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Base adjustment and ergonomics are superb. I am very pleased with this router. The smooth fairly quiet motor is a pleasant surprise. A router doesn't have to look like a StarWars character. Another solid Bosch power tool.
Its the best in its price range.(Plus those maple handles just look so damn good).----EDIT----FYI.Just after writing this review the router just died. So far it has done everything I have asked of it and more. I've had this router for over a year now, mounted under a table. It was ten months old. I'm only working with hard woods and it has never bogged down or frozen any bits. More than enough power. I had to send it in to Bosch TWICE to get it to work again. Very disappointing.
Quite frankly, this unit is probably more than a DIY amateur like myself requires. I wanted a basic router with adequate power to do some simple remodeling jobs around the house and this model has been perfect. Although I am not familiar with them, the Skil and Craftman routers would probably serve my purposes and be far cheaper. I do not need to make blind dados and therefore did not need a plunge unit. I do not use larger bits and therefore did not require variable speed. The Bosch is really meant to be heavily used by professionals and serious woodworking hobbyists. But if you have the money, I recommend this model highly.
Nice. I was going to spend the extra for the 2HP version but I tested this one first. This router is perfect. and the handles feel great. More than enough power. It comes with a 1/2" and 1/4" collet. I've cut rails and stiles and raised panels with it in a router table and it handled it like a champ. Bosch make the best fixed base router on the market, Hands Down.
It was an outdated design, very noisy, and underpowered. The machine is relatively quiet (for a router)and the quality of construction is top notch. The 690 was called the "Screaming Dinosaur". I needed a fixed base router for my Leigh Jig and was originally going to purchase the P.C 690. Router speed controls cut you horsepower as well as your speed. It is very powerful, and the depth adjustment is very precise, very easy to use and just cant be beat.
Great Service.The more I use this router, the more I like it.
Someone even commented that it torqued it's way out of a router table.
I know where to set the jig, and the dovetails come out perfect every time.For general purpose use, I highly recommend spending the extra money on the variable speed model.
After some inquiring on a woodworking bulliten board, I decided not to purchase the P.C.
This router is so precise and consistent, I do not need to make test cuts for the dovetail pins on my Leigh Jig.
Ouch.I picked up a refurbished Bosch 1617 at an auction and when it arrived it was damaged.
Fortunately, Bosch was the seller and they rectified the situation by sending me a brand new non refurbished model.
When you run larger bits (which this machine can handle) you need a slower speed.
The variable speed version of this router has electronic feedback which maintains you horsepower while reducing the speed.
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