Reddit reviews Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit - 2.25 Horsepower Plunge Router & Fixed Base Router Kit with a Variable Speed 12 Amp Motor

This is a pretty popular one. I don’t have it but I’ve heard it works real well.

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 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sFIhAbT4DKK1X

You can spend WAY less. For one, buy tools as you need them, not all at once. To address some of your tools, here is my input. For reference, I am a homeowner and hobbyist woodworker, not a pro.

Table Saw: That Jet is overpriced for what you get. If you want to spend that much, get a SawStop, if you want a comparable saw to the Jet for significantly less, look at the Grizzly G0771z. I have the older revision of this saw(g0771) and love it. https://www.grizzly.com/products/Grizzly-10-Hybrid-Table-Saw-with-T-Shaped-Fence/G0771Z

Miter Saw: Ditch it. Anything you can do on it you can do on the table saw. Certain things are a bit easier on the miter saw like cutting molding, so if it is something you insist on, get a cheap one. You'll be surprised how little you use it.


Drill press: Can't beat free.


Router: Save yourself significant money but buying the Bosch 1617EVSPK. It is a combo plunge and fixed router(interchangeable bases) and is widely regarded as one of the best routers you can buy. https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Combination-Horsepower-Variable-1617EVSPK/dp/B00005RHPD

Router Table: That one is nice, but there are cheaper options, such as build your own with MDF or look for used on Craigslist. This is a nice one, but expensive.

Modular Table Base: Not sure what you have in mind, but if you can build it definitely do so.

Jet Clamps: Nothing wrong with those, but they are expensive and probably more than you need. Have a harbor freight near you? Their clamps are cheap and decent enough. For more heavy duty applications, get some pipe clamps.

Dewalt Planer: If you have a need for a planer, yes this is the one to get.

Delta Jointer: Don't bother. You probably don't have a need for a jointer right off the bat and when you do, don't bother with the tabletop models. They are very limited with what you can get straight due to the short beds. Get a floor standing one with long beds. 6 inch wide if you must, 8 inch if you have the means.

Jet dust collector: This is another area where Harbor Freight shines. Jet is overpriced. The HF 2 HP is a great buy, make sure to use a 20% off coupon. https://www.harborfreight.com/70-gal-2-hp-heavy-duty-high-flow-high-capacity-dust-collector-61790.html

Band Saw: Don't bother with a 10 inch, it will be seriously limited. With the money you are saving on the other tools above, up your budget and get a Laguna 14|12 or 14bx. If that is too much, look for an older used 14 inch delta. Those old ones require a bit of cleanup but are built like tanks and will last you forever. No matter which saw you get, throw out the blade that comes with it and buy a good one. The Highland Woodworking Woodslicer blades are nice value for the price: https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/woodslicer-resaw-bandsaw-blades.aspx

Nail Guns: Do you really need a nailgun? And if you do, does it really need to be cordless? How much do you plan on using it. A combo kit with a compressor can be had for less than the price of one of the battery operated ones.

Paint Sprayer: How much do you plan on painting? A good roller is a lot cheaper if this is a one and done kind of thing.

Good luck and if you have any more questions I'll be happy to answer whatever I can.

I have 7 routers at last count... but, if I only had one router in my shop, it would not be a compact router. It would be this one.

Most compact routers (including the Dewalt) only support a 1/4" collet. Bits with a 1/2" base are more common, and (generally) more durable.

This means that when you start collecting router bits, you will be forced to get all 1/4" base bits.

Once you go and get a big router that has 1/2" collet, then you will need to use an adapter to use your 1/4" bits. Not a huge deal, but, sincerely a pain in the ass.

These won't do well for big bits (for example, using a 1/2" straight cut bit to create a dado in hardwood - this thing would struggle)

I have a compact router (Bosch) that I only use for edge band trimming, and round-over duties.

I like it because it is light and I can run it easily with one hand.

