DeWALT vs Bosch Routers - Which Woodworking Tool is Best?

[@731Woodworks]

▼EXPAND FOR TOOL LINKS and INFO▼ Watch Next: 5 Router Accessories Every Woodworker Needs -kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6avamN5bc-NfLM Tools In This Video: DeWALT 2.25 HP Router Combo - amzn.to/3YyCU6t DeWALT Fixed Base Only - amzn.to/3OQDXvp Bosch 2.25 HP Router Combo - amzn.to/3YycSQT Bosch Fixed Base Only - amzn.to/3Yzo4fS Best Starter Router Bit Set - amzn.to/3YvjlvQ Kreg Router Set Up - amzn.to/3DVgym4 iGaging Router Set Up Blocks - amzn.to/47rtLRg Kreg Router Lift - amzn.to/4466WzC My Router Table Build Video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJbCin1vpqpsgaM 📲 Never miss another tool deal. Sign up for my Tool Deals SMS Alerts - NOTE: I text out tool deals so you don’t miss any! text DEALS to 1 [phone] Be sure to add DEALS to your text to me so you get added to the proper list. You can also click this link my.community.com/731woodworks Important to add the word DEALS to the text! (If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I may receive a commission) Some other useful links: Daily Tool Deals on my website: www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals Subscribe to our email Newsletter: mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter Check out our easy-to-follow woodworking plans: www.731woodworks.com/store Outlaw's Board Butter - So Good it Should be Outlawed: www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter

[@SaintFredrocks]

For $60 more I got the Bosch MR23EVSK, and I could not be happier. It has a trigger in the handle of both bases to turn it on and off, LED work lights, the fixed base has the same kind of grips as the plunge base, it is 15 amps with 2.3 maximum horsepower, and the cord swivels in the base. I LOVE this router. Loads of power and a pleasure to use. You need to try this one out.

[@rafaeltb]

Thanks a lot for the comment. I just got the Dewalt 12 amp combo, googled the Bosch 15 amp combo you mentioned and purchased after seeing the video with all the features included for just a little more money; I'll be returning the Dewalt now.

[@gaylehiner9511]

Can you send link, please, thanks.

[@FMunixxx]

Unfortunately, the trigger in the handle means the MR23EVSK can't be operated in a router table.

[@SaintFredrocks]

@@FMunixxx it can be used in a router table with the fixed base. It includes a wrench to adjust it from above with the kit. I have another router in my table, so I don't use it in a table myself.

[@SaintFredrocks]

@@gaylehiner9511 I tried to comment with a link a few months ago, and YT said I was trying to spam you, and wouldn't let me post for a while. I am here again by chance so if you are still interest go to 1 Top Tools. It is still at $309 and I paid no shipping or taxes. They also have the refurbished kit for less, but I have always had bad luck with refurbished stuff myself, so I bought new.

[@rpcrocker1]

I have three Bosch routers. One in the table, one with both bases and the CE125 palm router. They perform very well!

[@Barovian20]

Fun fact with DeWalt. When you buy their big DW618B3 router kit with the case and it doesn't include the 1/2" collet, if you contact support for a replacement, they'll send you another brand new complete router kit. When that one arrives and you open it to discover that it too doesn't not include the 1/2" collet and again contact support and they send you a third complete new router kit missing the 1/2" collet, you realize you'll just have to buy one using the money you made from selling two free router kits.

[@Christopher._M]

Hahaha

[@carpentryfirst3048]

And that's why my drills cost so damn much. Thank you, 😊

[@GoSlowToGoFastOG]

1/4 is inside the 1/2. Just push it out.

[@Barovian20]

@@GoSlowToGoFastOG I specifically said that the 1/2" collet was not included in the kit. I wasn't concerned with the 1/4" collet, with was included in the kit.

[@Jake_Jakesworthingtonburgenson]

⁠@@Barovian20 sorry he was actually right bud, but good for you for getting 2 free router kits.. the half inch collet was in every kit everytime. Edit: what he was saying is correct, the quarter inch collet is nested inside of the half inch collet so if you had the quarter inch collet you had to have had the half Inch one as well.

