Saturday 4 April 2015

Bosch 1617EVSPK Review.




I have several routers, and this Bosch 1617EVSPK serves a unique purpose. I leave the fixed base
mounted under the router table, and put the motor into the plunge base for hand held work. It is like having two routers. With the simple twist of the motor, it drops right out of the fixed base mounted under the table, and drops into the plunge base.
Bocsh 1617EVSPK
Bosch 1617EVSPK
The big advantage is the micro adjustable knob. You may have experienced the problem of using lesser routers whose setting is lost completely when you release the clamping mechanism. It slides to another spot, then you test the setting again in frustration. With this Bosch, you get your gross setting in order, then tweak the fine adjustment knob to zero it in perfectly. Truly a precision way of work.The power is more than substantial for any task. 

Features

  • 2.25HP/ 12 AMP Motor 8,000-25,000 RPM
  • Variable speed dial — For matching speed to work piece and task
  • Soft-start-Reduces start-up torqu e
  • Constant-Response Circuitry-Maintains constant speed under load
  • Quick clamp system on both bases for fast tool-free conversion-Move motor from base to base with ease
  • Precision Centering Design-Makes it easy to keep bit on intended cutline when using jigs, templates, dovetail fixtures and similar guidance devices
  • Microfine bit depth adjustment system on both bases-For fast, precise bit depth adjustment
  • Wide base openings and 2" sub-base openings-Accepts larger bits & provides better visibility
  • Right or left switch location-For user preference and consistency (motor does not rotate during depth adjustment)
  • Contoured soft grip handles-For enhanced control and comfort
  • Double insulated
  • Now includes RA1161 Fixed-Base with system for adjusting bit height from above a router table
  • Fixed base has threaded holes for mounting to router table positioned in common 3-hole pattern
  • Rugged carrying case has compartments for all included items
  • Power Switch - Now includes dust-sealed power switch
  • Optional RA1126 Quick-Change Template Guide Adapter (sold separately)-For fast and easy change of Bosch RA-Series template guide (or threaded template guides, if optional RA1100 adapter is also used.)


Specifications

  • Amperage: 12.0
  • Base Diameter: 6" Fixed/ 6-11/16" Plunge
  • Collet Capacity: 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 8 mm
  • Cord Length: 10
  • Max. Motor HP: 2.25
  • Base diameter: 6 inches
  • No Load RPM: 8,000-25,000
  • Rating: 120 V AC
  • Used on Model No. : RA1171, RA1180, RA1181, RA1182, RA1200 Router Tables (Router in fixed base only).
  • Voltage: 120 Volts
  • Weight (lbs.): 19.5
What's in the Box
  • 1/4" Self-Releasing Collet Chuck
  • 1/2" Self-Releasing Collet Chuck
  • 16mm Shaft Wrench
  • 24mm Collet Nut Wrench
  • Carrying Case
  • Fixed Base (RA1161)
  • Plunge Base (RA1166
  • Fixed Base Chip Shield
  • Plunge Base Chip Shield
  • Motor
  • T-Handle Hex Height Adjustment Wrench
  • Pack of 3 10-24 Screws for Table Mounting
Warranty
This Bosch power tool comes with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. 


The included cast wrenches for changing bits are sign of a better quality router and the edge guide/circle cutter is a must and a cinch to use. I like that it comes with functional carrying case that holds everything but the edge guide, even has places for most commonly used bits of both shank sizes.
 A major plus is depth adjustment that stays the same even after switching back and forth between bases; you don't have to readjust and hope it’s the same depth. The router has a feel of solid design, cuts soft and hard woods like butter, no vibration and is quite. Slow start is a must to prevent damage when kicking on.Bosch really put a lot of time into designing this router and its careful placement of things, even the switch.

I really enjoy woodworking and I work with this tool all day, it does everything I need it to do and does an excellent job.
What more could you want. This machine is powerful and very quiet. Setup is quick, easy, precise and locks down tight. The soft start is amazing - no kick when you turn it on. I recommend the dust extraction kit (RA1173). It gets about 99% of the dust and chips, you'll be happy you did because it puts an end to the mounds of sawdust that routers spread all over your work area.

One of the many things I love about this set is how easy it is to switch from the plunge base to the fixed base, and the variable speed adjustment. The variable speed is a necessity when using larger bits. The soft start feature is wonderful, especially when using it as a handheld, so it doesn't torque it out of your hands.

I've used this Bosch 1617EVSPK router for just about everything, including: making raised panel cabinet doors, making fluted columns, and putting decorative edging on all kinds of projects from window sills to furniture. I find that it has less vibration with 1/2 inch bits, but it's totally acceptable with 1/4 inch bits. The fixed base router is solid and the (maple I think) handles are comfortable. The plunge router works great and the action is very smooth.


