Accessories

Workhorse
I love trhis kit!!!!!!The plunge router base is excellent. Great plunge action-easy to operate. Fixed base is well balanced. Love the feel of the wood knobs on the fixed base. Only gripe is motor is magnesuim and gets a gray oxidation on it that makes putting motor in either base difficult. Silicone dry lube sprayed on the motor and bases solves this problem(w/ extreme care taken to keep lube off and out of collet and out of motor).Oddly Craftsman Professional kit which is made by bosch has polished metal on the motor making insertion of motor easy.

The 1617PK can be converted to EVS
I'm not sure why anyone would buy this 1617PK on Amazon when the variable speed version 1617EVSPK is available for a lower price. Variable speed is critical to control as the size of the router bit changes -- larger bits need to run at lower RPM. Anyways, I did buy this 1617PK because it was on mega-clearance at Lowes. After some schematic research, I found there are only 4 things different between the 1617PK and 1617EVSPK: the EVSPK has an added speed control, larger motor housing cover for the added speed control, and a different armature and field (the motor itself). I bought the speed control and cover for $30 through a local tool repair shop and now I have essentially the 1617EVSPK router for a steal of a price. It's not exactly the same because I didn't upgrade the armature and field...which would have drawn 1.0 more amps and provided about 1/4 more HP. So my point is that if you already have this single speed router, all is not lost and you can convert it to EVS if you really want, but if you haven't bought this, buy the EVSPK to begin with.

I own a Bosch 1613EVS plunge router and love it but wanted a dual base system too. Bosch routers are known for comfort and precision. They're kind of like the Toyota's of tools: well engineered tools that aren't the very best but consistently high performing and long lasting. The irritating things about this 1617PK/EVSPK router are the lack of a built-in dust control connection/system, non-centered base that requires the purchase of a centering cone or bit, and proprietary guide bushing system that requires an adapter to use the Porter-Cable standard guide bushings. Small things that I bought accessories to address but would've been better if they were part of the kit. Because of those things, I was convinced I would eventually get the Porter Cable 894VK combo kit until I heard how bad the plunge was on it. It's perfect on the Bosch, with Bosch being pretty much the only brand that covers its plunge posts to prevent dust from entering. The only other thing I don't like is that, unlike my 1613EVS plunge router, the 1617 doesn't have an on/off trigger on the plunge handle. But in the end, I'm a Bosch loyalist and because of the Lowes clearance, I now have two Bosch routers and am happy with both.

This router is awesome
It has been over 20 years since I did any sort of woodworking in junior high school shop class, and am just now starting to get back into it. Somewhere along the line I decided that I needed to get a router, so after reading lots and lots of stuff, I got the 1617PK. I think it is probably the best power tool I have purchased so far.

Tonight I used the router for the first time. Actually, it was the first time I have EVER used a router. I am very very impressed! I had absolutely no problems with the thing getting bogged down, even when I hit a knot in a piece of plywood. It just went right through it and there was no speed change at all.

This router is built like a tank, too. I have never seen a power tool that just looked beautiful. This thing does. The fit and finish is most excellent.

Nice little unit
Good power, pretty easy to change bits. I had a little trouble changing to the plunge set up. Very good visability. I wish the power swich was a little easier to get to while holding router, it seems that it took a little fumbeling to switch it off in a hurry when I needed to but over all I am very happy with the buy.

A man and his router
If your a serious woodworker like I am, or an occasional do it your-selfer you must appreciate the qualities of a good
router. I've owned and used many different brands, but
for the price and the quality you can't go wrong with a Bocsh. If you want ease of operation, easy adjustments, great control and one of the best templet guides available. TWO THUMBS UP get a Bocsh!