Does the job
Written: Sep 23 '02 (Updated Sep 27 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It works! ... fits bosch bases well, thumbscrews make it easy to install/uninstall
Cons: Vacuum hose adapter doesn't seem to fit Shopvac hose very well
The Bottom Line: Glad I got the kit, it really reduces the dust, is quite well designed and doesn't seem to get in the way during normal use. I like it!
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| cr_gorge's Full Review: Bosch Dust Extraction Kit RA1173 |
The kit comes with a dust/chip collector for the standard base, the plunge base and an edge collector that fits both bases. There are (4)low profile thumbscrews and (2) taller thumbscrews with a screwdriver slot for easy tightening. All three collectors fit well and seem to be well designed to reduce dust and collect the chips.
I've only had this kit for a couple of weeks, so far, but the collectors are made of fairly tough plastic, so they should hold up well.
I purchased this kit along with the Bosch 1617EVSPK 2HP Router Combination Pack. It's a logical option and I'm glad that I got it. I forgot to turn on the shop vac a time or two then realized how well the kit had been working.
I really like this kit because I can also use the edge collector on my (home made) benchtop router table and it works quite well for this. My only real complaint is that the hose adaptor that they include is a little on the loose side, but so far has not caused the hose to come loose during use or been much of a bother. (Also, I might add, $40 seems a little steep for this kit, but I'm not sorry I purchased it)
Installation is pretty straight forward and the only problem I ran into was that the edge collector screw threads on my S type (standard) base were not drilled and tapped, although this is not a problem with the dust collector kit, just an oversight on the manufacture of the standard base. (In my case this was fine, due to the fact that I want to use the edge collector on my router table anyway)
All in all, the dust extractor kit does what it's supposed to do and greatly reduces the chips and especially the fine dust particles with either the standard base or the plunge base. I would suggest using a strong (high amp) shopvac to further reduce any dust, or better yet, an industrial dust collector.
Since this is the kit designed for Bosch routers, I didn't consider any others. I chose this one because it was a logical choice and I'm glad I got it.
I would suggest that anyone who purchases the Bosch 1617EVSPK get this kit, it is well suited and does what it is supposed to do. I would not suggest this kit for someone getting only the standard base router or only the plunge base unless they intend on purchasing the other in the near future. I would also suggest that it may not be appropriate if you intend on using your Bosch only in a router table. There, I would suggest using a heavy duty dust extraction system with a 4" hose for the router compartment (which should be open in the front, no door to hold the chips) and a branching, smaller hose for the fence.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
cr_gorge
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Location: Carson, WA
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Homeowner and Engineer
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