For woodworking, a router is the best tool for cutting rabbets, dados, precision patterns, and edges. Let’s take a closer look at two palm grip routers from Bosch to see which one best meets your needs.
Bosch PR10E Colt Single-Speed Palm-Grip Router
Here’s one way to make a quick decision between the Bosch PR10E and the PR20EVSK: one is single speed, and the other is variable speed. With that information, you may already know which tool will be most useful in your workshop. Let’s look at the single speed PR10E first.
The PR10E weighs only 3.2 pounds, making it easy on your hands and wrist when you have a lot of work to do. As Bosch points out, the PR10E is ideal for all sorts of projects like dovetailing, decorative accents, slots, trimming laminate, and mortising hinges. And since it has a soft start motor, it’s simple to control right from the moment you begin a cut.
Bosch also incorporated finger grooves on the grip and angled the power cord so it stays out of your way. But even though it’s lightweight and easy to control, the powerful 1Hp motor works at 35000rpm so you can tackle hardwoods like cedar and cherry without straining the machine’s limits.
Part of the reason why this router can handle its job so well is Bosch’s Constant Response Circuitry technology. It maintains motor speed and protects against overload. With only one speed and these electronics, you only need to move the router, not manage its power.
If you want to perform plunge cuts, the quick clamp system makes it very easy to move the motor and set the depth. And the easy-to-read depth adjustment system lets you do micro adjustments for projects that demand precision.
Finally, when you need to change the bit, there is a spindle lock right on the front of the motor as well as a self-releasing ¼-inch collet. This means you only need one wrench. But Bosch also includes a shaft wrench in the box just in case you want it.
More features of the Bosch PR10E palm grip router:
- Covered by a 1-year limited warranty
- Maximum bit diameter 1-15/16-inch
- Maximum plunge depth 1-3/16-inch
- Comes with aluminum fixed base
Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.6 Amp 1-Horsepower Fixed-Base Variable-Speed Router with Edge Guide
Why might you prefer the Bosch PR20EVSK over the PR10E? There is at least one major reason: variable speed control. The PR20EVS has a 1Hp motor that offers a range of speeds, from 16,000 to 35,000rpm. Since there’s no trigger, all you need to do is select the speed you want with the dial embedded in the top of the router. Since the router motor begins slowly, then ramps up to the selected speed, you’ll get a smooth start without a lot of torque.
While you’re routing, the motor keeps the speed constant under load, even when you need to cut through a tough knot. It has overload protection, too.
Just like on the PR10E, the PR20EVSK has an easy-to-use depth adjustment with clear markings. There’s a wheel on the back of the base that lets you do micro-tweaks to the depth you selected so you get it just right.
Although the collet only accepts ¼-inch bits, you can use ones with a maximum diameter up to 1-5/16-inches in size. And there is a spindle lock on the front of the motor for quicker bit changes.
Just like the other router above, this one comes with an aluminum fixed base. But you’ll also find a straight edge guide in the box so you won’t need to buy one separately.
Since it’s a palm grip router, you’ll find that the molded barrel with finger grooves is nice to hold while you’re working. It only weighs 3.2 pounds, lightweight enough to hold overhead for mortising hinges. And the angled power cord is designed to stay out of your way.
More features of the Bosch PR20EVSK palm grip router:
- Covered by a 1-year limited warranty
- Comes with carrying case, shaft wrench, straight edge guide, fixed base, collet, and manual
Recommendation
If you use a variety of bit sizes and/cut a variety of materials, we recommend the Bosch PR20EVSK kit. Since this router offers a range of speeds, it’s ideal for this kind of work.
If you don’t need a variable speed palm grip router, you may save money by getting the PR10E. It’s proven itself to many customers to be a durable, dependable model.
Click here to Check out Bosch PR10E rice on Amazon.com!
Click here to Check out Bosch PR20EVSK rice on Amazon.com!