Jonathan wrote in after spotting a new Bosch Colt router on the market. Our friends at Bosch aren’t able to tell us anything about this new model yet, and so details are a little limited for now.
According to Lowes product specs, because Menards’ is too close to those of current models, the new Bosch Colt router, model GKF125CEK, looks to feature a 7A 1.25HP motor. Design-wise, things have changed a little, with the Bosch GKF125CEK Colt featuring a much smaller base clamp lever, and more ergonomic-looking grip.
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The depth adjustment is overhauled as well, with Bosch calling it revolutionary and capable of easy and precise adjustment. I’m guessing that’s what the black knob on the side of the base is for.
- 7A, 1.25 HP (max) motor
- 16,000 to 35,000 RPM
- New depth adjustment design
- Wide bit capacity (up to 1-5/16″ wide)
- Fixed base
- Maintains speed under load
- Translucent round polycarbonate sub-base can be centered for guidance around templates
- LED worklight
- Soft palm grip design with finger support pockets
- Angled cord to help keep it out of the way
- Variable speed dial
Price: $139
Buy Now(via Lowes)
Buy Now(via Acme Tool)
(As of June 2017, the router still hasn’t launched.)
Compare(Current Models via Amazon)
Compare(Dewalt Compact Router via Amazon)
Bosch’s Colt trim router has been extremely popular since it launched years ago. There are both single-speed and variable speed models, and it’s not yet clear as to whether the same will be true of this new design.
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With the current model you also have the choice between a fixed base or plunge base, and there are several kits that give you both. Again, it’s unclear as to whether that will be true with the upcoming model.
I don’t think I have ever used a Bosch Colt trim router before, but I do like Dewalt’s compact router, at least as much as I could like a trim router. I generally prefer to use full-sized routers, either my Bosch-made Craftsman router combo, or the one Festool sent over for testing a while back.
In regards to full-size routers, the Bosch 1617EVSPK ($219 via Amazon) is still among the best you can find, and I’ve had great experiences with my Craftsman version of it. My only disappointment is how I can’t get template guides for my router. I’m pretty sure it has a different base design than the Bosch-branded version. Maybe one day I’ll just get a Porter Cable router for easier and dedicated template guide compatibility.
Sorry for the digression, but we were already talking about routers.
The new Colt has successfully grabbed my attention, and I’m curious to see how “revolutionary” the depth adjustment design is.
We’re waiting for official details and info, but I don’t think that this model will replace current ones. Right now you can buy a Bosch Colt 5.6A variable speed router with edge guide for $109 via Amazon. I don’t think Bosch will replace that model with this new $139 one.
Dennis
I have the old Bosch Colt, and I love it. I find myself using it instead of my full size Porter Cable, because it’s it’s quicker and easier to get out and setup. Not to mention far easier to handle for a majority of the things I use a router for.
I like the new LED (everything needs and LED) and am curious to see how revolutionary the adjustment really is. But come on Bosch if you put out a new small router, why not ship it in an L-Boxx?
fred
We were big users of trim routers – having several tools from Betterley (based on Porter Cable routers and Bosch – including the older 1608 and the Colt. Like the Colt, the older model had several different bases (including an underscribe base, tilt base and offset base) for specialized work. This new tool looks appealing – but its probably too early to tell how it will perform and what accessory bases will be offered. BTW some older routers offered rack and pinion depth adjustment where a knob was turned to raise/lower the bit. My old Craftsman 17385 router had this feature – which worked well enough – albeit with a minor amount of backlash in the adjustment.
Benjamen
Stuart, usually routers, including most of the craftsman I’ve seen, use a really easy to reproduce base plate. Just take off the old base plate, use it as a template to make a new one out of poly-carbonate, transfer the center, the mounting holes, and the then treat the old base plate as a pattern to route the new one.
Then get the right sized bits to drill out the center hole for the Porter Cable guides, I don’t remember the sizes off-hand, but it was like a 1-3/8″ for the hole and and 1-5/8″ for the lip. You just need to measure the guides outside and lip diameters.
I think it took me 15 minutes to make a base plate that’ll accept Porter Cable Guides for my colt router.
Stuart
Thanks!
I have yet to need to use templates, but plan to buy a dovetail jig at some point, and that’ll probably require a PC-compatible sub-base. I’ll definitely look into making my own. I figured that was an option, but never thought too much about it. I guess I was too busy grumbling about how hard it is to find accessories for Craftsman routers.
Michael
The PC sub base fits the 1617EVS without any modification. Mine even came with screws to mount on
John
Love that they finally updated it. The big headache I had with the old version was the “slop” in the adjustment screw on the sleeve which would eventually strip it out as it was really just a press fit against the side. This looks a lot tighter in tolerances for the adjustable depth sleeve.
We also use the colt in tons of CNC applications like the Shapeoko, X-Carve, among others.
Im curious to find out the differences. I guess it would be too much to ask that the myriad of accessories as well I have for the original would be compatible with the new version? As well is the base plate attachment points compatible/the same as with the old version (screw size and placement). Since we use them in CNC applications the collar sizing also may be different in this version requiring a new mount.
Diplomatic Immunity
Well this would explain why the old Colt router has been on sale a lot recently. They seem to have added some safety over the older version in that they have more restricted access to the collet so your hand won’t accidentally move into that area when routing. I know it was a minor complaint on some woodworking forums in that the old version had a needlessly big open area. If you look at pics of the old one you can see what I mean.
Tom
Tell us more about a Craftsman-rebranded Bosch tool! That sounds like a great option.
I have the Craftsman Professional trim router and it really works well. The base plate was bent out of the box, so it needed a little straightening, but it really gets the job done for simple round-over jobs.
Stuart
Sorry, it’s no longer available. It’s a Craftsman Professional model, with differences being in the sub-base, red motor housing vs. blue, and darker colored wood handles on the fixed base. I’ll dig up the model number when I have a chance.
I bought it on sale and with a Sears gift card wedding gift.
John G.
Would love to see a comparison of the old v. new one. I just bought the previous one from Home Depot online for $79. I thought it was a good deal.
Michael
That’s a good deal regardless
Tim
Where’s the cordless?
fred
Cordless routers seem to come and go from the marketplace. The one’s I’ve seen have been 18V class. The Porter Cable 9290 hit the market c.2001 and soon disappeared (there seem to be a few folks selling new-old-stock). Home Depot is still selling a Ryobi – 18V trim router that seems to get decent reviews – with some folks noting that fresh batteries are required to avoid low-rpm-induced-chipout.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-ONE-Trim-Router-Tool-Only-P600/100342147
Toolfreak
Would be nice if Bosch made a 12V Max cordless router, just a bit smaller than this one.
I occasionally need to bevel an edge or put a lip on a surface, but on smaller stuff and don’t need a big honkin’ router or even a medium one to do it. I make do with other rotary tools, but it would be so sweet to have a compact cordless router instead.
chris parker
as of today, menard’s site says it will be available for shipment in 13days…another site, mta distributors, also list a gkf125cepk that alludes to a plunge base version..
Garyn S
Over at ACME they have a listing that says it will come out late 2016 http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/bosch-gkf125ce
James
Acme Tools is now showing availability of February 2017.
Stuart
I saw, but don’t know how much I could trust that estimate.
If the product was delayed and not cancelled, I wonder what’s taking so long.
Drew M
Saw an older version of Colt router on clearance and come to find out the new one STILL isn’t available.
Dan
Now they are saying mid-June 2017. Crazy! I want one NOW!
chris parker
does anyone know about any info on this yet?, and if it will have a plunge base, or accs?