Item : B00005RHPG Customer Reviews smooth machine by .. Steve Barlow (Bend, OR) This router is my workhorse for hand held routing. Adjustments are friendly, it is well balanced and has a very smooth plunge. It has plenty of power yet is relatively light weight. And for hand-held operations, this router has a feature that many do not, a trigger type on/off switch on the handle. This provides great control in router operations and is safer also. Dual base router kits lack this important feature. Ron cch by .. Ron () I ordered this product over a month ago. I got an email saying it is on backorder and it will be a couple of weeks. I never recieved this item. Great Router by .. Jeff Mcmurray (Texas) This is my 3rd Bosch EV. This one is much quieter, and the ergonomic design is right for me. I have several routers, and this one is my main one used always. My other one had survived serious use over the past years, and still working today. I haighly recommend this unit over the rest. My 3rd? one by .. M. Jensen (Kansas) I have two of these that I bought over 10 years ago. They may have changed the number slightly, but same router. I use to keep both of them dedicated for my Leigh jig, but I liked them so much I was always pulling one off. I have a PC for under my table, but I like the feel, control and just about anything else you can ask of this router. The soft start is great, I like the trigger and the adjustablity. I use them freehand and with a fence. I am just getting ready to order number three. I am not color blind, I only have one other Bosch, a barrel handle jigsaw, everything else is a mix of what I like. Turned me into a Bosch loyalist by .. () I did a lot of research prior to buying this and am glad I did. I've had it for over 2 years now and really love it. After using various power tools from Bosch, Makita, Porter Cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Ridgid, Craftsman, Skil, Black and Decker, and Ryobi...only the first 3 I mentioned are in my top tier of toolmakers I really trust to make a good tool. With Bosch in particular, I know the tool will be well engineered to meet users' needs for: 1) comfort, 2) precision, and 3) performance. The 1/2" and 1/4" shank adapters help because it give more flexibility in buying bits. When possible, buy 1/2" shank bits to minimize the vibration. The variable speed is essential to control the velocity of the actual router bit cutters -- which will vary based upon the diameter of the bit itself and the RPM speed selected. Hence, for bigger diameter bits, lower RPMs are necessary. Speaking of using larger bits though, that is the only negative of this router, as a result of the opening in the base. That opening is around 2-1/2" so it makes it difficult to utilize the entire plunge distance with very large diameter bits (raise panel bits, etc.) that are bigger than the hole. It also makes it harder to change the bit and forces you to install the bit while the router is plunged. I knew if this before I bought it and still bought it over the Porter Cable 693VSPK which has a larger base opening. However, if large bits are used with the Bosch, it can be very dangerous if the plunge mechanism isn't tight. I also use this occasionally in a router table. I suggest users that will use this router in a router table or with large diameter bits readjust the spring/plunge mechanism. I would disagree with one of the previous reviewers that said the plunge was ineffective. It is very effective when not used upside-down in a router table PROVIDED you tighten the plunge. However, by readjusting the plunge mechanism, you can make it even tighter and safer for router table use. Do a web search on how to make this adjustment, but it basically involves the loosening and repositioning of the plunge handle. It takes some trial and error...but it's worth it. Just be careful to control the plunge handle once you take off the handle screw so the handle (internally) does not detach from the end of the plunge spring completely like I did or it will turn a 10 minute task into a 25 minute task. After making this adjustment, the router's 13 lbs. of weight plus another 20-30 pounds of my pulling force weren't enough to budge the router at all in my router table. Overall, this is my favorite tool and has turned me into a Bosch loyalist. I would buy this or the Bosch 1617EVSK if I needed to buy another router. If those weren't available, I'd get the Porter Cable which is comparable in price, a little better in performance, a tad less in precision, and a little worse in comfort, but unlike the Bosch, will work with most generic router accessories.