I just purchased a newer Bosch MCR32EVS and I do not have that same problems you have run into. It is a solid good performer, no play in the plunge base. The variable speed and soft-start is wonderful. I really like the quick change template guide. I did not buy the kit, only the RA1129 which includes the adapter to work with standard screw on template guides. However, you are spot on about having to purchase every accessory separately. Very annoying. It should at least come with the dust collection or better yet the edge guide which is really cool and unique compered to others. I also purchased this model because I don't have to go out and purchase a separate router lift. It can be adjusted from the top or bottom.
*I absolutely love this tool!!! The first one was defective and Dewalt replaced **MyBest.Tools** More bulky than the Bosch and Makita corded palm routers I have but worth it. Nice solid base*
I also have that same Milwaukee router, and love it so far. I used the fixed base in the kit for my router table so that i retained the ability to make easy micro up/down movements without having to make my own mechanism. The time saved, in my case, was worth the added expense.
I always enjoy these tool reviews from you, Jay. I have 20 year old full size Craftsman 1-3/4 hp router that's served me quite well and I have a DeWalt 611 compact router that I use more and more often than the Craftsman. I made a small, portable router table jig and use the DW 611 in it. I can take it to any area in the shop and just clamp the jig to a bench or to a piece of plywood on saw horses and use it. Thanks, Jay!
I've had Bosch for decades and have used the large router and more recently bought the later model large. As time goes by Bosch refines tools and thus they have adapters to fit newer design tools with older tool parts. So this is the reason we find adapters in the Bosch lineup. I still have the 8-1/4" circular saw from 30 years ago (big power and precision) and the Bosch 7-1/4 worm drive overhead handle that is the best one handed saw out there. I still use the Bosch drill-2 speed electronic with precision chuck in the companion drill stand they sold 30+ years ago. Thanks for the trim router review and I will get the 1.25hp model like your demo.
I have the Milwaukee in a Bosch cabinet style router table The amazing thing about it is that you don't need a desperate router lift The fine adjustment screw moved the router up and down perfectly Best router purchase I ever made
Great video and series! I enjoy the tool talks! I also have the HF router and agree with your comments on it. It was cheap and I only have used it in my router table. I've been thinking of getting a trim router and after watching this, I think that's the next on the list. Thanks Jay!
I went the bosch route. I went through the same thing with those guide bushings. Im not sure if my plunge base has a wobble but I did screw up one of my guide bushings. Maybe thats why. Mostly the router is in the router table. Good Review Mr Bates.
I own a festol OF1400 and although it's way to expensive, it's working like a charm... Great plunge (can be done 1 handed) and great fine adjustment. Another one I use on my CNC is the Kress FME 1050, the thing i love about that one is that you can buy every size collet you can think of (of to 9 or 10mm I think).. So also for 3mm and 1/8" engraving.. Thats really great.
Same the Bosch is great and have never had an issue with it. it was between the Bosch and the Milwaukee got the Bosch because it was in stock at my local store
Micah Harman I have to disagree with you, I bought the Bosch kit a few years ago and all of a sudden it it stopped working like for no reason, since I got the protection plan they replaced with a brand new one, and guess what? It stoped working too just like the other one, anyway I’ve gone through three of the same model only to find out on RUclips what causes it, dust gets in the on/off switch, so you have to open it and dust it with an air blower, which is time consuming and it sucks for it to stop working in the middle of a project, so I’m getting reed of mine too and go for a better one.
+Howard McEwen On Amazon and maybe other stores, there are often returned, refurbished or used tools for sale that can have as little as a damaged box to cause serious discounts.
Thanks Andrew! I've looked at those. My hesitancy has only been that I don't know what I'm looking and seem to know even less when looking on-line. But I'll definitely be going that way soon.
The Bosch guide also works on the colt plunge base but you have to purchase it separately since you didn’t buy it as a set. I recently purchased both Bosch models the colt evs and the 1617 evs. But I just bought the Metabo M12vc for 69 clams it’s fixed base 2.25 hour 11 amps I was going to buy a cordless one but after hours of videos I couldn’t decide which one I wanted. But I probably will use either the Bosch 1617 or the Metabo for my router table. Enjoyed your opinion.
That Milwaukee router seems to take the cake form all the reviews I've seen. I too was on the near verge of the Bosch, but it looks like they have serious QA issues. from Rock solid to Lemons.
Hey, Jay....I'm late to the party on this one, but you really hit it outta the park here. Just today, I was asked by someone about which router(s) I would recommend and why. Of course, I asked him several questions about how/why/what he would be routing and the conditions of his workspace. Now, I can simply refer him to this video of yours. Once again, you score, sir! (And, I have a clipboard comment, but I'll insert that below.) --Larry Anderson
I've got both of those trim routers. The Dewalt I bought came with a plunge base and it has a light however an offset base is not available for the Dewalt whereas the Bosch I bought does have the offset base.
Just an FYI, the Bosch edge guides fits the DeWalt DW618 router bases (plunge, fixed and D-Handle). Ended up buying the Bosch edge guide because I couldn't find the DeWalt locally. It's a shame they don't bundle the edge guides with the routers, as it's such an important accessory.
