*I absolutely love this tool!!! The first one was defective and Dewalt replaced **MyBest.Tools** More bulky than the Bosch and Makita corded palm routers I have but worth it. Nice solid base*
I'm used to larger, corded routers th-cam.com/users/postUgkxfQ5_mgwq6PcudJvAH25t-I4D-3cTPz4z so this was a different experience for me. Basically, this is an incredibly sweet machine, fits well in the hand, etc. It has slightly less power than I'm used to, but that's understandable. Maneuvering freehand takes some practice. These days, it's especially nice to be able to avoid power cords. This is above the level of a hobbyist but below a pro level.
I’ve had mine since January and absolutely love it. I pretty much permanently have a 1/8” round over bit in it. It’s also really good for cutting out for hinges on doors with a small straight cutter as most of the base can rest on the edge of the door. The fine adjustment helps with this as you can rest the hinge plate on the base when it’s upside down and creep up to the depth you need.
One important bit about fine-adjusting this router: while the thumb-dial indeed has its problems, it is also possible to tune it from the bottom part using an Allen wrench. This actually became my favorite method for fine-adjusting this unit.
Just purchased one through your link. Figured I needed to do something to make up for my snarky OSB remark. 😏 Actually, I was very close to buying Bosch's reg. trim router, but I didn't know about this model until I watched your video. It fits my purpose perfectly plus I already have batteries and charger with my bosch impact driver set. Thanks!
You are such an excellent speaker. Thank you for this clear, concise video. I just bought this little router and enjoyed watching your video to help me out. Love your accent!!
I particularly like the hugely improved stability and ergonomics, together with the fact that it is five times lighter than the Bosch 600 Router! The weight and mass savings, together with the ergonomics and stability give this tool numerous advantages. Although primarily for edging, I also want to be routing in lines to create a bead board effect in plywood and think that this nice, light tool will make that less of a chore. Thank you for this review, having owned Bosch tools since the 1980's I am extremely impressed with their quality and longevity, only requiring repairs due to user induced damage (I dropped my drill onto concrete from 13 feet up!).
Good work Matt, nice to see a young guy carrying on and updating carpentry. However, I have found that the cutting bit is hard to see, this mostly does not matter but if your cutting edging can be a problem? Just a thought, many, many moons ago, I was taught never use 3in1 as it will increase the dirt attached to your guides (us old ones that used Yankee screw drivers will know this) best to use meths or acetone, as long as it is clean there should be no problems. Carry on the good work. Ash
I need a router with a bit more capability than this, but when I need a trimmer, the design of this makes it a winner (erm... I didn't mean that to rhyme). Nice review, Matt. Thanks.
I love the ergonomics with the low C of G. I have an 18v Makita DRT50, it's great, but the enormous 18v battery sitting on top of its tiny base makes it a bit cumbersome. I think 18v might be overpowered for a little palm router and I'd gladly swap a little power for a lighter more stable 12v version like this. But: 1. The view of the bit looks to be hidden beneath your hand? 2. No dust collection. A really good integrated system; in through the base, out through the top, like the big Festool routers would have sold it to me. I'm also a lefty but I don't begrudge Bosch designing for the 90% who aren't!
Great review , best in depth review I've seen on this router. It's definitely on my list to buy , I'm heavy into the Bosch lineup both the 18 volt and 12. I also hit the subscribe button , thanks for the great review.
can i use this router to do door hinges? if yes than will this be good enough for best finishing job or shall buy another cordless please recommend. thanks
Thanks for being up front at the start of the video about affiliates and sponsorship. It's good to hear it first rather than at the end as an afterthought. I recently bought the Bosch GCM 12 GDL mitre saw on the back of your review, so they're working! Can you add Australian purchase links for your reviews?
Hmm... cool... I am glad I saw this video of yours - was on the fence, but just briefly, between this and the GKF 600... but now I am sure the 600 will be right for my entry into routing works :) the 1600 seems too advanced for what I am going to start with and I have a feeling it won't hurt to have the 600 and in the future the 1600 as well should the need present itself! Thanks for clarifying this one for me :) Was hoping for a 18v version, as I am stocked up on 18v bits and bobs... but so it is :) Thanks again for the clear and concise review Andreas!
