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Bosch 1618 1-3/4-Horsepower D-Handle Router

Today's tips: "Best is reviewing several wood working tools first, prior to purchasing ..."

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Publisher: Bosch

Brand: Bosch
List Price: $332.00
Our Price: $185.40
You Save: $ 146.60 ( 44% )
(prices subject to change)

Average Customer Ratings:

This review refers to the new model of this tool. This is a reconditioned power tool. Reconditioned generally means that the tool has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the tool back to like-new condition. Some tools may contain cosmetic blemishes. Reconditioned tools come with the same warranty as their new counterparts.

Bosch recently introduced routers that it claims have the highest power-to-weight ratio in the industry. We believe them. The 1618B is a member of Bosch's new Magnesium line. This router features a stout 11-amp, 1-3/4-horsepower motor coupled with an all-magnesium base and housing. The result is a lightweight, well-balanced, and smooth-operating machine that offers fast results in demanding applications. The D-handle provides excellent control--especially when reaching and turning on and off--and the auxiliary handle reverses, which is handy.

Bosch engineers are very proud of what they call the "precision centering system," which makes the router bit track at true center. It's an important feature for multiple-pass applications like jig cutting, and fine woodworkers will particularly appreciate it. Ease of height adjustment is a way of measuring quality in routers, and Bosch has come up with a system that works as well as any we've tested. A large flip lever releases the motor for adjusting. Rather than twisting as the height changes, the motor raises and drops in a straight path. The result is a simple and smooth-working course-adjust that couples with an efficient microadjust to make fine-tuning the depth of cut easy and accurate. Removing the motor from the base is a similar operation: simply release the flip lever, depress the course-adjustment lever, slide the motor out until it stops, then turn the motor counterclockwise and pull. It couldn't be easier, and there's no thumbscrew to wrestle with. Anyone who switches bases frequently will appreciate this design.

The collet is self-releasing, which means there's no need to tap the spindle to change bits, and the collet depth is 13/16 of an inch, a few 16ths deeper than that of DeWalt or Porter-Cable--one more weapon in Bosch's battle for a truly centered bit. --Mark McDonald


DESCRIPTION:

Binding: Tools & Hardware
Brand: Bosch
EAN: 0000346304749
Feature: Coarse and microfine bit depth adjustment system with resettable depth indicator
Label: Bosch
Manufacturer: Bosch
Model: 1618
Publisher: Bosch
Studio: Bosch


FEATURES:

• Coarse and microfine bit depth adjustment system with resettable depth indicator
• Exclusive Precision Centering Design centers bit precisely
• Large 3-3/4" base opening plus 2" subbase opening accepts large bits
• Tool-free templet guide adapter for fast and easy templet guide changes
• Magnesium construction, durable and lightweight



ACCESSORIES:

• Kreg PRS3020 True-FLEX Featherboard - Twin Pack
• Bosch RA1171 Cabinet Style Router Table
• BOSCH RA1181 Benchtop Router Table
• CMT 800.505.11 13-Piece 1/2" Shank Router Bit Set
• Bosch RA1054 Deluxe Router Edge Guide With Dust Extraction Hood & Vacuum Hose Adapter


SIMILAR ITEMS:

• Bosch RA1125 7-Piece Router Template Guide Set
• Bosch 2610996005 Case (For Models 1617B, 1617 EVS, 1618B, 1618EVS)
• Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor
• Bosch RA1054 Deluxe Router Edge Guide With Dust Extraction Hood & Vacuum Hose Adapter
• Bosch PR10E Colt Single-Speed Palm-Grip Router


CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

Customer Rating:
Summary: superior all-around router
Comment: This is the third router I've purchased, and about the sixth I've seriously used, and it is an excellent tool. It has plenty of power, and is still light and agile enough to make it the first router I try to use for every project. I bought it in part to replace a 1.5 hp router I had given away, and I can't tell that it weighs any more than the 1.5 hp model. It is a bit bigger around, and is at the limits of what I can "one-hand."

I have owned this router for about 3 years and it shows no significant signs of wear. I made the mistake of leaving it out in an unheated garage one winter and the motor body oxidized, making the depth adjustment unbearably stiff. I buffed it with steel wool and the depth adjustment again worked smoothly until it reoxidized (apparently ther is a coating on the original motor housing). I repeated the steel wool treatment followed it by a wiping of clear shellac and so far so good. Despite my mucking around, I've never had any perceptible problem with the motor being off-center in the base.

I found the trigger lock button too short to make it ergonomically useful, so I replaced the plastic button with a slightly longer machine screw the head of which I turned down in a drill press.

I bought this because I really wanted to try a D-handle router, and if this is your object I'm confident you won't be disappointed. My only regret is that it did not come in a kit with a plunge base as the 1617 does. In fact, if I were just breaking into woodworking and wanted to buy only one router to fulfill all of my forseeable wants I would get the 1617 with the fixed and the plunge bases; it is simply too cost effective to pass over.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Fine Machinery
Comment: I got this little gem earlier this year to replace an old Craftsman antique that still "works." I didn't get a chance to use it 'til last week making some cabinet doors. It's like the difference between driving an old used car (it gets you there) and a new BMW (it also gets you there, but the experience is rather different). I am impressed with the 1618 and its oodles of power and smoothness. I specifically wanted a D handle and am glad I specified this particular unit. I recommend it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent Router
Comment: This is a quality built router. I've used it for many different applications. One nice feature is that the base edge (all 360 degrees) is dimensionally constant in relation to the bit. This produces accurate work when you use a fence or a "clamp & tool" guide. Of all the routers I have used, this one ranks among the top in quality. It has plenty of power unless you are using shaper sized router bits. Then you may opt for a larger model. The microfine depth adjustment is another great feature along with the resettable indicator ring. I would buy this router again and have no complaints.
Customer Rating:
Summary: SMOOTH!!
Comment: This is the best router this size I have ever owned. In my shop I use lots of routers for specific jobs ans have tried lots of brands. This 1 3/4 HP router is hands down the best I have used. It's quiet, smooth, and very easy to control thanks to the D-handle design. It produces extra smooth cuts in all woods with many different types of router bits. As I said, I have tried many different brands (Porter-Cable, Dewalt, Ryobi, Craftsman) with only the Porter Cable 690 even coming close in terms of quality. It costs a little more than a PC but, as in most things, you get what you pay for.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Bosch D-handle router
Comment: This is my fourth router and so far, it is the best of the lot. The d-handle significantly enhances control of the machine, particularly during edge treatments. I expect it will be a great help with dovetails too, when I get around to doing some drawers in a couple of months. The Bosch router is very quiet for a router; much quieter than my Sears, Makita 3612B plunge router, or Dewalt. The fit and finish on it is great. I have nothing bad to say....even the collet works easily. The Bosch fellows have hit a home run; remember though that the Porter-Cable folks still have a lock on after-market add-ons for their equipment if you are so inclined.

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