Bosch 1617EVS 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable-Speed Router
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
-- our price: $151.00
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Bosch recently introduced routers that they claim have the highest power-to-weight ratio in the industry. We believe them. The 1617EVSB is one member of Bosch's new Magnesium line. This variable-speed router features a stout, 2-1/4-horsepower motor coupled with an all-magnesium base and housing. The result is a well-balanced and smooth-operating machine that offers fast results in demanding applications. We love the nicely finished hard-maple handles that make this router feel like a fine-woodworking tool. Something Bosch engineers are proudest of is what they call the "precision centering system," which makes the router bit track at true center. It's an important feature for multiple-pass applications, like jig cutting, and fine woodworkers will particularly appreciate it.

Ease of height adjustment is a way of measuring quality in routers, and Bosch has come up with a system that works as well as any we've tested. A large flip lever releases the motor for adjusting. Rather than twisting as the height changes, the motor raises and drops in a straight path. The result is a simple and smooth-working course adjust that couples with an efficient microadjust to make fine-tuning the depth of cut easy and accurate. Another feature we like is the reversible motor, which lets the user place the switch and cord on either side. It's good for lefties, and for those of us who get annoyed when the cord always seems to be in the way. The collet is self-releasing, which means there's no need to tap the spindle to change bits, and the collet depth is 13/16 inch, a few 16ths deeper than that of DeWalt or Porter-Cable--one more weapon in the Bosch battle to for a truly centered bit. --Mark McDonald ... Read more

Features

• Large 3-3/4? base opening plus 2? subbase opening accepts large bits
• 2.25HP/ 12 AMP Motor 8000-25000 RPM - Most powerful in its class
• Variable speed - Match speed to workpiece and task
• Coarse and microfine bit depth adjustment system with resettable depth indicator - Constant-response© circuitry - Monitors and maintains desired RPM for consistent performance
• Tool-free templet guide adapter for fast and easy templet guide changes

Reviews (43)

On and Off Switch Problem
I used this router mostly table mounted and it got used quite a bit. I am making crown moldings, chair rails and baseboards out of hard and soft wood. After two months of constant use, the switch died on me. From reading other reviews, I know I did not just got sent a bad unit. This switch problem really exists.

I sent mine in for repair. It took three days but when I plugged my router in ready to work, it still didn't turn on. Called up the techs, said it worked when it left the Anaheim service center, and the only thing they can do is to try to fix it again so I sent it back. I was told that this is the second upgrade on this switch but they still receive a lot of repair orders so they are coming out with another upgrade and I have to wait another week for the switches to come in. Date of this review by the way is 6/2/2005 and I had this conversation with the techs on this day.

Now for the sake of all the current and future owners of this product, I hope this newest upgraded switch will work. I mean how hard is it tho seal the switch mechanism. Meanwhile, I am stuck without a hi-power router. My three other routers are not meant for the job I am doing now so what do I do, I purchased another 1617EVS. I just hope the switch works long enough for my first one to come back from repair so I can replace the switch on this one, hopefully before it dies out.

Why did I buy the same router when I am having problems with it and with the repair service I get, well, just read the other positive reviews. It's fundamentally a good router and it's a Bosch; but how about the engineers of this product get on the ball to come up with a sealed switch.

Nice Router But It Has ON/OFF Switch Problems
I have owned this router for 1 year now and for the most part I like it. However I have been having a problem with the ON/OFF switch. I was just about to take it to BOSCH Service when I decided to read some wood forums on the product. It appears that I am not the only one to have this problem. Several posts on different forums and even on this Amazon site, people are complaining of the ON/OFF switch failing or working intermittently. One reviewer said that you can gently remove the switch and clean it, which I did, this corrected the problem but it appears that the switch is prone to this dust problem. Other then the switch problem that can be frustrating especially when you're in the middle of using it, the router performs well. The variable speed and soft start are very nice. If Bosch fixes the switch problem this is easy a 5 star product.

