Bosch 1619EVS 15 Amp 3-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Plunge Base Router with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

Ok first of all let me say if you going to have only one router, this is the one to buy. I'm not going to go into everything that's great about it because the other reviews do it so well. Here is the bad. - Dust Collector is flimsy. I broke mine in the first month, it tipped over and cracked off the collector. When it wasn't broken the dust collector was awesome. Since I can't seem to find a replacment, I just rigged it using duct tape and some glue. - I wish they had not put the power cord on the top, it be great to be able to stand the thing on its head to change bits. with the dust collector on the tool it makes it a little ackward in changing bits. - The manual is well a bit vague on a lot of the details, but you will quickly figure things out. Pretty simple tool all in all. I know I'm being extremely pick and if bosch had to fix those things...I would say the 1619 was PERFECT. All in all, knowing what i know now about the tool if the thing had to break down tomorrow I'd buy it again. This was my first bosch product and it certainly won't be my last based on the performance of this tool. - Update: June 30, 2007. Still going strong. I love this router extremely accurate plunge routing(though a little stiff). I have done some stressfull routes and haven't taxed the motor. Bought a new dust collection hood for hand held dust collection and now hang a hose from a bungie cord from the ceiling...a world of difference dust collection is now a breaze. I still don't like the fact that with the dust collection hood on there really isn't a side in which to lay it down for changing bits or just because I don't want to release the depth. P.S. found the parts i needed by calling bosch parts and service...they were great. Overall Very happy - I'd buy it again.

I originally bought the 3 1/4 hp fixed base Porter Cable router thinking it was the best and after a couple of uses it broke on me. I wrote a review on my experience. While the router was being fixed I decided to purchase this model and I barely use the PC anymore. I do not use this router for freehand work. For me these are too big and bulky. This is parked in my router table only and it handles raised panel bits with under cutter with ease. I always make two passes with my wood. I have experienced very little side to side play when raising or lowering the bit and the spring release mechanism is a great idea. I got tired of turning the PC motor around and dealing with trying to fumble around for the speed selection bar. This doesnt happen with the Bosch model. The fine and course adjustment work well and I don't even need to add a router raizer to the Bosch. The motor, although loud, seems quieter than the Hitachi and PC brands. I am very happy with its performance and it has been running great for the past 8 months with heavy use. Glad I got this model.

First, I have to say that this is my first router so I don't have another one to compare it to. I bought it because of the great reviews I found on this site. I still have some experimenting to do but I have used it for routing hinges and strike plates. Initially I am impressed with the power of the tool. I still find the plunging a bit awkward as I am not always sure that I am pushing the router down all the way. With the attachments for dust collecting it makes it very difficult to see the work area. I did find that the dust collection works great! After a few tests using a hinge template I felt that the router was doing an excellent job. I found the weight of the router (13 lbs) to be a bit prohibitive when using the plastic templates I was using to rout the door. The weight was loosening the nails that hold the template in place. I found that the adjusting knob moves a bit when pushing down the lever that locks it in place. Overall it performs very well and it is built well. I don't feel like I am using one of my son's plastic tools. I have other Bosch tools so I can vouch for their effectiveness.

This is a great router if you are really into woodworking, in other words you know what you are doing. It comes in and out of the router tables with ease (takes me from free hand routing to in table ready to go about 30min). Also the speed control is great. However getting bits out of the 1/2 inch collet can be a pain, quit often I need to get out a screw drive to get the collet to release from the router, I know the bit should seat snuggly but this one almost sitts too tight. Would I buy it again, yes its a great versitile router in all kinds of woods, but would I recomend it to someone entry level or using it for home remodeling work no.

The Bosch1619EVS is top of the line. The soft start lets you ease into your work. You can change bits quickly and easily with one wrench thanks to an easily accessible locking mechanism. For grins, I decided to use it to trim some laminate on a workstation I had just completed and it absolutely flew through the job. I may discard my tiny battery powered laminate trimmer. The router is well balanced and stable with plenty of power to spare. The start is on the right handgrip so it is very easy and convenient to use. The plunge release is within thumb's reach of the left handgrip. There are coarse and fine depth adjustments which are helpful and easy to use. I have no complaints. I am a female so this router is a bit heavy for me but I do not consider that a significant problem and it hasn't stopped me in the least. October 8, 2015 - This router is the best! It has had no problems to date and is still going strong.

It's a pretty solid unit. Most of the difficulties I have with it are due to me being a novice with routers. As advertised it does a good job maintaining RPM through knots in wood. I find the height adjustment mechanism (in the router table) to be a little clunky.

serious router that went under my table, kind of heavy but height tuning is awesome!! really good tool but a big one