Bosch has launched a new 18V cordless router, GKF18V, and it sports the same Colt branding found on their corded versions.
The new Bosch 18V router features “optimal performance and portability,” and Bosch claims it offers “the best power-to-size ratio in its class.”
The router features a 1.39 “peak horsepower” brushless motor that operates at 10,000 to 30,000 RPM.
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It has a soft-start, and also drop detection that shuts off the motor if it falls.
Bosch adds that the cordless Colt router is backwards compatible “with all pr20 accessories.”
It’s kitted with a compact 4Ah battery, charger, plunge base, dust collection attachments, parallel edge guide, and an L-Boxx tool case.
The bare tool comes with the same, but without the battery, charger, and tool box.
Price: $399 for the kit (GKF18V-25PL14), $219 for tool-only (GKF18V-25N)
Discussion
Given the limited information available to us, the new Bosch cordless router looks to be competitive spec’ed, and there are some nice touches that might help users forget about the late timing.
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A growing number of competing cordless power tool brands have already launched full-size 18V-class routers, and Bosch is only now launching an 18V-powered compact 1/4″ trim router.
Does the “best power-to-size ratio in its class” part mean it’s more powerful than competing models? More compact?
Drop detection is good, and something we don’t normally think about. This is usually done with a paddle switch, but that’s not feasible with a compact router. Even if there’s a remote chance of dropping a powered router, it’s not like a user can simply pull the power cord out of an AC outlet as with a corded tool.
Backwards compatible with Bosch’s corded/AC powered Colt routers, or at least PR20 line? This something I’d expect, but it’s still welcome.
My Take
Looks good, but it’s too late for me to care about outside of academic and ToolGuyd interests. It doesn’t push the tool category or industry forward, it’s simply Bosch catching up to competitors.
On top of that, my sentiments towards Bosch USA soured around 2019, and have yet to recover.
To put it plainly, the new Bosch cordless router looks competitive and interesting, but I would not buy it unless I bought into the Bosch 18V platform exclusively.
Robert
$400 for a trim router kit doesn’t seem competitive pricing. I would think the audience for a trim router is somewhat price sensitive.
Stuart
Makita’s XGT kit is $519.
If prices bother you, wait for a deal on the bare tools.
Robert
Stuart, the prices don’t bother me per se, as I am set for routers at much better prices. I obtained the Dewalt DCW600B XR trim router for $100, and earlier the Bosch 23EVS kitted router for $230. The 23EVS isn’t exactly apples and oranges versus this new Bosch trim router, as mine is corded, likely far more powerful, and I suspect still more refined features (reviews are still giving kudus for that). I know some folks get trim routers because the bigger routers cost too much. $400 for this new Bosch, and an eye watering $520 for that Makita XTG is going to be out of reach for many. Unless there are unreal bargains on Black Friday, etc.
Travis
The kit in this case comes with the plunge base, edge guide, and what looks like competent dust collection. (In other words, not just tool, battery, and charger like many cordless kits). You’ll be significantly north of $300, maybe around the $400, by the time you get the plunge base and edge guide added in with the other brands.
JR Ramos
Looks like a great router, got some early praise overseas in recent weeks. Proof is in the pudding but it looks like a strong contender against the best which is currently Milwaukee. Retains the same speed range, retains the constant current/constant speed feature (which is awesome as long as you have a battery that can deliver), and adding the drop cutoff is smart. I would suppose they’ve incorporated a motion sensor similar to what’s been used in some laptops, but it’s a great idea – oughta be on all routers and grinders – and hopefully a good kickback doesn’t trip it.
Not sure why Stuart didn’t also link to the $219 bare tool which includes a few attachments. They also show available (Bosch) a kit with the plunge base but not the box. The bare tool price (full msrp) is competitive with Milwaukee.
I think I’ll stick with my Milwaukee but if Bosch had released this a couple years ago I would have been on it. Probably best to watch Amazon for special sales or if Lowe’s picks it up, then a bare tool + battery deal which they run frequently. I’ve become disenthused with Acme over the last couple years and have not been ordering from them much at all anymore.
One thing I noticed is that the global version is pictured as having a clear base plate which is a tad smaller and square – that’s something that can be appreciated by many, I think. The Bosch USA site doesn’t even show this one yet but the Acme photos show a black round base plate. If it’s phenolic, that’s awesome, but I’ve come to prefer a clear base plate unless I’m just doing simple trim/bearing edge guide work.
JR Ramos
$219 bare tool: https://www.acmetools.com/bosch-18v-brushless-colt-palm-router-kit-gkf18v-25pl14/S0000000019688.html
Bosch euro site: https://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/products/glf-18v-8-06016C6070
JR Ramos
Ooops…wrong Acme link up there.
https://www.acmetools.com/bosch-18v-brushless-colt-palm-router-bare-tool-gkf18v-25n/S0000000019687.html
Stuart
Too many links? Complaints. Not enough links? Complaints.
I’ll add more once it’s fully launched at multiple retailers.
JR Ramos
Not a complaint there…just sharing since he thought the full-on kit was too pricey. 🙂
I’m hoping they bring out a 1/2″ model and then I’ll decide between that and the Milwaukee. Surprised but not surprised that Bosch USA doesn’t even have it on their site yet…sheesh.
