Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Review (Fixed & Plunge Base) // Best All-around Woodworking Router?

[@jcmoreutube]

Excellent review. I purchased the 1617EVSPK but I haven’t ever used a router before. Your video built up my confidence. 😊. Thanks.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Happy to hear it, thanks for sharing!

[@coincollector315]

Just received my kit yesterday. Just making sure i know as much as I can about every tool I own. Now on to your bushing guide video.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Congrats and have fun!! It’s a great router with loads of accessories. Enjoy.

[@whitewolfwoodcrafts]

I just got this kit reconditioned from Amazon for $140. Your review saved me a lot of time and was very thorough. Thank you!

[@TheRealPlato]

how much have you used it, has it held up?

[@whitewolfwoodcrafts]

@@TheRealPlato I've been using it for several months now. It's held up well and I really like it. Solid, accurate, easy, no fuss. A big improvement from my Ryobi. Comes with a nice case.

[@scottdaugherty7562]

Appreciate the video. My Bosch 1617EVSPK is arriving tomorrow. I ordered the BOSCH RA1129 Template Guide Adapter Set to use with Porter Cable style bushings. What I forgot to order was the centering cone after watching you talk about it. Now I'm off to order it from our Amazon overlords.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! You’re going to love the router and all of the accessories.

[@ricoIII]

Picking up a lightly used one tonight, can’t wait to use it

[@MasonWoodshop]

That’s awesome!! It’s a great router. Enjoy!

[@versatileduplicity9313]

Has thousands of positive reviews which is why I just brought one along with the guide

[@MasonWoodshop]

Enjoy the router!

[@terrmaso]

Thanks for the great review! I have looked at these on and off for a while. I saw the kit on sale for $179 and decided to look closer. You gave me the info I wanted. Looks like I will be going to pick one up.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Happy to hear the video helped! Enjoy.

[@johnmanning4577]

Thanks for helping me make up my mind to buy this item in December. I just happen to see the current price: $336!!

[@MasonWoodshop]

@@johnmanning4577 Wow, that's quite the jump!

[@johnmanning4577]

@@MasonWoodshop Yep!

[@djclover1447]

Great video! Finally someone explained in detail this router’s features. Thank you.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@caseycaldwell89]

Just the vid I was looking for. Great vid

[@MasonWoodshop]

Glad I could help!

[@johnmanning4577]

I saw the sale mentioned by your viewer Terry Mason in his comment of a month ago. I have a small palm router and was looking to add some power in the area. In doing research on the Bosch, I ran across this review and it tipped the scales. I haven't used it yet but looking forward to it. I've also "saved" the link to this video so I can easily find it in the future and watch the various related videos you have produced. Thank you!

[@MasonWoodshop]

That’s great to hear, John! Congrats on the purchase, it’s a great machine.

[@walkerscustomcountertops3144]

Thanks for covering the plunge base and accessories. Exactly what I was looking for so you gained a subscriber. :)

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@markblankenship8289]

I bought this router and i have a little trouble inserting the motor into the fixed base. But it does run smooth and is easy to handle. Thanks for the review

[@chrisweigand1817]

YES! I have a lot of trouble every time I need to take the base off and put it back on.

[@gingsSon]

If you are still having trouble, you may need to loosen the bolt near the lock/unlock lever.

[@robkocol5664]

If it's older you might want to sand first with 600 grit sandpaper, then treat the bare aluminum with polish or at least wax to prevent corrosion and pitting. If new just go straight to the polish.

[@number1pappy]

I currently have an old craftsman router circa 1980s lol! It's finnaly giving up the ghost. It had a good run as it's 40 years old. I'm currently considering buying this router with the bosch router table as well 🤔

[@MasonWoodshop]

Wow, that’s quite the run! Some of those machines from the 1980s are scary with no soft start from my experience. The Bosch 1617EVSPK is a fantastic set with a whole slew of great accessories.

