Customer Reviews

Factory-Reconditioned Bosch PR20EVSK-RT Colt Palm Grip 5.7 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed Base Variable Speed Router with Edge Guide

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

 

 

Not what I expected. The router was well used, beat up, but runs. Lock on height adjustment has adjustment nut that is not useable and has to be replaced before I can use the router. I wouldn't recommend purchasing a well used router(factory-reconditioned) from Bosch. It's on the bench waiting to be fixed some day.

This is my second Bosch Palm Router, I use both and love the balanced smooth operation of both of them. The first one I paid retail and it is absolutely no different than my reconditioned one. The locking mechanism was a little too tight when I got it so all I did was to loosen the nut on the bolt and the cam lock works great now. I have another trim router, it's a Makita and it isn't nearly as smooth as the Bosch. I have several woodworking/cabinet making friends who have tried my Bosch and went out and bought one. The good part about reconditioned tools is they are still under warranty so if there is a major issue you can send it back for repair. I pay as much for some of my router bits as I do for this little router. It's a great deal and I may buy a few more since changing bits is what kills my production time. I do woodworking for a living.

I bought one of these reconditioned. Out of the box - worked fine and looked like new. However, soon after within the next 4 months or so i noticed the adjustable speed feature was not working and it would run at full speed and then slow down to the set variable speed and then suddenly rev up to full speed again and so forth. Figured i got a deal so have just set it on full speed. Used the machine for 2 years now - it's actually a great size and weight for trimming, but it is incredibly LOUD. I mean really really loud - this is by far the loudest tool i own and it just screams above the rest. The adjustable speed feature is gone and ONLY runs top speed. The base which is supposed to lock the body in place can slip during use and affect the depth of cut. The height adjustment on the base doesn't really work anymore. Oh yeah and ever since i first used the tool it has always been a positive pain in the neck to change out bits. There is a red lock button you must hold down to lock the shaft to loosen the collet - but it is a real trick to get the lock to engage with the shaft. Again I bought the thing cheap and reconditioned and maybe that has something to do with these problems. I like the size weight and power. But now I'm looking for a non-bosch replacement now with the same features size and weight.

The motor cut out on the first pass and refuses to restart. I'll send it back and get another since the features on this seem to be the best of the lot for the price, but you would think they would do a better job of thoroughly testing these before they send them out for resale- factory reconditioned should be more than just cleaning it up.

I'll give the Bosch Colt 5 stars. It's a great trim router. As far as buying refurbished units, I'll not do it again. At $95 used vs $115 new, I'd take the new one any day. The first unit was so beaten up that I had to return it. I've had tools that are 5-6 years old in my garage that is in better shape. All scratched up, cord starting to crack. To there credit, and this is the reason for 2 stars rather than one, they exchanged it without much hassle. They won't cross ship it. But return shipping is free. The second unit is a bit better. Just a bit. I'm worried that with the amount of use, how long the motor brush will last before replacement. To those who got an 'almost new' unit, you are lucky. That may not be typical. This whole process took me over 2 weeks, a bit of hassle, and in the end I saved $20. Not worth it. Definitely not worth it. Save your self the hassle and uncertainty and go for the sure thing. Buy a new unit.

PROS:
This is my 3rd Bosch "Reconditioned" tool in the last 6 years - all arrived in virtually "New" condition. The Colt was no exception. Absolutely no scratches, dings or marks of any sort anywhere on the unit - even the case was spotless inside and out. The only way to tell it's not new is a small white sticker and "RECON" branded into the case by the speed control wheel.
The router functions as it should - power switch, soft-start, speed selection. I have 6 other routers from 1hp to twin 3½ hp table-mounted. The Colt will replace an old RotoZip with ¼" collet and shop-made base I've been using for edging. Have only used the Bosch for rounding oak, but the constant speed seems to work well.
Will take the $30 I saved and buy more edging bits!

CONS:
The "Quick-Lock" is hard to reach unless you remove the motor and is spring loaded, so has to be continually pressed while you push on the wrench.
The "New" model ships with both "collet and shaft wrenches" for when the "Quick-Lock" gives out - This "RECON" only included the 17mm collet wrench.
The case is well constructed, but far too large - sized to hold all the extra bases. Tight-fitting molded dividers mean you have to remove any bit and completely collapse the router height before storage. Would rather have more useful area for the router and less for all the accessories I didn't buy.
The latches are also a pain, as they open down, not up, like every other tool case I have ever owned. Since both sides of the case are identical, I often open the case upside down and everything falls out.

I am very pleased with this Bosch factory reconditioned trim router. It feels good in my hands and is powerful for heavy work.

I have purchased several power tools from the Bosch reconditioning factor and have been pleased with all purchases. I also enjoy the money savings that provides!

Damon Shodrock

I have purchased a number of Bosch reconditioned tools and have not been disappointed with the quality of any of them. This tool is no exception. It looked like new when it arrived and has worked well every time I have used it although to be fair I am not a heavy user. I have only had one problem with this tool and that is the depth adjustment. You have to carefully watch when routing to be certain that the motor and cutting unit is not slipping down in the base giving you and unwanted cut on the surface you are routing. This happened to me recently when I was working on slab mesquite that I was making into a lazy susan. I was using a rounding blade and noticed it start to dig into the top of the wood. I tightened the holding mechanism several times but there was still some slippage. Fortunately, the damage to the top was easily repaired but users need to be aware of this problem. Other than the slippage, a useful tool.

I use this router more than any other router in my shop. An OUTSTANDING tool.