Great Tool Talk Jay! I have the bosch colt and have been thinking about getting the larger Bosch plunge router. Ive held back because of the price and having to buy everything else separately is a pain in the ass. I will look into the milwaukee now and see what I find. Still hunting for a price friendly/ quality table saw. Keep up the good work.
Jay get yourself the plunge base for that small dewalt and you will use it a lot. I too have the bosch kit but I have never noticed the slop in it but it's about 5 years old so perhaps there is a change in them. I mostly use my Festool now because of the dust collection.
Before you comment... I already gave the Bosch away locally and I do realize that plunge routers are sold individually. I have no clue why I added that dumb statement. Also, this is not a paid endorsement for any company, my thoughts and opinions are my own, and blah blah blah.
My DWP611 came with a plunge kit, which is pretty nice. I'll get an edge guide for it at some point. It's been good enough for my needs, so far :). Thanks for the reviews!
This is a great review as always. This isn’t a criticism, but an FUI to viewers. It’s too bad you didn’t put the model numbers up. Bosch did a redesign and the MR23 is same price as what showed, variable speed (important using large cutters) and the new plunge system is solid. I do much of my shopping at pawn shops so I take some chances, and spend the time doing cleaning and fixing neglect. I got the MR23 with both bases for $125 after negotiating. No play, no wobble and precise control on this new model.
Great video, Jay. The only thing I would say about the trim routers is that if you watch Rockler they will have the DeWalt kit with the standard AND plunge base on sale for $149. That is $50 off the normal price and only $50 more than what you would spend to get just the standard base. I agree on the bigger Bosch router, and feel that the quality of Bosch tools in general has gone down in recent years. I have a Hitachi router in my router table and a larger DeWalt that I use free handed. I love both of them.
It sounds like Bosch may have changed their packaging recently, because I just got the "Bosch 2.25 HP EVS Fixed and Plunge Base Router Combo Kit" from Woodcraft for $220, and it came with the dust collection adapter and I could snap in some guide bushings (from Woodriver, I think) with no trouble. Haven't noticed any play in the plunge base yet, but I'll keep an eye out.
The fixed base portion of the Bosch 1617 is a dream. The plunge on the other hand not so much. My first set the release lever broke and the spring fell off so I took it back and on my new kit (Not sure if it is just mine or inherent to all) if you bottom out the plunge it slowly creeps up. It will not maintain that depth which really sucks for deep cuts.
My experience with Bosch tools is that they cut corners with too much plastic and I got fed up with the nickel diming as well. The exception being the barrel jigsaw which is very good. I thought about a Makita router kit but the Craftsman dual base kit came up at less than half the price Black Fri.
Your cousin Amanda here... 😎 Keldon is very interested in being a carpenter with a you tube channel so I showed him this and he loved it!! Any tips on how he can get started or what he should learn first? Thanks 😃
Thanks for the video. I should done my home before buying the Bosch GOF 1600 CE. The plunge base have that jiggle right out the box. Shame on Bosch for not correcting this issue in all these years. Returning the router.
Jay, you should try a DeWalt DW621. I believe it's the best value plunger available. I've got a Bosch too and don't like it either. For a router table use I like the Hitachi M12V for it's ease of bit change collet even though it's a two wrencher. The collets on the one wrench routers take many more turns to release etc.
Jay thanks for the info. I am looking for a plunge router and it is good to know that Milwaukee makes pretty good stuff. I have a few Bosch items that I like very much, but I couldn't decide on the right plunge router.
I don't think it is just you, I had the exact same thing happen with the Bosch I had. Bought Dewalt over a year ago and zero issues, but I have used the Milwaukee and think it is a great tool too.
+The ShavingWood Workshop and Jay Bates Regarding the issues with the Bosch routers, maybe it's a problem with consistent quality. I bought one several years ago and liked it enough that I bought a second one for my router table. Neither of my plunge bases show the slop in the right-hand post. Also neither base shows the problem with the handles. One complaint I do have with the plunge base is the spring on the locking lever. On one of my bases, the spring popped out of the place that holds it. I have not been able to put the spring back in.
Companies that nickel and dime you on all the parts I try to stay away from. Sorry you got into all that and more importantly they deteriorated or required buying adapters. Thanks for the reviews. I'll stay away from bosh if there are other alternatives. I have an old but trustworthy Craftsman mounted in my TS extension wing and bought the Dewalt 611 to use for everything else! Great little router!
I have the same Bosh kit and have been very frustrated because they are non standard and I can not use standard guide bushings. Due to that, I'm going to stick it in my router table and pull my older PC router to use free hand from now on.
Hey Jay , I'm new to your channel but I really like how you do your vids!🙂👍 I've been doing woodworking on and off for probably close to 20 years!! I'm glad I watched your video because I was just in Lowes the other day and I was looking at the Bosch 2 base router kit, as a back up , ( I have pretty much all Dewalt tools) but it looked a little less sturdier then the Dewalt DW 618 kit that I have now !😏 I think I might go with Porter Cable!🙂 Keep doin what your doin!!😀
I have a different Bosch plunge router and didn't have that problem with slop, but that adapter thingy for the guide bushings didn't fit. I ended up replacing the sub-base with one that just takes the standard guide bushings directly.