[@celticwoodworking8706]

I have been using Dewalt and the comparable DW618 2.25 hp kit with all three bases. Dewalt has a detachable power cord a nice feature when setting up the router, it's out of the way. Downside for Dewalt is that they ave no clear explanation on dust collection accessories. Even customer service was confused. Bosch lists all the needed dust collection fittings with each tool on their web site. My next router purchase will probably be Bosch and probably the model you are reviewing. Good review and thank you.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for sharing! I was really close to buying the DeWalt (that D-handle and split cord look awesome), but ended up going Bosch as I bought a Bosch router table at the same time. I’m really happy with my purchase with there being so many compatible accessories.

[@davedunbar8884]

VERY useful video, great info, thanks for putting it together!

[@MasonWoodshop]

Happy to hear it helped! Wasn’t the easiest tool for me to feel comfortable with, so I thought I’d share my experience once I became comfortable.

[@Wyman642]

I bought the angled wrenches, which makes it easier to use.

[@MasonWoodshop]

That's a fantastic idea, I'll think about that one.

[@Woodcraft716]

Great review Cole. Very thorough. I really like that about your channel. I can always count on you to lead us in the right direction. Thanks for posting.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for your ongoing support, it's much appreciated!

[@MJHanegraaf]

Great review and summary of features - very helpful as I get started with this.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Happy to hear it helped!! Enjoy the router!

[@woodrowsmith3400]

I've been using routers as long as I've been making sawdust...35 years now. My first was a Craftsman...and my 2d and 3d. I used them in a table. The body was made from plastic...the shaft bushings would heat up, melt the case, wobble and grenade both my project and the router. After the third fifty dollar router, I got fed up and spent $150 on a Porter-Cable 690 1 1/2hp unit and came to understand what a quality router can do for you. After thirty years, and three more silver and black routers Porter-Cable divorced me...by quietly dropping routers from their ever shrinking tool lineup. Now when I talk routers, I refer to P-C as 'the ex-' Having need for a new machine, and having used most of my target purchases, I found this kit on Amazon for $139. I know, huh? It was on my doorstep next day. Fine unit with soft-start and variable speed, something I deem a necessity now that I have used them. Good power, good lungs (meaning it doesn't seem to tire after running for thirty minutes straight in a table) and table-top adjustment. Nice beech handles mounted low for better control on the fixed base...but I did remove them and sand the finish off to reduce the kinda slippery feeling. The plunge base has controls in all the proper and expected places that feel just enough different from everybody else's controls to make you have to think your way through the first minute or so before it all becomes intuitive. Not knocking that...just sayin' While I don't regret buying the Bosch at the price point I payed, I did (for a moment) regret not buying the DeWalt 618 kit, as I would have been able to use all the 'ex's' accessories on the 618 series bases. Still, after buying the Bosch proprietary edge guide and template guide setups I was still a six-pack ahead in the bank account. I bought a 2d Bosch to be a dedicated table router. I was that impressed with it. I'll keep the kit together in its case for traveling to jobsite. I happy enough to claim it as my 2d router marriage.😉

[@Schmueles]

Thinking about picking one up. What's the approximate weight of the whole kit package?

[@johnwallace596]

I had the Craftsman version of this router and I loved it but they no longer make that version so I am gonna get the better one Bosch!!

[@MasonWoodshop]

Awesome, you’ll love it!

[@martinnoordam4049]

Check out the RA 1165 base for a router table. I am building mine into a tablesaw wing

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for the recommendation! It’s now on my wish list for a future addition.

[@pinchingstars]

Great review, thank you for making this!! Subscribed, looking forward to seeing more from you

[@MasonWoodshop]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.

[@stevesiefken6432]

Thanks! One of the best reviews I’ve seen in a long time. Did I hear you say you have a Bosch router table? If so, which one do you have and what do you think about it. Thanks again!

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thank you for the kind words! I have the Bosch RA1181 and love it! Nice big top and it fit perfectly in the extension wings of my Ridgid table saw (I have a video showing this installation).