A good router but...
Everyone raves about the Bosch 1617EVS router, primarily
because it has a good depth adjustment mechanism. However, as a
previous reviewer pointed out, the On/Off switch is flakey.
Mine died for the first time very quickly after I started using
the router. I had to bring it to a repair place and let it sit
for a month while the switch was on order. It just died again.
I suppose it is best to get two routers, so you have one to use
while the other is in the shop. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TKHV
Subjects:  1. Bosch    2. (Bosh)    3. Routers    4. Fixed-Base Routers   

Porter-Cable 743-K 7-1/4", 15 Amp Framer's Saw with Carrying Case (Blade on Left)
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $157.19
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Porter-Cable's 7-1/4-inch blade-left circular saw is an excellent choice for builders who want a saw with power (it has a 15 amp motor) but that's not as heavy or difficult to handle as a wormdrive saw (it weighs only 10-1/2 pounds). Traditionally, sidewinder saws have the blade on the right side, so most right-handers are accustomed to looking over the saw to sight a line. A left-side blade lets a left-hander cut the same way--and some right-handed users, especially those accustomed to using (blade-left) wormdrive saws, will also appreciate the better blade visibility such a saw affords. In the end, it's really just a matter of personal preference.

To lighten the saw, Porter-Cable used lightweight, durable magnesium--whichwon't crack or bend--for the blade guards and part of the housing. The saw'sstill tough, though; in fact, Porter-Cable boasts that this saw can sustain upto a 6-foot drop without damage. This saw also sports a very flat, very strongcast-magnesium table, too, with reinforced ribs that make it very difficult tobend or break. (Can someone tell us why some companies ruin a good saw by givingit a wimpy table?)

Porter-Cable took care of the details, too. The no-catch lip on the blade guardhelps ensure the guard won't catch on an edge at the beginning of a cut, and itkeeps a user's hands away from the retraction lever. The 360-degree adjustabletop dust nozzle lets you direct sawdust in any direction, and you can easilyattach a dust bag or a shop vac to collect the dust--a particularly handyfeature for a remodeler who wants to make a couple of cuts indoors withoutmaking a mess. There's also a clip on the top of the saw that lets you clamp thecord off to the side when you're cutting sheet material, so it's less likely todrag behind and snag the edge. A heavy-duty carrying case comes included, too,though it's a little tricky getting the saw to fit inside. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty/30 day performance certification
• Left-side blade provides better visibility for right-handed users
• Powerful 15 amp motor handles the most demanding cuts
• Lightweight, durable magnesium components reduce heft (weighs only 10.25 pounds)
• Cast-magnesium table has reinforced ribs that make it extremely durable

Reviews (42)

Light Weight, Great Balance
Great saw.I'm a righty and really like the left hand blade for visibility (especially cutting sheets).But what really sold me on this saw was the "feel".You can't pick this out from a spec sheet but you know it when you use the tool.Let me say that I'm normally a HUGE Milwaukee fan, so that's the first place I went when I needed a new saw.They looked great and had some nice features but then I tried one.For me, the grip and balance of the Porter Cable felt a lot better.

I also picked up a dust bag and was surprised at how well it worked.It's a little annoying hanging out there but it really catches a lot of dust (nice for working inside people's houses).

Great saw AND great case
SAW - I bought this saw for building decks and doing residential remodeling. It has proven to be up to the task --- lightweight, powerful, and makes accurate cuts because I can see the blade's alignment with each cut. Overall, I agree with all the other positive reviews of the saw, so no need to repeat.

CASE - The reason I'm writing this review is that some other reviewers have commented about the case, that it's too small and doesn't have room for accessories like extra blades, the rip fence, and the dust bag...I say, please take another look. The folks at Porter Cable didn't make a great saw, only to have a mental lapse when designing the case. Perhaps the case design is just a bit too clever, and the otherwise great manual didn't give any clues as to how to get everything to fit. So, here goes:

Let's assume you have the saw, along with an extra blade or two, the rip fence, and the dust bag, all out of the case. Here's how to get them to easily fit:

1) Blades - Notice the small post in the bottom of the case. It's 5/8" dia., just like it should be for blades, and about 1/3" tall --- good for storing at least two blades. Put the blades on the post.

2) Saw - Put the saw in its normal place, sitting on the left and right "ramps" in the case bottom. Now, the saw holds the blades in place, so they can't get tossed around in there and nick the power cord.

3) Stuff the power cord into the space behind the hand grip of the saw, and to the right of the motor housing.

4) Rip fence - Place the rip fence horizontally across the motor housing, with the "T" end to the left, and the long bar toward the power cord. It's okay if one of the ends at the "T" points upward, because the lid has clearance for it when it's closed.

