Customer Reviews

BOSCH RA1166 Plunge Router Base

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased the Bosch fixed based router last fall before the combo kit came out. I eventually mounted the fixed base to my home built router table. It is a bit of pain to remove the base from the table when I wanted to use it freehand. Since Bosch created a reat quick release for the router motor I decide to Purchased the plunge unit for portable use. The base also has fine depth adjustment (1/64") marks so you can actually adjust within 1/128th depth. The unit stops are easy to read and adjust. The motor slips in and out easily but can't fall out by accident. When you place the router into the base the bit is dead on center. No worry about bit cuts wandering if the base is running against a fence or pattern as you run your router. The plunge base works smoothly and the lock mechanism is easy to use.

If you have the Bosch EVS router then use your fixed base in your table and buy this to make your unit quickly portable again.

The base arrived promptly and went into use immediately. Works smoothly and fit with no issues. It is used for template sign making. Separately bought the Bosch adapter so I can use my PC bushings in the Bosch base. Should have bought this base years ago instead of limping along with my 30 year old Craftsman router.

Some time ago I acquired the 1618 D handle version of this router and have been pleased with that purchase. I recently found myself in need of a plunge router's functionality, so added this base. It does the job, is well constructed, and has several clever features, such as the clear plastic guard that can also be positioned out of the way for changing bits without removing it from the base, thereby minimizing chances for losing it. The turret stops and fine adjustment mechanisms also work smoothly and well, as does the plunge action. The lock lever was easy to reach without removing one's hand from the grip.

If I had to whine, I can see two areas for improvement: First, the 1618 comes with a very short cord on the router motor, and it plugs into the D base, which provides a trigger and long cord. Would be nice if this base had the same facility. Second, the markings on the fine adjustment mechanism are raised pointers on a chrome "nut", and can be difficult to see if the light isn't optimum. I'll be applying daubs of paint to mine, suggest Bosch do the same.

The plunge mechanism is great. The user can repeat the depth to the preset over and over. I have plowed mortise after mortise on production runs with excellent results. But that is what it is supposed to do. My one complaint is that the metal casting sometimes grips the motor housing too well, when the user wants to extract the motor and replace it in a stationary base. There is something about the metal that sticks. If you keep it well dry lubed or waxed this problem goes away.

I began using this base about 5 years ago when I got it as part of a Bosch kit. This along with the 1617EVS with fixed base, and case. A good deal, and this plunge base is what a plunge base should be. Simple, direct, versital, accurate, repeatable, stable, well balanced. I use it often, and glad I do.