[-Sam-]

Anybody have the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router? If you do, any problems with the power switch not working? I've been reading reviews on this router in Amazon.com and two people said they had problems with the switch and had to get it repaired. I was thinking about getting this router package also since our local Lowe's Hardware Store is selling a promo package which includes extra accessories valued at $100 for free just for getting the kit. Lowe's normally sells the kit for $219 without the extra accessories. I'm not sure if I should get it because of what I read in Amazon. Any opinions? I managed to take 2 pictures with my picture phone. Check it out!

 

[Woodnut65]

If the package is a real good buy, you could always buy a new switch and replace
the defective one fairly easy. Parts are available form Bosch. The manufacturer
will warranty the kit, and if it's defective they will repair it free.

Hope this helps, Woodnut65

 

[Ken Massingale]

Sweet router kit! I've had one for a few months and have used the heck out of it. No switch problems. There was a batch that escaped the factory with corrison problems between the motor housing and bases, but mine hasn't shown any. Bosch is taking care of those as they are reported. There 'shouldn't' be that problem with new stock.
Do be aware that the plunge base that comes with the kit is not recommended for table mounting.
I purchased all the accessories that they are including, and yes they do cost over $100. The edge guide is the best I have seen.
For that price, with the accessories I would not hesitate.
HTH,
Ken

 

[-Sam-]

Okay, thanks Ken and Woodnut65!

 

[cfm]

ok

 

[cfm]

ok

 

[Mike]

I bought the 1617 combo kit and have had zero trouble with it. The problem is with a batch of the 1617evs combo kits. I would take the Craftsman back and get another 1617 combo kit. Loews will get you a good one. Find out where the closest service center is to your location. If you have a bad switch they will replace it at no charge and then you have a known good one.

 

[DONALD]

Anybody have the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router? If you do, any problems with the power switch not working? I've been reading reviews on this router in Amazon.com and two people said they had problems with the switch and had to get it repaired. I was thinking about getting this router package also since our local Lowe's Hardware Store is selling a promo package which includes extra accessories valued at $100 for free just for getting the kit. Lowe's normally sells the kit for $219 without the extra accessories. I'm not sure if I should get it because of what I read in Amazon. Any opinions? I managed to take 2 pictures with my picture phone. Check it out!

I wouldn't base my buying decision on the switch problem alone. Be aware of Lowe's batch of these routers. I bought one and it has the corrosion problem so I took it back and looked at all their Bosch routers and all had the corrosion problem. I liked the router so well that I'm sending it back to Bosch to have the motor housing replaced.

 

[DONALD]

CFM Bosch has answered my many E-Mails usually the same day sometimes the next. Michelle has been very helpful to me and I'm suprised you haven't gotten a reply. I went to their web site to the "contact us" sent an e-mail and had an answer right away. Try again...........I'm certain that they want to help. You might try calling and asking for Michelle. Good luck.

 

[-Sam-]

I too have the Bosch router and thank God no problems with it. Before I bought my router last year I did check on reviews of the router and also did some asking around and even emailed Bosch about the nature of the situation and they did respond the next day. I think Bosch is a great company and no one should have any problems dealing with them. Anyway, happy routing everyone and stay safe! Until next time...

Boricua

 

[wally]

I believe the switch problem is in one particular batch of Bosch routers. I own 2 1617EVS routers and have never had a problem with the switch on either one. WAM

 

[Mike]

One of the nicest things about the 1617's is the way the fixed base works on a table. You can remove the handle knobs easily and this allows for use on smaller plates with less clearance. Adjusting the bit height is fast and easy. I guess if you had your router mounted directly to the table the above table adjuster would be needed.(Like the Craftsman 26620) The only thing I can think of that I would change is adding a shaft lock so only one wrench was required for bit changes.

 

[cfm]

ok

 

[MikeMa]

I do have this router. I bought it just over a year ago. About a month after the warrenty expired, the switch failed. Other than this problem, this router has been great.

After doing some research on the web, I discovered that the problem comes with using the router upside down in a router table, and the power switch itself is not at all sealed, resulting in saw dust literally clogging the switch. I did not want to wait for a new switch to be sent, or take it in to be repaired, so I decided to look into fixing it myself. Nothing to it. I removed the two torx screws on the top cover. Pried out the switch, and disconnected the power wires. (Make note of where they go so you can reconnect properly) The switch itself can be taken apart using a some TLC and a flat head screw driver. Do this over a clean work surface, as there are a couple of small parts that can fall out. After cleaning out the dust, it took me a few minutes to figure out how the switch went back together, put it back in the router. After putting everything together I plugged the router in, flipped the switch back on, and the thing came back to life! In all, this took me 10 to 15 minutes to repair, and the router still works as well as when I bought it.

 

[bobj3]

Hi NiceG316

Very GOOD tip ,clear and to the point....
That's what this forum is all about SHARING ,this tip will save someone some money and to take the time to blow out the router from time to time.



Bj

 

[MikeMa]

No Problem, and glad I could help. I know how frustrating it is to loose a power tool mid project which is usually when one fails. In my case I was working on a laminate countertop and backsplash when it happened.

I am still fairly new to the router, and still discovering what it is capable of. I just found this forum today, and have found it very informative. I built my a traditional router table last summer. This summer I am looking at trying to build a horizontal table.

 

[CLTCS]

I am new to the forum! I just found a 1617EVSPK on Craig's List for $125. It was used twice & looks brand new. It is now in a Rockler Table with Rockler Adjustable Plate. I am trying an experiment and have ordered the "D-Handle" for the 1618. It looks like the only difference between the 1617 & 1618 is the shorter power cable to accomodate the D-Handle. If so, I can fix that in a jiffy. I'll report back when I get the results!
CLTCS

 

[Dr.Zook]

Welcome to the RouterForums Cliff.

 

[Mike]

Cliff, the D handle will not see much use; the fixed base gets table mounted and the plunge base gets used for free hand work. You can not plunge with the D handle base so why spend the money for it?

 

[CLTCS]

Mike,
Thanks for input. I can return the base with no questions asked, so no harm - no foul! I am new to the world of routing and input like yours will give me the knowledge I need in a hurry! Thanks again,

Cliff