[@andre1987eph]

I wish there were quality aftermarket handles to replace the hardwood handles on this router. The hardwood handles just looks so 1970s. Maybe I’ll come to like them.

[@MasonWoodshop]

I’ve really come to like the wood handles compared to the rubber ones on the plunge base. I wasn’t a fan at first, but there’s something delightfully timeless and accessible about them.

[@andre1987eph]

PS: I am *just getting in to woodworking. What strikes me about this hobby is how inexpensive quality tools are compared to my other hobby, photography. I bought my brand new Bosch1617EVS with plunge base and fixed based with free Bosch edge guide for $240. Whereas professional quality lenses in photography *start* at $400 USD

[@MasonWoodshop]

Yes!!! I came from photography a few years before woodworking. You’re absolutely right, especially when you consider full systems with many lenses, filters, flashes, storage, etc. I never really compared the two hobbies until now.

[@SaintFredrocks]

Is photography less expensive when you consider the number of large ticket items such as : table saw, miter saw, band saw, planer, drill press, router table, jointer and then all the smaller hand power tools like routers, drills, drivers, orbital sanders....... Oh, then all of the accessories that go with them. You have to have blades, bits, nails, tape, screws, finishing supplies..... Damn, I forgot about dust collection,....... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAh. Then there is the cost of wood today. I think photography is looking like a cheap hobby now.

[@AbrahamShekelstein]

*astrophotography has entered the chat*

[@Blah-blah-sure]

Super review thanks.

[@spinyourmind5586]

Handles and on/off switch look like they'd be the biggest issue. Any opinions?

[@MasonWoodshop]

Great question! I can't say I've ever thought of the switch as being problematic, but I would say that I wish that the wood knobs on the fixed base were the same sort of rubber as the plunge base.

[@spinyourmind5586]

@@MasonWoodshop Others say the same. Trouble with the MCR Bosch model that has the rubber grips is it doesn't work in the Bosch router table. And more rounded handles could have some benefits, a reason the Dewalt 618 has those. Doing a lot of dados and the like would seem to make the rubber oval handle types better. Perhaps try applying some gun grip tape at preferred points of the wood handles?

[@stevem268]

i really like the bosch routers and i have had many routers in 40 plus years of woodworking. iirc my first was a craftsman 1/4 inch, still have it somewhere, all metal made in the us! now i have 3 of the mrc series and a couple of colts. what are your thoughts on the edgeguide by bosch?

[@MasonWoodshop]

That’s great to hear - Bosch routers are very impressive for their price and very versatile with the number of accessories available. I really like the Bosch edge guide - I have a video on it, as well as some other videos on other accessories. Great system overall!

[@cutter2258]

My plunge base is very rough going up and down. Any advice on how to make it more smooth? TIA

[@heber961]

Excellent review, I want to buy a Bosch 1617EVS to mount on my CNC router. Can you tell me the external diameter of the motor body so I know what jaw I require to mount it on my CNC router. Thanks.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! Unfortunately I no longer have this router (it was an amazing router, I just found myself loured over to the dark side of Festool) so I can’t provide you with that measurement. If there’s a Home Depot or Lowe’s near you, I wouldn’t be surprised if they have this model on display so you could get that exact measurement. Or there might be some schematics available online.

[@heber961]

@@MasonWoodshop Thank you for your prompt response, I am in Uruguay South America and this model is not in this place. I plan to buy it on Amazon. I have searched on the web and I have not found any information. In any case, I thank you for your availability. Thank you and best regards.

[@joephillips8244]

Have you or anyone reading this had any problems with the router mounted in a table? Mine keeps slipping while adjusting it from above and it breaks the e clip ring that holds it in place. Anyone know what Im doing wrongm other than not supporting the router after I unlock it, but that would mean it isnt adjustable above the base. Great review, the router is well worth the money. Subscribed.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Thanks for watching and subscribing! I don’t think I’ve run into that exact issue in my router table, but when making significant adjustments, I do find myself needing to support the router from below while clasping it in to a position that can then be further refined. It’s fairly heavy under the table, which can make this a bit cumbersome.

