Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #186 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Bosch
• Model: PR20EVSK
• Dimensions: 8.00" h x 13.00" w x 15.00" l,

Features

• Variable-speed palm-grip router kit; soft-start and quick-lock systems
• 5.7 amp motor with 15,000 - 35,000 rpm; depth adjustment system and finger support pockets
• Aluminum construction and soft-grip
• Includes palm router, drop-forged wrench, collet, fixed base, straight-edge guide, case
• 11.8 pounds; 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Review
If you’ve ever wished for a smaller router that still had the power and accuracy of the standard models, Bosch made this for you.

This little Colt is little only in size. It’s 5.7 amp motor gives you all the power and speed of a big bruiser, with a variable speed of 16,000 to 35,000 rpm. Weighing in at just a hair over 3 pounds, it feels like a feather, so one-handed control is absolutely perfect. Bosch’s soft grip design is intuitive, and whether your hands are big or small, it fits just right, giving you complete control. Don’t worry about torque at startup, either, because the soft-start feature cushions it beautifully. The base has indentations that Bosch calls "finger support pockets," and they really do lend a great deal of control.

The collect accepts standard ¼-inch bits, so you’re virtually unlimited in the bit department, with a surprising maximum diameter of 1-5/16 inches. There’s a spindle lock on the front, so changing the bit out is a simple one-wrench operation. The speed dial is mounted on top of the tool body, and while some would prefer it closer to the grip, we don’t see a problem, since you’re gripping the tool with just one hand anyway.

Depth adjustment is among the easiest we’ve seen on a router. Just turn the motor till the triangle and "unlocked" symbol align, lower the motor to desired position, turn the motor so the triangle lines up with the "locked" symbol and close the clamping lever. If fine adjustment is necessary, it’s a breeze, courtesy of a wheel on the back of the base. Done.

We can think of hundreds of uses for this little workhorse, but those who’ve previously been intimidated by routers will absolutely love it, because it performs like a full-size router, yet it’s a fraction of the size and weight. It would be perfect for rounding-over deck planks and railings, hinge mortising, making decorative edges on hobby wood, and furniture, cutting slots, for use with a dovetail jig, making window cutouts, decorative inlays, trimming laminate and more. Pros, do-it-yourselfers and hobby woodworkers will all wonder how they got along without this little tool. -- Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What’s in the Box
Router, straight edge guide, carrying case, fixed base, ¼-inch self-releasing collet, drop-forged wrench

From the Manufacturer
With its compact size and spirited performance, the 1.0 HP Colt Palm Router from Bosch is a very versatile tool. It's not just a laminate trimmer, but is ideal for trimming deck planks, hinge mortising, edge forming, slot cutting, dovetailing, window cutouts and decorative inlays. The PR20EVSK Variable-speed Colt¿ Kit has a palm-grip design with Soft Grip to make it the most comfortable router in its class, yet it also has enough power to do the job and is more comfortable and easy to use than larger routers. The Softstart¿ reduces start-up torque while the Bosch Constant Response¿ Circuitry monitors and maintains speed under load for consistent performance and overload protection. Easily move the motor from base to base with the Quick-clamp System to work on other areas of your project. A convenient Front Spindle Lock on the motor was designed for easy, one-wrench bit changes. Bosch even covered the small details by angling the cord to help keep it out of the way. The contents of this kit make it ideal for all router users.

Customer Reviews

Bosch PR20EVSK Handheld Small Router
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.

My Favorite Router
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.

Light and easy to use
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.