance from me about 45 min. he lowers the price to $90. So I bought it and man the thing looks like it was used once. Came with a couple of bits but nothing too interesting to worry about. But it is complete the whole enchilada.

Anybody here use the Bosch 1617 router??? What are your thoughts about the Bosch router??? I have a Bosch jigsaw and I absolutely love that tool very high quality, precise and made to last. The router seems to be the same way and I love the precise adjustments on it. Now I just have to pickup the templates for it so i can start using my Porter Cable dovetail jig. Can't wait to try that one out. I just cleaned and polished it up to better than new so it is ready to start cutting some nice dovetail joints.

[img]https://mdm.boschwebservices.com/MDMCac ... 2446v6.jpg[/img]

[S Brian]

Michael - I have the same router and and am very pleased with it. I use it by hand and also in my router table. I really like the soft start and variable speed. I recently retired from Bosch Braking Systems here in town and so I was able to buy Bosch tools, either new or reconditioned at great price. I also have a barrel grip jig saw, the 12" dual compound miter saw, a fixed speed orbital sander and a 14.4V 3/8" drill.

Did your router include the 1/4" and 1/2" collets? I have many 1/4" router bits used in my 35 year old Craftsman router, so I really appreciate having the choice to use either size.

[wannabewoodworker]

Yes it came complete with both collets and the wrenches as well as the attachment to quick connect the router bushings specific to these routers which I need to still purchase.

[berry]

Sounds like you got a good buy.

I've had mine a couple years and I have a couple of nits to pick.
1. When in fixed base mode it's top heavy.
2. In plunge mode the thumb release is ackward for my hand-thumb. In fact I've made a special glove to wear because my thumb gets so tired-sore.
3. They really offer nothing to help in dust collection.
4. The on/off switch is too far from the hand grips - thank goodness for soft starts.

The fence that comes with it is nice to use.
It's been dependable. I've made dozens for mortises with it.
It is flexible, if you can only have one router, I think it's a good choice.

[robinson46176]

Not sure if I mentioned this or not recently as i have been on a binge of acquiring tools for my woodworking addiction.

You do realize that there is no cure don't you...


.

[wannabewoodworker]

You do realize that there is no cure don't you...


.

Yes Robinson I do and I am infected terribly bad............. I really want to start making stuff and to that end I glued up some of the boards I got recently tonight so that I can make a bandsaw box for the wife for mothers day. It will be my first attempt at making a bandsaw box but they seem to be pretty simple for the beginner trying to get his feet wet. I wanted to use some different types of wood for contrasting colors but didn't have the size between the different pieces I have to make the box big enough so i just used the wood that allowed me to make the box the size i want. I will make a drawer pull out of walnut to help contrast it a little bit. I think the main piece of wood i used was a thick piece of cherry but I don't really know for sure. I will post some pics of it if and when I complete it provided I don't totally screw it up in the process although it looks like it isn't very easy to screw it up.....think woodworking for infants.

I also realized why having lots of clamps is a good thing............ So I will be on the hunt for nice used clamps.

[wannabewoodworker]

Sounds like you got a good buy.

I've had mine a couple years and I have a couple of nits to pick.
1. When in fixed base mode it's top heavy.
2. In plunge mode the thumb release is ackward for my hand-thumb. In fact I've made a special glove to wear because my thumb gets so tired-sore.
3. They really offer nothing to help in dust collection.
4. The on/off switch is too far from the hand grips - thank goodness for soft starts.

The fence that comes with it is nice to use.
It's been dependable. I've made dozens for mortises with it.
It is flexible, if you can only have one router, I think it's a good choice.

Those are helpful things to advise me on thank you. I bought it for the quality of the build and the precision adjustments. With time I will see if it really is as good as i think it is.

[burkhome]

I too have had the same unit for a couple of years. Overall happy with it. Don't like the location of the switch. That same switch had to be replaced at a little over a year. I have permanently mounted the fixed base in the router table. It gets used there for the most part.