1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router | Router woodworking with variable speed dial, microfine depth adjust, constant response, clean router wood cuts

This router was really a "second choice." My "go to" is also a Bosch: one of the MRC variations. However, when I finished building a new router table it occurred to me that I couldn't use the MRC model on the router lift because the on/off switch on that router is situated on the base, and the base is removed when the router is attached to the lift. What an idiot! Having no real alternative, I ordered this 1617. It fit the lift perfectly, and I already have put several hundred very happy miles on it. It is everything we have come to expect in a Bosch router . . . and I now own several. This is a powerful machine that roars through just about any wood that a home DIYer will throw at it. The motor speed is adjustable, so it can accommodate bits of varying diameters (very important). Two LEDs keep the work piece lighted (although this is of less importance when the machine is mounted in a base). It features a soft start so the operator doesn’t feel that sudden torque when starting a cut. And the electronically driven motor varies the power as the workpiece is fed into the bit, so that the collet speed remains steady throughout the cut. I suspect that it would be comfortable in the hand were I to remove it from the router lift for hand routing, but I still have the MRC for that work. If you install this router in a lift, I recommend getting the offset collet wrenches to make bit changes easier.

I have been upgrading my woodworking tools this past year. One upgrade needed was a router that had 3 qualities - more than 2 horsepower, variable speed, and the ability to accommodate both 1/4" and 1/2" shank router bits. My Ryobi has none of those qualities making replacement the only option. The Bosch was the clear choice, and a welcome improvement to my routing work. The router is attached to my Benchdog Pro-Max cast iron router table extension to my 10" Craftsman table saw. Mounting to the router table took all of 5 minutes. The only thing to note here is positioning the router power switch to be convenient for use. The 2-1/4 HP motor has proven superbly resistant to becoming bogged down when use a rail-and-stile bit for cabinet doors or rabbeting out a deep groove in a board. The variable speed knob is positioned immediately below the power switch. Having variable speed is mandatory when the range of router bit dimensions are wide or you work with the full range of wood hardnesses. Changing collet sizes between 1/2" and 1/4" is easily and quickly achieved. Removal of the motor from underneath the router table is nearly painless. Two wrenches, both of which are provided with the router, are used to loosen the collet. The loosened collet is slipped off the motor shaft, the replacement slid into place, and the two wrenches used to finish the change after the new bit has been placed in it. I have to admit it would have been nice to have a simple button locking the motor shaft in place, but I can live with the arrangement as it is. This router has a wonderful feature which permits 3 vertical movements in 1/2" increments with the push of a button. Each of these 3 positions are easily felt and solidly located after opening the locking clamp and pushing in the release lever. It is very handy when you want to move the bit out of the way then confidently return it to the original position. The router bit height is accomplished using a cylindrical vernier-style knob. It might be a bit hard to use if you happen to have fattish fingertips. Once the bit height is where you want it a simple clamp-like lever locks to motor in vertical position. I have never observed any movement once locked in position. I can recommend this router with complete confidence.

This is an excellent router. I'm using it in my router table. I like the compactness and ease of fitting into the router lift. The variable speed dial is helpful in matching speed to router bit size. I have another of the same make/model which I use for hand routing on a variety of projects. I also use it on the dovetail jig setup. The router is powerful and quite versatile. I have a dust collection system rigged up so routing is not so messy. The router is solid when handheld. The switch is on the motor. I sometimes think it would be safer to have it by the hand grips.