[@stlwoodworking]

Like Matt I also have the Bosch in my router table with the jessem lift. Works great

[@stlwoodworking]

@@cindyhammack68 I actually have that exact same setup. The only thing I added was the dust right box underneath the table for dust collection. I use a small pad to move anything under 6 in Long through the table because I like my fingers and want to keep them lol

[@ancienttom97]

make sure your Bosch has the 2 wrench locking mechanism on the arbor and not the pin lock.@@cindyhammack68

[@AtomicWoodworks]

I'm only commenting because I have seen you do this several times. But when using a guide such as that from a track saw, never use the flat side against the guide. it is designed so if you keep the curved side against the guide your depth doesn't change with small variations. If the flat side tends to move to one edge, you have destroyed that nice line you have with the edge guide.

[@melissaburns5240]

You failed to mention that the Bosch fixed base can be micro adjusted from the top when used with a standard router table plate. You just need to drill one extra hole and use an Allen wrench. No need for an overpriced router lift, especially if you make you table so that you can easily access the router from the front.

[@woodoctor]

I was going to mention the same thing 👍 and if you use that Bosch router in a Bosch router table they have the hole drilled already for the above table adjustment

[@williamstead6354]

Triton's routers can also be adjusted from the top. Have one in my router table, works great.

[@aaronblackford981]

I was ready to mention that as well. That was the number one reason I ended up with the full Bosch kit.

[@paratus04]

Yup. Kreg sells a router table plate specifically for the Bosch that already has the hole cut out for the micro adjust on the fixed base and the Bosch comes with an extra long T handle Allen wrench meant to interface with it through the router plate. If you’ve got a 3D printer there’s also several vacuum hose attachments on Thingiverse you can print to make mounting dust collection easier when used in a router table.

[@borismakesart]

I heard that you can only adjust it above the table a small amount using the micro adjustment feature, no?

[@ruelsmith]

The Dewalt plunge base has built-in dust collection that sucks it in on the base. Dust collection is a separate purchase for the Bosch. Dewalt can use standard bushings, where Bosch requires proprietary bushings. The Dewalt can be had with a molded case, as well.

[@aladdin4d]

One thing you didn't mention, and may not have even noticed, is the fixed base on newer Bosch 1617's has an above the table adjustment feature for a poor man's lift. I have two 1617's. My old one, which is about 15 years old and still going strong, doesn't have it. My new one, which I bought because of your heads up on an Amazon deal, does.

[@borismakesart]

I heard that there is a limit to how far you can adjust it above the table using the micro adjustment feature, no?

[@aladdin4d]

@@borismakesart It's possible but I don't know. I've never actually used that feature. I already had a router lift by the time I bought my second 1617.

[@user-cb3hs3du4m]

I recently started using the DeWalt, and was very pleased with how smooth and comfortable it was. But then the brushes went out in the middle of a project... Looking around my shop, this wasn't the first DeWalt tool to suffer brush or motor failure while doing simple, mundane tasks, but the most I've had to repair on any of my Bosch tools was a power cord on a worm drive saw. So my vote for the BEST would go to Bosch simply for longevity.

[@danger1240]

Yeah DeWalt is not what it once was. They are worse than Ryobi these days.

[@bretts4343]

I got the DeWalt with the 3-base kit. Mine includes a D-handle base and I love it! It's got a trigger for power that's so much easier than the toggle switch on the motor. It also comes with a hard plastic storage case for the motor and all 3 bases plus tools and accessories. The DeWalt also comes with a dust collection attachment for the fixed & D-handle bases. I'm quite happy with mine, but the Bosch would probably have worked just as well.

[@affliction1979]

I prefer the Bosch, just because we use both at work, we purchased 3 of each about 3 years ago, all 3 Bosch routers are still running, but only 1 of the Dewalts are still running. Bosch seems to have the stronger motor.

[@TheHiredgoon0]

So glad you touched on which you prefer to mount on a router table. Most reviews forget that part!

