Does anyone have any experience with the router. It's Bosch's newest combo set. I am trying to decide if it's worth the difference over the 1617.

Hi Mike - haven't got any first hand exposure to that but the October issue of Wood Magazine had a comparison of 9 routers, including that one. The MRC23 scored pretty well. I tend to take magazine reviews with a grain of salt, don't know how much weight advertising revenues have, but they do offer some good information.

Hi

Just my 2 cents, Very over price 2.4HP router combo (330.oo dollars)

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I noticed that too, BJ.. but then noticed it was rated 15A, just like those who claim 3+ hp out of a 15A 120V router (which is impossible at 15A, 120V). Honestly, at 15A and 120V, 2.4hp is the maximum horsepower your could get out of a 100% efficient DC motor. I've been waiting for feedback on these too, but wondered if these weren't really just a little closer to "truth in marketing" that's so lacking... maybe not though.

Wait.. those marketers never mislead people!!!

Maybe we should all double the power on our 3hp Cabinet saws by replacing the motor (240V, 12A) with a 6hp Cra*sman shop-vac motor (120V, 10A). Twice the power, half the voltage and less current too!!

I agree about the "truth in marketing" so I don't know how much faith to put into an advertising based tool test. I do know that I’ve been very happy with other Bosch Routers and the switch build into the fixed base handles looks like a nice feature. I’d really like to heft one hands on but no one in this area has them yet.

Hey Michael, I am a new member to the router forum. I had the same question. I ran across the Bosch MRC23evsk router set while searching on-line for a router and thought it looked like a really great router..... but .... I can't find a review anywhere online. Also there are not very many places that carry it either (I only found 2 places one being Amazon). For $310, which I think is a little prices for a 2 1/4 hp router, I'd like to understand if this router is in fact worth if from someone who has it. Did anyone reply back to you? Did you get the router?

Hey Eric.
Welcome to the Forum! I really haven’t received any reviews from anyone that has used this combo. I have it on order from international tool but they are still b/o. Their price was much better than Amazon. I have had great success with the bosch routers I now have and the fact that I have all the collets and bushings would be a big plus if MRC23evsk is as good as I hope it will be. When and if it ever comes in I will post my thoughts on it. Bear in mind I’m so far from being a router expert that I don’t know if my review will benefit anyone.

Michael, thanks. I will look for your upcoming comments. I did look on Amazon...I am not sure how much they charge as they state that the router is unavailable. The only place they have as a link is where from international tool. What I do not understand is that for a new product, you just can't find it at too many places? I am going to go to a tool show this weekend in Baltimore MD (see "the woodworkingshows.com" for details and a place near you). I hope to see this router and the new Bosch 12" dual bevel saw. By the way..As I am new to the forum...I have a heck of a time finding things I have pose to. How do I do that easily? I am somewhat confused. is there some feature that show what "you" have posted respnses to? I hope I can find my way back to this thread. Eric

Michael, I went to the woodworking show in MD on 9 Jan and saw the router (i picked up the brochure also with all the specs). Bosch is to release the router to the market in Mid Feb or so. They were going to release it sooner, but found some things they wanted to fix before selling it. I am told there are several reviews on the tool as well and they will be published when the tool is on the market. So I am told. BTW the Bosch double bevel saw is really impressive. I talked with the designer of the tool about all the reviews out on the web, and I probably will buy the tool inMarch at the Chantilly MD show.

When you do a comparison of the features between this new model and the 1617 series you will find the only significant feature difference is the LED lights around the collet. As far as the switch being mounted on the handles instead of the top of the motor consider that on the 1617 series you can remove the fixed base handles for more clearance under the table; this is my preference.
The handle mounted switch is a feature that Rick Rosendahl prefers, his explanation is simple: "With the switch on the handle you can power up with both hands holding the router... convenience and safety in one feature."