Hello,
I recently posted a question as to which router to choose between the Bosch 1617EVSPK and the Bosch 1619EVS for table mounting. Since then, I’ve seen many reviews of the 1617EVSPK on the web, and even though most are very complimentary of the performance of the unit, many cite failure problems with the unsealed switch when used under a table. From emails and conversations with Bosch customer service, I have learned that the switch problem has been corrected and that the newer units are manufactured with sealed switches, but unfortunately I cannot find any of the newer units at my local home centers, and Bosch will not sell to me directly.
Even though I have been told by Bosch that, in the event of a failure of the switch, they would replace it, I would prefer not to encounter a switch failure in the middle of a routing project. Because of this, I have been looking at two other 2 ¼ HP dual base routers, the DeWalt DW618PK and the Porter-Cable 893PK. Both appear to be nice units, and both will fit the Bosch RA1171 router table that I have, so I'm interested in getting one of these two.
If anyone has a preference or other significant information that might help me choose between the DeWalt DW618PK and the Porter-Cable 893PK, would you please comment? I’m really more interested in the fixed base application for my router table than I am in the handheld plunge base mode, although I do expect to use the plunge base from time to time.
Louis
I recently posted a question as to which router to choose between the Bosch 1617EVSPK and the Bosch 1619EVS for table mounting. Since then, I’ve seen many reviews of the 1617EVSPK on the web, and even though most are very complimentary of the performance of the unit, many cite failure problems with the unsealed switch when used under a table. From emails and conversations with Bosch customer service, I have learned that the switch problem has been corrected and that the newer units are manufactured with sealed switches, but unfortunately I cannot find any of the newer units at my local home centers, and Bosch will not sell to me directly.
Even though I have been told by Bosch that, in the event of a failure of the switch, they would replace it, I would prefer not to encounter a switch failure in the middle of a routing project. Because of this, I have been looking at two other 2 ¼ HP dual base routers, the DeWalt DW618PK and the Porter-Cable 893PK. Both appear to be nice units, and both will fit the Bosch RA1171 router table that I have, so I'm interested in getting one of these two.
If anyone has a preference or other significant information that might help me choose between the DeWalt DW618PK and the Porter-Cable 893PK, would you please comment? I’m really more interested in the fixed base application for my router table than I am in the handheld plunge base mode, although I do expect to use the plunge base from time to time.
Louis