Bosch Cordless Routers: Palm, Trim or Full-Size?
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Bosch has a strong reputation in woodworking, and its routers range from small battery-powered palm models to large corded machines that live in router tables. A router is a spinning tool that holds a cutting bit and shapes wood: rounding over a sharp table edge, trimming laminate flush, cutting grooves or making decorative profiles. If you are shopping for a Bosch cordless router, or picking one as a gift for a new woodworker, this guide explains the types in plain words and compares six models.
In one sentence: three of these routers run on batteries (two 18V and one 12V) and suit light edge and trim work, while three are corded and range from a compact palm router to full-size 2.25 HP machines with fixed and plunge bases.
Bosch Routers Compared
| Model | Power source | Motor | Speed range | Base type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch GKF18V-25N Colt Palm Router | 18V battery | Brushless, 1.39 peak HP | 10,000-30,000 RPM | Not listed |
| Bosch GLF18V-25N Laminate Trim Router | 18V battery | Brushless, 0.8 HP corded equivalent | 10,000-30,000 RPM | Fixed |
| Bosch GKF12V-25N Palm Edge Router | 12V battery | EC brushless | Up to 13,000 RPM | Fixed |
| Bosch PR20EVS Colt Palm Router | Corded, 120V | 1.0 HP, 5.6 A | 16,000-35,000 RPM | Fixed aluminum |
| Bosch 1617EVS Fixed-Base Router | Corded, 120V | 2.25 HP, 12 A | 8,000-25,000 RPM | Fixed |
| Bosch 1617EVSPK Combination Router | Corded, 120V | 2.25 HP, 12 A | 8,000-25,000 RPM | Fixed and plunge |
BOSCH GKF18V-25N 18V Brushless Colt Palm Router for Cordless Versatility
Bosch
BOSCH GKF18V-25N 18V Brushless Colt™ Palm Router | Cordless Power and Precision for Woodworking Projects – Includes Dust Extraction System and Variable Speed Control (Bare Tool)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
BOSCH GKF18V-25N 18V Brushless Colt Palm
Best for: Cordless all-rounder for edge and surface work
Pros
- 39 peak HP brushless motor
- 10,000-30,000 RPM
- Drop detection shut-off
- Five-year limited warranty
Cons
- Bare tool, battery sold separately
The BOSCH GKF18V-25N 18V Brushless Colt Palm router is the cordless version of the well-known Colt name. A palm router is small enough to hold in one or two hands and is mainly used for edges, round overs and small grooves. This one has a brushless motor (a motor without carbon brushes, which usually means better efficiency and less wear) rated at 1.39 peak horsepower, with variable speed from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM.
The listing names a lot of useful detail. Depth adjusts in rough and fine steps down to 1/64 inch, with a maximum cut depth of 1-11/32 inches. A flip-and-release spindle lock speeds up bit changes. Two vacuum adapters and a chip shield help with dust during edge and surface routing, and it has high and low soft grip positions. For safety, drop detection shuts it off if it falls, and restart protection stops it from starting unexpectedly when you swap batteries. It runs on Bosch 18V AMPShare batteries and has a five-year limited warranty. It is sold as a bare tool, meaning no battery or charger is included.
This Bosch GKF18V-25N Colt suits DIYers who already own Bosch 18V tools and want one cordless router for most small jobs. For strictly laminate trimming, the lighter GLF18V-25N is a more focused choice.
BOSCH GLF18V-25N 18V Laminate Trim Router for Countertops and Edges
Bosch
BOSCH GLF18V-25N 18V Laminate Trim Router – Powerful Brushless Motor, 10,000-30,000 RPM, Lightweight, Ergonomic, Enhanced Dust Extraction, Quick Depth Adjustments for Precise Trimming
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
BOSCH GLF18V-25N 18V Laminate Trim Router
Best for: Laminate trimming and small round overs
Pros
- Light 2.4 lb build
- Rack and pinion depth
- Transparent sub-base
Cons
- Round overs up to 1/4 in
- Power figures conflict in listing
The BOSCH GLF18V-25N 18V Laminate Trim Router is a trim router, a slim tool designed for trimming laminate flush with a surface and making small round overs. The description says it handles round overs up to 1/4 inch in soft and hard woods.
