Bosch 1619?

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Anyone have any experience with this one? Is the only difference with the 1617 the HP or are there more?

[LCHIEN]

the 1619 is a Big, plunge-only 3+HP router. It's a very different style of router than the 1617 which is classified as a interchangeable base router.

Most mfgs of routers have the smaller 2+HP motor plus interchangeable bases routers and then they have 3+HP plunge-only routers.
Bosch 1617 and 1619
PC 89x or 69x and 7538
Hitachi KM12VC and M12V (those are real confusing model nos.!)
Dewalt 618 and 625

A lot of people like to put the big 3+ HP plunge routers under a table, for the power, but its a waste of the plunge capabilities.
They're really quite different in many ways from the interchangeable base routers.

[big tim]

I have the 1619 and like it very much, a powerfull machine.
I like the fact that you can defeat the plunge spring action, making under the table adjustment easier. The 1617 is a combination fixed base, plunge base unit. If you go to www.boschtools.com you can find the specs on both machines. I have no experience with the 1617.

Tim

[p8ntblr]

the 1619 is a Big, plunge-only 3+HP router. It's a very different style of router than the 1617 which is classified as a interchangeable base router.

Most mfgs of routers have the smaller 2+HP motor plus interchangeable bases routers and then they have 3+HP plunge-only routers.
Bosch 1617 and 1619
PC 89x or 69x and 7538
Hitachi KM12VC and M12V (those are real confusing model nos.!)
Dewalt 618 and 625

A lot of people like to put the big 3+ HP plunge routers under a table, for the power, but its a waste of the plunge capabilities.
They're really quite different in many ways from the interchangeable base routers.

Price not a consideration which of the 2 (1617 or 1619) would you recommend for free hand use. I was all set on getting the 1617 or DW621 but then found an someone advertising the 1619 and Bosch router table for $200 and I'm tempted.

[LCHIEN]

The 1619 is going to be much bigger and heavier than the 1617 equipped with the plunge base.

The DW 621 will be smaller and lighter than a 3HP plunge router but bigger and heavier than say a 618 or a 1617 with a plunge base. And the 1617 or 618 with a plunge base will be heavier than a 1617 or 618 with a fixed base.

So, its all a matter of stability vs. maneuverability vs power. Personal preferences and job at hand matter greatly. There is no right answer. Some people have 3, 4, 5, or 6 routers.

Personally, for edge finishing (e.g. flush trim, roundovers and bevels) of large items I like a 1617 with a fixed base.
For cutting slots and inside holes on panels and such I like the 1617 with the plunge base. I have a 621 but have not used it much.

[Tom Hintz]

The Bosch 1619 ia a nice machine and has some unique features. I have a full review of it with photos and more on its details at the link below if that would help.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/b1619EVSrvu.html

[p8ntblr]

The Bosch 1619 ia a nice machine and has some unique features. I have a full review of it with photos and more on its details at the link below if that would help.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/b1619EVSrvu.html

Great review Tom. Thanks.

[LarryG]

The DW 621 will be smaller and lighter than a 3HP plunge router but bigger and heavier than say a 618 or a 1617 with a plunge base.

Not true, IMO. One reason I really like my 621 is because it feels noticeably lighter and smaller than my Bosch 1617 fitted into its plunge base (which, as you know, is rather large and bulky). I prefer the ergonomics of the 621, too (switch built into right-side knob, plunge lock controlled by twisting the left-side knob). It is bigger than the 1617 in the fixed base, though.

The 621 does, however, feel a bit top-heavy in stock form, owing to its very small, semi-rectangular base. But Pat Warner's oversized clear plastic base plate fixes that.

[drumpriest]

I haven't played with the dewalt, but I can attest to the excellence of the 1617. The plunge action is VERY nice. It's my goto router for hand work.