Bosch router

Recommended routers from Bosch

There is not much to say about the Bosch brand. The traditional German manufacturer has excellent expertise in many industries. The company’s wide range of tools also includes various routers. Depending on the model, a Bosch router is aimed at both private users and professionals in the trade. While the green POF series is aimed at DIY enthusiasts, the blue GOF models are a very good choice for ambitious craftsmen.

In the following, we will show you which Bosch router is recommended. You will also find out what you should bear in mind in this context. We hope to be able to help you with this guide.

Bosch router – 3 models in the presentation

Bosch POF 1400 ACE

The routers from Bosch enjoy great popularity. One model stands out once again and has been an absolute bestseller for quite some time – the Bosch POF 1400 ACE .

The machine is supplied with a comprehensive range of accessories as standard, including 3 collets, a rip fence and a grooving cutter. The set version even comes with 12 different cutters, which means that you are directly equipped for all possible projects. However, 6, 8 and 12 mm router bits from other manufacturers can also be used as required. The router itself weighs a moderate 3.5 kg and has a proven, rubberised double handle. Accordingly, it is quite comfortable to use.

The maximum stroke is 55 mm. Thanks to the fine adjustment on the top, you can set the height in 1/10 mm steps and thus work as precisely as the professionals. In addition, the speed can be varied via a wheel. The Constant Electronic ensures that the results are always consistent during work. It automatically keeps the speed constant under different loads. This also reduces the risk of overloading the motor.

Bosch POF 1200 AE

Although Bosch tools are not exactly known for their low prices, there are always exceptions. With the model Bosch POF 1200 AE  this is also the case in the router segment.

This router is particularly handy. It costs less than 100 euros and weighs a light 3.4 kg. This already indicates that this router is intended for smaller tasks. However, its 1200-watt motor still manages to give you a lifting height of up to 55 mm. The scope of delivery also includes an open-ended spanner, 6 and 8 mm holders, an 8 mm grooving cutter, a copying sleeve and a rip fence. In addition, the tool can be connected to a hoover without any problems.

Handling the model is always pleasant, which is also helped by the compact dimensions and the rubberised double handle. In addition, the motor can work at up to 28,000 revolutions, so that no chipping is to be expected even in very soft materials. On the other hand, the precision has been cut back – there is no fine adjustment. Accordingly, the scale can “only” be adjusted in 1 mm steps.

Bosch Professional GOF 1600 CE

Bosch also manufactures routers for the most demanding requirements. One recommendation in this context is the Bosch GOF 1600 CE .

This router comes with a 1600-watt motor, which is actually not that much for this category. The situation is different when it comes to the transmitted power. A stroke height of up to 76 mm shows that the device is one of the most powerful on the market. Accordingly, it is a great choice for working quickly on hard material and removing a lot of mass. The manufacturer explicitly allows it to work not only wood, but also plastic.

Although the GOF 1600 CE has a lot of power, it enables precise work to measure. This is ensured, among other things, by a 1/10 mm fine adjustment and a rip fence. In addition, the speed is automatically kept constant during operation, so there is no need to expect sudden and annoying drops in performance. You can safely store the comprehensive accessories in the L-BOXX included in the scope of delivery.

Bosch router – In general, you should pay attention to the following

Selection options & drive

Bosch currently offers 5 different routers. There is no battery-operated model among them. All devices are classically supplied with power via the usual mains current (220-240V). It is no problem to extend the cable. The manufacturer himself divides the routers into 2 segments:

• Blue Professional series
• Green DIY series (Do it yourself)

The green DIY series has always been intended as a comparatively inexpensive solution for do-it-yourselfers. Nevertheless, the quality standard here is definitely above average. For large tasks and regular continuous operation, the professional versions are the adequate choice. Here, special emphasis is placed on performance, functionality and durability.

Due to the mains operation, commissioning is almost immediate. Theoretically, continuous operation is also possible. Like other manufacturers, Bosch relies on gearless electric motors, which are considered to be low-maintenance and environmentally friendly.

The comprehensive accessories that come with the purchase of a Bosch router are definitely worthy of praise. The standard scope of delivery includes 2-3 collets, a rip fence, various copying rings, a centring pin and sometimes even router bits. While DIY routers are pre-equipped for 6 and 8 mm router bits, the Professional routers can also work with 12 mm attachments.

Bosch itself offers a wide range of router bits. However, since the holder is standardised, you can also choose from ENT, DeWalt or Festool. Useful examples in detail include the following:

• V-groove cutter
• T-slot cutter
• Rebate cutter
• Rounding cutter
• Side milling cutters

Performance

Performance is one of the decisive factors. It must fit the planned task, otherwise stress and frustration will inevitably result. In the router segment, it is best to look carefully at several parameters in this respect.

The wattage is probably the most obvious indicator of power. Like many other manufacturers, Bosch usually only indicates the so-called power consumption. It only defines the power consumption. The so-called power output would provide information about the actual power delivered. The latter is usually much lower, since a classic carbon brush motor, for example, has friction losses in the system.