Bosch 1617 evspk is a solid choice

grab this one and all your concerns will be addressed. it has both fixed and plunge bases. 1/4 and 1/2 collets. plenty of power, and since the bases are removable it mounts great in a router lift or a non-lift table. The fixed base is even designed to work as a mini-lift, allowing adjustments through the table. I own three of these and love them.

edit: it also has quite a few available attachments, like dust collection, edge guides, etc. it's a great starter router and a great forever router, IMO.

That Makita one is OK but this bosch one is the router you want. It has more power, a plunge base, and both a 1/4 and a 1/2 inch chuck. It has all the power you should ever need and it is variable speed.

JessEm Rout-R-Lift II
http://www.jessemdirect.com/Rout_R_Lift_II_p/02310c.htm?1=1&CartID=0

Bosch 1617
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD

I may upgrade the router later if I need to. I just happened to have this one.

I agree with the other poster. A router would be great. I'm also beginning at this, and I have a miter saw, table saw, trim router, and circular saw. While the miter saw is fast and easy for crosscuts, it only does crosscuts. A table saw will do crosscuts and rip cuts. The only place where a table saw sucks at crosscuts is long lumber.

A router, however, can be used for edge profiles, dados, slots, rabbets, mortises, etc. A table saw can do dados and rabbets.... But if the board is too long, it can't do dados, and rabbets might be unruly. The only power tool you have that can do mortises is a drill, but even that would be better with a drill press.

I suggest a router. The Bosch 161EVSPK is highly recommended and can be used for basically anything you would throw at it as a new woodworker. It comes in at 220$ but includes both the plunge base and the fixed base. The fixed base can easily be installed in a router table (either shop made or purchased) and you can do depth adjustment from above the table.

Honestly, this question can be asked about any tool. Should a hobbyist buy cheap tools just to get started or spend more on quality tools, but buy fewer of them at first?

For the most part, I'm in the "buy quality tools" camp. I started out on the cheap tools (Skil, Ryobi, etc) and they made a lot of tasks harder than they needed to be. That is, a skilled craftsman could have gotten quality results from those tools but I certainly couldn't. I found that the quality of my work jumped dramatically when I switched to precision tools.

Now... in your case, none of three routers that you're referencing would be in the cheap crap territory, as far as I'm concerned. You'll do fine with any of them.

Some thoughts, though:

The Bosch 1617EVSPK is often considered the gold standard for mid sized routers. Many many woodworkers have that one and love it. You will absolutely not regret getting it.

The DeWalt DW618PK is a direct competitor to the Bosch and holds its own very well. Lots of very satisfied users of that model, too. Another that you'll definitely love.

The Hitachi models... are almost surely worth getting as well. I'll be honest, though -- they aren't talked about as much as either the Bosch or DeWalt.

One final thought: Depending on how you'll use a router, you might consider a "trim" router like the DeWalt DWP611PK. I've found that one to be notably easier to handle than my mid sized and it has handled everything I've thrown at it with aplomb. Really, the only downside is that it can only accept 1/4" shanks and most of my bits are 1/2". If I had more 1/4" bits then I'll likely use the DWP611PK almost exclusively when not on the router table.

Bosch 1617 Fixed and plunge base kit or the Dewalt 618 Combo kit

I own them both (and 9 other routers) and they're both solid and versatile kits:

• 1/4 and 1/2 collets
  
• Fixed and Plunge bases
  
• Decent warranties
  
• Good power
  
  But I'd go with the Bosch because it's currently on sale. I'm not really a fan of the fixed bases knobs though.
  
  And if you've never used one, please read up on safe practices and avoid climb cutting.

One of the most popular options - and for good reason - is the Bosch 1617EVSPK kit. This kit combines an excellent router with both fixed and plunge bases and includes both 1/4" and 1/2" collets.

