bosch combo kits

Overall Rating: ( 5 reviews )

1. Posted: Oct 6 2006

   I love trhis kit!!!!!!The plunge router base is excellent. Great plunge action-easy to operate. Fixed base is well balanced. Love the feel of the wood knobs on the fixed base. Only gripe is motor is magnesuim and gets a gray oxidation on it that makes putting motor in either base difficult. Silicone dry lube sprayed on the motor and bases solves this problem(w/ extreme care taken to keep lube off and out of collet and out of motor).Oddly Craftsman Professional kit which is made by bosch has polished metal on the motor making insertion of motor easy.

2. ( 7 of 8 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jun 23 2004

   I'm not sure why anyone would buy this 1617PK on Amazon when the variable speed version 1617EVSPK is available for a lower price. Variable speed is critical to control as the size of the router bit changes -- larger bits need to run at lower RPM. Anyways, I did buy this 1617PK because it was on mega-clearance at Lowes. After some schematic research, I found there are only 4 things different between the 1617PK and 1617EVSPK: the EVSPK has an added speed control, larger motor housing cover for the added speed control, and a different armature and field (the motor itself). I bought the speed control and cover for $30 through a local tool repair shop and now I have essentially the 1617EVSPK router for a steal of a price. It's not exactly the same because I didn't upgrade the armature and field...which would have drawn 1.0 more amps and provided about 1/4 more HP. So my point is that if you already have this single speed router, all is not lost and you can convert it to EVS if you really want, but if you haven't bought this, buy the EVSPK to begin with.I own a Bosch 1613EVS plunge router and love it but wanted a dual base system too. Bosch routers are known for comfort and precision. They're kind of like the Toyota's of tools: well engineered tools that aren't the very best but consistently high performing and long lasting. The irritating things about this 1617PK/EVSPK router are the lack of a built-in dust control connection/system, non-centered base that requires the purchase of a centering cone or bit, and proprietary guide bushing system that requires an adapter to use the Porter-Cable standard guide bushings. Small things that I bought accessories to address but would've been better if they were part of the kit. Because of those things, I was convinced I would eventually get the Porter Cable 894VK combo kit until I heard how bad the plunge was on it. It's perfect on the Bosch, with Bosch being pretty much the only brand that covers its plunge posts to prevent dust from entering. The only other thing I don't like is that, unlike my 1613EVS plunge router, the 1617 doesn't have an on/off trigger on the plunge handle. But in the end, I'm a Bosch loyalist and because of the Lowes clearance, I now have two Bosch routers and am happy with both.

3. ( 2 of 7 found this review helpful ) Posted: Nov 10 2003

   It has been over 20 years since I did any sort of woodworking in junior high school shop class, and am just now starting to get back into it. Somewhere along the line I decided that I needed to get a router, so after reading lots and lots of stuff, I got the 1617PK. I think it is probably the best power tool I have purchased so far.Tonight I used the router for the first time. Actually, it was the first time I have EVER used a router. I am very very impressed! I had absolutely no problems with the thing getting bogged down, even when I hit a knot in a piece of plywood. It just went right through it and there was no speed change at all. This router is built like a tank, too. I have never seen a power tool that just looked beautiful. This thing does. The fit and finish is most excellent.

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Overall Rating: ( 2 reviews )

1. ( 5 of 6 found this review helpful ) Posted: Oct 29 2003

   While waiting for a special sale on Bosch Tools in Tool Crib, I was re-directed to All pro-Tools. It appears that they are beating your price of $399.99 down to 349.21.Also, I bought the Plung Router for $229., they have it for 219. same same.What can you do about this.

2. ( 6 of 7 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 2 2003

   I got this kit about a week ago.I am satisfied.The drill has 475 foot pounds of torque(the most in its class),2 speeds,15 clutch setings,A 1/2"racheting chuck,uni body powertrain,steel reinforced collar,dura-shield exterior housing and,plenty of POWER.It will take a 1/2"masonry bit through 21/2"of concrete in less than 2 minutes.I can put a 3"holesaw on and drill through a 1"piece of red oak in a snap.If you push to hard it will stall,but eventually you'll learn how much pressure you can put on it.It handles wood and metal with no problem. The saw has plenty of torque and power.It cuts 2x4's 4x4's in just seconds. It will even cut dense hard maple with out stopping.I chose this kit over others because it ofered more features ,and so I wouldn't have to buy an electric drill and saw as well.I would recommend Bosch over the others any day.From what my experience and other reviews have told me ,Bosch lives up to their name.

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