1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base Router

This is an excellent router. I'm using it in my router table. I like the compactness and ease of fitting into the router lift. The variable speed dial is helpful in matching speed to router bit size. I have another of the same make/model which I use for hand routing on a variety of projects. I also use it on the dovetail jig setup. The router is powerful and quite versatile. I have a dust collection system rigged up so routing is not so messy. The router is solid when handheld. The switch is on the motor. I sometimes think it would be safer to have it by the hand grips.

I’ve been using the Bosch 1617EVS in a router table setup, and it’s performed flawlessly for profile and rabbeting work. The power delivery is smooth and consistent, with no bogging down even under load. Whether I’m running along hardwood edges or cutting rabbets, it delivers clean, precise results every time. The soft-start feature is definitely noticeable, ramping up to speed smoothly and reducing that jolt you sometimes get with high-powered routers. The variable speed dial is easy to access and adjust, making it simple to match the bit speed to different materials and bit types. While I don’t use it handheld, I can say the build feels rugged and well-made. It’s clearly built for the long haul. Bit changes are straightforward, though it can be a little tight when mounted to a router table - still manageable with a good setup. Overall, I give it 5 stars. Whether you’re a beginner, hobbyist, or even a pro, this router has the power, precision, and reliability to handle a wide range of tasks. If you’re mounting it to a router table, it’s an excellent choice that won't let you down.

This router is as good as everyone else says - smooth, precision adjustments and speed regulation and powerful. Half-inch and quarter-inch shank bits fit and grip really well. Some notes when using with accessories, including the Bosch benchtop router table: The included router base with handles fits the Bosch benchtop router table and allows adjustment from either the top using an included hex key, or from a knob below. I find no need to adjust from the top with the hex key -- the fine built-in height adjustment knob is easier to use because one must always latch or unlatch the router prior to height adjustment. The hardwood handles may be left in-place when mounting the router on the Bosch table. There is no need to buy another under-table base if mounting to a Bosch table. The Bosch router table uses just 3 small #10-32 machine screws with no thrust or lock washers to hold this beast onto the router plate. Two straight, open-ended wrenches come with the router. I find no advantage or need to use offset wrenches when this router is mounted to the Bosch table. It would take a total redesign of the table to make it take three instead of five hands and a foot to change bits - the straight wrenches work fine once one gets the hang of it. Try the included wrenches before ordering the offset wrenches. Big bits work great. We needed to create relief / backout cuts on some custom hemlock moulding. I used a Freud 12-182 1-1/2 inch bottom cleaning bit set to a fairly shallow backout. The result was amazing. Effortless cutting, clean, no chatter. The motor speed regulation during cutting was excellent. This router is a great tool so far. I wish that I could say the same for the very poorly designed, very disappointing Bosch router table that works better than nothing. This nice router that deserves something much better.

I've been looking for a good router motor for my router table that has a really nice dust collection in the bottom of the case, and so far I've used a DeWalt and one from woodpeck.com and both died quickly due to the way the dust chips are handled in the motor. The most expensive one was sold as it's purpose was designed to be in a router table. It died the quickest. I tried this one after getting refunds for the other motors and so far this one has lasted longer than the others. The way the motor is cooled and the dust is handled at the bit end looks like it might actually handle the router table I have okay. This router has plenty of power, the bit changes are easy to do, even in a router table, and the variable speed works great! Since I'm not using the base that came with the router, I can't speak to adjustments and how it locks, but just looking at how it goes together and comparing that to a hand held trim router I have of the same style I believe it would be a good tool there as well.

Mine came new from Bosch but was pretty scuffed from poor packing. Included tools are minimal but I guess it is all you need... It works well. I put it into a handheld router similar to Shaper.

This is my 2nd 1617. So very happy with my first that is in my router table, I wanted a second for other uses, Why not ? Quality and the price was the best around.

I'm an avid DIY'er and replaced 10 interior doors recently using the Bosch 1617EVS router, Ryiobi door hinge installation and door latch kits, and Dewalt door lock installation kit. It was easy cutting the hinge recesses, door handle holes, and latches with these tools. I recommend using all of these. I bought door blanks. A few were too wide which I cut with a table saw. I simply laid an old door on the saw with as a bed with 2x4's supporting the outer edges. This worked fine. A couple were too long which I cut with a skill saw. The Ryobi hinge guide was perfect to guide the router cutting of hinge recesses. It mounts firmly and is precise including router bit depth setting. Be sure to let the router stop before removing it from the jig. This eliminates cutting into plastic noted in the other reviews. The Bosch router is great. It starts very smoothly with a controlled spinup. I felt no vibration and it was easy to control and guide. This is my first router and am very impressed. The Dewalt door lock install kit worked great to cut the door and lock mechanism holes. I just cut carefully to avoid chewing into the plastic. I had an extra 1" hole saw to cut the lock mechanism hole. The guide firmly attaches to the door. The Ryobi door latch kit was the only weak link. Ryobi needs to provide a router guide to cut the latches like the hinge kit. It's hard to hold the template steady and parallel to the door while striking with a hammer. Like others, I used wood chisels to remove the wood and a dremel with cutting tool to round the corners.

I've been a Bosch fan for the last several years, ever since I bought a Bosch Colt (small/compact) router. It was a quality, precision tool, and I started buying most of my tools with that brand since then. I used to favor Milwaukee, loving both my Sawzall and my 3/8" drill. When Milwaukee came out with their fancy designs on their battery operated hand tools, I thought I'd look around for something that wasn't quite as glitzy. That's when I tried the PS31 12Volt, 3/8" hand drill. About a dozen or so power hand tools later, they have almost always been Bosch. This one is corded for use with my table mount, but it's of the same high quality and precision that I've been accustomed to.