Stuart
I’m really hoping there will be some kind of early Lowe’s promo where you get a free or discounted starter set. I haven’t seen that yet.
Adding in the tool-only price. I left it out because I can’t tell if it comes with the tool box or not and haven’t been able to do a price analysis of the difference between tool-only and kit.
fred
Once the newness fades – if I see the bare tool go on sale or get included in a BF promotion – it might be on my to-buy list. I own 4 Bosch routers – including a Colt – so I’m happy about the accessory compatibility. My earlier Bosch laminate trimmer has some accessories to do things that the Colt can’t do – but there is no cross compatibility. When I’m doing furniture – I often set up multiple routers (I currently own 4-Bosch, 5 PC, 2 Makita, 1 Milwaukee, 1 Craftsman and 1 Metabo-HPT) with different bits. Another cordless would come in handy – but not worth $219 to me.
MM
Now that I am doing more woodworking I am coming to learn that routers are to woodworkers are like grinders are to welders/fabricators: it’s faster to swap tools than it is to swap bits/discs. Actually, it’s even more efficient to swap routers because you’re not only saving the time of the bit change, but also setting the depth of cut
Over the past few months I bought a DCW600 (trim), a plunge base for it, and a DCW620 (1/2in plunge). I’ve been very happy with both so far. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for any deals on the 600, I want another one or possibly even two more.
CMF
Now that I am doing more woodworking I am coming to learn that routers are to woodworkers are like grinders are to welders/fabricators:…great analogy.
Peter
The 12V Bosch is great so I have my hopes up.
Oops, already have an 18/20 Dewalt.
Bugger.
fred
I too like the 12V Bosch. I use it for trimming inlay and other light pass trimming. If you don’t exceed its capabilities, it is a very nimble and compact tool.
Jeff
Yep – I love the 12V model! The offset ergonomics make it so easy to run on smaller pieces.
blocky
That 3/4 dust shroud for edge-trimming looks great. I’m not plussed about the stock shroud on the Makita LXT.
Actually, the only serious shop accident I’ve had involved dropping that same cordless router, which rolled over the back of my thumb. It took a few months to heal completely and could have been worse. 100% user error, and I spent a lot of time reflecting on how I ignored several of my own safety rules.
So allow me to say: Drop-detection is a very cool feature, maybe the coolest.
MM
I’m very happy about the new safety features some of these routers have. One of the main reasons I bought the DCW620 is because of the kickback protection. And it’s not just electronic features like those which are nice, the ergonomic and quality-of-life improvements are huge too: better visibility of the work area, LED lighting, improved dust collection, etc…
JR Ramos
Had a customer years ago who lost a good portion of the meat inside and above his knee. He said the bit got hung up in a blob of glue (formica) and he lost his grip…bevel bit cut through his pants and removed a pound of flesh in the blink of an eye. Never forgot that and I’ve always tried to pay attention to my body positioning when working a longer edge or reaching. Saw a good hole in a leather boot from a Rotozip, too.
IronWood
I do love my corded Colt, I’ve used it a ton over the years. It’s nice to see these are backwards compatible with accessories, which I think is a smart move. That said, I have no interest in buying into the Bosch cordless system. I also don’t think a cordless trim router is all that necessary; I typically only use mine on the bench but I suppose it could be handy occasionally in the field. Also, the price seems really high. $219 bare tool? The corded ones can be had refurbished (like mine was) for under $75.
fred
The tangle of cord when you are running multiple routers and/or drills makes the cordless option convenient – but by no means essential. For me – adding another trim router at $219 would add an “in” to the “convenient”. But if it were part of some Bosch $50-off-$250 deal – I might bite.
Munklepunk
I have the Makita and it’s backwards compatible.
Cordless is great for grabbing and doing quick jobs. I don’t like battery routers for long jobs because of ergonomics (top heavy) and battery life. However, if I’m not there for twenty minutes not having to deal with the cord, extension cord and all that mess I’m grabbing the cordless, same goes with my da sander.
Joe
Can you please elaborate on your comment as to why Bosch soured your taste for them in 2019? I agree with you that they are just basically catching up.
Stuart
JR Ramos convinced me in a deleted comment to my initial answer that it’s best to focus on the router here.
Maybe we’ll get into it another time.
dave
metabo just announced a cordless trimm router too: https://www.metabo.com/uk/en/tools/cordless-tools/wood-processing/cordless-routers/fmv-18-ltx-bl-8-601742830-cordless-trim-router.html
Keith
Think I will stick with my dewalt trimmers corded and cordless
Leo D. Smith
Just bought one. Haven’t given it a full beating yet but I used both my Colts (or at least one of them) for years. Don’t think anyone questions the quality or value of them and this new one (yes on a promo at Lowe’s) is very similar in build quality. I have two of the larger Bosch routers too. Mostly those get the usual use… Set in a table or with bigger jobs and bits. No big surprise there. I’ve used most all routers professionally (maybe not the big 3 horsey ones) because I generally go to a shaper if I need that much umph. These small versions are great and if plan and use correctly can even perform one handed. Think through doing that first please. I’ll be glad to have the cordless for tight spots and light use. My Colts will now be put into a compact table or attached to some oft-used jigs. I’ll try to update after I put his new one through some use.