It has a brushless motor described as 0.8 HP corded-equivalent power, though the specifications line lists 1 hp, so the listing is not consistent on that number. Speed runs from 10,000 to 30,000 RPM. At 2.4 pounds it is built for one-handed use, with a slim grip, rack and pinion depth adjustment on the front, a transparent sub-base so you can see your line, two dust adapters, drop detection and restart protection. It uses the same 18V AMPShare batteries as the Colt.
The Bosch GLF18V-25N trim router suits cabinet and countertop jobs where light weight matters most. If you want deeper cuts and more power, the GKF18V-25N Colt is the better cordless pick. For more cordless options, see our cordless trim router guide.
Bosch GKF12V-25N 12V Palm Edge Router for Light Edge Work
Bosch
Bosch GKF12V-25N 12V Max EC Brushless Palm Edge Router (Bare Tool)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Bosch GKF12V-25N 12V Max EC Brushless
Best for: Owners of Bosch 12V tools
Pros
- Offset design over workpiece
- Depth adjustment lock
- Finger barriers
Cons
- Max 13,000 RPM
- Edge routing focus only
The Bosch GKF12V-25N 12V Max EC Brushless palm edge router runs on Bosch’s smaller 12V batteries. Its unusual offset design places most of the tool and its grip over the workpiece, which the listing says adds stability when shaping edges.
The EC brushless motor reaches up to 13,000 RPM, much lower than the 18V models, and Bosch rates it at up to 23 feet of round over per battery amp hour. Depth adjustment is 0.04 inch per dial turn for fine control, plus quick macro adjustment and a lock to stop the setting from shifting. It has a spindle lock for one-wrench bit changes, finger barriers near the bit and restart protection. Weight is given as 2.2 pounds without battery in the features, while the specification line says 1.6 ounces, which is clearly a data error.
The Bosch GKF12V-25N palm edge router is best for someone already using Bosch 12V tools who mainly rounds edges and trims. For more speed and general routing, choose an 18V model.
BOSCH PR20EVS Colt 1.0 HP Palm Router for Corded Reliability
Bosch
BOSCH PR20EVS Colt 1.0 HP Variable-Speed Palm Router, Quick-Clamp System
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
BOSCH PR20EVS Colt 1.0 HP Variable-Speed
Best for: Corded palm routing without battery limits
Pros
- 0 HP, 5.6 amp motor
- 16,000-35,000 RPM
- Aluminum fixed base
- Straight edge guide
Cons
- Needs an outlet
- Speed specs conflict in listing
The BOSCH PR20EVS Colt 1.0 HP Variable-Speed palm router is the corded Colt many woodworkers know. It has a 1.0 HP, 5.6 amp motor with variable speed from 16,000 to 35,000 RPM, although one specification line lists a max speed of 16,000 RPM, which conflicts with the rest of the listing.
It uses a rugged aluminum fixed base that accepts bits up to 1-5/16 inch in diameter, with finger support pockets for stability. A quick-clamp system allows the motor to move between bases, and macro and micro depth adjustment keeps setup quick. It includes a straight edge guide that works up to 3-5/8 inch from an edge, and an angled cord exit keeps the cord out of the way. Constant Response circuitry holds speed under load, and soft-start reduces the jolt at startup.
The Bosch PR20EVS Colt suits anyone who works near an outlet and does not want to worry about battery life. It weighs 3.3 pounds, more than the cordless trim models.