[@terrydanks]

@04:52. Just received the Dewalt DW618 combo. It came in a large plastic case that is contoured for both bases and various, but non-included, accessories. Very similar to the case with the Bosch. No "canvas bag."

[@logicnetpro]

Great comparison presentation without the fluff, which I appreciate!

[@ancienttom97]

My Bosch router looks to be the same model as that one. Mine has a push pin to lock the arbor for changing the bits. To lock the arbor with a push pin, you would have to reach under the table, that is if the pin was accessible at all in the router table, to change out a bit. With a 2 wrench configuration for the collet, it makes it easy to access with both wrenches to change out your bits from the top of the table. In short, I now have to go out and buy another router for mounting when I build my router table. It is nice to know, though, that they have changed the collet locking mechanism on this model of Bosch. Thanks for pointing out that DeWalt has changed over to a pin locking mechanism.

[@Griffinwoodworks]

I chose the Bosch 1617, solely because it was on sale at the time. I’ve used both and you can’t go wrong with either. I’m like you with the lights at 45 years old lol. These 2 are gold standards in the woodworking world, there’s no reason a led can’t be put in instead of my janky flex light I’ve got stuck on mine. 😂

[@kamilegier4730]

I have two DeWalt 2 1/4 hp routers, each came with a hard plastic case with storage for bits, each came with a wrench, fixed and plunge bases with base plates for small and larger bits, each have collets for 1/2” and 1/4”

[@am2dan]

I attached the Bosch fixed base to a piece of 1/4" aluminum plate, and together they act as the lift for my router table. Of course I cut a hole for the router bit to come through the plate, and I positioned a hole for a hex wrench to operate the micro-adjust, which has plenty of travel for the job. The fixed base stays in the router table, and I can easily pop the router out of that and into the plunge base for hand-held work.

[@JohnMansfield-ky8if]

Bosch 1617 is the clear winner. Although I love Dewalt tools, I bought the Dewalt 3 base kit when I first started back in 2008 and had to glue a part back onto the router within the first hour of use (didn't inspire confidence). The motor always had interruptions in the voltage. It vibrated a lot too. I now have 3 Bosch 1617 kits. Why? Ultra smooth. Long lasting. Wood handles. Very stable and easy to use. Best plunge base on the market. Did I mention ultra smooth. Plunge base lock is spectacular. Chip guard is spectacular. There's a reason why you'll see the pros using this one.

[@9995bkohl]

Have both. Dewalt bearing locked up in my router table. Had a small fire. Warrenty fix. It now is in the fixed base and rarely used. Bought another Bosch for the table. Prefer 2 wrenches and i think its quieter. Love the Bosch plunge, the fence and guide bushings

[@floydhare4288]

I am a Dewalt Guy. My trim routers are cordless Dewalt, Milwaukee. I recently Bought a Craftsman and a Flex Router. I use these in My sign making. All of them have features Ilike. My Corded router is a dewalt

[@bobkrol5939]

I have the Bosch 1617EVSPK and really like it except for a couple things. 1. Fixed base - if you micro-adjust the height and try to get little above the end of travel - the C-ring pops out of the groove and no more micro-adjust. 2. I do NOT like the twist function to get the router out of the fixed base - hard to align, takes too much time with little visibility. 3. The plunge base works good, but I wish the base was ROUND instead of having the flat - if you rotate the router while cutting a Dado or a groove, it will screw up the cut. Which leads to 4. I hold the router backwards if I'm holding the router against a guide (due to the flat on the base) and the nice handles feel really awkward! And lastly - 5. That 3-prong plug is a safety device - without it there is the "possibility" that you could get a shock in there were an electrical short or fault.

[@FMunixxx]

Double insulated tools don't require grounding pins. In general, I'd rather have a double insulated tool that isn't going to arc if it touches a live wire.

[@thenext9537]

I have the Bosch with plunge base and also guide. However, I did go with the Dewalt for the palm router. I'm not one of these one brand for everything, I go where things work. Team yellow mostly, only because my planer, tablesaw, drills and palm router are from them. I have Bosch plunge router, hammer drill (bulldog) and, a router bit set, guides, etc. Either one is great, I've used the Dewalt many times.