This is in my amazon shopping cart.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005RHPD/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

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

I've been very happy with my Bosch. Part of the reason I bought it too is because another base can be bought for $50 that has a long hex key for raising and lowering from a table top. I haven't build the extension for my table saw yet, but can't see it giving me any issues mounted that way.

The PC that the other two mentioned here seems nice also though. I've just never had good luck with PC, or Dewalt for that matter. I guess it's a preference though.

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD

1. Around the $200-250 mark is the sweet spot of good routers in my opinion. I haven't personally used it but this bosch gets very good reviews and costs $200. I personally have this Triton router. It really depends what features you need. The Bosch is a good general use router which will be able to tackle most tasks. The Triton is good if you intend to use in a router table because it has a built in lift system. Another nice thing about the triton is its basically a fixed based and plunge router in one so you dont have to change the bases. That's not really a big deal as changing bases isn't hard but it is nice.
   
   
2. Pretty much all routers will come with a fence for straight cuts. Others than that jigs depend on what tasks you want to use the router for, I don't think there's any must haves. Most router jigs can be built out of offcuts and scraps so you can just make them as you need them.
   
   
3. Yes, you can replace the functionality of a router with hand tools. It might not be practical though and will definitely cost you more money. A router basically replaces any joinery plane or moulding plane. You'd need a plough plane, rebate plane, router plane, and a half dozen moulding planes to replace the basic functions of a router, and more for specialty work. Before routers a wood worker would have around 50 to 60 different planes to do the jobs a router can do.
   
   
4. Companies like Ryobi don't necessarily make crap tools but they're geared towards people doing DIY type work. They aren't made to the same level of quality as better brands. In my opinion for something like a router its worth getting something a bit better.
   
   
5. Routers have a lot of functions, too many to list. You've covered the basic ones such as mouldings and joinery. Some others include inlay and template routing. They're a very versatile tool. I wouldn't worry too much about learning everything all at once. Once you start using it you'll learn how it works and what you can do with it.

For that price, you can get the Bosch, which I think is a better deal. It's the router I have, and I've been quite happy with it. That said, a router is a router in many cases. I think the Bosch is a better deal as you get the fixed base that you can put in a router table and use the plunge base for all your handheld uses.

Get a portable router like this one, and build a router sled. That'll get you almost all of the way there.

I love routers. By far my most used power tool. With that said, I'd recommend the following:

Fixed and plunge bases are good, but if you only get one, get a plunge base. My fixed base is attached to my router table. I never take it out of there and never use it otherwise. A plunge base can do any freehand routing operation (better than a fixed base as well).

However don't overlook the usefulness of a router table. They are fairly easy to build, and about 50% of my routing is done in a table.

I'd stay in the 2hp to 2.5hp range. A 2.5hp router is capable of mostly anything you would ask a router to do. With the very large raised panel bits you really want 3 to 3.5hp, but unless you are making a ton of raised panel doors, that shouldn't be your deciding factor.

If you can swing 250.00, get this Triton. It's all the router you'll ever need. It's "dual mode" so it works hand held, or in a router table without buying a very expensive router lift.

I'd also strongly recommend this Bosch kit. Both fixed and plunge bases. Don't let the price fool you, this is probably a lifetime tool.

Going any cheaper than that, you'd have to ask someone else. I really don't have any experience with the more inexpensive routers. For what the tool is capable of, the 180.00 asking price for the Bosch 1617 is a steal

a set of veritas joinery saws

bosch router kit

Bosch 1617 Router, $167 after discount

It's a great router, one of the best you can buy for handheld work. Regular price is $219, I think this is the cheapest I've ever seen this router.

$50 off the Bosch Router combo kit is tempting

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Combination-Horsepower-Variable-1617EVSPK/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=lp_19471440011_1_15?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1563205989&sr=1-15

Hey OP depending on how much cash you got/What you want to make I can recommend you get this router here.

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484624879&sr=1-1&keywords=bosch+router

It has sufficient power to handle most bits and has a super convenient height adjustment that can be used over the table with a hex key. It also comes with two bases (plunge and fixed) so you can just yank it out whenever you need it and not have to unscrew it.