The earlier version of the dewalt is a pain in the butt to adjust the height of the bit. Plastic on plastic. I always have to unplug and fight with it to make small adjustments. Works well other than that. Finally put the router in a vice and sanded it with 800 grade then wax. Now moves up and down with two fingers.
I have the same Bosch kit and the plunge base drives me nuts too. The shafts are sticky no matter what I do to them, I can’t get the thing to plunge smoothly.
I have multiple router from porter cable Bosch frued festool and I use them all that Bosch kit u have is similar to the one that I have and got mine from rockier it was a promotional deal and mine came with the template adaptor and the edge guide and the dust port never had any problem with it I also have the colt and I bought the plunge base for it and i do believe that the Bosch edge guide works with that base
Good overview Jay! For years I had one router in the shop and then all of a sudden I noticed that there were four of them... where did they all come from?
Hi Jay - Thank you for sharing all the information. I am in the marked to find a new Router; I am a bit worried because of the information about the Bosch router. I was very close to buy the Bosch GOF 1600 CE Pro Router with the plunge base until I saw your video. But it seems that your Bosch is another model. Anyone that has experience with the Bosch GOF 1600 CE Pro.??
Might be a dumb question, but why do plunge router kits come with a fixed base? I just got a dewalt that came with both and haven't had time to use it. I don't recall any of the kits coming with only the plunge base, which seemed odd when you can lock the plunge base into position to act as fixed.
Question that may be stupid.... I know all my tolls except the router as I have not had reasons to use it. I am planning on building kitchen cabinets in the near future. I have a plunge base router. Can this be used within a router table as well?
My problem with the Bosch palm router is that when the fine adjust is clicked into place the motor becomes slightly off square, and the bit no longer perpendicular to the work surface. Moreover the fine adjust is not especially smooth and has relatively little travel - the design is really overcomplicated compared to a standard screw-type adjust on the DeWALT et al and doesn't work nearly as well. Also a complete pain to twist out of its base. But it's true that it's ergonomic. Normally I'm a Bosch fan, but this product fails at a pretty basic level: spinning a bit perfectly perpendicular to the worktop.
I like the idea of the router motor from Harbor Freight where the the base is not even needed. From what I have learned and you just repeated the function of the base and features failing or not easy to use is the biggest issue with any router.
+jaybayes2 it seems most of your complaints about the bosch 2hp was due to the plunge. outside of that how is the actual router? ive heard read nothing but good. in fact I recently bought for $149 at lowes the bosch with fix base 2hp. can't wait to test it for myself. great deal too especially if being used mostly in a table. great reviews.
@CJ Phillips I'm a bit late in my response but maybe this will help others as well... Most of the Makita routers are very good. The build quality and QC of the newer but classic design Porter-Cable and Bosch routers has gone way downhill. Many of the internal metal parts have been replaced with plastic since production moved to China. I have the big Makita 3-1/4HP # RP2301FC Plunge Base router and mostly use it in my router table. It is fantastic. It only has the plunge base permanently attached, but when it is locked it will work just like a fixed base. It is designed with a built-in feature that allows you to use the height adjustment as a built-in "router lift" so nothing else is needed for a great router table setup unless you want to add an insert plate. The optional dust extraction port works extremely well, too. I also have the small 18v cordless Makita trim router kit with fixed & plunge bases. It is excellent as well, but the height adjustment on the fixed base is a bit crude and awkward compared to its Milwaukee & DeWalt equivalents. And I don't care for the reverse operation of the Makita's plunge lock lever compared to my big Makita and the others. I also have the small DeWalt corded DW611PK router kit with fixed & plunge base and LOVE it (the same one Jay shows here). For ~$20 more, I don't really know why Jay said he would buy the Bosch again instead??? The only thing I can think of is that for being a "small trim router" the DeWalt has a larger diameter base that may not be as ergonomic if you have small hands. But the DeWalt is more powerful and I really like the DeWalt's larger base opening and its clear baseplate that is round with one extended straight edge. I've done A LOT of work with that small DeWalt DW611PK kit, and I would recommend it as an excellent all-around tool for handheld use, unless you know that you'll need more power for larger bits, etc. It would work great in a router table as well, though maybe not my 1st choice if that will be its main use. In that instance I would step up to the next larger 2-1/4HP DeWalt kit with fixed and plunge base...DW618PK. It is essentially the same design as the smaller DW611PK. If you can get by with one of the smaller "trim" type routers, at this point I would ONLY buy an 18v CORDLESS one. If you already have 18v batteries for cordless tools from Makita, DeWalt, or Milwaukee, any of their respective 18v cordless trim routers are great. Each just has slightly different compromises. As far as power, I would rank them as: 1. DeWalt 2. Milwaukee 3. Makita In terms of ease of use & depth adjustment: 1. Milwaukee 2. DeWalt 3. Makita And even though the Makita placed last in both categories, I would still recommend it as an excellent all-around cordless router. ;) The one thing I wish the Makita had that the others do is a quick-stop brake. But I think that the Makita will last longer without this feature. Makita also makes an adjustable angle/bevel base that none of the others offer, IF that is something you think you can make use of. If you want to buy just ONE 120VAC corded All-Around Router Kit that would handle nearly any task, I think that the DeWalt DW618PK is the nicest combination of features & quality for the price. It's not too big and not too small, it has both fixed & plunge bases, and works well hand-held or in a router table.
