Bosch vs. Dewalt Router

gtvrb · #1 10-28-2011, 05:49 PM

I am looking into getting a new router. At the local store the Bosch and Dewalt were about the same price ($200) with two bases. Which is the better machine? Specs looked about the same but the dewalt had a 3 yr warranty while the bosch only had 1.
Thanks

Beauchene Implements · #2 10-28-2011, 06:22 PM

Do a search, someone asked the same question earlier this year. A lot of different opinions.

**Mulebagger** · #3 10-28-2011, 06:32 PM

25 years in carpentry and I'd tell you for my money, Bosch makes the best router. Sure you can find fancier or more expensive ones, but the bosh is a fantastic tool. Solid, well made, smooth running, good features.

My first Bosch router I still use and it's like 20 yrs old. Same for my Makita circular saws.

Anything I've owned that is DeWalt has died out on me or broken down with the exception of one table saw.

Bottom line, when I have to do some heavy duty, clean, accurate routing, I only think Bosch.

Hopkins · #4 10-28-2011, 06:33 PM

Both are good brands. Can't really go wrong either way.

**Mulebagger** · #5 10-28-2011, 06:40 PM

Make sure to buy good carbide bits as a tool will only work well with good sharp cutting surfaces. It will stress the tool less and prolong the life of the tool as well.

Musiclogic · #6 10-28-2011, 07:00 PM

I am also a Bosch fan, I have 2 1613 EVS's(before the power was downgraded). One is my main router and have had it for 12 years without fail. I had a 3 horse Dewalt, and it worked great also, so I think you could do worse. The 1 advantage to the DeWalt ist that you can buy a baseplate to use Porter Cable bushings. Other than that, I would choose the Bosch just from my experience with both.

harrybosch · #7 10-28-2011, 07:40 PM

I was probably the one that posted a similar question. I ended going with the bosch though the dewalt is also very nice. I can say from experience the Bosch 1617 kicks ass. I have the fixed bass attached to my router table and use the plunge for everything else. It is extremely accurate and very easy to make depth adjustments. Go with the bosch.

tjclem · #8 10-28-2011, 08:27 PM

Porter Cable man myself. Good luck with your router hunt!

KramerDon · #9 10-28-2011, 08:33 PM

I've got a Bosch dishwasher,washer&dryer,18Vcordless drill,corded hammerdrill & UP+ bread mixer and I've been impressed with them all.
I've got a Porter Cable 690 router that I got free with my Delta jointer and I'm happy with it for a lighter duty router but I always look to see if Bosch makes one first before I buy a new "toy".

Jazzdogg · #10 10-28-2011, 09:23 PM

I've been very happy with my Bosch 1617EVSPK.

That said, you might also want to consider the Porter Cable 890-series. The router accessories market favors PC routers by a wide margin. If you own a PC router, you'll be able to find router accessories just about everywhere in the USA, and you'll be able to use them off-the-shelf without modification. With other brands, you may not have as many choices, and accessories may be more difficult to find.

I do a lot of pattern routing, and prefer PC-style threaded bushings over Bosch's proprietary bushings. Fortunately, the Bosch router accepts PC base plates, making it easy to use PC guide bushings.

My PC routers have been bulletproof road warriors, but they're a bit more expensive.

Pat Warner's router website offers lots of useful information; check it out here:
www.patwarner.com

Good luck!

tedsalt · #11 10-28-2011, 09:30 PM

I've got a couple of Porter Cables. They are the standard against which other routers are compared. Alot of router tables, etc are set up first and foremost for Porter Cable routers. That said, I'm sure the Boschs are good also, I just don't have any experience with those.

Beauchene Implements · #12 10-28-2011, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrybosch

I was probably the one that posted a similar question. I ended going with the bosch though the dewalt is also very nice. I can say from experience the Bosch 1617 kicks ass. I have the fixed bass attached to my router table and use the plunge for everything else. It is extremely accurate and very easy to make depth adjustments. Go with the bosch.

Haha, yeah, that was your thread I was referring to.

harrybosch · #13 10-28-2011, 09:59 PM

I looked at the PC's but did not like the depth adjustment on the ones I looked at. I'm sure they're great since they are pretty much the industry standard.

Christ Groove · #14 10-28-2011, 10:10 PM

Porter Cable. I like my Bosch routers but the Porter Cable stuff is just "right". Don't underestimate the value of being able to get the accessory you want when you need it (without having to adapt it).

And, the 1.75 HP 690 has power like some compaines 3 HP models. No electric routers beat em. And for your $200, you can get a package that includes both fixed base and plunge bases (both valuable for differnt types of work).

Good luck!

searchfunction · #15 10-29-2011, 07:49 PM

I actually work for Bosch, but we make automation. A few times a year, they will have a tool sale and we can get all the Bosch and Skil tools for 50% off. If anyone thinks they may need a Bosch tool in the future, PM me with the tool model numbers and I'll keep a look out for it.