BOSCH 1617EVS 2.25 Horesepower Electronic Fixed-Base Router with a Variable Speed Motor

I purchased this particular router because of 1. Brand, 2. Variable speed and electronic speed compensation claim, and 3. Length of production (thought it might be an indication of quality)I installed it in a newly finished router table with Jessem lift. Believed to have a good combination I was ready to give is a test. I installed a lock miter bit and took a cut on 3/4 poplar as a set up test for the bit. The router failed to maintain RPM and indicated that I could have stopped it completely with any additional load. I could only feed the wood at a rate that would easily lead to burning. I removed the Bosch and reinstalled my Porter Cable fixed speed 690 and attempted another cut. I was waiting for the router to struggle as the Bosch had done. The bit cut so effortlessly that I thought it was out of adjustment and only skimming the wood, but no! It was making a full effortless cut. Now granted. The Porter Cable router is a fixed speed, but that is why I needed to install a variable speed router in my table for larger bits ( I run 1/2” shank more often than 1/4” ). Now my plan was to use my 690 as my hand held due to having all the bases for it after the many years of ownership. Now it’s back in the table. And I’m left with the Bosch as only a hand held router that I only have a fixed base for. And now I have all my PC bases that are just taking up space without a motor to have readily available. So do I buy another 690 to have available as a plunge, or do I buy yet another router motor for my table. Was going to send the Bosch back, but I had so much faith in the product that the box went in the trash the day it was delivered. The Bosch is amazingly quiet, soft starting and I can only hope will be sufficient as a hand held light duty option for my needs. Bottom line. I’m almost sick over the issues that have stacked up over the failure to perform by the Bosch. Wouldn’t ya know it! The router lift I purchased was for a 3 1/2” motor. And now I am limited by options for even a new purchase.Updated review addendum;As of now I have yet to use this router since I lost confidence in its ability to maintain RPM.I’m still using my Porter Cable and getting good results.Like I said initially, I needed the variable speed router for large 1/2” shank bits. Or at least I tried to get one. Who knows, maybe one that actually compensated for load would live up to my requirements. This one has no RPM maintenance capability or mine was broke, and I don’t think it’s the later!I do like the router as a hand held router as it was intended to be used as. It is a smooth, soft starting machine that runs very true and quiet. It handles well, and with available accessories I’m sure it will be a router to hand down to whoever gets my tools when I’m gone. I just wish it would have worked in my router table. Oh well! It’s only money.. now I’ll buy another router motor for my table.Revised!!!!Well here I am months later. I have fallen in love with the Bosch. As we all have seen and heard, Porter Cable is nada. All my tools were Porter Cable. I have now bought the plunge base and the deluxe edge guide for the Bosch 1617EVS. I STILL would not mount by Bosch router in my router table with lift. I may try it in the future to re-evaluate it’s performance, but for now I still have my fixed speed router in the lift. But back to the Bosch! I absolutely love the Bosch as a hand held! The soft start is a safety feature that the variable speed circuitry makes possible. It works great. The quality of the motor can not be questioned. The motor runs so smoothly that the cuts come out flawlessly smooth as well. The clean design is a plus for me as it eliminates any protruding edges that are common from other manufacturers designs. The 1617EVS is truly a woodworkers tool. Great for anyone from beginner to production shop pro. All my tooling will revolve around this router from now on. The Bosch name is quality when it comes to router bits as well. It’s the brand that I look for when the need for a bit comes up.

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.

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.