I was going to go with the Bosch, but I LOVE the idea of cordless and most of all my cordless tools are dewalt. Do you feel that cordless is better or is this one of those tools you want to go corded? Thanks!
+Charlie Oakes If there wasn't any play in the Bosch I wouldn't have accepted the Milwaukee. Now that I have it though I like it better overall than a perfect condition Bosch.
Jay, sorry to drag you back as I know this is old. Sorry to hear the bad things about the Bosch as that is the model I had narrowed down for my next purchase. Did they ever try correct the issue with you? I know they all have reps that do nothing but scan these You Tube channels.
I need a plunge base for my 1617 Bosch router. You've got me scared now. There shouldn't be any play in the plunge shafts. Do you think there was a part missing in your router? Like a bronze sleeve bushing? 1/16th of play is huge.
Would you ever try out the Triton Range? I have the TRA 001 and it is AWESOME!!! Great value too. April Wilkerson uses the Triton Range and seems to like them. Would love to hear your opinion on their Routers. Mind you, my Triton TRA 001 is the only router I've ever used so I can't really comment. I just followed along with the reviews I saw on them at the time.
+havenisse2009 This. Basically all the tools are way more expensive in Europe. It also seems that you can either buy hobby quality crap, or buy industrial quality stuff, which is way too expensive. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground in Europe. Try to get a cheap planner or jointer. They don't even make entry level jointer/planners.
+havenisse2009 What. No. I bought the Bosch GMF-1600CE which is basically a more modern version of the bosch kit Jay has, it includes both bases, side guide, bushings and adapter and a buncha dust extraction funnels, 450 euros shipped from Germany to Finland. Plunge base is also what's dominant in europe.
+littlebighumancom You guys must be really bad at shopping or googling... A quick google on oiko tasohöylä which is finnish for a jointer/planer combo shows a bunch of different stuff from hobby to mid range to professional, from 300-500-900-5000 euro range, cheap lunch boxes to mid range to professional, took a few seconds to find. Of course I only buy used professional grade tooling so I spend my time thrawling 2nd hand sites.
I just purchased a newer Bosch MCR32EVS and I do not have that same problems you have run into. It is a solid good performer, no play in the plunge base. The variable speed and soft-start is wonderful. I really like the quick change template guide. I did not buy the kit, only the RA1129 which includes the adapter to work with standard screw on template guides. However, you are spot on about having to purchase every accessory separately. Very annoying. It should at least come with the dust collection or better yet the edge guide which is really cool and unique compered to others. I also purchased this model because I don't have to go out and purchase a separate router lift. It can be adjusted from the top or bottom.
*I absolutely love this tool!!! The first one was defective and Dewalt replaced **MyBest.Tools** More bulky than the Bosch and Makita corded palm routers I have but worth it. Nice solid base*
Nice safety touch with the fire extinguisher, one can never be too safe in the shop.
I also have that same Milwaukee router, and love it so far. I used the fixed base in the kit for my router table so that i retained the ability to make easy micro up/down movements without having to make my own mechanism. The time saved, in my case, was worth the added expense.
Thanks for putting this comparison video together! It's always helpful to hear from someone with first-hand experience!
If I was just starting out as a cabinet maker that would of been a breath of fresh air. you walked us around the tools very well.
this video couldn't have come at a better time. I was thinking of picking up the Bosch router today. thanks for the video.
When u say that u r rambling on, to me that just means ur giving more in depth information - thanks Jay
I always enjoy these tool reviews from you, Jay.
I have 20 year old full size Craftsman 1-3/4 hp router that's served me quite well and I have a DeWalt 611 compact router that I use more and more often than the Craftsman.
I made a small, portable router table jig and use the DW 611 in it. I can take it to any area in the shop and just clamp the jig to a bench or to a piece of plywood on saw horses and use it. Thanks, Jay!
Well hopefully someone from Bosch will be watching and take note and fix their issues!! Thanks jay!
I've had Bosch for decades and have used the large router and more recently bought the later model large. As time goes by Bosch refines tools and thus they have adapters to fit newer design tools with older tool parts. So this is the reason we find adapters in the Bosch lineup. I still have the 8-1/4" circular saw from 30 years ago (big power and precision) and the Bosch 7-1/4 worm drive overhead handle that is the best one handed saw out there. I still use the Bosch drill-2 speed electronic with precision chuck in the companion drill stand they sold 30+ years ago. Thanks for the trim router review and I will get the 1.25hp model like your demo.
I have the Milwaukee in a Bosch cabinet style router table
The amazing thing about it is that you don't need a desperate router lift
The fine adjustment screw moved the router up and down perfectly
Best router purchase I ever made
glad I watched this video because I was going to buy the Bosch router but not now. Thanks for the videos you do a great job!.
Great video and series! I enjoy the tool talks! I also have the HF router and agree with your comments on it. It was cheap and I only have used it in my router table. I've been thinking of getting a trim router and after watching this, I think that's the next on the list. Thanks Jay!
