Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

by Bosch

Product Description

Amazon.com

Bosch's 1617EVSPK is a strong entry in the 2-1/4-horsepower combination router market. Solid construction makes the Bosch durable and lightweight, while special touches, such as wooden handles on the fixed base and contoured, soft-grip handles on the plunge base, add to the comfort of users and give the tool a look of distinction lacking in some of its competitors. Of course, looks are only skin deep, and this router has plenty to offer below the surface as well. At its heart, a powerful 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower motor delivers consistent results at variable speeds of 8,000 to 25,000 rpm. The exclusive precision centering design ensures bits are perfectly centered in the router base, a handy feature for maintaining accurate cut lines. A wider-than-average base opening provides superior visibility and allows the Bosch to accept larger bits, while a micro bit-depth adjustment system makes fine-tuning fast and easy. Unlike many comparable routers, the Bosch 1617EVSPK is designed to move from base to base without the use of tools. Instead, it clamps solidly into place for quick and easy transfers. What's more, the motor never rotates while adjusting depths, allowing you to stow the power cord on either side where it's out of the way. --Carl Thress

From the Manufacturer

The new Bosch 1617EVSPK gives you the best of both the fixed-base and plunge router worlds! It features a 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower, 8,000 to 25,000 rpm (no-load) motor with plunge base and fixed base in a rugged well-organized carrying case. This kit features the exclusive quick-clamp system, allowing tool-free movement of motor from base to base. Other key features include variable speed, soft-start, and Constant Response circuitry that maintains speed under load. The depth adjustment system features coarse and microfine bit depth adjustment with re-settable indicators. Both bases have large base openings with 2-inch sub-base openings, accepting larger bits and providing better visibility. The routers' right or left switch and cord locations provide both choice and consistency, and the motor does not rotate during depth adjustment. The tool-free templet guide adapter allows quick changes, and both bases feature the Bosch exclusive precision centering design for centering optional templet guides. The motor has a one-piece armature shaft for accuracy and long bit shank capacity. The kit includes 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch self-releasing collets, templet guide adapter, and comfortable drop-forged wrenches. Multiple new optional accessories allow you to build a complete Bosch routing system.

Features

• 2-1/4-horsepower, 12 amp motor with 8,000 to 25,000 variable-speed rpm, the most powerful on its class
• Variable-speed dial lets user match speed to work piece and task
• Soft-start reduces startup torque
• Constant Response circuitry maintains constant speed under load and protects against overload
• Quick-clamp system on both bases for tool-free conversion--move motor from base to base with ease
• Microfine bit depth adjustment system on both bases
• Exclusive precision centering design is perfectly centered in router base, stays on cut line
• Right or left switch and cord location
• Microfine bit depth adjustment system on both bases for fast, precise bit depth adjustment
• Fixed magnesium base construction is durable and lightweight
• Wide base openings and 2-inch sub-base openings accepts larger bits and provides better visibility

Specifications

• Rating: 120 volts AC
• Amps: 12 amps
• Max motor horsepower: 2-1/4
• No-load speed: 8,000 to 25,000 rpm
• Collet capacity: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 8 mm
• Base diameter: 6 inches
• Weight: 19.5 lbs.

Includes

• 1617EVS Router
• Plunge base
• Fixed base
• 3/8-inch collet
• 8mm collet
• 1/4-inch collet
• 1/2-inch collet
• 16mm shaft wrench
• 24mm collet nut wrench
• Tool-free templet guide adapter
• Fixed-base chip shield
• Plunge-base chip shield
• Carrying case

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

Product Details

Product Manual [1.19mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 19.5 x 14.5 inches ; 18.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 21 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00005RHPD
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 1617EVSPK
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (150 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,046 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

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  Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Routers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

110 of 111 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Beware - high tolerance operations a challenge for this router, August 22, 2005

By	AmazonBuyer "JDS" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets (Tools & Hardware)

I bought the 1617EVSPK 2-1/4HP bosch combo router some 9 months ago and have logged a lot of hours on the machine. Overall I echo the positive comments that other users have provided re: power, versatility, ease of use, etc. There are two areas where the unit falls down, however. First is the base plate; although it is allegedly centered at factory, if you are doing close tolerance work (eg using a leigh dovetail jig) you will probably need to buy a base center and reset the base plate. This is a pain but at least it is fixable. A far more serious problem is the fact that the router seems to have developed a side to side wobble when used in plunge mode, so that the bit swings a fraction from side to side when plunging, despite my carefully applying pressure equally on both handles. Not a problem for many applications, as the swing is very small, but when close tolerances are a must (eg routing mortises) it is hard to achieve. I cut several dozen floating tenon mortises this weekend using a new spiral upcut bit, and half the mortises were 1/32"-1/16" oversized, meaning I now have a lot more stock in my scrap bin. The unit does not appear to have any way to tighten up the plunge mechanism. This far more serious flaw makes it difficult to use for high end woodworking.