[@DPB1947]

Hey, 731, thanks for this video! I'm a DIY-guy, looking to spend a birthday gift card from my kids. I think the DeWalt will make a nice addition to my "workshop," which I hope to get in better shape after I retire in three weeks. I've subscribed, and will look forward to viewing your other videos. Thanks again, well done!

[@chrisd3648]

I had the Dewalt in my router table and a wood chip fell into the air holes by the bit and destroyed all the fan blades inside and caused the router to overheat and die. So I switched to Bosch. Would not recommend the Dewalt for router tables because of this design flaw. Bosch design greatly reduces this risk.

[@josh8494]

I don’t mind the round handles on my Bosch 1617 kit. To be honest, I usually just leave the plunge base on and if I am doing fixed router jobs (breaking edges, edge molding, rabbets, or through dados, I just set the depth on the plunge base and run it like that from start to finish. I rarely bother changing out to my fixed base.

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

I picked up the Dewalt DW618 with the 3 base kit... but ending up returning it. I don't know if my unit was defective, but there was a few things that feel feel right. For starters, the variable speed adjustment. Felt like if was stuck there and was almost impossible to adjust using one finger without using something to help, not smooth at all. The other thing was the adjustment ring/wheel. For one, it wasn't easy to adjust in either direction, felt dry gears rubbing, no smooth frictionless turn here folks! Almost like the weight of the motor caused it to jam up on itself. For it to "slide" properly, I had to use my free hand and lift up the top of the motor to release the downward pressure and then adjust. I ordered up the DW611PK instead... waiting on it to arrive. A little smaller, more in line with what I might need it for at the moment, and this is my first router.

[@dean314videos9]

I love this video… it made me choose the Milwaukee 1/2” one. No I’m not a fan… it became my first… but I watched your other video about it and it help me decide. I am new to woodworking, I’m a vet, and I’m building my little shop to make picture frames and canvas paintings. Thanks for the videos and excellent advice on them.

[@sonnygouge894]

This is the perfect comparison of probably 2 of the more contested router combos at this price point. Great video! I'm going with the Bosch kit!

[@bigredracingdog466]

2:38 Agreed. I dislike round handles on any router. They make the router feel 'tippy' when you're carrying it, and using it with just a bearing bit with less than half the base on the workpiece feels sketchy. The vertical grips on the plunge bases are much better.

[@richpeggyfranks490]

I rarely comment, but I felt like I needed to chime in with a "double thumbs-up". I own both of these routers and agree with you on every point. I usually go to the Bosch. There is a feeling of quality in the Bosch that the Dewalt doesn't have. The Dewalt has never let me down, but for some reason I like the feel of the Bosch better. I keep both routers on their plunge bases. Thanks for another fun, educational video.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelclark7602]

I sanded my wooden handles and dipped them in liquid rubber worked great for me

[@jv17251]

I have a few porter cable 690s with different profiles. I purchased a bosch just for the plunging. I was surprised how cool it runs, used it for hrs didnt get hot or even warm. It sucks in air from the top motor to cool it down. 690s are work horses but those suckers get hot. I will say this it is a bit tall that might be harder to keep balance running on a narrow work piece.

[@douglasanderson7260]

Good video, fair comparison. I have both of these as well, though I do not have the plunge base for the Bosch. I got the Bosch for my router table. I like the Dewalts' ability to hook up dust collection. I think that is an important feature. Though it is not perfect, it does allow me to see what I am cutting through the cut. When there is no dust collector, there is so much dust .5 seconds into the cut that it is anyone's guess. Though with the lift on a table, I think Bosch has a bit of an advantage. Though, to be honest, my goto is my little trim touter with the plunge base. No cords needed, I have a duct collector adapter for it, and the plunge base can take a guide bushing.

[@Bremovations]

I went with the Skil vs either of these at the time. The LED was a plus and you're absolutely right about not having them on the more expensive brands. If your entry market competitor can give you it at their price point, there's no reason the big names can't.