I've been using this router for a year now and I'm very happy with it. I bought the router table mount so I can easily move it from fixed base, to plunge base, to router table.

One major problem I experienced (in the middle of a big project) was that the router just died and suddenly wouldn't turn on. Anyone who's ever been in this situation knows how frustrating this can be. I was so mad that I was actually ready to buy a different brand of router. When I calmed down I found that it was easily fixed by taking the router apart, and blowing all the dust off the electrical contacts, and especially inside the switch -- (a known issue with this router, since the switch is not sealed)

There are few routers I've compared that measure up to the Bosch. It's strong, durable, high-quality and reasonably priced. It has a lower center of gravity than you'd imagine and the handles are comfortable and allow great control of the bit when working. It also offers soft-start, variable speed control, and automatically adjusts the speed of the bit to remain constant through differing wood density. And the fine depth adjustment has to be felt to be appreciated, truly the best aspect of this router.
My only complaint is that you cannot leave the guide locking screws in the fixed base of the router when storing in the case. There is not enough clearance above the fixed base to close the case cover. Other than that...I can say that I am 100% satisfied with this router.

This Bosch 1617EVSPK router is an outstanding product, and the combo pack with the edge guide is a good value. The Bosch is quieter, smoother, and more powerful.  I can honestly say this is a quality machine that will perform any routing duty asked of it.

BRAND







Tuesday 31 March 2015

DEWALT DW088K Review.



I like taking my time, manually using my tools and thinking cap to reach the end product. I gave in to
DEWALT DW088K Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser when overwhelmed with re-habilitate work. 

 Dewalt DW088K
DEWALT DW088K
This product made me sigh with relief. This made re-leveling ceilings/floors a breeze and also keeps your hands free to use other needed tools. Very bright line, and easy leveling. You basically need 1/4 of a brain to figure out how/where to clamp it and you're set. Nicely made and very nice protective case.


It improves productivity and consistency on the job site. Ideal for professionals tasked with residential and commercial applications such as installing floor and wall tile or mapping wall layout.
The laser projects bright crossing horizontal and vertical lines with accuracy within 1/8 of an inch at 30 feet. Its full-time pulse mode allows for use with a detector, maintaining full brightness for visibility while extending the working range of the laser to 165 feet.  

Features And Specifications:


  • Projects bright crossing horizontal and vertical lines,
  • Full-Time Pulse Mode Allows Use with Detector,
  • Over-molded housing and IP54 water/debris resistance,
  • Integrated Magnetic Pivoting Base with 1/4" Thread,
  • Self-Leveling Cross Lines,
  • 165-Foot Range with Detector,
  • 1/8-Inch Accuracy.


The DW088K features a durable design with over-molded housing and IP54 water/debris resistance. Its built-in magnetic pivoting base and 1/4-inch thread make for easy mounting on metal surfaces. The laser includes individual buttons on the side control panel that operate all three beams, and it comes with a hard-sided kit box for storage and transport.
 

This laser has been a huge time saver at work. I also have another laser but this one is my go to laser for framing, acoustic ceilings etc. The only bad i have to say is outside use is hard unless you get the detector. So many uses for checking plumb and level. The self leveling pendulum system is like the PLS lasers and in my opinion it doesn't affect accuracy unless you just abuse your tools. 
 
It does exactly what I wanted. Really useful - lots of people i work with are now asking to use it. Came well-calibrated out of the box, passed all calibration tests easily. The instructions for the tests were very good.

The ability to shoot the laser straight up and a couple feet behind itself is a feature that puts it above its competition.


As with any laser line / laser level, you have to be aware of parallax error. It's best to shine it straight onto your target at a 90-degree angle, since the projection will be straight regardless of the target profile that way. The classic example is trying to hand a picture on a wall that's leaning, and projecting a vertical line from an off-angle. The line will project straight onto the crooked wall, and as a result appear crooked. This is a factor common to ALL optical tools, but is easily rectified once you understand the cause by simply re-positioning the laser.



I've used it so far to hang and level cabinets, and lay tile. For cabinet hanging, a large beam level would have been fine to bridge all the walkways and ensure the counters and cabinets were level to each other. But for the tile work, there is really no replacement for a good laser level. You can snap a chalk line, but it just gets covered by the grout as you go. The laser continues to project on the surface as you go, making it so easy to get good straight tile lines running up the wall.





I found 127 customer reviews on Amazon at the time of writing and they had awarded the DEWALT DW088K Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser, 4.8 stars out of a possible 5.0 stars on average.



For me, DW088K is the best in the group of lase level, best construction, best price and ease to use in the job. I tried bosh Stanley and others but in my experience this is the best..so definitely u can buy this product. It is really 100 per 100 excellent product.
  It can be used for framing, subfloor leveling, hanging drywall, marking stud locations, or any number of other activities.

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