I've been looking at more affordable trim routers, but counting on the fact that I already have 12V Bosch batteries and charger that came with my GSR drill, it'll be a little cheaper to get this one than let's say the Ryobi where I'd have to get the batteries and charger as well. Great to know that the GKF is a really nice router, thanks for the review! Would using this to make rebates be pushing it, BTW? I have to work a bit outside due to not having the best workshop at home and it would be nice to not have to take out my plunge router all the time 🙂
In europe the GKF comes standard with a 8mm collar - just need to be sensible and not use big bits - there are more choices in 8mm bits than in 6mm bits and they are usually the same price…
I am considering investing in this router, what would you recommend as a starter bit set. A little background is I am an upholsterer making ottoman boxes, footstool frames and headboards. I never could get to grips with the router I bought many years ago, being stubborn individual, You have inspired me to give it another go. Love your tutorials, your approach, your honesty. #thankyou
You forgot to mention the stock 2A battery it’s not very sufficient, as for most of 12v power tools, and need at least 4A to avoid battery overheat protection kicking each half minute when using it for continuos works. The 4 and 6A batteries on the other hand, due to their larger mass and inertia, tend to overuse the contacts especially on tools ithat generate vibrations, and need to clean periodically the contacts in the tool to avoid the fault warning kicking in. Also, because I have used and abused all their 12v tools, I can say that most of the mechanical parts are made from not such a good quality steel, and bend very easy if you’re not carefull. Happened to me with the shaft of the drills and the minicircular saw. Needed to change them. Not the case yet for the router though. Also for the cordless router the work speed is maximum half when compared to the corded version.
The tabs on the 12v batteries are little bit fragile, slamming it in like that caused one of mine to lose both and now I can only use it for the tools which hold the battery in place by gravity.
I’ve wondered about this router, appreciate the review. I think the lack of variable speed and the lack of base accessories is unfortunately a deal breaker (for my needs)
Love the video! Any video recommendations on how to use it to make different edges and such for someone who’s never used a router? Do you just have lots of loose wood laying around to test before going at your piece?
Hi, have you used this for door hinge cutouts? I realise it's not a plunge router but with the correct jig it should work? & possibly on a door lining in situ? Thank you.
Great video Matt, I've only recently discovered your channel but have been binge watching a heap of your beginner joint guides and am halfway through the 6 string Bass guitar project. I noticed there's no link for Australia to purchase the router. Are Bosch Australia not a part of your affiliation? Keep up the good work 👌
I have it and use both kinds batteries. The bigger one does not make any difference to the balance and the usability. It is still nicely balanced and it is not in the way. I sometimes would love to have the faster speeds of the bigger routers. But it depends on what you do with it. I also have the mini circular saw, which I often use for panel cutting.
Would have liked more than one cut. Long video to see one cut that did not look great. More cuts and more close-ups with different wood have been a seller if good cuts. Thanks. Love from Scotland, X.
I'm a home DIY'er that likes to buy 'professional' , well-made tools so would probably only use it for hinges on doors (not daily use) and for rounding hard edges etc. Would this be ideal for that? Most of my gear is Metabo 18v and 12v, so obviously it would be a new system for me (battery wise). Can you recommend a different make/system?
but the name of the video says BOSCH GKF 12V-8, i was told the 8 stands for 8mm shaft. but you are saying 1/4" shaft. A friend told me that is the GKF 12V-6 that has a 1/4" shaft?? am i right?
Take note that all Bosch routers are not made equal. UK version is issued with a 1/4" collet (as I understand it), Europe is 8mm (I have this), although I think you can get 6mm. I'm waiting for a response back from Bosch to find out it there is a 1/4" collet for the Euro version as I have bought quite a stock of 1/4" router bits and zero 8mm - ya, I know.... a school boy error when I purchased it. My GKF 600 palm router turns up this week with a 1/4" collect... I hope they are interchangeable - at least I have a router to use the bits in! Heres an update... EU/UK collets are not interchangeable... It cost me Eur 35.00 to get an imperial collet, which is a bit of a rip off considering the cost of the router itself! Having used it, and not giving a review straight out of the box or being sponsored to do so, its ok... nothing special. It you are considering a small router, get the GKF 600 and give this one a miss.
That is an expensive tool and as you stated the price is without batteries. The 3Ahr battery is $50. I wonder why Bosch did not make this variable speed, since it is a DC motor. It is smaller than my DeWalt 611 router. I could achieve a similar footprint by making a plate for the DeWalt. Something to add to my future project list. Thanks for the inspiration. This router could also be used for routing boxties and other inlay work but I am not sure if the baseplate is designed to use the guides/bushings. Dave.
Hi Matt, I enjoy the video very much while I do own the older corded version and to really love it. I think you sold me to move over to this one. Thank you for the review. I am also looking forward to your Router training videos I feel I can get a lot out of that training. I would like to ask and maybe it could be something down the road. I see you have the Tormek unit with a CBN Grinding wheel on it. I have the T7 and do really like it, I have seen and read enough info on the CBN wheels to be interested in purchasing one. I am just not sure which Grit would best suit me. So not sure if you would be willing to do a video on the different grits and where they best would fit into a person shop. I have hand planes and chisels all LN and other planes from Veritas as well. Thank you. I will admit I am not a paying customer as with fixed income I only have so much to go around. thanks Matt
I'm sure its not the main purpose but is it possible to cut a 1/2 rabbet for a picture frame out of a piece of soft wood? Great review - seems like one of those tools that I'd pick up most often because its the easiest to use. (just saw the earlier comment but I'll leave this here for the almighty algorithm lol)
Not really made for plunge cuts! This is made to mimic the function of a fixed base / palm router. You want a dedicated plunge router for what you’re looking for!
lol i got this edge router for $39 and the planer for $43 at lowes in the US, they are getting rid of Bosch 12v tools. I got 6 ah batteries for $25, the multi tool for $24.