[@CarrollNick94]

Me too! The skil is close to half the price, and it certainly isn't half the router.

[@731Woodworks]

Agreed. I reviewed the Skil a month or so back. It’s a great deal for the price.

[@coatknight]

​@@731Woodworksgot it based of your review but it hasn't worked very well. Struggled to do what my handheld Ryobi was doing. Died after a week. Just plain died. Maybe I got a lemon.

[@CowsGoMonkey]

@@coatknight Thats what 30/90 day returns and warranties are for.

[@sbauer051]

Thanks for the breakdown. I picked up the Dewalt and I absolutely love it.

[@aarontfoulkes]

Excellent comparison... I'm a Bosch fan and I think I will go with the Bosch kit. Thanks so much for the vid.

[@bigbawls81]

Thanks!

[@731Woodworks]

Wow! Thank you 👊

[@bigbawls81]

I very much appreciate your videos. You do an outstanding job. @@731Woodworks

[@h3llfir3rc]

Bosch router is stellar! 1/2” bits feel SOLID in the collet and start up drag has a SMOOTH rpm ramping for essentially ZERO kick back.

[@howiewhatever1072]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but it looks like the Dewalt plunge base allows you to hook up a shop vac for dust collection. My PC has that. It doesn’t get all the dust, but it does get most. It’s a nice feature.

[@timothysprinkle3052]

I enjoyed my Bosch trim router so I bought the Bosch plunge router when it was on sale last year. So far I like the bump in power for dado cutting. I really haven't used the plunge base yet, but I appreciate the heads up on the 1/8 increment settings because that will help with some wood/ plywood types. I think I have been setting the bit height/depth the hard way with a ruler, so I think I will start using the bars in the future. The only issue I have is with the fine adjustment bottoming out, but frankly that was my fault for not setting the gross adjustment closer to the actual depth. I am happy with the router. I would like to know more about your straight edge you are using though.

[@The-Handsome-Devil]

Great video once again, I purchased the DeWalt and I am very satisfied with it

[@hackfabrication139]

I own five Bosch routers: 2 1617's (one for my JessUm table, one with plunge), both Colts (with are surprisingly powerful - The 1.25hp is attached to my MilesCraft circle cutting jig, the 1hp is my 'grab it' for quick roundovers and chamfers. Only complaint is the OEM base on the 1hp), and the 12v trim router. Yeah, I've got a Bosch problem. That 2.3hp model keeps pleading, "take me home"....

[@georgiewanders]

I'm a sucker for DeWalt's yellow but the two wrench thing on the Bosch is unbeatable. I'm saving to buy the DeWalt obviously

[@warrensmith2902]

I've had both of those routers. But you'll have to pull my Porter Cable 890 from my cold dead hands. The built in dust collection on the plunge base is on par with the Festool routers. Plus I have it adapted to use the LR32 router base so I can do 32mm hole spacing.

[@georgewilmore7599]

I have 3 Bosch 1617 2 in tables one freehand, 2 porter cable one plunge and one freehand, 1 skill combination plunge and freehand and a Bosch colt. I wouldn’t throw any of them out. Did I mention I hate changing bits.

[@rauljr9869]

Great video going through all the pros and cons between, always appreciate you stating "it's your personal preference". Keep them coming!

[@jimfeaster4837]

Keep your videos going I enjoy a lot!

[@kentdavison2576]

I ended up choosing the Skil router. It is 2.5 hp vs 2.25hp and has slow start up and digital screen for speed adjustment. It has worked great for me. May want to add this router to this comparison.

[@Jimc4007]

I went with the Dewalt for 2 reasons, watching Matt for the last 3-4 years using his and I have a lot of yellow/black in my shop. I've somehow managed to turn into a bit of a Dewalt fanboy it seems, even though I have several brands of other tools as well.

[@davegravel3740]

I bought a refurbished Bosch router with both fixed and plunge bases. Acme Tools had a good deal. Love the router. Love that the wrenches aren't just cheap stamped steel and actually much better quality wrenches. The hard case is a nice addition as it has spots for most accessories. Really don't think you could go wrong with either brand. I bought the dewalt cordless router as I want to learn hand carving with a router. Eric rhoten videos #530 and #588 shows how to install small fairy lights on a trim router but no reason it couldn't work on a full size router.

