Porter-Cable 690 vs. Bosch 1617 evs

[Jay Schwartz]

Any opinions on the PC 690 vs. the Bosch 1617, especially for use with the PC 4212 dovetail jig ? The "sticker prices" are only about $10 different, the Bosch is higher, but the Bosch has more hp and is variable speed...I use a Freud 3.25 hp in my table. Any opinions are appreciated...

[Ron Bontz]

I have used both in my D4. I like the Bosch 1617 best because of the ease of height adjustment. No other reason. :)

[Randal Stevenson]

I thought I saw some bases (may have been at Pat Warner's site), that fit on the Bosch, and allowed the standard, PC style bushings. If you can find them, I believe the more HP would be the way to go.
If not, and this is going to be a dedicated router, I would have no problem with the PC.

[scott spencer]

Either should be fine. Light and well balanced is good for DT work, the 690 is lighter and smaller, plus accepts the standard guide bushings. I had a 1617 for DT work, but found it on the big side...I now have a smaller Hitachi M12VC that's well suited for that task. VS and power aren't typically needed for DTs.

[Scott Busse]

I have the bosch 1617 and the PC 4212 jig. You will need the PC bushing for the 1617. I think it was under $10.

[Jay Schwartz]

Thanks for all the suggestions !!

[Jason White]

I own both.

If I had to get only one, I'd get the Bosch 1617 combo kit.

It has soft-start, decent dust collection, an edge guide, plus a plunge base and rub collars all included.

Jason



Any opinions on the PC 690 vs. the Bosch 1617, especially for use with the PC 4212 dovetail jig ? The "sticker prices" are only about $10 different, the Bosch is higher, but the Bosch has more hp and is variable speed...I use a Freud 3.25 hp in my table. Any opinions are appreciated...

[Jeremy Killingbeck]

I did a lot of research on both routers and found that Bosch got better reviews & ratings than the PC. I ended up buying the Bosch combo & I really like it. When I was at Rockler last week they had the Bosch combo on sale for it think $179. If not I saw that Lowes lowered their price to $189. Hope that helps.