Ratings & Reviews for Bosch 1/4-in and 1/2-in 12 -Amp 2.25 -HP Variable Speed Fixed Router

I like it so much, I bought another.

I liked my original 1617 EVS so much, I bought a second unit to install in my router gantry. That way, I don't need to move the router motor back and for between my router table and gantry. This router has solid construction and plenty of power to run through any type of wood. I use a lot of African hardwood like Wenge, Bacote, Pupleheart and Bubinga. All have a Janka hardness around 2000 or above and the 1617 handles it like a champ.

Powerful motor, excellent value for the price

OK, so since I have always loved the wooden handles on this router, I naturally removed the base and mounted it under my router table. Works great as an under table router. Plenty of power and fairly easy speed adjustments for larger bits. Bosh uses a 2 wrench system for loosening the collet, and I find that superior to models that have a button you press to lock the spindle while you loosen the collet. I would recommend this product

Far and away the best I've had

Like the smooth startup and variable speed of this tool. This tool was purchased specifically because I could not stand the unpredictable center shift of the tool of the previous small router I had. 1/16 in per turn depth adjustment from either upright position or through a router table. Only thing really missing is tool illumination lighting...

Good small fixed router

I have a woodworking business and this was a good choice for a lightweight fixed router for a template guide I use. Only issue is you can’t see the location of the bit but not a problem for me since it can be done by feel. I have several other routers but they are plunge routers and heavier and harder to handle for light routings. It doesn’t get heavy use but again works perfect for this job

Quality

Bosch is known for its quality products. I'm using this in my NextWave Shark HD510. I like the 1/4" and 1/2" collets, AND 2.25HP. The (coming) water cooled spindle is 1/8" and 1/4" only. I like the extra capacity, especially when smoothing a spoilboard.

Strong Performance

This 2.25 hp router is strong enough to stand up to some of the toughest hardwoods for those at home DYI’ers venturing out into cabinet making and design. So far so good

Excellent Router

I have owned (and still own) several Bosch routers over the years. When my 35+ year old fixed base router finally gave up the ghost, I bought this one. It does not disappoint. It is a well-made machine with easy precise depth setting and ample power. And the price was friendly, too.

Great 2.25HP Variable Speed EVS Router

I bought this router to not only to use as a handheld router but as a motor to use in my router lift in my router table. The slow start is great and the variable speeds will do the job. Less than 10 seconds is all that's required to remove or replace the motor in the router.

Solid tool

Rock solid router, bought to replace the one I had due to father time winning the battle. This thing is built like a tank but extremely easy to use and control.

Front and center!

This router is the best router I’ve ever used. I have literally went through quite a few name brand routers but this one does the job with ease. I had a 1 HP B&D that wouldn’t align with my Bosch RA1181 table so I splurged. The 1617EVS aligned perfectly! I thought I needed a 3HP at least to cut large molding but this one acts like it’s on steroids! I’ve milled a few hundred feet of 3.25” crown with no issues, just have to do it in steps. Good job Bosch!

Great Router.

Mounted this on the Bosch router table .It came with the collar so the depth can be adjusted with the provided key. All needed screws and detailed instructions made the installation very easy. The adjustments are easy and accurate. Don’t have to hold the router up and tighten the collar as I had to on my previous router.

Works great with the Bosch RA1181 Table

I have had the Bosch RA1181 router table for a number of years. I used it with a Hitachi MV12 router, but adjusting it was a terrible chore. I would spend over an hour to set up a tongue-in-groove bit for shaker doors. (Not exaggerating.) I finally got sick of it when I started working on an entire kitchen’s worth of cabinet doors, and I bought this Bosch fixed base router. I couldn’t be happier. It sits securely in the table, and the above table adjustment key works extremely well. Setting up m...

Jams-No Power

I just bought the 1617EVS 20 April 2020 and within the first 10, twenty minute uses, the fine depth adjustment would just bind. I had to wiggle the router around and turn the adjuster so the router would change depths. Incredibly time consuming. After using it about 40 times, 10 minute intervals over 5 weeks it just wouldn't turn on. Read some posts and said dust gets in the on/off switch. That makes a lot of sense! A router that creates a lot of saw dust that has a fairly wide opening aro...

Great so far

Purchased to mount to my Bosch router table. Love the hole to adjust with the provided star wrench for depth.

Labor intensive

My Bosch is 8 mos old. I use the plunge and the fixed base. I find that changing bases to be incredibly difficult though all releases are loose.