Routers - Porter Cable or Bosch?

I have both the PC and Bosch and personally like the Bosch better. to me the Bosch just feels better and I like the design of the bases better. There really is nothing wrong with the PC though. I get lots of email from people who like the PC routers as well. I have reviews of both the PC and Bosch routers at the link below if that would help. Either will do fine in a woodworking shop.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/index.html#routers

-- Tom Hintz, www.newwoodworker.com

I have the Bosch 1617EVSPK kit and like it a lot. I use it for all my freehand routing work, as well as dovetailing on my Omnijig. It has plenty of power for my woodworking needs. The micro-adjust height control is great. Swapping between the fixed base and the plunge base is easy.
If you are going to use this router in a router table, make sure that you get the new kit that comes with the fixed base (RA1165) that has the above-the-table height adjustment. The older version of the fixed base doesn’t have this feature, but is still on the market.

Having few routers myself I think Tom hit the nail on the head it’s all about feel first and of course the features make a difference and price also works into the equation.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

Jason – Have you handled both of these routers? They both have lots of supporters and both have a proven record, so go with the one that feels best in your hands…it’s very subjective. The PC accepts the standard PC inserts, but I like the hardwood handles on the Bosch. Given my druthers, I actually prefer the Milwaukee 5616 to both.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

I have used both, and I prefer the porter cable. I have had other porter cable routers for over ten years without ever having a problem, but I have had problems with the bosch and it’s only 2 years old.

-- Julian, Park Forest, IL

I have both. I prefer the Bosch by far, although the PC is a good router. Just my personal taste.

-- She thought I hung the moon--now she just thinks I did it wrong

I have the Bosch and really like the micro adjustment and variable speed. We used PC routers at work and they held up in a prison shop. I prefer the Bosch in my home shop. Thanks for asking.

God Bless
tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

Thank you for all the replies. The tricky part is I haven’t really logged a lot of time with either of them so it’s kind of a shot in the dark. I’m leaning towards the Bosch, just because I recently bought their latest-model jigsaw and it’s worked out really, really well for me.

Tom – thanks for the links I really liked the reviews.

Knotscott – I’m not sure what my personal preference would be. I’ve got a class that starts next month and I might see if I can get a turn or two with both and then I’ll go from there.

Thanks again for all the replies!