I've pretty much decided to go with the Bosch 1617EVSPK router. It reviewed just slightly better than the P/C 895PK. However, as I sat down to order it I found myself puzzled and I hope someone out there can offer some illumination.
Amazon sells the 1617EVSPK
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they also sell the 1617EVSPKE
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someone explain what's the differance between the version with and without the trailing 'E"?
From the pictures, it looks like the 'E' version comes with more stuff,
but if that's the case, why is it ~$20 less? Is the 'E' version a refurb? And if so, is that a bad thing?
> Can someone explain what's the differance between the version with and
It is not less, it is more. 215.99 versus 231.08. The more expensive E model has a different base.
Take your time, start over, and READ the information on the page. It is really self explanatory.
If you plan to use the router in a table, the E model is a better buy as the height can be adjusted from above. Of course, you're going to read that now aren't you.
Prices have gone up. Two years ago I paid $179 at Woodcraft tot he SPK.
As shown in the website, the "E" model comes with box, edge guide and template guides. The other one does not. The product descriptions on each page will give more details.
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> and they also sell the 1617EVSPKE
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> Can someone explain what's the differance between the version with and
I bought the edge guide, templets, and templet (Bosch spelling) adaptor, and the other crap individually and they totalled at least $50-60. All are useful items sooner or later.
I'm not real trusting of Amazon's descriptions and/or photos; I've been mislead before. When I couldn't find the 'E' model or the RA1161 base listed on Bosch's website
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I trusted it even less. Hence the question. Thanks for the feedback.
You do not state how you intend to use the router. The E has accessories included. These may or may not be of use depending on how you will use the router.
If you intend to be using freehand (not in a router table) then the accesssories will be useful and cheaper to buy with the E package.
With two bases you could install the fixed base in a router table and remove the motor to use freehand in the plunge base.
If you intend to mount this into a router table and never need freehand use, then you could get the fixed base model only and save a few dollars but the extra base seems to be worth the extra money.
I have the fixed base model installed in a router table. I have a Bosch
1613EVS for use freehand. I bought the 1613EVS first and later when I made a router table I found I could not use the 1613EVS in the table. The plunge mechanism was not designed to stay locked when upside down. So I elected to buy a dedicated router for the table.
The 1617EVS has worked well. Mine is over 4 years old and has seen a lot of use. The magnezsium bodies on older models like mine oxidize especially when in a table exposed to MDF vapours. The older models also had problems with the switch when installed in router tables. I experienced the same problem of the switch not working - sometimes. I think it is a dust related problem. I recently replaced my switch even though I normally use a table mounted switch.
Last year I read a review of routers which stated the 1617EVS had the largest bearings of the units reviewed. My bottom bearing recently started to squeal and had noticable play and so I replaced this. The bearing is definately beefy.
As usual "sealed and lubricated for life" bearings do not mean they last forever, just that they are lubricated for as long as they last. I am not complaining about how long mine lasted. I feel I got good service.
Dave Paine.
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> and they also sell the 1617EVSPKE
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> Can someone explain what's the differance between the version with and
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