[@bruce1106]

@joephillips8244 I've broken an e-clip (circlip), and haven't even really used the router that much. I think that when it's upside down in a router table, the weight of the motor pulling down exerts upward force on the clip, causing it to bend and eventually fail. Question: What size e-clip did you replace with?

[@joephillips8244]

@@bruce1106 The same size one that it had in it. I decided to use it upright and go back to my Porter Cable. All the adjustments can be done above the table, and i think it works just as well as the bosch.

[@bruce1106]

@@joephillips8244 For what it's worth, and for anybody else who wants to replace the clip... Hillman 1/4" E-Clip, P/N 881395. Got a pack of 2 for less than $1.50 at Tractor Supply. I think the clip will last longer if the router motor is supported by hand for large movements, putting less stress on the clip. Once the motor is approximately where desired, micro adjustments can be made above the table. I have to put my hand under the table to lock the motor in place, so not a big deal.

[@brianf389]

I can’t seem to find a round plate for the plunge base. The default one has a straight edge on one side and I need a full circle. Any ideas!

[@MasonWoodshop]

I don’t have any experience with finding one myself (I haven’t found the need), but if you search “1617 circular base plate” there are a handful of Etsy, eBay, and even one from Infinity Tools that pop up. Just make sure the hole layout matches the plunge base. Alternatively, you could use the router to make a circular piece of an acrylic and then drill the recessed holes accordingly. Would be a bit fiddly, but could do the job and you’d have control over the diameter.

[@chchchscott1]

I’ve had this a couple years. I understand how but for the life of me I can’t get it in and out of the bases. The arrows and slot thing is horrible. It never lines up and gets jammed up.

[@midnight121190]

Odd question, but what size is the rod for the edge guide? I'm hoping to make a custom under mount using rods.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Just checked and the rods are a perfect 3/8” in diameter and 15” long. Hope this helps!

[@addiegoninan]

I just got one of these sets… the 1617. I feel like the plunge function isn’t smooth and consistent. Have you noticed that? Once I push the lever to plunge it, it doesn’t always drop when I push it. Is mine just a dud?

[@MasonWoodshop]

That’s too bad to hear. I’d say that mine wasn’t super smooth when first unlocking the plunge mechanism each use, but then it was fairly smooth after that first bit of movement.

[@FridayWorkshop]

I’ve heard a ton of great things about this router. Dig all of the accessories.

[@MasonWoodshop]

It's really quite impressive and compatible with so much! When I was researching the launch of it, I was shocked to see that it has been unchanged since 2005/2006.

[@TheBenjammin]

Bought this a few weeks ago. It's a great router but the motor doesn't fit the plunge base very well. It's very tight and hard to get the motor in or out. That's my only complaint about it.

[@renoholland7090]

I am being offered this kit from a private seller for $150 and it has never been used. Someone else is offering a like brand new Porter Cable 890 with both bases and template bushings set for $140. It will mainly be used with a Porter Cable dovetail jig. Any thoughts what would be the best deal? Thanks.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Ah, that’s such a tough one! The PC would be ready to go with the dovetail jig, but the Bosch can easily use the same templates using an adapter (I have videos on this). As much as I love the Bosch, I’d maybe skew slightly towards the PC as Monty as it’s truly in like-new condition.

[@Markdoubts]

Does the dial indicate the rpm? Thank you!

[@JohnnyDS6557]

No, the dial just has numbers 1 through 6.

[@petesoebekti2022]

speed dial selection position speed 1 8,000 , speed 2 13,000, speed 3 16,000 speed 4 20,000 speed 5 21,000, speed 6 25,000 rpm

[@anthonycordova8576]

Would that dust collection piece work on a woodpeckers slab flattening setup?