Just ordered a colt. Thank you for the vid. Red wing handles are awesome. Def subscribing to your videos.
I went the bosch route. I went through the same thing with those guide bushings. Im not sure if my plunge base has a wobble but I did screw up one of my guide bushings. Maybe thats why. Mostly the router is in the router table. Good Review Mr Bates.
Jay u rock love your videos I am always looking forward to seeing what you are doing next keep up the good work
+Brent Weisenborn Thanks Brent :)
I own a festol OF1400 and although it's way to expensive, it's working like a charm...
Great plunge (can be done 1 handed) and great fine adjustment.
Another one I use on my CNC is the Kress FME 1050, the thing i love about that one is that you can buy every size collet you can think of (of to 9 or 10mm I think).. So also for 3mm and 1/8" engraving.. Thats really great.
Another great video that was well worth my time. It's helpful for a person slowly establishing a wood shop.
great video as always. I have the Bosch router n never had a problem, no slop. I think you got a lemon
Same the Bosch is great and have never had an issue with it. it was between the Bosch and the Milwaukee got the Bosch because it was in stock at my local store
Micah Harman I have to disagree with you, I bought the Bosch kit a few years ago and all of a sudden it it stopped working like for no reason, since I got the protection plan they replaced with a brand new one, and guess what? It stoped working too just like the other one, anyway I’ve gone through three of the same model only to find out on RUclips what causes it, dust gets in the on/off switch, so you have to open it and dust it with an air blower, which is time consuming and it sucks for it to stop working in the middle of a project, so I’m getting reed of mine too and go for a better one.
There are too many lemons around
Thanks for the info! I'm slowly getting into woodworking and these videos really help me decide where to put my dollars.
+Howard McEwen
On Amazon and maybe other stores, there are often returned, refurbished or used tools for sale that can have as little as a damaged box to cause serious discounts.
Thanks Andrew! I've looked at those. My hesitancy has only been that I don't know what I'm looking and seem to know even less when looking on-line. But I'll definitely be going that way soon.
Go porter cable do yourself a favor, the industry standard for decades ...
Yet another GREAT impartial review.
Thanks Jay
Great talk! We really enjoy your perspective on these tools. Keep it up!
The Bosch guide also works on the colt plunge base but you have to purchase it separately since you didn’t buy it as a set. I recently purchased both Bosch models the colt evs and the 1617 evs. But I just bought the Metabo M12vc for 69 clams it’s fixed base 2.25 hour 11 amps I was going to buy a cordless one but after hours of videos I couldn’t decide which one I wanted. But I probably will use either the Bosch 1617 or the Metabo for my router table. Enjoyed your opinion.
i like it. no sales pitch, but honest introduction
Great video. I was looking at getting the Bosch kit. Maybe I should think twice
about that.
That Milwaukee router seems to take the cake form all the reviews I've seen. I too was on the near verge of the Bosch, but it looks like they have serious QA issues. from Rock solid to Lemons.
Hey, Jay....I'm late to the party on this one, but you really hit it outta the park here. Just today, I was asked by someone about which router(s) I would recommend and why. Of course, I asked him several questions about how/why/what he would be routing and the conditions of his workspace. Now, I can simply refer him to this video of yours.
Once again, you score, sir!
(And, I have a clipboard comment, but I'll insert that below.)
--Larry Anderson
Haven't used the Bosch colt. but love the Dewalt 611. gets a lot off use! keep the tool talks coming!
Outstanding just what i was looking for
I've got both of those trim routers. The Dewalt I bought came with a plunge base and it has a light however an offset base is not available for the Dewalt whereas the Bosch I bought does have the offset base.
Just an FYI, the Bosch edge guides fits the DeWalt DW618 router bases (plunge, fixed and D-Handle). Ended up buying the Bosch edge guide because I couldn't find the DeWalt locally. It's a shame they don't bundle the edge guides with the routers, as it's such an important accessory.
Great Tool Talk Jay! I have the bosch colt and have been thinking about getting the larger Bosch plunge router. Ive held back because of the price and having to buy everything else separately is a pain in the ass. I will look into the milwaukee now and see what I find. Still hunting for a price friendly/ quality table saw. Keep up the good work.
Jay get yourself the plunge base for that small dewalt and you will use it a lot. I too have the bosch kit but I have never noticed the slop in it but it's about 5 years old so perhaps there is a change in them. I mostly use my Festool now because of the dust collection.
Before you comment... I already gave the Bosch away locally and I do realize that plunge routers are sold individually. I have no clue why I added that dumb statement. Also, this is not a paid endorsement for any company, my thoughts and opinions are my own, and blah blah blah.
You Can buy the Bosh MRF23EVS with fixed, Plunge or with both bases as a kit.
My DWP611 came with a plunge kit, which is pretty nice. I'll get an edge guide for it at some point. It's been good enough for my needs, so far :). Thanks for the reviews!
Hate that the Bosch messed up for you, but your loss is our gain in knowledge. Good information.
