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

• Bosch RA1125 7-Piece Router Template Guide Set

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

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. My only regret is that it did not come in a kit with a plunge base as the 1617 does. I repeated the steel wool treatment followed it by a wiping of clear shellac and so far so good. 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. This is the third router I've purchased, and about the sixth I've seriously used, and it is an excellent tool.

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. 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 made the mistake of leaving it out in an unheated garage one winter and the motor body oxidized, making the depth adjustment unbearably stiff. 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. 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 specifically wanted a D handle and am glad I specified this particular unit. 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 recommend it. I am impressed with the 1618 and its oodles of power and smoothness.

One nice feature is that the base edge (all 360 degrees) is dimensionally constant in relation to the bit. Then you may opt for a larger model. I would buy this router again and have no complaints. This is a quality built router. The microfine depth adjustment is another great feature along with the resettable indicator ring.

I've used it for many different applications. 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.

In my shop I use lots of routers for specific jobs ans have tried lots of brands. 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 produces extra smooth cuts in all woods with many different types of router bits. This is the best router this size I have ever owned. This 1 3/4 HP router is hands down the best I have used. It costs a little more than a PC but, as in most things, you get what you pay for. It's quiet, smooth, and very easy to control thanks to the D-handle design.

The d-handle significantly enhances control of the machine, particularly during edge treatments. I have nothing bad to say.even the collet works easily. The fit and finish on it is great. This is my fourth router and so far, it is the best of the lot. 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 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. The Bosch router is very quiet for a router; much quieter than my Sears, Makita 3612B plunge router, or Dewalt.