Bosch 1617EVS v the Porter Cable 890

[Terry Ilardi]

I was all set to ask for a Bosch 1617 from Santa this Christmas when PC announces the 890. Can anyone comment on this new router compared to the Bosch?

Thanks.

Terry Ilardi

[George M. Kazaka]

PC has some good routers and although I am not familiar with their 890, I would still opt for the Bosch, I have used them for years and have, I think 9 of the newer model 1617 some of their 2-1/4 hp and their 1608 laminate trimmers. Good machines that have lasted the test of time and some heavy duty use.

[Richards]

I don't have the 890, but I have several of the 690 series and two of the Bosch 1617. I'd take the Bosch over Porter-Cable - smoother, easier to adjust, feels better in my hands.

[Rob Stokes]

I have the 1716EVS as well as the 693 (690 with both handles). The 1617 stays in the table but I like it much better than the 690...except for the damn oxidation problem on the barrel..

Good luck Rob

[Cutter]

I just bought the 1617 kit yesterday. Any steps I should take to deal with this 'oxidization problem'?

[D. Martin]

I used my 1617 today for the first time doing raised panels in a Freud table and it is nice and smooth. Easy to adjust and not to loud. My only concerns about the Porter Cable is this is a new model that seems to compete with Bosch I would be cuatious in getting the first production of these.

I also used my Bosch ROS and it makes sanding an easier job.

D.Martin

[BeerBoy]

I've had this router set for about a year and haven't had the oxidation problem. I'd heard about it and asked the Bosch rep about it before I bought it and he said they had taken care of that problem. Don't know how or if they really did, but mine seems fine.

[Charlie Self]

BeerBoy notes:

I think it was a problem with the earlier routers: I've got one, and it does have the corrosion problem: nothing critical, but an occasional pain in the tuchus to clean up, though it's held in check (mostly) with a coating of paste wax. I've also got the new set, but haven't had time to check it out yet.

Charlie Self

"I have one yardstick by which I test every major problem-and that yardstick is: Is it good for America?" Dwight D. Eisenhower

[B a r r y B u r k e J r .]

Mine didn't oxidize for years, until I left it inside an MDF router table. The oxidation on mine is only cosmetic, but it's kind of a weird coincidence that it didn't happen until it was encased in MDF.

Barry

[BeerBoy]

Where is the oxidization?

[Charlie Self]

Beer Boy asks:

On the barrel, primarily. Any exposed magnesium parts, though. A quick wipe with 0000 steel wool and a coat of Johnson's takes care of it.

Charlie Self

"I have one yardstick by which I test every major problem-and that yardstick is: Is it good for America?" Dwight D. Eisenhower