A Bosch router draws between 1200 and 1600 watts of power. Its stroke is up to 76 mm. If you put these values into perspective, you can see that the routers are very efficient. By way of comparison, other manufacturers often have to install 2000-watt motors to even be able to exceed 60 mm. It can therefore be assumed that a Bosch router will keep your energy costs particularly low.

You should also keep an eye on the speed. The more filigree/less material is to be removed, the higher the speed should be. High speeds prevent chipping when working on soft materials. If you want to remove a lot of material in one go, the speed is not quite as important. However, it should never be too low, because this puts a lot of strain on the motor.

The speed of a Bosch router can be adjusted flexibly up to 28,000 revolutions (depending on the model).

Handling

In the best case, handling should of course be extremely comfortable. Then you can concentrate fully on the task at hand and don’t have to worry about physical discomfort. A Bosch router can provide you with a high level of operating comfort from many points of view.

First of all, even the top models weigh a maximum of 5.8 kg. The smallest model – the POF 1200 – weighs only 3.4 kg. If you compare these values with those of other manufacturers, women and senior citizens are also in particularly good hands with Bosch.

Furthermore, each model is equipped with a rubberised double handle. Thanks to the rubber coating, you can grip firmly without having to expect feelings of pressure or even calluses. If you look very closely, the handle of a Bosch router is specially patterned so that you can only slip off if you use it improperly.

In general, the operation is quite intuitive. Tried and tested elements ensure this. Bosch also uses the SDS system for the copying rings and router bits. This means that only a few tools need to be used.

The lifting height is adjusted via a turret stop and a rotary knob. With the exception of the POF 1200 model, there is also a fine adjustment on the top of the housing. The latter allows you to work extremely precisely in 1/10 mm increments.

In addition, a Bosch router is supplied with a rip fence as standard, which allows you to make precise grooves. If required, your desired model can of course also be integrated into a router table.

Safety

The aspect of safety should not be ignored either. If you pay attention to a few things, using a Bosch router is generally very safe. First of all, beginners are advised to read the operating instructions thoroughly. They will tell you exactly how to use the machine properly and what to avoid.

Right at the beginning, there is an increased risk of accidents if the cutter is not mounted firmly enough. Therefore, it is better to be a little too tight than too loose. As a rule, it is sufficient if 2/3 of the body is in the collet.

During operation, the risk of accidents is also considerably reduced if the hands remain on the double handle. The handle of a Bosch router is designed in such a way that it is difficult to slip off. Thanks to the built-in soft start, you don’t have to deal with uncontrollable power peaks when switching on.

In addition, the risk of injury can be reduced by wearing sensible protective clothing. This includes, for example, safety goggles (even with active extraction) and safety shoes. For longer work, hearing protection is also recommended – if only for comfort.

The combination with a hoover makes sense in two ways: it reduces the risk of fire (old chips in the workshop) and prevents sneezing attacks. It is also particularly helpful for allergy sufferers.

Volume

The noise level during use can prove to be more significant than initially thought. If your router is excessively loud, it tends to have a negative effect on your stress level and your hearing. In addition, other people in the vicinity may feel disturbed.

You can tell how loud or quiet the router is by the sound level. This, in turn, is expressed in dB (decibels). If the tool is operated for a certain length of time, it can cause hearing damage in adults above 85 dB. If the sound level exceeds 90 dB, problems can quickly arise in sensitive environments (hospitals, nursing homes, schools).

With a Bosch router, there is a special feature here. While the green DIY models peak at up to 95 dB, the blue Professional models are consistently below 90 dB. The two models with the designation GOF 1250 are even only 78 dB and are exactly as quiet as a Makita cordless router. This is another sign that Bosch sets the highest standards for its Professional tools.

Price

Of course, the price also has an influence on the decision. It should be in a fair ratio to your own requirements. Then there is the least potential for disappointment. In the field of routers, the following applies in this context: the more material you want to remove per unit of time, the more precise you want to be and the more often the router is used, the more you should invest.

Bosch stands for quality and reliability, which is why the manufacturer never aims to be one of the cheapest players. However, due to the division into different segments, even a Bosch router on offer can be available for around 100 Pounds. The high-quality devices for the trade, however, require a budget of several hundred Pounds.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer who is only interested in a very low purchase price, you will probably be more interested in an Einhell router, which of course cannot compete with Bosch in terms of workmanship.

Where to buy

As a well-known German brand manufacturer, Bosch offers customers in Europe a variety of ways to purchase a router. Purchases can be made both online and offline.

On large online marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay, you can find all available models all year round. Here you can always count on a fair price, as various dealers are constantly competing with each other.

Locally, Bosch has many specialist dealers – from small shops to large DIY chains. You have reliable access to the manufacturer’s DIY routers via Hagebau, Bauhaus or Obi, for example. You can also get personal advice there. However, blue Professional routers are rare in local shops – here you will definitely find the quicker solution online.

Bosch router – The manufacturer offers many advantages

The routers from Bosch offer great advantages. This starts with the comparatively extensive scope of delivery, which even includes one or more router bits as standard. In addition, most models have a fine adjustment feature that allows precise adjustment in 1/10 mm increments. However, Bosch does not meet every demand. So that you can comfortably weigh up the pros and cons of routers, we have provided you with an overview below:

Video: Bosch POF 1400 ACE review