Let me start off this review by saying that I'm in no way a professional and am squarely towards the bottom-end of DIYer, skill-wise, but I'm learning! This Bosch router reminds me of the one my dad had when I was a kid some 25+ years ago, and while he no longer has it, I can imagine passing this beast down to my kids when they're old enough. The BOSCH 1617EVS is very solidly-built, being mostly metal, with a heavy-duty plastic shell, plus of course the wooden handles. Those handles, by the way, feel amazing to hold. I've run the router through both SPF and a higher-end plywood, and it's had zero problems with either, effortlessly gliding over the surface. All you need to do is point it in the right direction and keep it snug against your guide (or the bit bearing), and the router does the rest. In my reviews, I always try to find at least one negative or "less-than-idea" aspect of a product so it doesn't seem like I'm just glossing over things that maybe aren't the best, and for the BOSCH 1617EVS it's really hard to find a negative. Of the two cons I can think of, they're probably both more due to my inexperience than the router itself. First is that I have trouble holding the router one handed on my work piece while turning on the router with the other. I end up (and I know this isn't the best to do) turning it on while holding it in the air, then placing the router on the work piece before starting. And man, you can really feel the force of that 2.25hp motor when doing that! The next "downside" is keeping the cord out of my way. My shop isn't fully setup the way I want so anything corded I use has the cord draping down towards the floor so if I'm, say, beveling all four edges of a piece of wood, the cord either gets in the way or caught up on the clamps. Again, this is probably not the router's fault, but I bring it up because the base does do a good job of pushing the cord ahead of the router while I'm cutting: it's not like you have to worry about the cord getting cut by the router. I know this router is expensive. I know there are smaller and cordless ones you could buy. But why? Even has a sometimes user of this router (I don't do this work professionally), it will still do everything I could ever need it to and more. In fact, I probably should have also bought with it the router table or plunge base, but I didn't think I'd need those things. I think at minimum, the table would be a good accessory for this router, because you move the piece instead of the router, and with the built-in guide, it can make precision edge cuts even easier. If you're in the market for a router, buy this. Don't waste your money on anything else. No, Bosch didn't pay me for this review. I just know that you'll regret not buying this router. Maybe not immediately, but eventually.

I have mounted this router on a router table. It is certainly very good but I found the system to take off and in the motor from the base NOT FLUID. Sometimes it is very hard to make the motor slide into the base and it gets stuck. Bosch should have found a better system of grooves to do that.

Love these routers so far! I bought 3 of them put clear base plates on all of them for various wood joining projects. Each router is set up for different joining applications. Perfect to save time in a time limited environment.

I've been looking for a good router motor for my router table that has a really nice dust collection in the bottom of the case, and so far I've used a DeWalt and one from woodpeck.com and both died quickly due to the way the dust chips are handled in the motor. The most expensive one was sold as it's purpose was designed to be in a router table. It died the quickest. I tried this one after getting refunds for the other motors and so far this one has lasted longer than the others. The way the motor is cooled and the dust is handled at the bit end looks like it might actually handle the router table I have okay. This router has plenty of power, the bit changes are easy to do, even in a router table, and the variable speed works great! Since I'm not using the base that came with the router, I can't speak to adjustments and how it locks, but just looking at how it goes together and comparing that to a hand held trim router I have of the same style I believe it would be a good tool there as well.

I recently purchased the BOSCH 1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router, and it has exceeded all my expectations. This router is a powerhouse with its 2.25 HP motor, providing ample power to tackle any woodworking project with ease. Whether I'm working on cabinetry, crafting intricate designs, or shaping edges, the BOSCH 1617EVS delivers exceptional performance. What sets this router apart is its precision and versatility. The electronic speed control allows for consistent RPMs, resulting in clean and accurate cuts every time. The fixed-base design provides stability and control, making it easy to handle and maneuver. Additionally, the microfine bit-depth adjustment system enables precise routing depths, ensuring professional-quality results. I also appreciate the thoughtful design features of the BOSCH 1617EVS. The soft-start feature reduces startup torque, preventing sudden jolts and ensuring smoother operation. The ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip, even during long hours of use. Furthermore, the router's dust-sealed power switch and rugged construction enhance durability, making it suitable for both professional workshops and DIY enthusiasts. Overall, the BOSCH 1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router is a must-have tool for anyone serious about woodworking. Its power, precision, and reliability make it a game changer in the workshop. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, this router will take your projects to the next level. I highly recommend it to anyone in search of a top-notch router that delivers outstanding results.

Excelente herramienta! Precisa, potente y silenciosa

This is my first router so, can’t compare it to any other brands. I’m finding it very easy to work with so far. It also handles big and small jobs nicely. Great all-rounder for me.

I had to return the item as the router did not fit my table and the refund service was excellent and the communication very good.

Fonctionne bien installé sous table

Excelente Router, muy potente y de gran calidad. BOSCH ES GARANTÍA.