Bosch 1619EVS 15 Amp 3-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Plunge ...
The problem with that is, except with the Porter Cable 3 1/4HP fixed base, their isn’t any other routers out there that give you 3 1/4HP without going to a plunge base. For the most part, this 1619 resides under a router table. The 3 and 1/4HP gives you more than enough power to handle even the large 3 1/2″ popular kitchen cabinet panel raising bits. I must say that combining the 3 1/4HP, with an opening that is 3 3/4 inches wide, and the unique spring disabling mechanism, make this beauty the number one under the table piece of equipment. The switch is difficult to reach when the machine is mounted under the table, but an auxillary switch on the router table solves that problem. ) This is important, because, when you have a router mounted upside down in a table, and you want to plunge the base, what often happens is that you lift the entire table. In a table you preferably want the additional horsepower, even though you usually don’t need more than 1 1/2 or 2 horses. I upgraded to this machine after burning out two on/off switches on my Bosch 1617EVS router. Now you are trying to compress a spring upside down, while holding the table down, and locking a mechanism all at the same time. Taking 5/16 in one pass with this large bit does not bog this machine down. Roll the large diamer handle between your hands, and the router can be moved up or down about 2 inches in 15 seconds. The speed control is a bit of a stretch under the table, but otherwise I can find no fault with this router. Their are two ways to make multiple passes, one is move the fence, the other is use the adjustable turret, and sequentially plunge the bit. With the extended handle that comes standard with the router, under table adjustments are quick. I remove about 5/16 in my first pass, and then take off 1/16 to get a nice clean surface. The larger opening, gives you plunge capabilities with the larger bits. The Bosch 1619EVS enables you to do that. I have mine in a router table. If you want a powerful router with finess, that does just about everything, this is it. A quality 5-star tool in all respects. I’ve made about 40 raised panel doors with this router so far, and I really like the power it has.