Replies

1. 
   RSRose | Oct 19, 2002 08:10pm | #1

   Nick,

   I have the 1617 dual base router (plunge and fixed base). I never thought to check the basses for flatness until your post. Your plastic sub bases are probably un-blemished plastic, being new. Mine are a little abraded from use, and may be a trifle more flat because of the use, but you're right - they are not flat. If I had checked them as you have, out of the box, I would have been worried as you are. But having used both bases without thinking about the flatness of the bases, I can say that I have not had any problems which would have made me question the flatness.

   I use the router for all the usual things, but mainly for making the motises for M-T joints. I have been using a 1/2 inch double flute straight bit (Freud). I haven't experienced even a hint of joint sloppiness which could be attributed to rocking of the router.

   Now that I'm aware of the situation, I wonder if I will now notice some inaccuracies? . . . Nah!

   R

2. 
   RANGERP75R | Oct 19, 2002 09:36pm | #2

   Nick

      I, as Rich have a Bosch 1617 EVS mounted under-neath my router cabinet. I went down and checked the base. Hmmm. I had a half-round bit in it from project last nite. The tip on one side of the bit was slightly higher. Ha... Haven't put the mic on it, but as Rich haven't noticed any inferior results. Will spend a few minutes to-nite and flatten it anyway. Should be no problem..

   sarge..jt

3. 
   nigelUsa | Oct 20, 2002 01:42am | #3

   Before you flatten the base. The base face needs to be square to the router body and without a large lathe or milling machine with a jig. This far out! I think I would return it or at least exchange it.

4. 
   NickC | Oct 20, 2002 04:23am | #4

   Thanks for the replys. For most router work I think a little rocking due to a base that is not quite flat would not be a big problem--rabbets, M&T, edge-rounding, etc. I would be concerned about using the Bosch with a dovetail jig, though. I know these things can be finicky. Anyone tried the Bosch 1617 with, say, the Leigh jig? Nick

5. 
   LeeEschen | Oct 20, 2002 09:18am | #5

   I've had a Bosch 1613EVS almost since the day they were released and have never had any trouble with it. Of course, the first thing I did was replace the plastic sub-base with a larger 1/4" Lucite one. It gives me much better stability in hand held routing and also serves as my router table insert.

   It, mounted on the router, checks out flat within .005, as well as square to the bit.

   The other day while cleaning up the shop, I found my old plastic sub-base. It was broken. I haven't missed it in almost 10 years.

   --

   Lee in Cave Junction, Oregon

   On the Redwood Highway