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Bosch's 1617EVSPK is a strong entry in the 2-1/4-horsepower combination router market. Solid construction makes the Bosch durable and lightweight, while special touches, such as wooden handles on the fixed base and contoured, soft-grip handles on the plunge base, add to the comfort of users and give the tool a look of distinction lacking in some of its competitors. Of course, looks are only skin deep, and this router has plenty to offer below the surface as well. At its heart, a powerful 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower motor delivers consistent results at variable speeds of 8,000 to 25,000 rpm. The exclusive precision centering design ensures bits are perfectly centered in the router base, a handy feature for maintaining accurate cut lines. A wider-than-average base opening provides superior visibility and allows the Bosch to accept larger bits, while a micro bit-depth adjustment system makes fine-tuning fast and easy. Unlike many comparable routers, the Bosch 1617EVSPK is designed to move from base to base without the use of tools. Instead, it clamps solidly into place for quick and easy transfers. What's more, the motor never rotates while adjusting depths, allowing you to stow the power cord on either side where it's out of the way. --Carl Thress
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Completely satisfied.
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I agree with the many favorable reviews of this router. The quality, power, and handling are excellent. The plunge and fixed base are mounted and removed easily, and once in place are secure. The wood handles are comfortable, and the unit's balance is good for hand held work, even with delicate cuts and designs. I am pleased with this purchase.
Rating: 
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-12-04
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Plunge Mechanism too Stiff
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I have been using this router for a while. I like everything about this router except the Plunge Mechanism is too stiff (and perhaps the position of the switch).
You really have to use quite a bit of force for plunging the router and this is inconvenient in some situations like when doing a mortise.
Rating: 
(4
out of 5) @ 2008-12-03
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Bad trigger
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I have had two and both triggers have gone out. They will not work after very few uses. There is a problem with this product.
Rating: 
(2
out of 5) @ 2008-11-16
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Great router with a not so great on/off switch
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I have had this router in my shop for a couple of years now, and it does a great job. The soft-start and speed control features make it nice for hand held and router table applications. My only gripe is the on/off switch. My router spends a lot of time in a router table, and even with pretty descent dust collection, the switch gets packed with sawdust so that the contacts won't close. If you at all handy, it's pretty easy to remove and clean the sawdust out of the switch or replace the switch if the contacts are damaged from arcing. I keep an extra switch around just in case. If you are going to use this router in a table, I would advise plugging it into a switched receptacle and just leaving the on/on switch on all the time.
Rating:
(4
out of 5) @ 2008-11-16
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Bad Switch ... Bad Design
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If you ever plan to use this router mounted in a table pass it by. Purchase a different brand.
I have owned the router for a little over one year. It is table mounted and used infrequently.
I have had to replace the switch numerous times. The service tech told me that this is a common problem with this router, if table mounted, because of dust build up within the switch.
Now after only 40 minutes of use it has failed again. Bosch offers no help and based on the history of the problem, dating back many years for other owners, it appears this very expensive router will become nothing more then a paper weight.
No Warranty ... No Help ... No Quality
Rating: 
(1
out of 5) @ 2008-11-12
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