174 of 182 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best router for anyone, great quality, good price., November 5, 2003

By	Phill "alienspine" (Oceanside, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets (Tools & Hardware)

Bought this router after a week of research. Looked at porter cable, dewalt, and this bosch router. determined through reviews on this site as well as other reviews that the bosch was the router that I wanted after the first day, but decided to wait and read through some more reviews. Saw the Bosch 1617 router combo at Lowe's for 219, but it was not the 1617evspk, which comes with a free edge guide/ circle cutter and also lists as 2 hp, may be the same motor, but I want the newer, updated router . Looked on amazon and found this router, the Bosch 1617EVSPK which came with a edge guide/circle cutter and the router mat for $219.00. I agree with another buyer who said that this router does very professional work and can make anyone look like they know what they are doing. Even my wife who has never used a router was able to use this with ease. It is very easy to switch between bases, clean design.
The included cast wrenches for changing bits are sign of a better quality router

and the edge guide/circle cutter is a must and a cinch to use. I like that it comes with functional carrying case that holds everything but the edge guide, even has places for most commonly used bits of both shank sizes. A major plus is depth adjustment that stays the same even after switching back and forth between bases; you don't have to readjust and hope its the same depth. The router has a feel of solid design, cuts soft and hard woods like butter, no vibration and is quite. Slow start is a must to prevent damage when kicking on. I read complaints of the switch location, but has not really bothered me and I don't know of a better place to put the switch where it would not create other problems. There is not really a better place to put the switch that would not interfere and either get dirty or turn the unit off/on accidentally. Flat top makes for easy bit changes and ensures that router does not turn itself on for those of us who do not unplug the unit (bad habit). The real wood handles make for a solid feel, instead of hollow plastic. The plunge base has an easy to reach lock that allows user to keep both hands on the router and minimize mistakes. A couple of thoughts on why I bought this router. When buying a router, could have bought 2 routers, 1 plunge and 1 fixed base, would have costed me the same for equal power, but not equal quality, and may need to buy separate accessories for both routers, like dust kit, edge guides, etc. I also figured I would spend at least $120 for a decent low end router, but would have to replace it after 4 years and would not have all the functions that I wanted. Rationalized that since getting the Edge guide for free, normally $40, took the price down; since most routers do not come with an edge guide or a circle cutter, especially one tool that does both. Figured that all the wood work that I would do, and plan to do, would only like to make the purchase once and have a nice router to boot, so I might as well buy it right the first time. I am not a hardcore woodworker, but routing is something that cannot be done by hand and the few times that I may use it you need the right equipment; it's value is immeasureable. There is nothing worse than having bad tools or tools that are a hassle to use. This router is something that I may keep till I get really old and pass off to my kids, and will still be a great tool then. Simply could not waste my time and patience with a lesser quality router. Bosch really put a lot of time into designing this router and its carefull placement of things, even the switch. Free shipping through amazon and no tax saved even more than buying from store, another plus. Have recommended this router to several friends and they have nothing but good things to say about it. If you are into woodworking, would also recommend the Bosch 1594 3-1/4-inch planer, another well designed tool that performs better than expected, only way to describe is that it literally glides over the wood surface and no sanding is needed afterwards, who could ask for more?

Update: I have ran into 2 instances of the switch not working, probably due to dust on the contacts inside the switch. Not enough to change my rating though, since all it took was a little compressed air around the switch to get it working again. The second time I had to use Electric cleaning spray, found at your Pepboys, near the brake cleaner sprays. Hopefully in future designs they seal the switch off entirely. This router is still one of my most favorite tools.

166 of 174 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll love this combo kit Bosch 1617EVSPK 2HP, November 13, 2001

By	James R. Smith "jsmithsussex" (Milwaukee wi) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets (Tools & Hardware)

If you were looking at getting a combo kit now is your chance to get a 2 HP unit instead of the 1.5 HP units. The softstart and self center bits work great both as a plunge router as well as a fixed base and the 2 HP soft start and mag body makes it easy to control as well as light weight.

The 2 HP unit has plenty of power to be used in a router table a nd if you can only afford one router don't skimp for a few dollars more you get more power, variable speed and the bosch 2 HP variable speed router with the micro fine adjustments.

I have had the 1617EVS fixed based for over 6 months and the extra cost to buy the plunge router attachment added up to more than this whole kit with the storage case costs.