[@philshock3805]

Came to mention that the fixed base for the Bosch can be adjusted from the top if mounted in a router table and used somewhat as a poor man's router lift but see others have beat me to it. Something else worth noting about using the 1617 in a router table is that it's not uncommon for the switch to become inoperable due to dust lodging in the electronics and preventing contact. It's an easy remedy to pull the top cap off (long torx req), and clear the debris, but I've had to do it twice in 6-7 years. Another thing I don't like about the Bosch is the need for the adapter to use template bushings. Other than those minor issues ... it's been a workhorse.

[@jcj6892]

FYI: The Dewalt DW618PKB (in the video) appears to be the exact same as DW618PK which is about $21 less than the “newer” PKB model and comes with a hard case as opposed to a canvas case. You can still order it online from Home Depot.

[@vernsteinbrecker3759]

I ended up buying the Bosch last month. I have a cheaper fixed speed router, that was all that was available out here when I needed a router. The speed was 25000 and I bought a spiral flush trim bit 1/4”. On the third cut it broke into many pieces, when I talked to the supplier they told me the max speed is 18000. I never gave it a thought about router speeds before. Lesson learned

[@cyrnus]

Love my Bosch all the way around with one exception. The micro adjust on the plunge base will adjust itself with the vibration of the motor. So it is undependable. Minor issue though and you can easily make adjustments with feeler guages and moving the stop

[@thomasandrews7783]

I’ve got two of the Bosch and I like the plunge base for the flat surface on the base for using with an edge guide.

[@BradSnyderAltendorf]

I think the absolute best router is the one i got for free! Can't beat that price point and it helps that it's a triton!

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

I really need to get around to using more than a trim router and my router table. For some reason I've shied away from using the plunge/fixed base routers even though I now have three (inherited). I'll make that a fall goal!

[@markhinds1361]

Bosch for me anyway. Thanks for the comparison video. Be blessed brother.

[@KenCharlesTheGreat]

I have both, I like the way the Dewalt fixed base adjusts with a collar. I have found all Bosch routers are too fiddly to adjust and a pain to insert into their bases, aside from that they are decent . My Bosch 1617 is going in a router lift, I did have it in a router plate and used its "above the table " adjustment capabilities but wasn't impressed.

[@robertpenoyer9998]

If the Bosch 1617EVS's fixed base is designed like the Bosch MRF23EVS's fixed base (which I own), then there is a major design flaw. The base is designed to support the router motor when the router is used in the standard way, call it right-side-up. But when the base is mounted in a router table, the base and router motor are upside-down. The entire weight of the router motor is supported by a single snap ring when the base and motor are upside down. The snap ring is not strong enough to stay in its groove and hold the weight of the motor firmly and reliably. It can fail and the motor can drop. Mine did, even after I replaced the shaft and snap ring. I had to remove the snap ring and replace it with a homemade modification to solve the problem.

[@cbruced24]

I definitely like the Bosch router system all the way around I'm not feeling like there's that big of a need on a fixed base

[@monteglover4133]

One of the Bosh routers has a power switch on the handle of the plunge base which is extremely nice for controlling the tool. The large variable speed, Milwaukee corded router with body grip is one to look into it’s my favorite, unfortunately it got lost in our move.

[@Dakotaden4]

It all comes down personal preferences doesn't it :) I really like both brands. For example, I have both a DeWalt miter saw and Bosch (sliding) miter saw. As for the routers I only have the Bosch (regular size and palm). I am very much more towards the amateur/hobby woodworking that you are, so I very much appreciate the videos you put out 👍👍

[@BustedKnuckleWoodworks]

This is actually a surprisingly good review. I think a lot of people just go for the Bosch by default, but that DeWalt is no slouch.

[@FareedHameed]

how do the dust collection compare between both?