This is a great review as always. This isn’t a criticism, but an FUI to viewers. It’s too bad you didn’t put the model numbers up. Bosch did a redesign and the MR23 is same price as what showed, variable speed (important using large cutters) and the new plunge system is solid.
I do much of my shopping at pawn shops so I take some chances, and spend the time doing cleaning and fixing neglect. I got the MR23 with both bases for $125 after negotiating. No play, no wobble and precise control on this new model.
Jay, you might have got lemon on your larger Bosch. mine does not have that wiggle and i love it. but great reviews!!!
Great video, Jay. The only thing I would say about the trim routers is that if you watch Rockler they will have the DeWalt kit with the standard AND plunge base on sale for $149. That is $50 off the normal price and only $50 more than what you would spend to get just the standard base. I agree on the bigger Bosch router, and feel that the quality of Bosch tools in general has gone down in recent years. I have a Hitachi router in my router table and a larger DeWalt that I use free handed. I love both of them.
+Thom Schulte Good tip on the plunge base kit. Thanks.
Also, I'm not sure about all brands, but the DeWalt edge guide works for both the full size and trim routers. Bonus when I found that out.
My Colt has had the same issues as some of the others who have commented. Worked great for about 6 months though.
Thanks for the info, I love my Bosch trim router
It sounds like Bosch may have changed their packaging recently, because I just got the "Bosch 2.25 HP EVS Fixed and Plunge Base Router Combo Kit" from Woodcraft for $220, and it came with the dust collection adapter and I could snap in some guide bushings (from Woodriver, I think) with no trouble. Haven't noticed any play in the plunge base yet, but I'll keep an eye out.
I really enjoy the tool talks! Keep it up
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO @5:49 I see your city. I'm in Jackson! You just got a new sub. Gotta support the home team.
The fixed base portion of the Bosch 1617 is a dream. The plunge on the other hand not so much. My first set the release lever broke and the spring fell off so I took it back and on my new kit (Not sure if it is just mine or inherent to all) if you bottom out the plunge it slowly creeps up. It will not maintain that depth which really sucks for deep cuts.
My experience with Bosch tools is that they cut corners with too much plastic and I got fed up with the nickel diming as well. The exception being the barrel jigsaw which is very good. I thought about a Makita router kit but the Craftsman dual base kit came up at less than half the price Black Fri.
Your cousin Amanda here... 😎 Keldon is very interested in being a carpenter with a you tube channel so I showed him this and he loved it!! Any tips on how he can get started or what he should learn first? Thanks 😃
Thanks for the video. I should done my home before buying the Bosch GOF 1600 CE. The plunge base have that jiggle right out the box. Shame on Bosch for not correcting this issue in all these years. Returning the router.
That Milwaukee plunge is a sexy little number - awesome video. Thanks.
I need to move closer to Jay, so I can get some free tools! LMAO Always look forward to the Tool Talks!
or you can earn and buy them your self like a man, aint nothing in life free
Thanks for the review Jay. The Milwaukee looks like the one I will go with.
You won't get it for free though, maybe i would check further, i have the Bosh MRF23EVS and i love it.
@@MyCubanoLibre Too many QA issues with Bosch routers,
Thanks jay it was another good show. I bet that's nick Nicks clipboard
+Michael Paese hahahaha. It's my clipboard.
Jay, you should try a DeWalt DW621. I believe it's the best value plunger available. I've got a Bosch too and don't like it either. For a router table use I like the Hitachi M12V for it's ease of bit change collet even though it's a two wrencher. The collets on the one wrench routers take many more turns to release etc.
Good feedback Jay!
Jay thanks for the info. I am looking for a plunge router and it is good to know that Milwaukee makes pretty good stuff. I have a few Bosch items that I like very much, but I couldn't decide on the right plunge router.
Great comparison Jay!
I don't think it is just you, I had the exact same thing happen with the Bosch I had. Bought Dewalt over a year ago and zero issues, but I have used the Milwaukee and think it is a great tool too.
+The ShavingWood Workshop and Jay Bates Regarding the issues with the Bosch routers, maybe it's a problem with consistent quality. I bought one several years ago and liked it enough that I bought a second one for my router table. Neither of my plunge bases show the slop in the right-hand post. Also neither base shows the problem with the handles. One complaint I do have with the plunge base is the spring on the locking lever. On one of my bases, the spring popped out of the place that holds it. I have not been able to put the spring back in.
Companies that nickel and dime you on all the parts I try to stay away from. Sorry you got into all that and more importantly they deteriorated or required buying adapters. Thanks for the reviews. I'll stay away from bosh if there are other alternatives. I have an old but trustworthy Craftsman mounted in my TS extension wing and bought the Dewalt 611 to use for everything else! Great little router!
I have the same Bosh kit and have been very frustrated because they are non standard and I can not use standard guide bushings. Due to that, I'm going to stick it in my router table and pull my older PC router to use free hand from now on.
You can use the Milwaukee fixed base in a router table. It has top side depth adjustment......
