Bosch 1617 & 1618 Series questions....
Don Cole
my first router. I already have need of a plunge router as well as freehand
and table mounts. I was looking at the Porter Cable 693 (with the 3 bases)
versus the Dewalt 621, which I was going to get the Porter Cable for its
flexibility, but now I read about the new Bosch lines and was thinking about
one of them (possibly the 1617EVS or 1618).
First, can anyone verify that the Bosch routers can fit in the Porter Cable
bases? And is this something you would recommend? I was thinking about
getting the 1617EVS (for the variable speed) and probably the Porter Cable
693 plunge base (if it will work)....Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Lastly, what would you recommend as additions to these routers.
Particularly in the way of adjustment controls and edge guides.
I don't want to spend money I don't need to, but I plan on having these for
a long time and want to get what will make me happiest over the long haul.
A few extra $$ now is well worth it.
Thanks for all your help, and any other thoughts you have are greatly
appreciated,
Don Cole
thec...@home.com
Jim Levie
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Original Message <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
On 12/29/98, 9:58:33 PM, "Don Cole" <thec...@home.com> wrote regarding
Bosch 1617 & 1618 Series questions....:
> Well, I hope someone might be able to help me out. I am looking at
buying
> my first router. I already have need of a plunge router as well as
freehand
> and table mounts. I was looking at the Porter Cable 693 (with the 3
bases)
> versus the Dewalt 621, which I was going to get the Porter Cable for
its
> flexibility, but now I read about the new Bosch lines and was thinking
about
> one of them (possibly the 1617EVS or 1618).
My personal favorite is the PC 690 series. The ability to change bases
(and buy bases by themselves) is quite nice. Only needing one set of
wrenches and template guides for multiple router types is a sweet
bonus. Ideally I'd like at least two of the 690's, three of the two
handed bases (one permanently mounted in the router table), a plunge
base, and a "D-handled" base.
Rick Christopherson
have always been partial to the Bosch because of the compact size and
simplicity, but they have really put together a fine tool this time.
The 1617 is much quieter than its predecessor in my shop. At the lowest speed,
you can barely hear it run, and at top speed, it is still pretty quiet.
They changed the mounting design for the handles, which used to be prone to
turning. Now they are rock solid because they added larger shoulders. I also
like the look of the natural wood handles.
By far the most impressive design change is the depth setting. A flick of a
lever locks and unlocks the base, and a press of the release lever makes for
quick coarse depth adjustments. For fine tuning the depth, a knob and lead
screw provide positive changes in either upright or inverted (table) operation.
I found that dialing in a depth setting was so simple and precise, that this
feature alone makes me want to replace my aging Bosch 1604.
The speed control is operated with a thumb wheel near the power switch, and
provides infinite adjustment. They also moved the power cord to the side so the
router can be stood on its head for adjustments and bit changes.
The overall appearance is impressive. The quality of construction is evident in
the finely milled magnesium body. I haven't had the time to really play with
this router much outside of a few cuts and a photo-session, but in this short
time, I am impressed enough to want to buy one for my own shop.
I will probably be examining this router in greater detail for an upcoming
issue. Right now, it is just a quick glimpse for my own curiosity.
Rick Christopherson
Associate Editor
American Woodworker Magazine
Duke of URLs
>I found that dialing in a depth setting was so simple and precise, that this
>feature alone makes me want to replace my aging Bosch 1604.
I've always been partial to the 1604 for it's no nonsense design
except for the cord location and on/off switch location. They've
taken care of the cord but did they put the switch closer to the
knobs?
Keith Bohn
Rick Christopherson
is less of a problem to hold the router still while turning it on. The switch
itself is different though. It is a rocker-type switch versus the old toggle
switch, and it now has color on the side to indicate when the switch is on or
off. While it never happened to me in the past, I was always concerned whether
the switch was in the ON position when plugging my 1604 in.
I agree that having the switch closer to the handles would be nice, but this
would also require the motor housing to be made larger to accommodate it.
Don Cole
Rick Christopherson wrote in message <3689D6AE...@worldnet.att.net>...
>Bosch sent me the 1617EVS for evaluation, and I am rather impressed with
it. I
>have always been partial to the Bosch because of the compact size and
>simplicity, but they have really put together a fine tool this time.
>
I was wondering (if you have the tools available), if you could see if the
1617EVS motor will fit into the Porter Cable plunge base. I had heard that
this might be possible. I'm not sure if it would lock well, or if it would
work at all, but if it might work that might help for those times when I
need a plunge base.
Thanks,
Don Cole