Bosch Colt Palm Router - Negative Review

[@rutabegared1]

Thanks for the review. I'm surprised that they didn't redesign the microdepth adjustment on the new model I've had its predecessor (PR20EVS) for over 15 years. It has the same micro depth adjustment. The threads stripped immediately.

[@mitraramsaroop6275]

I hardly ever use my Bosch colt router and now it spin very slow now I don't know what to do any help thanks

[@morganhurst_redridge]

It might be an issue with your speed dial. When you turn the dial you should feel when it lands on each setting. If it's just spinning freely then you'll need to contact Bosch to get it fixed.

[@johnjones6077]

Are you unlocking the base before adjust or using the micro adjust. Those teeth should not strip that easily unless there’s quite a bit of resistance keeping it from moving. I know there’s a little friction when released but mine hasn’t stripped and I know plenty of people who have and do recommend this router. This one and the dewalt palm router are the 2 most recommended palm routers out there. I do think the dewalt is slightly better but not by much and it does cost more so you expect it to be better

[@morganhurst_redridge]

I always made sure to have it properly unlocked before touching the micro adjust. From day one I was worried about stripping the threads because like i said in the video, once you strip them you'd need to replace the whole motor! I trusted all the online reviews that said this was a good tool... The important factor is the online reviews are generally unreliable since most positive reviews are left within the first week of purchasing an item, and all the influencers who review tools like this only have them for at most 4 weeks so the long term issues don't usually get brought up. When looking at reviews for anything I trust the 10:1 rule, where 10 five star reviews are equal to 1 one star review. When you start looking at reviews like that you'll get way more accurate understanding.

[@flashcraft]

What an excellent and honest review. I was taking a serious look at this compact router along with the DeWalt and had no idea of this issue with the Bosch. Thank you.

[@morganhurst_redridge]

Glad I could help! The DeWalt looks like a good choice, it's the one I'm hoping to switch to someday when I've got a little extra money kicking around.

[@MicahFunk]

I've had mine for several years and it functions as it did new.

[@morganhurst_redridge]

Lucky, it really is a good little router and I really wish the threads didn't strip out on mine.

[@sinsofvorador]

Had my colt for 2 years with no problems.

[@morganhurst_redridge]

Overall it's a really nice tools, I just need to figure out if I can get the micro adjust fixed, then I think it will work well!

[@gnic76]

That was enlightening, I've been considering getting that router for a while. Now I know another aspect to consider when looking at those types.

[@morganhurst_redridge]

It's those little things that can go wrong that you got to look out for, I've been worried about that micro adjust since I got it but even being careful I still ran into issues because of the poor design!

[@scott8351]

Thanks for the info, I have the same router I got at a lower price since it was a Lowes return item. So I will keep it for now. I was going to get the plunge base for it, but think I will hold off on investing any money into it if the threads are going to strip eventually. That sure is a dumb design to rely on weak threads for the microadjust.

[@morganhurst_redridge]

Biggest thing I think causes the threads to strip is switching from the course to micro adjustments. When you switch between them try to slowly turn the locking dial until the threads engaged before fully locking the router. I think partially what may have happened is the threads got crush by trying to lock the router after doing a course adjustment. It really is a stupid design but just treat it delicately and it should work well for you!

[@francinedube4634]

never had any issues with bosch routers I own 3 colt routers and they perform better than the dewalt makita @ others

[@thomasgronek6469]

Thanks for the video. clean out the damaged thread groove, and epoxy a threaded sleeve into where the old threads existed. Yes, frustrating, but if one wants a job done correctly. . .

[@morganhurst_redridge]

That's a good idea, it'll take some creativity since the damaged threads are cut into the body of the router but I get what you're talking about and it might just work!

[@thomasgronek6469]

@@morganhurst_redridge thank you for the vote of confidence, and the reply.

[@rodrigo591ify]

Thank you, very useful review.

[@ddigre01]

Always got to keep mountain dew within arm's length, good man

[@morganhurst_redridge]

It's the only way to keep going in the shop sometimes!

[@ddigre01]

@@morganhurst_redridge It's an essential part of wood working, I would also say, I have the bosch colt and I feel the collar has some slop which causes the bit to drop a bit. I was cutting some shallow dados the other day and found out the hard way

[@dougspackman8713]

From my experience the Bosch is a great palm router for it’s price point. The dewalt is likely better but price is a lot higher. Guess it depends on how often you use the machine. For me the Bosch is the way to go for edgining and groves by hand.

[@morganhurst_redridge]

I agree with you, the colt is an awesome little router, I definitely appreciate the fact that Bosch designed it to be nice to hold. I took a look on Amazon and the DeWalt ($219) is slightly cheaper than the Colt 1.25 hp ($236), I'm guessing you were referencing the Colt 1 hp ($149), which definitely would be a better deal than the DeWalt. The thing that pisses me off the most is the fact that the main selling feature that puts the colt over the DeWalt is the micro adjust, which is why I sound pretty angry in the with the micro adjust feature getting damaged so easily.

[@dougspackman8713]

Regardless your review was great

[@biggusbestus551]

I have had mine for 15 or more years. That give a gauge on how long Bosch has not gave a shit about this...

[@morganhurst_redridge]

That just makes me mad, but it's good to know other people have experienced the same stupidity.

[@garynelles]

Yup just call a spade a spade. If it’s junk it’s junk. No sense candy coating it. Thanks for the video.

[@morganhurst_redridge]

There's always going to be some tools that just aren't what you expect them to be... Thanks for watching!

[@zzztek]

Does anyone buy a $100 router for its micro adjustment? I guess it may be nice, on occasions, I do not ever recall using a micro-adjustment

[@morganhurst_redridge]

I genuinely can't tell if your comment is sarcastic but, the micro adjust is extremely important. It might depend on the quality of what your building, but for me the ability to set the bit at a precise depth is vital for everything from joinery to edge profiles.

[@pag345]

Agree 110% I LOVE this router..... then the micro adjust stopped working :/

[@morganhurst_redridge]

I'm glad someone else experienced this! It's such a good router until it's not...