I came across an unfamiliar Bosch router at Amazon and my heart jumped a beat for a second. Ooh – is this a new model? And for only $80 sold and shipped from Amazon directly?
But then I started looking more closely.
This Bosch woodworking router is advertised on Amazon as being an “edge milling machine.” The model number, GKF 550, also isn’t similar to those for the Bosch Colt routers sold here. That’s a real tool, but I can only find it available overseas.
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The operating voltage is said to be 127V. 127?
Everything else in the listing seems a bit off too.
And then I looked for the collet size. For whatever reason, Amazon says it comes with a 6mm “tweezer,” which I suppose is a mistranslation for “collet.”
It’s also described as “the most compact tupia laminator on the market.”
I get the feeling that this Bosch router isn’t meant for the US market. While you can get 6mm shank router bits, you won’t find them at hardware stores in a pinch. Here, 1/4″ and 1/2″ router bits are the norm.
I wonder if the plug will even fit US outlets.
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At first glance, this looks like a deal compared to Bosch’s typical models, which are higher priced at the moment. But, even though the router is being sold and shipped directly by Amazon, everything about the listing seems off. I think this is one to avoid.
You might be saying “of course I wouldn’t buy that.” The main purpose of this post isn’t to share my misgivings about just the Bosch router listing at Amazon, but to ensure everyone considers thinking twice when they find any tool listing that just doesn’t quite look right.
Be careful when shopping, things are getting messy out there.
MM
Looks like a Euro market laminate trimmer being sloppily marketed, perhaps due to AI translation.
Matt_T
Seems all the reviews are from Mexico. Quick search says Mexico does run 127V 60Hz with US plugs. So it should work just fine but won’t quite make nameplate power.
Stuart
Thanks! For some reason it wasn’t showing any of those for me yesterday.
The 6mm collet size is still a major concern.
I’ve seen other compatibility issues with tools, such as power screwdriver bits intended for the Japanese market not working perfectly with USA locking chucks.
It’s not clear to me why Amazon is selling these routers here. I’d be disappointed if I ordered one without catching at least the collet size.
Bonnie
Given the extended shipping delay I expect it’s coming from Mexico and they’re just opening up warehouse stock automatically (hence the terrible AI translations).
fred
Over the years I’ve seen Amazon list other European corded tools like Bosch for sale in the US. Some are easy to spot based on the voltage specified (not US standard residential of 120V +- 5%) or the German language in the tool description.
Here is a current listing – but from a 3rd-party seller with Prime delivery
https://www.amazon.com/BOSCH-GSB13RE-Impact-Drill-240V/dp/B000EBN174
Saulac
Question on the metric collet…how about quick disconnects? Do the metric guys use 6mm hex shanks and 6mm hex quick disconnects as well? I vaguely remember a quick disconnect with a round shank and two tabs, if that make any sense.
Stuart
No. 1/4” hex is common. Precision bits are 4mm.
Terry S
RE: Stuart’s comment: “The 6mm collet size is still a major concern.”
Isn’t 6mm pretty much the same as 1/4 inch? Technically the imperial size is a hair larger, but they are quite close in size.
fred
6mm is 0.35mm (just under 1/64 inch) shy of 1/4 inch so a 1/4 shank might well squeeze in and be held acceptably tight when the collet nut is snugged up.
Stuart
You should not try to fit a 1/4” router bit in a 6mm collet.
It’s unclear whether a 1/4” collet will fit the same tool.
The same goes with 12mm and 1/2”. You need the exact size collet.
Collets will sometimes have tolerance ranges. I just checked to be sure and some EU routers come with separate collets.
Even if you can make it fit, it’ll affect the operation of the collet. Do you really want a cutting tool that’s spilling at tens of thousands of RPMs to have compromised clamping contact area and strength?
fred
I stand corrected. My thought was that I’d never want to use a 6mm shank bit in a 1/4 collet – but the other way around might be an acceptably tight fit. But you’re right that even a slight change in radius can impact the surface area of metal-to-metal contact and at 33,000rpm why take that chance.
Stuart
Exactly! I’m visualizing an exaggerated 2D interaction. I think there could be the potential for deformation and compromised clamping.
The ~2.1% difference in nominal diameter might not sound like a lot, but it’s enough for some brands to include or sell collets in both sizes.
KokoTheTalkingApe
Just out of curiosity, can you buy 6mm collets to fit in routers meant for the US? Or conversely, could you buy 1/4″ collets to fit in routers meant for other countries?
Vards Uzvards
On the Technical data page for GKF 550 they mention both sizes, 6mm and 1/4in, like it’s exactly the same thing.
https://www.bosch-professional.com/manuals/professional/middle-east/en/online-manual/200455364/en-GB/index.html#15549094923
MM
Yes, you can get different sizes of collets for different routers. I’ve come across 6mm, 8mm, and 3/8 sizes in addition to the more common (for us in North America) 1/4 and 1/2in sizes.
I’ve noticed that many router collets resemble “ER” series machinist’s collets. I haven’t bothered to check and see if they happen to be identical, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they happen to match an existing standard out there, of which there are many.
Stuart
They are not ER collets.
There doesn’t seem to be a standard. If/when replacing or upgrading router collets, you need to be careful about brand compatibility.
To my knowledge, Dewalt and Bosch collets, for example, won’t fit each other’s tools.
MM
@Stuart
I know there is no universal standard amongst routers. I was suggesting that some router collets might duplicate existing standards from other applications. If not ER then perhaps others, as there are dozens of different styles of machine tool collets.
As for Dewalt routers, you can get OEM 6mm, 8mm, and 3/8 collets from Dewalt.
TomD
Take a hit for the team! It’s only $80 and they might even let you return it.
Stuart
But what would we really learn? Surely you can suggest better ways for me to spend $80.
But also, you might have noticed I haven’t been linking to Amazon as much, as I had too many bad return experiences a few months ago. On the affiliate side, I think last month was a 13 year low. I still shop at Amazon, but I avoid them on $50+ items that I feel iffy about and might need to return.
Specifically, they were holding onto my refund for extended periods of time. If an item is in Amazon’s possession, I expect it to be processed quickly and a refund be issued. 14 or 30 day holds for processing are unacceptable.
hepdog
Looks like the mexican analog to the 1.25hp Colt: (which is made in mexico also)
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Colt-Variable-Speed-Router-GKF125CEN/dp/B01AX4A95S/
Stuart
The design is noticeably different, which is what got my attention aside from the price.
Justin
I live in the Philippines and that is sold here locally for around 60USD. Comes with a 1/4” collet. Those style routers are pretty popular because of the price and simplicity. They range from in price from 30USD to 70USD
chip hershberger
Same with Vessel bits.
Despite being 1/4 hex shape,the shank is too long for a standard bit holder to work.
Just bought a set and to my chagrin, it only fits a drill.
Stuart
Just be glad it was just one set and not a “better add more stuff to make these Amazon Japan international shipping fees worth it” type of mistake.
Shawn Yuan
I got a Japanese reverse thread 1/2”-20 to hex adapter while in Asia. It was to mount a 1/2” chuck to an impact. I’ve had it fling out of the collet several times while moving around.
I finally decided to cut hex part to US length then file down the edges. It locks in just fine now. It might be worth it to line your bits into a vise to saw down.
Oarman
Googling it brings up comments from people that tried 1/4″ shank bits without luck. Not sure why anyone US would get this instead of a Colt.
Stuart
At first glance, this one had a lower price. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought this was the US model compact router.
Jason
So I couldn’t resist and bought one, it came today it was actually 4 cans of loose leaf tea. Not sure if it’s a scam or what. They are letting me return it.