Customer Reviews

Bosch 1613AEVS 2-1/4-Horsepower Electronic Plunge Router

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I own several routers-all different brands. None of them can touch this router. If uou're a beginner, save yourself frustration and money and buy this router. Woodworkers are like model train enthusiasts, nobody wants to tell you anything. You end up spending needless amounts of money, and wasting a lot of time. I use this router for several joinery operations, including dovetails and boxjoints. They all come out perfect every time. It's also excellent for cutting circles and ovals. It works great on almost any kind of wood. I'm a master furniture builder, and I need tools that will deliver precise work-I mean exact. This router does this. I'd say that it is medium to heavy in weight, it is not very loud (I hate real loud tools), and it also works great in a router table. If you do buy this router, think about also buying the accessory guide for it, too(RA1051). You'll be glad you did. This router and the guide both, allow you to fine tune any adjustment that you make. I'm not one for brand names or "high-browed" looking tools. I buy tools because they work. Regardless of your experience, if you want a router that's easy to use, don't want to fuss with with a lot of needless high tech nonsence, and does a precise, clean job every time, then this is the one to get. This is the only router that I've never had to fight. On a scale from 1 to 10, I rate it at 15! I'm telling you, this is the McCOY! I hope I've been able to help someone with this review.
J. E. Zottoli
Gainesville, Ga., USA

It was either this one or the Dewalt DW621, the two best routers in this class. For the readers sake I will compare its features to the Dewalt. Both machines are 2HP, both have a smooth plunge but the Dewalt wins in this respect. They both have dust extraction, Bosch via an attachment and the Dewalt built into one of the plunge posts. If you do not hook up the Dewalt's dust extraction you will inhale the dust and eat the chips. They both employ Soft Start and are variable speed with constant speed technology. As for motor noise the Bosch certainly wins, it has half the noise of the Dewalt, and is comfortable to operate without hearing protection. Both machines have micro adjustment knobs, the Bosch's can be adjusted while the plunge is locked, the Dewalt's cannot. The micro gauge reading on the Bosch is much easier to understand than on the Dewalt. I like the 1/8 step graduations on the depth stop rather than the three post adjustable on the Dewalt. This feature is a user preference you can make your own assumption. The base on the Bosch is larger and more conventional than the Dewalt's. As for quality you can't go wrong with either, time will tell. Bosch makes an excellent product, take the quality for the best and study the features you need.

This is my second Bosch router, the other is the 1618EVS with the D handle. The soft start is a plus, but the key feature of this Bosch router is the indexed depth adjustment and also the fine depth adjustment capability. If you want to get it right, you want this router. It is a pleasure to use.

I own several Bosch products including routers and wanted to add the 1613EVS Plunge Router to my collection. I was initially impressed with the micrometer adjustment and the way the template holder is attached. Bushings are in and out in a flash. My first trial by fire for the machine was a simple half-blind dovetail with an appropriate jig and bit. I was impressed by the smooth start of the 2 horsepower router and was comfortable and in control at all times due to the solid grip handles with the switch right there.

My dissapointment came when I went to try to join the dovetailed pieces. They went together but some were loose and some almost too tight to join. I figured that it had to be me since I've only dovetailed about 50 drawers using the jig. On further examination and several more attempts I noted that the plunge lock really locked only one shaft. The other was able to move ever so slightly under downward pressure on the handles. The result, of course was that where more pressure was applied the cut was deeper. Maybe only .05" or so but enough to be noticeable, especially in a dovetail.

The router in my evaluation was not up to professional standards. I submit that it may be a good all around handyman machine but that for those wanting more precise accuracy a consideration to the 1617 or 1618 EVS non-plunge setups may be more appropriate. I returned my 1613 EVS. It does not meet my expectation of a high quality Bosch product.

I recently purchased this router and within days of receiving it tried it out cutting mortise and tenons. While many of the features were nice I found the accuracy and ruggedness of the router to be lacking. The plunging action was fine except that the bit will move off of perpendicular due to lack of rigidity in the plunge mechanism and the rods the router moves on. I also own a Hitachi M12V and do not have a bit of problem with its plunging accuracy. I noticed this when I was using the router on my new Leigh mortise and tenon fixture. I have since put my Hitachin back on the jig fixture and am back in business.