[@MasonWoodshop]

Just took a look at that flattening mill and I’m not sure what would work best. I don’t think the Oneida dust hood that I have (and like) would work well, but perhaps one of the official Bosch dust ports would. Does look like Woodpeckers requires a specific positioning of the router that would need to be accounted for.

[@robertkleinhans3437]

Does the router fit in the case when the plunge base is attached to the motor?

[@matthewrentz3427]

Mine does not

[@rod1148]

Does this router have a built in work light?

[@MasonWoodshop]

It does not. I haven't run into too many spots where I'd need a work light on it, but I can definitely see how it would be handy.

[@abdomination]

I'm really torn between buying the Bosch router/plunge and the table vs the Skil router/plunge and table. With sales looking at $180 router and $210 table on Bosch vs Skil $140 all day price for both router and $140 for their best table. That's a $120 difference.. would the Bosch be a good forever buy?

[@MasonWoodshop]

Ah, that's a great question! When I bought the Bosch, I was evaluating it against an equivalent (in $) DeWalt and Porter Cable and the primary reason for my decisions was the longevity (been out for a long time and it seems to last) of the Bosch. I'm not familiar with the Skil (router or table), but it does look like the Bosch has better build quality, more first-party accessories (and a lot of standard compatibility with third-party accessories). Really comes down to your comfort level with price.

[@Niesha266]

Great !!!

[@memikecraig]

I just purchased one of these and I have a question for you. The silver star pattern screws that hold the router plate in to place do not sit below the surface of it and protrude ever so slightly below it, meaning they are touching the wood when I am routing. Same goes for my plunge base. Also, my plunge base is very hard to slide down onto my work pieces and very jerky when trying to do so. Is either of these things normal, or has anyone experienced this as well? I'm contemplating taking mine back to the store where I purchased it from.

[@MasonWoodshop]

Ooooh, that's interesting and I think it's a problem with your unit. I just checked mine and the screws on the plate definitely sit slightly below and would not interfere with the work piece. It almost seems like yours just came with the wrong size screws as mine seem to be perfectly suited for the router and plates (for both bases).

[@chrisweigand1817]

I own two of these routers. One pretty much permanently stays in my router table and the other I use as my plunge base. Is it just me but there is nothing easy about mounting the base to the router. It works ok when new but after a dozen or so bit changes taking the base off and on its a total pain in the ars to get the on and off. Does it get out of round? If those arrows are not perfectly aligned forget about it! Absolutely nothing easy about it! Great motor shite base mounting design! I blast them with air every time to clean out any dust. I use lube. Still nothing easy about it

[@MasonWoodshop]

I definitely struggle getting the motor in sometimes as I either don’t position the arrows properly, or forget to open the latch (same for my DeWalt trim router). It’s never felt stuck, user error for me.

[@timothyhancock5364]

Do you need to remove it from the table and unlock it before you can do the depth adjustment with the included wrench

[@MasonWoodshop]

​@@timothyhancock5364 That depends on the table you're using. With my Bosch RA1181 router table, I'm able to adjust the depth easily while the router is mounted.

[@DEG1985]

Bonito video amigo...Me he subscrito a su canal gracias....

[@RazorStrap]

Poorly designed fixed and plunge bases. Fixed Base (above and below table): Because the motor is only supported on one side when adjusting height, the bit is not perpendicular (square) with the base. As with most things that are supported only on one side, they tilt to the other side. Tilt remains when motor clamp is engaged. The machined clamping glides gall (damage) the motor housing when adjusting the height. Then it starts binding so much that it breaks the micro adjuster. The flimsily retaining clip is popped off, rendering the micro adjuster useless. Plunge Base: The plunge action is stiff and binds on the support struts. Causing an uncontrollable jerky plunge action. The depth-stop turret rocks on its support. So, the plunge depth is not consistent. Would not buy this again. Don't know which router is the one to buy. But know this is not the one to buy.

[@duvyswoodworks776]

Great Information, Thanks!