Workers Of Wood

Well, I FINALLY read the Bosch 1617evspk manual, and lo and behold on page 21 it states in bold print "The RA1166 Plunge Base is not recommended for use in a router table.. Damage to plunge base may occur." Bosch offers the optional RA1165 Undertable Router Base.

OK-----why? What damage are they expecting other than dust getting into the springs, but that's another subject (spring removal).

Is the bold print just an attempt to sell more product? Or, is there really something different design-wise that warrants the advisory?

I get the fact that the optional base can be adjusted from the tabletop w/o bending over to adjust from underneath. Are they trying to save my back & knees?

Any thoughts?

smitty10101 wrote: ↑Thu Sep 02, 2021 8:19 am Is the bold print just an attempt to sell more product?

Bosch doesn't work that way... VOE...

I called Bosch this AM.
The rep clued me in that the regular base has an adjustment JUST LIKE THE OTHER BASE (RA1165) that was recommended in the service manual.

SO--------if they function the same, why the recommendation to buy the other base?

Better yet---while I was cleaning up I noticed another set of paperwork that was included in the kit. It also described how to adjust the router from the table side.

So MAYBE, just this one time, you MIGHT be wrong.

@smitty10101

Just wondering, Smitty...is there a reason you don't use the fixed base in the table an the plunge for free-hand...?

I did have my Hitachi M12V lock up from dust in the columns. It took a while to free it. I see that they have accordion type rubber sleeves that can go on them (at least on the newer M12V2 model anyway) but neither my 12V or V2 came with them. I can't see what else might happen to the plunge base other than that. Or trying to adjust it without unlocking it first.

Nickp wrote: ↑Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:42 pm is there a reason you don't use the fixed base in the table and the plunge for free-hand?

I was spoiled by my Hitachi m12(v?). I took the springs out & that made it a breeze to adjust up & down-----before lifts.
So I was just going with what I was used to.
Since I started this thread I've put the fixed base into the table and have played with the thru the table height adjuster. It works, but I'm not overwhelmed. I still have to go under the table to open & close the lock. But now I have to twist the router body for coarse adjustments.
It's easier with the plunge base---flip the lever, move the motor, relock the lever. It just feels quicker.

Just my opinion.

smitty10101 wrote: ↑Thu Sep 02, 2021 8:55 pm

Nickp wrote: ↑Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:42 pm is there a reason you don't use the fixed base in the table and the plunge for free-hand?

I was spoiled by my Hitachi m12(v?). I took the springs out & that made it a breeze to adjust up & down-----before lifts.
So I was just going with what I was used to.
Since I started this thread I've put the fixed base into the table and have played with the thru the table height adjuster. It works, but I'm not overwhelmed. I still have to go under the table to open & close the lock. But now I have to twist the router body for coarse adjustments.
It's easier with the plunge base---flip the lever, move the motor, relock the lever. It just feels quicker.

Just my opinion.

I had my M12V in my table until I got an M12V2. It was made for table routing. When you take the plastic off the base there are screw plugs on the end of the columns for removing the springs. Takes about 1 minute to remove them. Plus it has above table adjustment capability and a slightly wider throat. You still have to reach under to lock and unlock.

smitty10101 wrote: ↑Thu Sep 02, 2021 8:55 pm

Nickp wrote: ↑Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:42 pm is there a reason you don't use the fixed base in the table and the plunge for free-hand?

I was spoiled by my Hitachi m12(v?). I took the springs out & that made it a breeze to adjust up & down-----before lifts.
So I was just going with what I was used to.
Since I started this thread I've put the fixed base into the table and have played with the thru the table height adjuster. It works, but I'm not overwhelmed. I still have to go under the table to open & close the lock. But now I have to twist the router body for coarse adjustments.
It's easier with the plunge base---flip the lever, move the motor, relock the lever. It just feels quicker.

Just my opinion.

Gotcha...