[@luciflash]

Having had two Bosch routers, I would definitely chose the Makita! The build quality and features are a step above.

[@p24t]

I went with the Bosch with just the fixed base for two main reasons. First, it was on sale. Second, I already had the Bosch kit with the plunge base, but that 1617 was a pain to get into my router lift and I had no desire to try and remove/reinstall it.

[@MikeStJohn-du5ue]

I always enjoy your videos, thanks for the content. I would go with the Dewalt because it will meet my needs.

[@jeffersonnaylor1019]

Have you considered testing and adding the Bosch track saw(s) to your comparisons?

[@glennm449]

About time you reviewed some Bosch tools! The 12v Bosch trim router is awesome and would make a great review!

[@cpowerdesign]

I've had a Ryobi for years now, but that's only because at the time I could only afford that one. I needed a better router for a project I'm working on, so I went today and bought the Bosch from Lowe's. The biggest thing I wanted it for is the plunge routing base. I've only ever used a fixed base router. I'll probably try to locate a 1/2" collet for the Ryobi and use it in a router table. I've had problems with the collets not getting tight enough and the bit backs off and ruins what I'm working on. I'm hoping the Bosch doesn't have this problem.

[@cpowerdesign]

Well thr ryobi router doesn't have a changeable collet. It's a fixed collet on the end of the shaft.

[@FixerInCuba]

Thanks for the video. I'm planning on buying one for the table, plunge, and fixed base. It seems to me I can use the plunge base as a fixed base as well. Is there a real downside to doing this? Bosch has a kit that comes with a table.

[@MrTooTechnical]

Great vid. I would chose the Bosch 1619evs.

[@chipperkeithmgb]

Glad I’ve still got my two Porter cable 890 from Oxford England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@serichard]

personally for me the decider was the dust collection on the dewalt plunge base... That to me made the deal vs the bosch that didn't have dust collection built in.

[@scootermcduder5479]

Oh wow! I was literally just thinking about these two routers yesterday and was planning to mention that you should do a comparison since I saw in another video that you owned them both.

[@anthonym6939]

Great review. For your many (I am guessing) European subscribers, do you know what the equivalent model numbers would be - cannot find either one available here?

[@eliezerl05]

There is a version of the Dewalt router that has a plastic case, it even has a place in the case to store an edge guide along with bits and collets.

[@AlienLeader4]

Very nice and in-depth look at both routers. I am a Dewalt fan so I would go with Mustard. Keep up the great work. 👽

[@supergimp2000]

I’ve got both and both are great tools. One convenient thing about the Bosch is that you can mount the fixed base under a table and there is a hex socket that allows you to adjust the bit height from the top with an Allen key. Before I got a proper router lift my 1617 was mounted in a simple bare router plate set into my bench top. You just need to drill a hole in your router plate aligning with the adjustment hex screw in the base and then you can tweak the cutter height from the top of the table. An economical solution if you buy the kit with both bases. Also on the DeWalt plunge base, the cap on top of the accordion tube pops off and hooks up to a shop vac for dust collection. Not the greatest, but it’s something.

[@kevinroberts9814]

Both are fine routers, in my opinion. I recently chose the Bosch over the DeWalt based solely on the two-wrench bit changing design. For me, it's actually much easier to tighten/loosen with two wrenches. With one wrench you still have to hold the router body somehow. Also, I have an older Bosch with the button mechanism and it has broken twice over time.

[@Mike-ou5ps]

Howdy Mr. 731... Another great review Sir. I have as a full size router the Ryobi 2hp plunge router. It's got the power, but the plunge is crap. I had to remove the cheesy springs it had, basically turning it into a fixed base router, but, for $99 bucks, it gets the job done. I just keep it mounted in my Ryobi router table. That being said, I very very rarely use it at all. About 99% of any routing I do, I use a Trim Router for, it's a 1hp Bosch Colt. Was on sale awhile back for like $69 bucks. Works AMAZINGLY and it's small. My only regret is not spending the extra $20+ to get it's "replacement" which came with and LED light. I really wish I would have gotten that instead. Nonetheless, this Colt 1hp router has earned its keep. One might not think a 1hp router is strong enough. Well, "one" is wrong. I am highly pleased with the performance of this 1hp Colt, so, if and when the time comes that I want it's bigger brother, I'll most likely go for the Bosch over the Dewalt. Those wooden handles don't bother me cause, heh, I'd just make my own and replace them, hahahaha. Great video Mr. Buttons.