5) Dust bag - Roll up the bag aound its internal wire frame, just like rolling up a windowshade. Then place the bag in the case, right along the front edge of the saw, between the case handle and the blade arbor. Orient the elbow end of the bag toward the left, so that it "turns the corner" around the dust chute end of the saw. Finally, the right end of the wire frame will need to be "tucked" into place inside the rim of the case bottom (bends the wire just slightly; don't worry, it snaps right back).

6) Close the case lid. If everything is in place, nothing binds at all as the lid closes.

Well, if it sounds complicated, just do it once; it isn't. -Took me less than 20 seconds on my first try, and I wasn't even hurrying.

True, it would be nice if the case came with metal latches like Porter-Cable's Tiger Saw case. But, if the plastic latches ever break, I'll just cut them away and put metal latches on the case from a hardware store.

I like the high impact plastic case better than a metal one, because it absorbs shock better if dropped, and doesn't scratch up my truck bed and tool box, which would then begin rusting. Though I have the largest WeatherGuard saddle-style box, there's still only so much room in there, so the compact case helps.

Also, the storage of the blade wrench in the saw's handle is a nice touch.

Bottom line - The P-C 743K saw and case have been refined to near perfection, especially for the money, which is why I give them 5 stars.

College Woodworker
The Porter Cable 743K is the best circular saw on the market.

The main thing that sets this saw apart from the rest is the magnesium plate.Pick up any other brand and you'll find the bases are usually warped (even if they aren't, just one drop and they will be).The porter cable bases are straight everytime and are stronger than any other brand.The porter cable bases also slide accross materials very smoothly, other brands often catch on imperfections in the wood, not the porter cable.

I use my saw for precise rips and crosscuts (because I can't fit a table saw in my shop) so I need accurate and consistant cuts, this saw comes through everytime.I recommend buying a clampdown fence if you'll be doing a lot of rips and bevels that require table saw like accuracy, plus it's nice for routing and a host of other uses.

My only minor gripe is not with the tool itself.The case pretty lame.It's fine if you just want to store the tool in a safe place, but if you're doing any job-site toating you might want to invest in something that can fit your saw and it's accessories (like another blade) into one case.

I also recommend getting a Freud Diablo 40 tooth blade if you care about making clean cuts.The blade that mine came with is not bad, I use it to cut joists, decking, sheets, or whatever else that doesn't need a super clean cut.Freud makes my favorite blades and this one cuts like butter.It's also got thin kerfs (though it's still very very strong) so it takes less of your wood with it.Perfect match for this saw, rips purple heart and iron wood with ease.

I'd recommend looking at the 347K as well to see which side you like the blade on better.I thought that I wanted the blade right at first but after cutting a while with both (my work buddies happen to have both models, lucky me) I found that the blade left was actually better for a right hander like me.

The bottom line is you can't get a better saw for the money.This tool will be around as long as you're a woodworker (not sure how long if you're a serious framer, but I suspect it would last as long as any saw (including worm-drives) that you can buy).I got mind for ... $$ dollars at Home Depot (20% of all tools christmas sale) and it the best money I ever spent.Buy this saw.Five Stars. ... Read more

Asin: B00004NS0X
Subjects:  1. Saws    2. Circular Saws    3. Porter-Cable    4. (Portercable)   

Skil HD77M MAG 777-1/4" Wormdrive Circular Saw
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
-- our price: $170.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

This is a workhorse of a saw, and it definitely lives up to theSkil name (the company that invented these saws in the first place).This latest version of the famous Skil 77 takes all the power andtorque the original is known for and packs it into a lightweightmagnesium housing, bringing it down near the weight range of sidewindersaws. Grasping it by both handles, the saw balances well, and thenotches in the shoe give a good guide for 90- and 45-degree cuts. Ithas a 2-3/8-inch depth of cut at 90 degrees, and 1-15/16 inches at 45degrees. We liked the quick blade height adjustment mechanism and theangled wrench, which helps prevent skinned knuckles during bladechanges. We couldn't feel any difference in performance between thisSkil's 13 amp motor and others drawing 15 amps. Be prepared for aslight twist when you first flip the switch, but after that, it's asmooth machine made right here in the U.S. --Kris Jensen-VanHeste ... Read more

Features

• Diamond arbor
• 13-amp motor provides 4,400 rpm
• Worm drive gearing for more power and torque
• Lightweight magnesium housing
• Push-button blade lock

Reviews (34)

Reality Check
This review is based on having used this saw, a Makita 13 Amp Sidewinder Circular Saw 5007NBKX4 and the Dewalt 364K 7 1/4 "Sidewinder" Circular saw.

