Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.7 Amp 1 Horsepower Fixed Base Variable Speed Router with Edge Guide
from Bosch
- Variable-speed palm-grip router kit; soft-start and quick-lock systems
- 5.7 amp motor with 15,000 - 35,000 rpm; depth adjustment system and finger support pockets
- Aluminum construction and soft-grip
- Includes palm router, drop-forged wrench, collet, fixed base, straight-edge guide, case
- 11.8 pounds; 1-year warranty
If you've ever wished for a smaller router that still had the power and accuracy of the standard models, Bosch made this for you.
This little Colt is little only in size. It's 5.7 amp motor gives you all the power and speed of a big bruiser, with a variable speed of 16,000 to 35,000 rpm. Weighing in at just a hair over 3 pounds, it feels like a feather, so one-handed control is absolutely perfect. Bosch's soft grip design is intuitive, and whether your hands are big or small, it fits just right, giving you complete control. Don't worry about torque at startup, either, because the soft-start feature cushions it beautifully. The base has indentations that Bosch calls "finger support pockets," and they really do lend a great deal of control.
The collect accepts standard ¼-inch bits, so you're virtually unlimited in the bit department, with a surprising maximum diameter of 1-5/16 inches. There's a spindle lock on the front, so changing the bit out is a simple one-wrench operation. The speed dial is mounted on top of the tool body, and while some would prefer it closer to the grip, we don't see a problem, since you're gripping the tool with just one hand anyway.
Depth adjustment is among the easiest we've seen on a router. Just turn the motor till the triangle and "unlocked" symbol align, lower the motor to desired position, turn the motor so the triangle lines up with the "locked" symbol and close the clamping lever. If fine adjustment is necessary, it's a breeze, courtesy of a wheel on the back of the base. Done.
We can think of hundreds of uses for this little workhorse, but those who've previously been intimidated by routers will absolutely love it, because it performs like a full-size router, yet it's a fraction of the size and weight. It would be perfect for rounding-over deck planks and railings, hinge mortising, making decorative edges on hobby wood, and furniture, cutting slots, for use with a dovetail jig, making window cutouts, decorative inlays, trimming laminate and more. Pros, do-it-yourselfers and hobby woodworkers will all wonder how they got along without this little tool. -- Kris Jensen-Van Heste
What's in the Box
Router, straight edge guide, carrying case, fixed base, ¼-inch self-releasing collet, drop-forged wrench
Porter-Cable 690LR 11 Amp 1-3/4 Fixed Base Horsepower Router
from Porter-Cable
- 10 amp 1-3/4-horsepower fixed base router
- 1-handed lever-release height adjustment; 1/64-inch micrometer depth-of-cut adjustment
- Precision-machined aluminum motor housing and base; 100 percent sealed ball bearing construction
- Includes router, 1/4-inch collet and 1/2-inch collet
- 8 pounds; 1-year warranty
The new lever release feature lets you make quick and easy height adjustments, especially when table mounted. Just flip the lever open, make your adjustments, and snap the lever closed. Included in the system is a 1 - 3/4 Hp, 23,000RPM router, base, 1/4" collet, collet wrenches, and operating manual. Lever release base also available separately; fits all 690 motors.
Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets
from Bosch
- Electronic variable speed plunge and fixed base router kit; soft start, micro-fine depth adjustments
- 2-1/4-horsepower router combination kit; variables speeds of 8,000 to 25,000 rpm
- Aluminum construction; wooden handles on fixed base; soft-grip handle on plunge base
- Includes plunge and fixed base, collet chucks, wrenches, template guide adaptor, chip shields, carrying case
- 6.2 by 19-1/2 by 14-1/2 inches; 19-1/2 pounds; 1-year warranty
Bosch's 1617EVSPK is a strong entry in the 2-1/4-horsepower combination router market. Solid construction makes the Bosch durable and lightweight, while special touches, such as wooden handles on the fixed base and contoured, soft-grip handles on the plunge base, add to the comfort of users and give the tool a look of distinction lacking in some of its competitors. Of course, looks are only skin deep, and this router has plenty to offer below the surface as well. At its heart, a powerful 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower motor delivers consistent results at variable speeds of 8,000 to 25,000 rpm. The exclusive precision centering design ensures bits are perfectly centered in the router base, a handy feature for maintaining accurate cut lines. A wider-than-average base opening provides superior visibility and allows the Bosch to accept larger bits, while a micro bit-depth adjustment system makes fine-tuning fast and easy. Unlike many comparable routers, the Bosch 1617EVSPK is designed to move from base to base without the use of tools. Instead, it clamps solidly into place for quick and easy transfers. What's more, the motor never rotates while adjusting depths, allowing you to stow the power cord on either side where it's out of the way. --Carl Thress
Bosch PR20EVSNK Colt Installers Kit 5.7 Amp 1 Horsepower Fixed Base Variable Speed Router with 4 Assorted Bases and Edge Guide
from Bosch
- Variable-speed palm-grip router kit; soft-start and quick-lock systems
- 5.7 amp motor with 16,000 - 35,000 rpm; depth adjustment system and finger support pockets
- Aluminum construction and soft-grip
- Includes palm router, fixed base, roller guide, offset base, tilt base, underscribe attachment, drop-forged wrench, collet, straight-edge guide, case
- 11.8 pounds; 1-year warranty
Includes Colt Variable-Speed Palm Router Installer Kit - PR20EVSNK, Variable-Speed motor, Drop-Forged Wrench, 1/4" Self-Releasing Collet, Fixed Base - PR001, Straight-Edge Guide - PR002, Roller Guide - PR003, Offset Base w/ Roller Guide - PR004, Tilt Base - PR005, Underscribe Attachment - PR006, Carrying Case.
Hitachi KM12VC 11 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets
from Hitachi
- Plunge and fixed base router kit with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets
- 2-1/4-horsepower, 11 amps; variable speed (8,000 to 24,000 rpm)
- Nickel-plated motor housing for smooth depth adjustments
- Includes plunge and fixed base router; 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch collet chucks, template guide adaptor, centering gauge, sub-base plate, 3 wrenches
- 5-year warranty
REVIEW:
![]() The KM12VC delivers smooth results with power and precision. |
![]() Plunge and fixed base attachments detach with a simple release clamp facilitating quick tool-free changes. |




















