Here we go. I bought the Bosch 1617 fixed base[new] and a Colt[refurb] from CPO purchase was ok. But.. I bought the 1617 to replace a very old 16O4 and the colt in anticipation of the demise of my very old Ryobi[US made] TR3O. I have to say I'm not terribly impressed.
The 1617 is not as well balanced as the 16O4 nor do i like the depth adjustment. At ALL. Its not smooth and I much prefer the rotating adjustment of the older machine. I did wax the motor body which helped and replaced the knobs with the older black knobs from the older machine both of which helped a little. The older 16O4[1 3/4 hp] also seems to have at least the same power.
The Colt is pretty nice though i wish it was a little smaller[shorter] the depth adjustment sucks, again simplicity is good. and i prefer the round base with a flat better than the square base.
In response to the universal love of plunge bases I turned once more to CPO and bought a hitachi refurb kit. I have not used in anger yet but I put a round over bit in it and trimmed an edge, much more comfortable to use than the 1617 it is smaller and less top heavy. I have not used the plunge base.
At this point the Freud 17O2 is my favorite But i suspect the hitachi will over take it.
This not a total rejection of the Bosch Gods they have always been some of my favorite tools. maybe I will have to try another one.
Graham
The 1617 is not as well balanced as the 16O4 nor do i like the depth adjustment. At ALL. Its not smooth and I much prefer the rotating adjustment of the older machine. I did wax the motor body which helped and replaced the knobs with the older black knobs from the older machine both of which helped a little. The older 16O4[1 3/4 hp] also seems to have at least the same power.
The Colt is pretty nice though i wish it was a little smaller[shorter] the depth adjustment sucks, again simplicity is good. and i prefer the round base with a flat better than the square base.
In response to the universal love of plunge bases I turned once more to CPO and bought a hitachi refurb kit. I have not used in anger yet but I put a round over bit in it and trimmed an edge, much more comfortable to use than the 1617 it is smaller and less top heavy. I have not used the plunge base.
At this point the Freud 17O2 is my favorite But i suspect the hitachi will over take it.
This not a total rejection of the Bosch Gods they have always been some of my favorite tools. maybe I will have to try another one.
Graham