Now if you want something that will handle anything you throw at it you can get one of those 3 1/4 HP monsters which will handle every massive 3 1/2 inch raised panel bits with ease.

Some good routers are:

https://www.amazon.com/Triton-TRA001-Precision-Plunge-Router/dp/B00779ND0Q/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625229&sr=1-4&keywords=triton+router

https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-7518-Speedmatic-5-Speed-Router/dp/B0000222V3/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625371&sr=1-1&keywords=porter+cable+3+hp

OR if you got the cash you can buy Festools best router:

https://www.amazon.com/Festool-574354-EB-Router-2200-Watts/dp/B0079XHISS/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625654&sr=1-2&keywords=festool+router

As far as insert plates are concerned Kreg makes the for several routers our you can get them from the manufactures of the router themselves.

My 618 has been great, and the D-handle option makes it even more useful. The alternative is the Bosch 1617EVSPK, which is also well regarded.

So full price, the Craftsman is roughly equivalent to this Bosch. How do these two actually stack up and is the Bosch worth the premium over the Craftsman even at the sale price?

EDIT: Just noticed the lack of a built-in dust collection system on the Bosch. Looks like this kit would solve that issue for another $40.

Also, any recommendation on good value bits?

In that case, you really should look at either the Rigid 4512 or the Delta 36-725 (either runs $500-600 at HD or lowes). That $200 kobalt saw is not going to serve you very well. I wrote up https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/3j4zl9/intro_to_tablesaws/ to help out folks looking for a table saw. Craigslist can take some time- even if there's nothing now, you may well be able to find a deal if you can wait a while. Set up an automated search that emails you when it finds new matches.

As far as a router goes, I'd recommend http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD over the one you linked, for very similar money.

Routers have a pretty wide price range. People generally like Bosch for these kind of detail and precision things, sanders, routers, etc.

Bosch 1-handed 1hp for $99

Bosch big mama 2.25hp for $207

Have you read this guy's evaluations?

New Woodworker Routers



If it were me, I'd buy new only things you intend to keep for a lifetime, and buy an appropriately powerful and versatile tool. For instance, a compound mitre/chop saw can be had from DeWalt with MOST of the features except sliding to cut really wide boards for about 200 bucks, and it would take you awhile to outgrow it. Same with router. If you can afford this big honkin' Bosch and it does what you want, consider acquiring it for your 'lifetime' stable.

If you need a tool for a specific project but aren't sure of its general applicability, you should look on craigslist, particularly at estate sales, or consider Harbor Freight.

A bit over $150 (currently 189 less 25 for the holiday promotion), but if he needs a good router I've loved this set. Tons of things that you can use a router for in the shop and this one has lots of accessories that cheaper ones lack like edge guides and dust collection.

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD

In woodworking I stay away/give away anything craftsman before it hurts you or ruins your project.

A router is very versatile. This is a tool you don't want to cheat yourself. You will want one that can plunge as well.

There is no need to put money into a router table if you don't have money. I built mine out of mdf, and when I got money spent some on a better top.

Bosch is typically my go to brand. I went with them here as well. And have been very happy. Power is up to you. I went mid range and it has been just fine. A little Bulky for fine stuff (if handheld) but can tackle the bigger projects. this is the one I have and would recommend.

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD

Edit: as much as I hate Dewalt s terrible, terrible customer service if you found theirs for a good deal I have used it as well and is good.

Also picked up the Bosch 1617EVSPK kit and have been very happy with it. Only used the fixed base mounted to a router table so far, and has performed nicely. As me again in a week and I will let you know how the plunger base performed.

Looking at this one on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1463398215&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=router+combo.

I had no idea they were quite this pricy for a good one. My budget doesn't really have $200 in it right now. I may have to get this project to the point where it's done except the routing and then re-evaluate where I am financially.