The Skil saw, as all the other reviewers have attested, is powerful and, because of its power, rewarding to use. However, it still has its limits. For example, I tried out all three circular saws on very, very GREEN hemlock 1x10 stock. Where there was "reaction wood", the wood tended to clamp closed as quickly as the cut was made. The Makita came to a complete standstill as the wood clamped down on the blade. The dewalt continued to spin, being among the most powerful of the sidewinders, but still could not be pushed through. With the Skil, on the first try, the blade came to a standstill as the engine continued to spin.

We tightened the blade.

On the next try, the blade squealed like a stuck pig, spinning with more authority than the Dewalt, but still could not produce enough moxy to finish the cut (maybe if the board had been clamped, two of us could have forced the Skil through). All machines have their limits. Despite the other reviews, don't think that this saw will make you invincible.

That said, the three stars is for the shoddy shoe on the Skil saw. This is not a quality tool. Until Skil puts some serious thought into improving the shoe, save this saw for the butchering of 2X stock in big crews where production is paramount. The depth is difficult and inexact and the bevel gage is a joke. Worse yet, the shoe tends to warp on these tools (as was the case with the Skil saw I tried). It could not be relied on to make square cuts in our 4x stock.

Buy the Dewalt if you are only going to have one saw and can live without the testosterone rush of the Skil saw. The Dewalt has an excellent shoe. It's depth adjustment is easy, accurate and without rival. It's bevel gage is also unrivaled and easy to set and reset. (Accurately setting the bevel on the Skil saw will require a separate tool or jig.) The Dewalt has power *and* refinement.

If you are going to have two saws, however, then make the Skil saw your second. You will find a place for both.

A Great Tool
Recently someone broke into my garage and stole all my power tools.My old circ saw wasn't great, and I used my miter saw or table saw much more than my circ saw.
The first replacement tool I bought was this - a friend has the DeWalt version of it, which I like, but after looking around I chose this over it.I made the right choice.As soon as I got it home I tested it by ripping some 2" thick hickory and oak scraps into chunks for grilling and it cut through them without a problem (I used to only use my table saw for this sort of thing).This is a great saw, and even though it is heavier than sidewinder saws the increased torque make it much easier to handle, and to me the weight of it helps it track accurately.Last weekend I was ripping a lot of 2 X 10s to a 35 degree angle and ended up just following the pencil line instead of clamping a fence onto the joists - the saw just feels right, and that makes it so much easier to make a good cut.

Hands down the best
There are few things you can apply the thought "buy it once" to. This is one of them. I purchased a Makita worm drive saw prior to this one, because it was cheaper and Makita has done fairly well by me over the years. "I feel" the Makita is unsafe for random framing use because of it's harsh torque on startup and the fact that I remove the guards from my saws. It's a good saw, I used it for a few years, until I tried a friends Mag 77. I bought one the next day. I still use the Makita to cut concrete and asphault because I just can't bring myself to use the Skil for that, it has such a precision feeling and function about it.

Try the thin red Frued blades for ripping. They rock! Like buttah. It's like the saw has cruise control. ... Read more

Asin: B0000223FB
Subjects:  1. Saws    2. Circular Saws   

Porter-Cable took care of the details, too. The no-catch lip on the blade guardensures the guard won't catch on an edge at the beginning of a cut, and it keepsa user's hands away from the retraction lever. This model comes with atwo-second electric brake, a feature for which you pay extra, but that reduces thechance of accidents and can minimize the wait between cuts. The 360-degreeadjustable top dust nozzle lets you direct sawdust in any direction, and you caneasily attach a dust bag or a shop vac to collect the dust--a particularly handyfeature for a remodeler who wants to make a couple of cuts indoors withoutmaking a mess. There's also a clip on the top of the saw that lets you clamp thecord off to the side when you're cutting sheet material, so it's less likely todrag behind and snag the edge. A heavy-duty carrying case comes included, too,though it's a little tricky getting the saw to fit inside. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Lightweight and high power
• Left side blade
• Dust nozzle
• Miter lip
• One year warranty/30 day performance certification

Asin: B0000222W5