Bosch 1617EVS 2.25 HP Fixed-Base Router for Router Tables
Best for: Router table setups and heavy cuts
Pros
- 25 HP, 12 amp motor
- Constant Response circuitry
- Three-hole table mount pattern
Cons
- Fixed base only
- Heavy for handheld trim work
The Bosch 1617EVS 2.25 HP Electronic Fixed-Base router is a full-size machine. A fixed-base router locks the bit at a set depth before you start, which gives steady, repeatable cuts and makes it a common choice for mounting in a router table.
It has a 12 amp, 2.25 HP motor with a speed dial from 8,000 to 25,000 RPM. Lower speeds matter for large bits, which should spin slower. Constant Response circuitry stabilizes start-up torque and keeps speed steady under load. A threaded three-hole base pattern mounts to router tables, rounded hardwood handles give a secure grip, the power switch is dust-sealed, and the switch can sit on the right or left. Microfine bit-depth adjustment rounds out the list. It weighs 4.5 kg, just under 10 pounds.
The Bosch 1617EVS suits woodworkers building furniture, cutting joinery with jigs, or setting up a router table in a shop that may already have a Bosch table saw. It is too heavy to be a comfortable trim tool.
Bosch 1617EVSPK Combination Plunge and Fixed-Base Router Kit
The Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25 HP Combination Plunge and fixed-base router kit takes the same 12 amp, 2.25 HP motor and 8,000 to 25,000 RPM speed range and adds a second base. A plunge base lets you lower the spinning bit into the middle of a board, which is how you cut mortises, stopped grooves and inlays. The fixed base handles edge work and table mounting.
The quick-clamp system lets you move the motor between bases without tools, and both bases come in a carrying case. The listing also names a one-piece armature shaft to reduce vibration, the three-hole table mounting pattern, rounded hardwood handles, a dust-sealed switch, soft-start, Constant Response circuitry and microfine depth adjustment with coarse settings. The kit weighs 18.2 pounds.
The Bosch 1617EVSPK suits the new woodworker who wants one router to cover both styles. If you never need plunge cuts, the 1617EVS alone is simpler.
How to Choose the Right Bosch Router
Start with the router type. A palm or trim router (GKF18V-25N, GLF18V-25N, GKF12V-25N, PR20EVS) is small and handles edges, round overs and laminate. A fixed-base full-size router (1617EVS) brings more power and suits router tables. A plunge base (included with the 1617EVSPK) lets you start cuts in the middle of a board.
Then decide between cordless and corded. A Bosch cordless router is enough for edge profiles, trimming and small grooves, especially if you already own Bosch batteries. For long cuts in hardwood, big bits or table use, the corded 1617 models are the better tool, and the corded PR20EVS gives palm-router size without battery limits.
Consider speed range. The 18V models reach 30,000 RPM and the PR20EVS 35,000, while the 12V model tops out at 13,000. The 1617 models start lower at 8,000 RPM, which suits large bits.
Finally, remember batteries. The cordless models are sold as bare tools. If you do not own Bosch 18V or 12V batteries, factor that into which Bosch router to buy. Our guide to woodworking tools covers other shop essentials for beginners.
FAQ
Is a cordless Bosch router powerful enough?
For edge work, round overs and laminate trimming, yes. The GKF18V-25N lists 1.39 peak horsepower. For heavy cuts or table use, the 2.25 HP corded 1617 models are better suited.
Do the cordless Bosch routers include a battery?
No. The GKF18V-25N and GKF12V-25N are listed as bare tools, and the GLF18V-25N listing does not mention a battery.
What is the difference between the GKF18V-25N and the GLF18V-25N?
The GKF18V-25N is a general palm router with 1.39 peak HP and a 1-11/32 inch max depth. The GLF18V-25N is a lighter trim router focused on laminate and round overs up to 1/4 inch.
What is the difference between the 1617EVS and 1617EVSPK?
Both share the 2.25 HP, 12 amp motor. The 1617EVSPK adds a plunge base and carrying case.
Can I mount these routers in a router table?
The 1617EVS and 1617EVSPK list a threaded three-hole base pattern for router tables. The palm and trim models are designed for handheld use.
