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Routers: Bosch 1617EVS vs Porter-Cable 892

Bosch 1617EVS or Porter-Cable 892?

  • Bosch 1617EVS

    Votes: 5 83.3%

  • Porter-Cable 892

    Votes: 1 16.7%
  • Total voters
    6
HaMMerHeD

HaMMerHeD

May 20, 2005
4,883
3,665
#1
Hello, folks.

I am building a new router table, as my existing one is having some issues. I knew nothing about router tables and only barely knew anything about the way I was going to use a router table when I built it, so now that I know a thing or two, I am rebuilding it. And by that, I mean I'm tossing the whole thing and building a new one. (If anyone in the central Oklahoma area wants it, they can have it. It'll need a new stand, though.)

I'm also installing a dedicated router into it, and I've narrowed it down to one of two choices: The Bosch 1617EVS and the Porter-Cable 892. Specification-wise, they are almost identical. They both come with 1/4" and 1/2" collets. They are both 15 amp motors. They are both soft start, variable speed routers with sealed power switches. The 892's speed can vary from 10k-23k, and the 1617EVS is from 8k-25k. They are both highly recommended by general woodworkers. The Bosch costs $167.50, and the Porter-Cable costs $180, so the cost difference is, to me at least, negligible.

I will be using a JessEm router lift, so I don't care about the base, or any accessories that go with the base. I know that there are zillions of accessories available for Porter-Cable router bases, but that won't benefit me here.

So basically, I'm asking for recommendations from fellow bass builders. Do you have the Bosch? Do you have the Porter-Cable? Do you have both? What are your thoughts? If you were to buy one, which would it be?

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Thanks!
 
#2
There is no real advantage or disadvantage for either one in this case, as both are basically identical spec wise, and both very good routers. I guess I would probably just save the $12.50 and go with the Bosch
 
#3
I just went through this research for a while and ended up with the Dewalt DW618. Used a Harbor Freight 20% coupon at Lowes (they only gave me 10%) and I got the 2 year extended warranty. 5 years of warranty vs 1 year of the Bosch and PC on a highly repped router. I will be using the plunge and fixed bases and building a table since I dont have a dedicated router.
 
#5
Meh. The Dewalt failure point is the magnetic VS ring. The Bosch's is its switching. I can’t remember the complaints on the PC. If you read enough reviews you will see they all have a weakness or POF that bites some people.

I just couldn’t believe Bosch only offers 1 year backing on their product. That was the final tipping point, as I don’t have the cash for tools to die after a year with no recourse.
 
#6
I've not had good luck with DeWalt tools in the past, so I shy away from them in general. Also, my understanding is that the Bosch switch problem was fixed years ago when they changed to a sealed system. The DeWalt is also underpowered compared to the Bosch and Porter-Cable. It may not be a big deal to some, but the 618 is a 12A motor, vs 15A for the 1617EVS and 892.
 
#7
I would buy Bosch or Porter Cable over Dewalt any day. I've had my Porter Cable router for years with no problems, while I have had not so good luck with anything Dewalt makes.
 
#11
Ah, you are correct, they are all 12A motors. I was mistaken. I'm not sure where I got that information...maybe some inaccurate reviews or something I read somewhere.

Anyway, power notwithstanding, I still wouldn't buy a DeWalt tool more critical than a power screwdriver. I'm going with the Porter-Cable for this project. It has a shaft-lock lever so only one wrench is needed for bit changes. The Bosch uses two wrenches, which I do not like.

And I see that precisebits.com has sets of precision collets and collet nuts for both routers, from 1/8" all the way up to 1/2", so I can use more interesting machine cutters in the table. So that'll be fun.
 
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#12
It sounds like specs-wise, the two are pretty much equal. If such is the case, there are other considerations as well. Since you're planning to dedicate it to your new router table, the things I think you need to look at most are a) how easy is it to change bits b) how easy is it to set the bit depth and c) are you happy and comfortable with the way the bits are held in place. If one router has an advantage over the other in these instances, that might be the way to go.

I've used a Porter-Cable router many years ago (unlikely this model) and it did what it was supposed to do. The Bosch would likely do the same. I don't think you'll go wrong either way.
 
#13
I have used that Bosch extensively and it has served me well. I have not use the porter cable so I can't compare, but based on my experience, the Bosch is an excellent choice. Especially with the plunge base. That thing rocks.
 
#14
I ended up returning the DeWalt and got the Bosch after all the opinion here. I especially liked that it now includes easy above table adjustments, which as I build my router table it wont have a lift. This will make adjustments a ton easier.

I used a harbor freight 20% coupon and the blue box store honored it. I added their 2 year additional protection plan so I still have 3 years of coverage.
 
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