Other features like the soft start are very nice. The micro adjust is ok but somewhat stiff to set. I have not spent much time looking at this feature and will see if I missed something in the instruction manual. The machine works fine as a pattern cutter and I have decided to keep it since I need a router for run of the mill operations.

I did a lot of research prior to buying this and am glad I did. I've had it for over 2 years now and really love it. After using various power tools from Bosch, Makita, Porter Cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Ridgid, Craftsman, Skil, Black and Decker, and Ryobi...only the first 3 I mentioned are in my top tier of toolmakers I really trust to make a good tool. With Bosch in particular, I know the tool will be well engineered to meet users' needs for: 1) comfort, 2) precision, and 3) performance.

The 1/2" and 1/4" shank adapters help because it give more flexibility in buying bits. When possible, buy 1/2" shank bits to minimize the vibration.

The variable speed is essential to control the velocity of the actual router bit cutters -- which will vary based upon the diameter of the bit itself and the RPM speed selected. Hence, for bigger diameter bits, lower RPMs are necessary. Speaking of using larger bits though, that is the only negative of this router, as a result of the opening in the base. That opening is around 2-1/2" so it makes it difficult to utilize the entire plunge distance with very large diameter bits (raise panel bits, etc.) that are bigger than the hole. It also makes it harder to change the bit and forces you to install the bit while the router is plunged. I knew if this before I bought it and still bought it over the Porter Cable 693VSPK which has a larger base opening. However, if large bits are used with the Bosch, it can be very dangerous if the plunge mechanism isn't tight.

I also use this occasionally in a router table. I suggest users that will use this router in a router table or with large diameter bits readjust the spring/plunge mechanism. I would disagree with one of the previous reviewers that said the plunge was ineffective. It is very effective when not used upside-down in a router table PROVIDED you tighten the plunge. However, by readjusting the plunge mechanism, you can make it even tighter and safer for router table use. Do a web search on how to make this adjustment, but it basically involves the loosening and repositioning of the plunge handle. It takes some trial and error...but it's worth it. Just be careful to control the plunge handle once you take off the handle screw so the handle (internally) does not detach from the end of the plunge spring completely like I did or it will turn a 10 minute task into a 25 minute task. After making this adjustment, the router's 13 lbs. of weight plus another 20-30 pounds of my pulling force weren't enough to budge the router at all in my router table.

Overall, this is my favorite tool and has turned me into a Bosch loyalist. I would buy this or the Bosch 1617EVSK if I needed to buy another router. If those weren't available, I'd get the Porter Cable which is comparable in price, a little better in performance, a tad less in precision, and a little worse in comfort, but unlike the Bosch, will work with most generic router accessories.

This is likely one of the nicest tools I've ever used. It is so smooth and quiet, I don't even have to wear earplugs with 2" bits that on some routers can be loud. The speed control holds the speed constant even when the load increases. It will swing substantial bits through red oak on deep cuts without bogging down, in fact without even straining. I've found the speed range to be just right. The plunge is smooth and the vernier depth adjustment is very nice and accurate. I currently have this mounted in a rockler full size table and it works great in a table too. Soft start is a real nice feature, never jerks or twists when starting, nice. My only question is should I really have two of these, one for the table and one for free hand use?

This router has become one of my favorite tools in the shop. After comparing this router to the Dewalt and Porter Cable routers, I found the Bosch to be, by far the most comfortable to handle. I also own the 2HP fixed based version of this router, however, I have come to primarily use my 1613 plunge for all applications. YOU WON'T BE DISAPOINTED! The only real drawback is that accesories are hard to find and usually have to be special ordered.

This is a great router! The slow start feature as well as the micro adjust give a solid router excellent controlability.

This is a fine router but has some major shortcomings despite all the accolades expressed by other users. First, the plunge action could be a lot smoother.Springs are much too rigid for smooth action. Second, it has no built - in dust collection system. The manuals say that an attachment is available,but it is nearly impossible to find one in stores or on the web. A router by it's very nature is a very messy operation and to have no built in dust collector and no easily obtainable attachment is a serious drawback. Lastly, because of the rather rough plunge action some accuracy is sacrificed. This is not a good tool for overall moulding or fine furniture making.