[@731Woodworks]

👊

[@RazorStrap]

Micro depth adjustment on the BOSCH fixed base is superior to the DeWalt. I take the BOSCH easily for both fixed and plunge base. Most BOSCH fixed base negatives you cite are superficial.

[@matthewstrickland5788]

I’m went with the Bosch , mainly for router table

[@eyesopen6110]

Is the Bosch supposed to get hot quickly and be loud?

[@borismakesart]

I went with the Dewalt because it has a nice built in dust collection system in the plunge base

[@jimrosson6702]

Great video Matt

[@davidndahura7437]

Both are good routers reason i can go with bosch its more convenient on market for consumption.

[@petesoebekti2022]

i prefer to buy plunge base/fixed base combo kits with both quarter inch and half inch shank collets and spindle locks included do not use collet reducers because they don't hold the router bit that well 😀

[@ronswoodshack]

Great review Mighty Matt

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks!

[@garymiller5937]

Great video Matt! Thanks 👍 for the comparison. 😊😊

[@redtop03]

I have the bosch 1617 in a table, and the 20v Dewalt trim router, I'm torn on whether to get that DeWalt with plunge base or another Bosch 1617 with plunge base, I love both brands LOL

[@chubbybeaverwoodworks5027]

I want the Bosch myself. I have the Colt by Makita right now but it doesn't use 1/2" shanks and there has been a couple instances that i have ran into that i would rather have the bigger shank. So its on the to get list!

[@woodoctor]

Bosch makes the "colt" router, not Makita...

[@chubbybeaverwoodworks5027]

@@woodoctor ha duh! My bad i wasn’t in my shop to look. It’s been a long week. Yes I want the plunge ability lol

[@woodoctor]

@@chubbybeaverwoodworks5027 I hear ya man it has been a long week! I have the Bosch router from the vid minus the plunge base, it's an outstanding machine! Im considering purchasing one of them Bosch trim routers that have the plunge base available (can't remember if the colt has a plunge base available or if it's the other small Bosch router; there's 2 small ones they make) anyways have a nice week 👊

[@frijoli9579]

Interesting. My Dewault came with a hard case, but no bit storage.

[@gregtrimble7113]

How does the ridged router compare ? Love the lifetime warranty

[@davidcarvalho9904]

tyvm for the info. I own the dewalt 20vbecause of batteries.for air bostich and metabo. but on my dewalt miter i do own a ryobi stand because of price

[@amineiratni6516]

Brilliant comparison, I've been looking to buy one of these two but I'm struggling to find their counterparts in Europe. Anyone would know what's the name of the 240v version of these two? (Bosch 1617 and Dewalt DW618)

[@phantomviewer]

Had the Bosch since 2003. Finally failed 20 years later, bought the same model. In 20 years the design has not changed. In all that time only had to change the brushes a couple times. It finally failed after it was lent out. Couldn't repair it as the main spindle was somehow bent

[@kwilliams2239]

I'm in the Bosch camp and DeWalt is near the bottom of my list but you did a really good job with this review and I agree with your assessment of both. That said, I like the 'D' handle of the old standby PC690 for a fixed base. I use it for heavy use (carpentry). It operates more like a circular saw. 😁 I have a PC7518 in my router table, which was the standby for router tables for many years. I bought it as a motor-only (no base). I was thinking that this would be a cheaper way to go but it appears this doesn't save anything, now. One trick you missed on the plunge bases is to slide a setup block between the depth stop and the depth cylinder to get a very, very, accurate depth. Plunge the router down to touch the surface, lock it in place. Loosen the depth stop, put the setup block between the stop bar and the cylinder, and lock the depth stop. The depth is set to exactly the same as the setup block.