Bosch 1618 1-3/4-Horsepower D-Handle Router

by Bosch

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

This review refers to the new model of this tool. This is a reconditioned power tool. Reconditioned generally means that the tool has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the tool back to like-new condition. Some tools may contain cosmetic blemishes. Reconditioned tools come with the same warranty as their new counterparts.

Bosch recently introduced routers that it claims have the highest power-to-weight ratio in the industry. We believe them. The 1618B is a member of Bosch's new Magnesium line. This router features a stout 11-amp, 1-3/4-horsepower motor coupled with an all-magnesium base and housing. The result is a lightweight, well-balanced, and smooth-operating machine that offers fast results in demanding applications. The D-handle provides excellent control--especially when reaching and turning on and off--and the auxiliary handle reverses, which is handy.

Bosch engineers are very proud of what they call the "precision centering system," which makes the router bit track at true center. It's an important feature for multiple-pass applications like jig cutting, and fine woodworkers will particularly appreciate it. Ease of height adjustment is a way of measuring quality in routers, and Bosch has come up with a system that works as well as any we've tested. A large flip lever releases the motor for adjusting. Rather than twisting as the height changes, the motor raises and drops in a straight path. The result is a simple and smooth-working course-adjust that couples with an efficient microadjust to make fine-tuning the depth of cut easy and accurate. Removing the motor from the base is a similar operation: simply release the flip lever, depress the course-adjustment lever, slide the motor out until it stops, then turn the motor counterclockwise and pull. It couldn't be easier, and there's no thumbscrew to wrestle with. Anyone who switches bases frequently will appreciate this design.

The collet is self-releasing, which means there's no need to tap the spindle to change bits, and the collet depth is 13/16 of an inch, a few 16ths deeper than that of DeWalt or Porter-Cable--one more weapon in Bosch's battle for a truly centered bit. --Mark McDonald

From the Manufacturer

The Bosch 1618B is an 11 amp, 1-3/4-horsepower router that features a comfortable D-handle design with reversible auxiliary handle. Other highlights include an exclusive precision centering system design; microfine bit depth adjustment; an adjustable sub-base; strong, lightweight, all-magnesium construction; a precision self-extracting collet system; a quick templet guide-change lever; a one-piece armature shaft for accuracy; and long bit shank capacity.

Features

• Coarse and microfine bit depth adjustment system with re-settable depth indicator
• Exclusive precision centering design centers bit precisely
• Large 3-3/4-inch base opening plus 2-inch sub-base opening accepts large bits
• Tool-free templet guide adapter for fast and easy templet guide changes
• Magnesium construction, durable and lightweight
• 1-piece armature shaft for accuracy and long bit shank capacity
• Comfortable D-handle design with reversible auxiliary handle
• Double-insulated, UL-listed, complies with OSHA

Specifications

• Rating: 120 volts AC
• Amps: 11 amps
• Max motor horsepower: 2
• Collet capacity: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 8 mm
• No-load speed: 25,000 rpm
• Base diameter: 6 inches
• Weight: 8 lbs.

Includes

• 1/4-inch S.R. collet chuck
• 1/2-inch S.R. collet chuck
• 16 mm shaft wrench
• 24 mm collet nut wrench
• Tool-free templet guide adapter
• Chip shield

Warranty
This Bosch power tool comes with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase.

Product Details

Product Manual [1.19mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 12 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000223GM
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 1618
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #286,345 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bosch D-handle router, December 28, 1999

By 

D.L. Gilmore (North Georgia, USa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bosch 1618 1-3/4-Horsepower D-Handle Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is my fourth router and so far, it is the best of the lot. The d-handle significantly enhances control of the machine, particularly during edge treatments. I expect it will be a great help with dovetails too, when I get around to doing some drawers in a couple of months. The Bosch router is very quiet for a router; much quieter than my Sears, Makita 3612B plunge router, or Dewalt. The fit and finish on it is great. I have nothing bad to say....even the collet works easily. The Bosch fellows have hit a home run; remember though that the Porter-Cable folks still have a lock on after-market add-ons for their equipment if you are so inclined.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SMOOTH!!, December 22, 2000

By 

David R. Gentry (BRUSH CREEK, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bosch 1618 1-3/4-Horsepower D-Handle Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is the best router this size I have ever owned. In my shop I use lots of routers for specific jobs ans have tried lots of brands. This 1 3/4 HP router is hands down the best I have used. It's quiet, smooth, and very easy to control thanks to the D-handle design. It produces extra smooth cuts in all woods with many different types of router bits. As I said, I have tried many different brands (Porter-Cable, Dewalt, Ryobi, Craftsman) with only the Porter Cable 690 even coming close in terms of quality. It costs a little more than a PC but, as in most things, you get what you pay for.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Router, March 24, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Bosch 1618 1-3/4-Horsepower D-Handle Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is a quality built router. I've used it for many different applications. One nice feature is that the base edge (all 360 degrees) is dimensionally constant in relation to the bit. This produces accurate work when you use a fence or a "clamp & tool" guide. Of all the routers I have used, this one ranks among the top in quality. It has plenty of power unless you are using shaper sized router bits. Then you may opt for a larger model. The microfine depth adjustment is another great feature along with the resettable indicator ring. I would buy this router again and have no complaints.