Great info Jay . Thanks for the tool talk
Hey Jay , I'm new to your channel but I really like how you do your vids!🙂👍 I've been doing woodworking on and off for probably close to 20 years!! I'm glad I watched your video because I was just in Lowes the other day and I was looking at the Bosch 2 base router kit, as a back up , ( I have pretty much all Dewalt tools) but it looked a little less sturdier then the Dewalt DW 618 kit that I have now !😏 I think I might go with Porter Cable!🙂 Keep doin what your doin!!😀
I have a different Bosch plunge router and didn't have that problem with slop, but that adapter thingy for the guide bushings didn't fit. I ended up replacing the sub-base with one that just takes the standard guide bushings directly.
The earlier version of the dewalt is a pain in the butt to adjust the height of the bit. Plastic on plastic. I always have to unplug and fight with it to make small adjustments. Works well other than that.
Finally put the router in a vice and sanded it with 800 grade then wax. Now moves up and down with two fingers.
You wouldn't pay a measly 20 bucks more for adjustment and visibility??
Thanks for the info Jay, a small trim router is on my list of tools to get so this info will be helpful.
Good info as usual Jay. Thanks for sharing.
Hope there's no Bosch reps around, they just got a roasting! Great info in the video
Any tips on maintaining your routers? Oiling them? Bearing replacements?
+Sean Harrington I've never had to do any maintenance with any of them.
Great overview. I'm appalled, but not entirely surprised, at the need to buy so many separate things for the Bosch.
Not many companies include all those extras, not everybody uses "all" the extras, Bosh is expensive so you buy what you need.
Nice and interesting info, Jay.
I have the same Bosch kit and the plunge base drives me nuts too. The shafts are sticky no matter what I do to them, I can’t get the thing to plunge smoothly.
I have multiple router from porter cable Bosch frued festool and I use them all that Bosch kit u have is similar to the one that I have and got mine from rockier it was a promotional deal and mine came with the template adaptor and the edge guide and the dust port never had any problem with it I also have the colt and I bought the plunge base for it and i do believe that the Bosch edge guide works with that base
Good overview Jay! For years I had one router in the shop and then all of a sudden I noticed that there were four of them... where did they all come from?
Hi Jay - Thank you for sharing all the information.
I am in the marked to find a new Router; I am a bit worried because of the information about the Bosch router. I was very close to buy the Bosch GOF 1600 CE Pro Router with the plunge base until I saw your video. But it seems that your Bosch is another model. Anyone that has experience with the Bosch GOF 1600 CE Pro.??
Thanks jay.
Might be a dumb question, but why do plunge router kits come with a fixed base? I just got a dewalt that came with both and haven't had time to use it. I don't recall any of the kits coming with only the plunge base, which seemed odd when you can lock the plunge base into position to act as fixed.
Question that may be stupid.... I know all my tolls except the router as I have not had reasons to use it. I am planning on building kitchen cabinets in the near future. I have a plunge base router. Can this be used within a router table as well?
My problem with the Bosch palm router is that when the fine adjust is clicked into place the motor becomes slightly off square, and the bit no longer perpendicular to the work surface. Moreover the fine adjust is not especially smooth and has relatively little travel - the design is really overcomplicated compared to a standard screw-type adjust on the DeWALT et al and doesn't work nearly as well. Also a complete pain to twist out of its base. But it's true that it's ergonomic. Normally I'm a Bosch fan, but this product fails at a pretty basic level: spinning a bit perfectly perpendicular to the worktop.
as always J... Great Episode
I like the idea of the router motor from Harbor Freight where the the base is not even needed. From what I have learned and you just repeated the function of the base and features failing or not easy to use is the biggest issue with any router.
Good presentation.
Good honest review!
+jaybayes2 it seems most of your complaints about the bosch 2hp was due to the plunge. outside of that how is the actual router? ive heard read nothing but good. in fact I recently bought for $149 at lowes the bosch with fix base 2hp. can't wait to test it for myself. great deal too especially if being used mostly in a table. great reviews.
+B Kelley The router motor itself is great. Never let me down.
Is Makita a good brand of router? What is the best one for a beginner?
@CJ Phillips
I'm a bit late in my response but maybe this will help others as well...
Most of the Makita routers are very good. The build quality and QC of the newer but classic design Porter-Cable and Bosch routers has gone way downhill.
Many of the internal metal parts have been replaced with plastic since production moved to China.
I have the big Makita 3-1/4HP # RP2301FC Plunge Base router and mostly use it in my router table. It is fantastic.
It only has the plunge base permanently attached, but when it is locked it will work just like a fixed base.
It is designed with a built-in feature that allows you to use the height adjustment as a built-in "router lift" so nothing else is needed for a great router table setup unless you want to add an insert plate.
The optional dust extraction port works extremely well, too.
I also have the small 18v cordless Makita trim router kit with fixed & plunge bases.
It is excellent as well, but the height adjustment on the fixed base is a bit crude and awkward compared to its Milwaukee & DeWalt equivalents. And I don't care for the reverse operation of the Makita's plunge lock lever compared to my big Makita and the others.
I also have the small DeWalt corded DW611PK router kit with fixed & plunge base and LOVE it (the same one Jay shows here).
For ~$20 more, I don't really know why Jay said he would buy the Bosch again instead???
The only thing I can think of is that for being a "small trim router" the DeWalt has a larger diameter base that may not be as ergonomic if you have small hands.