14 minutes into the video before we see a proper demonstration is, to me, far too long. Much too much talk and too little action. Show it, don't tell it :)
*I absolutely love this tool!!! The first one was defective and Dewalt replaced **MyBest.Tools** More bulky than the Bosch and Makita corded palm routers I have but worth it. Nice solid base*
I'm used to larger, corded routers th-cam.com/users/postUgkxfQ5_mgwq6PcudJvAH25t-I4D-3cTPz4z so this was a different experience for me. Basically, this is an incredibly sweet machine, fits well in the hand, etc. It has slightly less power than I'm used to, but that's understandable. Maneuvering freehand takes some practice. These days, it's especially nice to be able to avoid power cords. This is above the level of a hobbyist but below a pro level.
I’ve had mine since January and absolutely love it. I pretty much permanently have a 1/8” round over bit in it.
It’s also really good for cutting out for hinges on doors with a small straight cutter as most of the base can rest on the edge of the door.
The fine adjustment helps with this as you can rest the hinge plate on the base when it’s upside down and creep up to the depth you need.
Was just going to ask if it would be good for hinges. Cheers.
I have the same router and i love it ! But you forget to mention there’s a little screw to secure the fine adjustment as a extra safety measure 👍🏻
One important bit about fine-adjusting this router: while the thumb-dial indeed has its problems, it is also possible to tune it from the bottom part using an Allen wrench. This actually became my favorite method for fine-adjusting this unit.
nice tip. thanks
Just purchased one through your link. Figured I needed to do something to make up for my snarky OSB remark. 😏 Actually, I was very close to buying Bosch's reg. trim router, but I didn't know about this model until I watched your video. It fits my purpose perfectly plus I already have batteries and charger with my bosch impact driver set. Thanks!
You are such an excellent speaker. Thank you for this clear, concise video. I just bought this little router and enjoyed watching your video to help me out. Love your accent!!
I put a 1/8" conversion chuck to take a drywall bit, works great for cutting out outlets and other details
I particularly like the hugely improved stability and ergonomics, together with the fact that it is five times lighter than the Bosch 600 Router!
The weight and mass savings, together with the ergonomics and stability give this tool numerous advantages.
Although primarily for edging, I also want to be routing in lines to create a bead board effect in plywood and think that this nice, light tool will make that less of a chore.
Thank you for this review, having owned Bosch tools since the 1980's I am extremely impressed with their quality and longevity, only requiring repairs due to user induced damage (I dropped my drill onto concrete from 13 feet up!).
When you dropped that router I could hear the sound of Bosch executives clinching their cheeks around the globe.
Good work Matt, nice to see a young guy carrying on and updating carpentry.
However, I have found that the cutting bit is hard to see, this mostly does not matter but if your cutting edging can be a problem?
Just a thought, many, many moons ago, I was taught never use 3in1 as it will increase the dirt attached to your guides (us old ones that used Yankee screw drivers will know this) best to use meths or acetone, as long as it is clean there should be no problems.
Carry on the good work.
Ash
I need a router with a bit more capability than this, but when I need a trimmer, the design of this makes it a winner (erm... I didn't mean that to rhyme). Nice review, Matt. Thanks.
For edge profiling with the Bosch Colt, turn the router 45 degrees to the edge being routed. Provides a lot more stability.
I just put a larger base on mine.
I love the ergonomics with the low C of G. I have an 18v Makita DRT50, it's great, but the enormous 18v battery sitting on top of its tiny base makes it a bit cumbersome. I think 18v might be overpowered for a little palm router and I'd gladly swap a little power for a lighter more stable 12v version like this.
But:
1. The view of the bit looks to be hidden beneath your hand?
2. No dust collection. A really good integrated system; in through the base, out through the top, like the big Festool routers would have sold it to me.
I'm also a lefty but I don't begrudge Bosch designing for the 90% who aren't!
working with a wired Bosch trimmer a lot and I'm going to buy this tool tool too. Good tool!!!
Well explained video just bought one now I know how to use it Thanks
Great review , best in depth review I've seen on this router. It's definitely on my list to buy , I'm heavy into the Bosch lineup both the 18 volt and 12. I also hit the subscribe button , thanks for the great review.
can i use this router to do door hinges? if yes than will this be good enough for best finishing job or shall buy another cordless please recommend. thanks
Thanks for being up front at the start of the video about affiliates and sponsorship. It's good to hear it first rather than at the end as an afterthought.
