Woodworking enthusiasts routinely call a router one of the must-have tools of the hobby. It lets you make a cut that goes all the way through a piece of wood and to create hollow places on boards. Some are strong enough to cut through other materials like plastic too.
The Bosch 1617EVSPK (Check Price on Amazon.com) gets some of the highest reviews out there and is the top handheld product from the brand. Though I wanted to give you some information about this unit, I didn’t want just to write a simple 1617EVSPK review as you can find elsewhere. You’ll find useful information on what features of this model are the best and which possible problems you need to know about before you buy.
Contents Table - Click to expand
Benefits of the 1617EVSPK
Bosch routers run the gamut from those that are large and expensive to more affordable options like this model. You can check out all the benefits and positive aspects of the Bosch 1617EVSPK before ordering one for your own workshop.
1. Variable Speed Motor
One of the top features to look for in a product is a variable speed motor. With a standard motor that uses just one speed, you risk burning out the motor when you use it for too long or on a piece of wood that is too thick. A variable speed motor lets you adjust the speed based on what you want to do.
Bosch designed the knob for this feature to sit on the top and near the center of the tool. As it uses a red color, it sticks out from the blue color on the housing. You can use one finger or you whole hand to change the speed.
2. Large Motor and RPM Rating
A positive Bosch 1617EVSPK review will also point out that this one has a large motor with a high RPM rating. This 2.25-horsepower motor is one of the largest available on any handheld power tools, and this horsepower is similar to those found on large table models. The 12-amp motor produces 8,000 revolutions per minute when set to the lowest speed, but you can adjust the speed of to 25,000 revolutions per minute.
3. Durable Housing
As you shop for a router, you might feel tempted to spend less on one that has a split-aluminum housing or a housing made from another cheaper material. Though the brand manages to keep the price down on this model, it gives you the durable full aluminum housing that you need. This housing can last for years without suffering any damage.
Another nice feature of this housing is that it comes with two polished handles. Each of those handles has a rounded design that fits comfortably in both of your hands. Those handles allow you to plunge base too.
4. Consistent Speed
This fixed base router provides consistent speed when cutting also. The company put Constant Response Circuitry inside that allows the router to actually monitor itself as you use it. This feature maintains the speed level that you want and need during the longest of cutting jobs.
5. Large Collet Capacity
If you're in the market for a product with a large collet capacity, the 1617EVSPK is one of the best tools available for sale. It has a capacity that you can change from as small as eight millimeters. The router has a higher collet capacity of up to 3/8 of an inch too.
6. Soft Start Motor
Depending on the tools that you used in the past, you might worry about using some routers because you don't know what to expect when you turn it on. Tools that have a traditional engine come on hot and force the motor to rev up, which results in the tool jolting away from you and even falling out of your hands. The soft start motor on this model prevents that problem.
The soft start feature allows the motor to heat up and begin running as quickly as you need it to in seconds. It also allows the motor to maintain a consistent level of power though from the moment you turn it on until you turn it off. This helps you keep a grip on the top or handles.
7. Two Bases
One feature that many like about this combo is that it actually comes with two bases. The first is a standard base with detailed measurements on the sides. It has a clear bottom that lets you see the router as it cuts through the wood.
You also get a plunge base that is suitable for other applications. This base has its own measurements and allows you to apply pressure and push down on the tool to make it go completely through. Plunge bases are great for making detailed cuts and deeper cuts in larger pieces of wood.
8. Carrying Case
If you ever struggled to carry a unit with you when working outside of your own workshop, you'll appreciate that this model comes with its own carrying case. This case has a rugged design that can hold up to rolling around in your trunk, and the case absorbs shocks to keep the 1617EVSPK safe if you drop it.
9. Also in the Box
Also included in the box is a chip shield that fits on the fixed base. This shield blocks chips from hitting the bit and helps keep your area underneath the cleaner.
You also get three different wrenches that you can use for making adjustments when changing your cutting depth or when you want to replace or switch out the bit. This set also comes with two different bits.
10. Lightweight
Anytime you want to use a handheld power tool, you need to take a look at its total weight. The packaging for this product, which includes the carrying case and all accessories, is under 20 pounds. When you use the router, you'll find that it weighs even less, making it easy to move across the wood.
Possible Cons
Though most customers write a robust and positive 1617EVSPK review, not everyone loves it and prefer other options instead. Some of the common issues shoppers had with it are that it does not come with arbor lock and it lacks the templates that other similar tools have. Some also found that the device arrived already warped or that it began bending after a few uses.
Final Verdict
As someone who worked with power tools and woodworking tools for many years, I’m mainly picky about what I would use in my shop. Though I will occasionally recommend inexpensive tools for those starting out, I tend to suggest that hobbyists spend a little more money when they get serious about woodworking. The Bosch 1617 is a very affordable toy that I would recommend to those just starting out and those with more experience.
This model is part of a combo kit that comes with both a standard base with a clear bottom and a plunge base for making fixed and plunged cuts. It also has a powerful 2.25-horsepower motor that produces up to 25,000 revolutions per minute. The 1617EVSP is not only a top handheld option but one of the best models from Bosch.