The Bosch 1617EVSPK 2-1/4 HP woodworking router combo kit is on sale right now for Prime Day.
It’s $189, and there’s a $20 clickable coupon code that takes it down to $169.
Should you buy it? That’s up to you. Would I buy it at that price? Absolutely!
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I bought mine a couple of years ago, so that I could have one mounted to my router table and another for handheld use.
Admittedly, I don’t use it very much, as I tend to reach for cordless routers for quicker tasks. That’s been the bulk of my router use for the past few years – quick and simple grooves or edge treatments.
I won’t get rid of it though, partly because of it’s great quality, power, and ease of use. If I had to choose again, I’d just make do with my first set and not buy the second to have separate router table-mounted and handheld motors.
If I didn’t have any woodworking router, I’d absolutely buy this one. Trim routers and compact cordless routers are great for quick and light work with 1/4″ router bits. This Bosch set is what you want for use with larger 1/2″ shank bits, heavier work, or longer projects.
There are a couple of cordless full-size routers on the market today, and I might eventually move on to those. But for router table use and longer workshop projects, I’m still very much a fan of corded AC-powered routers.
As for the price, $189 is a typical sale price for this 2-base router combo. $169? That’s a special bargain that doesn’t come around often. In between sales and promotions, it’s regularly $249.
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Sale Price: $169 after coupon
I am guessing that the deal pricing will end today, given that it’s listed as a Prime Big Deal.
I’m also thinking that the $20 clickable coupon is a mistake. $189 is the typical sale price. If so, they might pull the plug on the double promo at any time.
fred
I’ve accumulated routers over almost 70 years. I have more Porter cable routers than any other brand. But I have this Bosch router mounted under my router table. I bought it in 2010. It is not my most powerful router – but it works very well in my Jessem lift. There are folks who complain that its switch is prone to failure when the tool is left upside down in a router table. I’ve never had that problem – but my switch is always in the on position as I use an auxiliary switch on the front of the table. I also blow out dust often during heavy use – and always at the end of the day.
There are also a few mixed reviews about the Bosch under-table mount. I use a Jessem lift – so I could not comment – other than to say that the$55 Prime Day price is way lower than what most lifts cost.
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-RA1165-Under-Table-Router-Above-Table/dp/B0007VHPFK
Stuart
I’ve used mine underneath a Ryobi router table, and then a few years ago I bought a Woodpeckers.
I looked at Bosch’s mount a few times too, but the feedback I’ve seen always steered me away.
Bonnie
I use that mount in a homemade table. It’s… fine. But not amazing.
Ben
I have this router mounted in my router table (Bosch RA1171). It’s been great so far for everything requiring a router table. Have been able to do most everything else using my little 20V DeWalt trim router, as a guy just messing around in the garage.
Derek
Paid $189 for it 10 years ago now. Still use it quite a bit. Bought a second one without the plunge base a few years ago so I can keep one in the router lift.
MattT
Great price for a solid router.
Mike
Looks like they’ve now removed the $20 coupon.
Nick
That’s what I’m seeing as well.
Goodie
This is a fabulous router at the price.