If the EVS goes out, the router runs at max speed. Which can still be used but scares the crap out of me for slightly larger bits. The best tried and true router is the porter cable here

If you don't need anything that powerful, this one works well also.

Mid power range, this works okay as well.

There are a few other options available. If you want to move it between a pantorouter and table, these will work well. If you want to use it for router table only, triton is a much better choice due to the built in router lift and above table bit change.

I still play with toys. Different toys, though. More expensive, heavier, higher age rating.

Bought this a few days ago:

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD

Hey thanks for the message. The main reason I was looking at the smaller dewalt was due to savings on cash. I think if I was in the $200+ range I'd go for this Bosch It's only $3 more and has 0.5 more HP.
Edit: typo

Bosch makes a nice router kit that accepts 1/4" and 1/2" shank bits and comes with a fixed base and plunge base, all in a nice case. I got mine for just under $200 and have since spent an additional $45 for a table insert for my main powered workbench. You can also find refurbs for $150ish.

Bosch 12 Amp 2-1/4 Combination Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit 1617EVSPK with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YxXbBbAQJ61KP

As someone about to take out some material with a forstner and then take the rest out/smooth it out with a router that I have never used before, I'm now slightly terrified to tackle this project. Before I head into this I figured I would ask a couple questions.

I have a template that I purchased along with the bowl bit. It sounds like one of the issues was that the bearing was not fully on the piece of wood? If I make sure the bearing isn't partially above the template when I start should that be okay? Not sure if I explained that well or am fully understanding the part where you mentioned "mistake number one".

When the bearing was riding up the spiraling lip of the forstner bit remnants, is that something I can avoid by starting the bearing on the template and smoothing everything below before plunging the router a little deeper? For this project I will need to use a collett extension to get the router bit deep enough so it will eventually have to go below the template and ride along the work piece.

Any other tips you can give me before I head in would be great! This is a 2.5 HP Bosch plunge/fixed base router. This one to be exact - http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD - Would it be smart to start on a lower speed? Or would a higher speed be smarter to make sure it doesn't snag on the hard wood? I'm using a combination of maple/walnut glued together.

Thanks! Any links or suggestions on a router table set up that would be better suited for trim molding?

How about this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FP5TDbH7A1RC5

This comes with 2 choices. Comes with a plunger and fixed option, but for twice the money it can come with a table. Is the table necessary or would I be better off skipping it and just saving the money?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_7HYYDbYR4SAEE

I have both a trim router and a 2.25 hp router (actually 2). If I could only have one, it would definitely be the larger one. Trim routers are great for edge profiles (round-overs, etc), and maybe some smaller mortises, but they can't deal with much more. I also had an earlier version of that Ryobi. It was OK, but even that had difficulty handling bigger cuts, plus it didn't work well in a router table set up. If you can swing it, the Bosch 1617EVSPK is a great package

Is this bosch still a good first router to buy?

this

Porter cable is quite nice, would also recommend checking out Bosch: http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371188943&sr=8-1&keywords=bosch+router

I did something similiar on my Rigid 3650 as far as the router table goes. My recommendation would be not to cheap out on the mounting plate - I ended up going with a plastic mounting plate off amazon that has been terrible. Looking into either the JessEm or Woodpeckers plates myself.

Yes. DeWalt makes very nice routers and this is a very reasonable mid-size model. I'm going to give two other recommendations, though.

For mid-sized routers, you can't go wrong with the Bosh 1617EVSPK. It is a solid workhorse and wins more than a few comparison tests: http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/

Honestly, though, I'd skip a mid-size router if I was getting my first router. The new compacts are extremely versatile and I find myself reaching for mine most of the time. It's gotten to the point that I use my router table for router table type stuff and my compact for everything else. My mid-size just sits there, except for rare occasions.

The best compact router I've found is the DeWalt DWP611PK. I've had it for about a year and it's been my go-to router ever since: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049ZFUK2/