Bosch recently introduced routers that it claims have the highest power-to-weight ratio in the industry. We believe them. The 1618EVS is a member of Bosch's new Magnesium line. This variable-speed router features a stout 2-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's 1617 model features this same motor in a base that has two nicely finished, hard maple, knob-style handles: it's prettier than the 1618 but not quite as easy to grip.)
Something Bosch engineers are proudest of is 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 1618EVS also has soft start and electronic variable speed, more or less industry standards today. 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
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Broken chip sheild:
I am satisfied with the router (I have several others} my disappointmentis with the lack of results when I e-mailed Bosch that the chip sheild arrived broken. They replied that a replacement would be sent, it's been over two wks. I decided to repair the broken sheild.
R.J.Cantermen
I bought this router on 09/03/2008 and notified Bosch about above problem and promised replament in 2 wks.,when I got no repronse in 3- 4 wks. I gave up, however in fairness to Bosch I received the sheid at the end of... more info
Great Router:
I bought the Bosch 1619 EVS 3 1/4 hp router at the same time as this one. The Bosch 1619 is a plunge router and is much, much heavier. I like the size and weight of the 1618 better. I also like the ability to take out the motor and put it into a plunge or under-table base as the need arises. The reversible auxiliary handle is a nice feature for anyone left handed.
So good, and could be better:
I just got one of these, so what I offer here are just my initial impressions. If I think of anything to add after using it a while I'll update or replace this review. I originally bought a Porter-Cable 690LRVS 11 Amp 1-3/4 Horsepower Fixed Base Variable Speed Router, but was disappointed in the adjustment mechanism, so I decided to go ahead and spring for this. The Bosch isn't perfect, but I can tell I'll be happier with it that I would have been with the Porter-Cable. So here are some thoughts: - The... more info
After rebuild - it's a good router:
I brought the new 1618EVS to the job and after routing D pine for all togeather maybe 3 hrs. (NOT continuous running time) I smoked the motor. After a long conversation with the authorized tool service center I sent it in for a complete motor rebuild. They assured me it would come back assembled to tighter specs. than what it was manufactured at. I was skeptical that it would be returned to me in any decent workable condition yet two years later I'm still milling trim with it. However I'm still waiting for... more info
