Our pick for a router kit with a plunge base and a fixed base: Bosch 2-1/4 HP plunge and fixed-base router combo kit

Bosch 2-1/4 HP plunge and fixed-base router combo kit

Model 1617EVSPK

Why we picked it

Our pick for a first full-size router: one 12 amp motor that drops into either a fixed base or a plunge base, with 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. collets.

Bob Vila tested it for freehand cuts and in a router table and named it the best kit, finding the cuts smooth and precise.

Fine Woodworking gave it one of two author's awards for best overall, with high marks for handle comfort, fixed-base bit changing and depth setting, the plunge lock and low vibration.

Fine Homebuilding rated its adjustments excellent, praised the fixed base's depth adjustment and the plunge base's micro-adjustment, and called it a time-tested, topflight tool.

Specs (from the maker)

12 amp motor, 2-1/4 HP; variable speed, 8,000 to 25,000 RPM (from Bosch's product page)

1/4 in. and 1/2 in. collets in the kit; collet capacity 1/4 in., 3/8 in., 1/2 in. and 8 mm

Fixed-base depth range 1-5/8 in.; plunge depth 2-1/4 in.

Constant Response circuitry and microfine depth adjustment

11.5 lb (from Bosch's product page)

Keep in mind

It's a heavy, full-size router at 11.5 lb (from Bosch's product page), not a light one-handed trim router.

Where to buy

Before you use one

Read the manual first. Bosch’s manual says to clamp the work rather than hold it, and to hold the router by its insulated gripping surfaces wherever the bit could hit hidden wiring (Bosch). Bosch says to hold the router with both hands and to feed it against the bit’s rotation, because feeding the wrong way lets the bit climb out of the cut and pull the tool (Bosch). Wait for the bit to stop completely before you set the router down (Bosch). Unplug it before you change a bit or make any adjustment (Bosch). Wear eye protection and a dust mask (Bosch). Our router safety tips and shop safety essentials cover the basics.

More on Bosch 2-1/4 HP plunge and fixed-base router combo kit

Keep in mind

Fine Homebuilding found the fixed base's wooden handles comfortable but large and a bit slippery, which could be hard for small or arthritic hands.
The Fine Woodworking (2004) and Fine Homebuilding (2009) reviews are older; Bob Vila's 2026 test is the current one.

What the sources found

Bob Vila: The best wood routers, tested (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent test, Oct 22, 2026; checked October 25, 2026): Hands-on test of plunge, fixed-base, combo and compact routers. Named the 1617EVSPK the best kit: used in its fixed base for freehand and router-table cuts, it cut smoothly and precisely both ways. The page says it may earn revenue and takes part in affiliate programs.
Fine Woodworking: Bosch 1617EVSPK router combo kit review (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, Dec 1, 2004; checked October 25, 2026): Tom Begnal's review gave it one of two author's awards for best overall, with high marks for handle comfort, fixed-mode bit changing, plunge-lock convenience, fixed-mode depth setting and vibration. The site says it receives a commission through links, including Amazon Associates.
Fine Homebuilding: 1617EVSPK router combo kit review (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, Oct 2, 2009; checked October 25, 2026): Kit Camp's review rated it Very Good overall with Excellent adjustments: excellent fixed-base depth adjustment, a well-engineered plunge micro-adjustment, above-the-table adjustment in a router table, and comfortable but large, slightly slippery wooden handles. The site says it receives a commission through links, including Amazon Associates.
Bosch: 1617EVSPK combination router kit (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page, no date shown; checked October 25, 2026): Lists a 12 amp motor, 8,000 to 25,000 RPM, Constant Response circuitry, 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. collets (capacity 1/4 in., 3/8 in., 1/2 in. and 8 mm), a 1-5/8 in. fixed-base depth range, 2-1/4 in. plunge depth, microfine depth adjustment and 11.5 lb.
Bosch: 1617 series router operating/safety instructions (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker guide, no date shown; checked October 25, 2026): Bosch's manual for the 1617 routers: clamp the work, hold the router with both hands by its insulated gripping surfaces, feed against the bit's rotation, wait for the bit to stop before setting it down, and unplug it before changing bits or making adjustments.

How we picked

We didn't hands-on test these. We picked it by reading independent tests and reviews (Bob Vila, Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding), checking Bosch's spec page and manual, and checking prices at Home Depot, Woodcraft and Amazon. The pick has three independent sources from three different outlets, including independent tests and reviews. They're all linked with the pick, along with what each one found. We also searched the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall database on Oct 25, 2026 and found no recall for this router. Prices, review counts and links were last checked on October 25, 2026; prices and stock change, so check the store before you buy.

No paid links. Every link on this page is a plain link: no affiliate codes or tracking, and no company paid or asked to be listed (disclosure). Links open in a new tab.

Some outlets we cite get review samples from tool makers; we don't use pieces a maker paid for or sponsored.