Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.7 Amp 1 Horsepower Fixed Base Variable Speed Router with Edge Guide

I selected this brand and model in part because of favorable reviews in several woodworking magazine product comparisons. I was not disappointed in my choice - I have been using the router almost daily for about a month and love it. Some features I particularly like are the ease of removal of the base - unlatch, twist and it's off. Arbor lock makes bit removal a one-wrench operation. There is good visibility of the bit for following layout lines, especially if you use a transparent base plate. The small horsepower and soft start make it easy to control for fine work but it has sufficient power to cut cleanly if you don't force deep cuts. Overall, the router has a solid quality feel - but not too heavy - and is not a plastic toy like some cheaper brands.

A few minor complaints: There are double arrows embossed to facilitate alignment when re-connecting the base and motor. They are not easy to see - I used some red paint to highlight them better. Also, the optional round base plate which is compatible with the Porter-Cable router template guides does not center well at all - I think the screw holes are slightly out of aligment with the center.

I have had it for about a year now and it is a nice little tool. Very easy to handle and change bits out. The power is great.

I bought this router as a second router. My first router is a large Makita that works well, but is difficult to use in tight spaces and is very heavy. This Bosch is very light and easy to hold and use. I especially like the soft start feature. The construction seems to be very solid and the adjustments are easy to use. Excellent router for the price.

This is a nice router, but I agree with many who said the base isn't perpendicular to the shaft. I returned it and got another one and it was about the same. I decided to keep it, I shimmed the base .030inches with a couple washers. Works fine now.
I made sure it was twisted to the lock position, I adjusted the clamp tight, then looser with no change.
By the way, Amazon was great. Exchanged it no problem. Very fast shipment of replacement. Amazon is always my first choice when it comes to ordering something online. Everything is usually fine but on the rare occasion that there is an issue, they have always taken care of me.
Thanks Amazon!

I read all the reviews of this router before i bought it. The slipping base and difficult collet were a concern. I also read others who seem to have solved these same problems.
I went ahead and bought it as the price was reasonable, it was a great size and weight and it's a Bosch tool which have always treated me right.
That was two years ago.
I don't use a router but once or twice a week and mainly for shelving and trim work, and mortising new doors.
For what i need as a handyman/carpenter, it has been perfect.
When i have doors to hang, they are usually interior replacement slabs and sometimes 10-12 at a time. I have used this router on maybe 200 doors so far. The shelving and other custom detail or trim work that requires an ogee or chamfer bit, it works just as well. I have used it on, i dont know, maybe 1000 linear feet of wood. This is not a lot of production for two years, granted, but i wanted to give a fair review that included how much/little i've actually used the thing.
I find it plenty powerful, easy in my hand, lightweight, and easy to adjust.
The previous complaints about the base slippage i have yet to experience...but admit the base is a little tricky to adjust and lock in. The stubborn collet, yes, drove me nuts the first day or so. I just took off the red button and now push the metal tab with my finger, and it works. That red button retards the tab from going in far enough to actually lock it down.
Poor design, agreed, but solvable.
I also jettisoned the stupid case that comes with it and just keep the router, base, wrenches, a bunch of bits, and some door lockset bores in a small leather tool bag.
Even with its limitations and a couple of hiccups, I recommend this one highly.