Customer Reviews

Bosch 1617 11 Amp 2 HP Fixed Base Router

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a very good medium duty router. I especially like the ease in adjusting the depth of the cut. The micro-adjustment knob is easy to use. I also like the quick release lever for the depth setting.

The router has adequate power for most cabinet work. I was able to cut 1/2" x 1/2" with ease. Its light weight makes it easy to use without fatigue.

My unit was packaged with both 1/2 and 1/4 inch collets.

I needed a fixed base router for my Leigh Jig and was originally going to purchase the P.C 690. After some inquiring on a woodworking bulliten board, I decided not to purchase the P.C. The 690 was called the "Screaming Dinosaur". It was an outdated design, very noisy, and underpowered. Someone even commented that it torqued it's way out of a router table. Ouch.

I picked up a refurbished Bosch 1617 at an auction and when it arrived it was damaged. Fortunately, Bosch was the seller and they rectified the situation by sending me a brand new non refurbished model. Great Service!

The more I use this router, the more I like it. It is very powerful, and the depth adjustment is very precise, very easy to use and just cant be beat. The machine is relatively quiet (for a router)and the quality of construction is top notch. This router is so precise and consistent, I do not need to make test cuts for the dovetail pins on my Leigh Jig. I know where to set the jig, and the dovetails come out perfect every time!

For general purpose use, I highly recommend spending the extra money on the variable speed model. When you run larger bits (which this machine can handle) you need a slower speed. Router speed controls cut you horsepower as well as your speed. The variable speed version of this router has electronic feedback which maintains you horsepower while reducing the speed.

This router is perfect. I was going to spend the extra for the 2HP version but I tested this one first. More than enough power. It comes with a 1/2" and 1/4" collet. Nice. and the handles feel great. I've cut rails and stiles and raised panels with it in a router table and it handled it like a champ. Bosch make the best fixed base router on the market, Hands Down.

I've had this router for over a year now, mounted under a table. So far it has done everything I have asked of it and more. I'm only working with hard woods and it has never bogged down or frozen any bits. More than enough power. Its the best in its price range.

(Plus those maple handles just look so damn good!)

----EDIT----
FYI....
Just after writing this review the router just died. It was ten months old. I had to send it in to Bosch TWICE to get it to work again. Very disappointing.

I wanted a basic router with adequate power to do some simple remodeling jobs around the house and this model has been perfect. I do not need to make blind dados and therefore did not need a plunge unit. I do not use larger bits and therefore did not require variable speed. Quite frankly, this unit is probably more than a DIY amateur like myself requires. Although I am not familiar with them, the Skil and Craftman routers would probably serve my purposes and be far cheaper. The Bosch is really meant to be heavily used by professionals and serious woodworking hobbyists. But if you have the money, I recommend this model highly.

I, like many, started 'routing' with a PC 690, but the price in the zshop for a referb Bosch 1617 was to compelling! I like the quick change giude gizmo, I'll really like it when I get the adaptor plate and can use the PC guides (Where does one find Bosch guides?) I am very used to yanking the motor out of the base on the PC to change bits and this Bosch machine is not so easily saparated from the base. But with what I've done thus far I find adequate power, and all else appears to be in order. I really like the big wood knobs. I'd buy another refurb machine in a heart beat!

a lots of power, perfect for a fixed base with a separate household switch for on and off mode, I like the old model better, but
this one is good too

I am very pleased with this router. The smooth fairly quiet motor is a pleasant surprise. Base adjustment and ergonomics are superb. A router doesn't have to look like a StarWars character. Another solid Bosch power tool.