I found this site through my research of the Bosch 1617EVSPK combo kit. I basically would like to know the pros and cons of this item and hear from others that would recommend alternate or better brands. I only have experience with very old Craftsman and Porter Cable routers......
I am definitely a very senior citizen and looking to get back into small scale woodworking. Health reasons have caused me to cut back on outdoor hobbies such as fishing, etc. I also enjoy working with electronics, computers, metal working and almost anything mechanical.
The Bosch 1617 is a very good router and one of the most popular fixed/plunge kits on the planet. I am very fond of Bosch routers and have been trying to work several of them to death for years with no success. I expect you would be very happy with the Bosch!
its nice i've had it since sunday. it has the power to plow through plywood and mdf. the motor is more quit than my makita 1-1/4. and plunge has a fine micrometer adjustment knob. if you plan on mounting it in the router table or make dovetails using a template guide you will have to order a centering cone from a vender but other than that its a great,
Add me to the list of satisfied owners of the 1617EVSPK router kit. In a recently published magazine, the 1617EVSPK ranked highest in reader choice and scored a "best overal value" by the editors of the magazine.
I am another very satisfied Bosch 1617 router owner, although mine is the 1617PK without the slow start and speed control. These are workhorse routers and the coarse and fine adjustments are very easy. There are three notches which you engage with a clamping handle for coarse adjustment; fine adjustment is accomplished with a very precise verier dial. Bosch router subbases use their own proprietary system for mounting of template collars; if you wish to use the pc type collars, you can either buy an adapter (inexpensive) or purchase an aftermarket router subbase cut for the pc guide templte (I bought a clear acrylic one for the plunge base and it makes routing so much easier when you can see what you are doing).
I don't think you can go wrong buying this router. Bosch service is excellent and the routers are about as close as you can come to bulletproof!
Ken, thanks for raising this. I re-discovered this site seeking info on the Bosch 1617EVSPK.
No personal experience with it, but it seems to be state of the art, highly recommended. Now looking for the best price. Thanks.
Art
someone more knowledgeable can tell you for sure. i dont know much about the kreg table, but i think you would need the offset wrenches. but im just thinking out loud????
Ken, if you are still out there... +1 for me, I have been very pleased with this router. One thing different in my case... I don't have/use the plunge base, only mounted in the table. Would surely purchase it again if I had it to do over.
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