But the DeWalt is more powerful and I really like the DeWalt's larger base opening and its clear baseplate that is round with one extended straight edge.
I've done A LOT of work with that small DeWalt DW611PK kit, and I would recommend it as an excellent all-around tool for handheld use, unless you know that you'll need more power for larger bits, etc.
It would work great in a router table as well, though maybe not my 1st choice if that will be its main use.
In that instance I would step up to the next larger 2-1/4HP DeWalt kit with fixed and plunge base...DW618PK. It is essentially the same design as the smaller DW611PK.
If you can get by with one of the smaller "trim" type routers, at this point I would ONLY buy an 18v CORDLESS one.
If you already have 18v batteries for cordless tools from Makita, DeWalt, or Milwaukee, any of their respective 18v cordless trim routers are great. Each just has slightly different compromises.
As far as power, I would rank them as:
1. DeWalt
2. Milwaukee
3. Makita
In terms of ease of use & depth adjustment:
1. Milwaukee
2. DeWalt
3. Makita
And even though the Makita placed last in both categories, I would still recommend it as an excellent all-around cordless router. ;)
The one thing I wish the Makita had that the others do is a quick-stop brake. But I think that the Makita will last longer without this feature.
Makita also makes an adjustable angle/bevel base that none of the others offer, IF that is something you think you can make use of.
If you want to buy just ONE 120VAC corded All-Around Router Kit that would handle nearly any task, I think that the DeWalt DW618PK is the nicest combination of features & quality for the price.
It's not too big and not too small, it has both fixed & plunge bases, and works well hand-held or in a router table.
I was going to go with the Bosch, but I LOVE the idea of cordless and most of all my cordless tools are dewalt. Do you feel that cordless is better or is this one of those tools you want to go corded? Thanks!
If there wasn't any play in the Bosch turret would you still have the Milwaukee ?
+Charlie Oakes If there wasn't any play in the Bosch I wouldn't have accepted the Milwaukee. Now that I have it though I like it better overall than a perfect condition Bosch.
Ok thanks very helpfull.
Jay, sorry to drag you back as I know this is old. Sorry to hear the bad things about the Bosch as that is the model I had narrowed down for my next purchase. Did they ever try correct the issue with you? I know they all have reps that do nothing but scan these You Tube channels.
Are those Detroit Red Wing drawer pulls? If so, those are GREAT! BTW thanks for the review. Definitely helpful.
Yes they are.
wow jay!!that sucks man!im glad i didnt get the big Bosch combo..i went with the dewalt..thanks for the reviews..
could you use the dewalt dw660 as a router.
I need a plunge base for my 1617 Bosch router. You've got me scared now. There shouldn't be any play in the plunge shafts. Do you think there was a part missing in your router? Like a bronze sleeve bushing? 1/16th of play is huge.
I have the plunge router. There is no play in the plunge. Maybe he got a dud or maybe it was a problem they fixed.
Try living in Australia. All 1/2 inch routers are plunge base. No fixed base options here.
Hi there from Portugal,
I have the router Black & Decker KW900EKA and have the base problem( but the base is not removable) :(
Thanks for the content.
Hi Jay,
Great tool talk topic. Just one question does the Milwaukee accept standard Porter Cable style guide bushings or are they propriatary also?
+William Valentin I ended up getting a universal bushing kit for the Milwaukee. It also happens to not fit the Bosch.
Would you ever try out the Triton Range? I have the TRA 001 and it is AWESOME!!! Great value too.
April Wilkerson uses the Triton Range and seems to like them. Would love to hear your opinion on their Routers. Mind you, my Triton TRA 001 is the only router I've ever used so I can't really comment. I just followed along with the reviews I saw on them at the time.
+NigglesSquiggles If I had the need to get another router I might. As of now what I have is working.
why did you get rid of the X carve
Hobby woodworker , going to buy new plunge router . Any big benefit going big 3.25 hp or stay with the 2 hp routers
Great info! Thanks Jay!
Fix base is almost 99 pct of European market. The US style routers cost around 1000 usd here. So consider yourself lucky to have such cheap tools
you mean everything is plunge base here in europe right?
+havenisse2009 This. Basically all the tools are way more expensive in Europe. It also seems that you can either buy hobby quality crap, or buy industrial quality stuff, which is way too expensive. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground in Europe. Try to get a cheap planner or jointer. They don't even make entry level jointer/planners.
+havenisse2009 What. No. I bought the Bosch GMF-1600CE which is basically a more modern version of the bosch kit Jay has, it includes both bases, side guide, bushings and adapter and a buncha dust extraction funnels, 450 euros shipped from Germany to Finland. Plunge base is also what's dominant in europe.
+littlebighumancom You guys must be really bad at shopping or googling... A quick google on oiko tasohöylä which is finnish for a jointer/planer combo shows a bunch of different stuff from hobby to mid range to professional, from 300-500-900-5000 euro range, cheap lunch boxes to mid range to professional, took a few seconds to find. Of course I only buy used professional grade tooling so I spend my time thrawling 2nd hand sites.
No way. You get quality routers from Makita, Bosch, DeWalt for €171 to 500. Also with removable base, like my favorite Makita RT0700CX5J.