I recently bought the Bosch GCM 12 GDL mitre saw on the back of your review, so they're working!
Can you add Australian purchase links for your reviews?
Now that looks super handy. Great review Matt.
Hmm... cool... I am glad I saw this video of yours - was on the fence, but just briefly, between this and the GKF 600... but now I am sure the 600 will be right for my entry into routing works :) the 1600 seems too advanced for what I am going to start with and I have a feeling it won't hurt to have the 600 and in the future the 1600 as well should the need present itself! Thanks for clarifying this one for me :) Was hoping for a 18v version, as I am stocked up on 18v bits and bobs... but so it is :) Thanks again for the clear and concise review Andreas!
Ok Matt you talked me into it hope this helps you channel.. thanks.
Great review Matt. Some excellent innovation coming from Bosch these days.
saw a review using the 6ah battery on this tool, ran faster and smoother, great review thanks
It's a nice product and I can see me getting one real soon 👍🏾
Thanks for your good review, Matt
any good for plunge cutting sign writing?
Mine just arrived yesterday. Tks for the info!
Some nice features. I especially like the improved stability.
I've been looking at more affordable trim routers, but counting on the fact that I already have 12V Bosch batteries and charger that came with my GSR drill, it'll be a little cheaper to get this one than let's say the Ryobi where I'd have to get the batteries and charger as well. Great to know that the GKF is a really nice router, thanks for the review!
Would using this to make rebates be pushing it, BTW? I have to work a bit outside due to not having the best workshop at home and it would be nice to not have to take out my plunge router all the time 🙂
Great video, much thanks for the recommendation!
You have just sold me that item 👌🏼
Excellent video but can I just mention that Bosch said the drop protection was a mistake in the advertising, so it doesn't really have that feature.
Great review and very well executed thank you.
In europe the GKF comes standard with a 8mm collar - just need to be sensible and not use big bits - there are more choices in 8mm bits than in 6mm bits and they are usually the same price…
I am considering investing in this router, what would you recommend as a starter bit set. A little background is I am an upholsterer making ottoman boxes, footstool frames and headboards. I never could get to grips with the router I bought many years ago, being stubborn individual, You have inspired me to give it another go. Love your tutorials, your approach, your honesty. #thankyou
I hope Makita takes note Great concept!
You forgot to mention the stock 2A battery it’s not very sufficient, as for most of 12v power tools, and need at least 4A to avoid battery overheat protection kicking each half minute when using it for continuos works. The 4 and 6A batteries on the other hand, due to their larger mass and inertia, tend to overuse the contacts especially on tools ithat generate vibrations, and need to clean periodically the contacts in the tool to avoid the fault warning kicking in. Also, because I have used and abused all their 12v tools, I can say that most of the mechanical parts are made from not such a good quality steel, and bend very easy if you’re not carefull. Happened to me with the shaft of the drills and the minicircular saw. Needed to change them. Not the case yet for the router though. Also for the cordless router the work speed is maximum half when compared to the corded version.
quite a drop in rpm from my makita 18 volt but i love the balance
The tabs on the 12v batteries are little bit fragile, slamming it in like that caused one of mine to lose both and now I can only use it for the tools which hold the battery in place by gravity.
Bosch company number Van woodwork tool world number Van woodwork tool👌👌👌👌🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
I’ve wondered about this router, appreciate the review. I think the lack of variable speed and the lack of base accessories is unfortunately a deal breaker (for my needs)
Love the video! Any video recommendations on how to use it to make different edges and such for someone who’s never used a router? Do you just have lots of loose wood laying around to test before going at your piece?
Tbh any tool has "drop protection" if you drop it hard enough.....might not be able to turn it on though....
I'd like to see it with a custom base plate to use it as a lipping planer.
Pity the base doesn't have an open section to use as trimmer for edgebanding
Would this be suitable for internal door hinges??
Hi, have you used this for door hinge cutouts? I realise it's not a plunge router but with the correct jig it should work? & possibly on a door lining in situ? Thank you.
Great video Matt, I've only recently discovered your channel but have been binge watching a heap of your beginner joint guides and am halfway through the 6 string Bass guitar project. I noticed there's no link for Australia to purchase the router. Are Bosch Australia not a part of your affiliation? Keep up the good work 👌
Good review, I can see how that could be very handy!
Thank you for your helpful review. One question if you ran the router against a straight edge could you cut a slot with this unit?
Excellent review! Adding this bad boy to my arsenal. :-)
I have it and use both kinds batteries. The bigger one does not make any difference to the balance and the usability. It is still nicely balanced and it is not in the way. I sometimes would love to have the faster speeds of the bigger routers. But it depends on what you do with it. I also have the mini circular saw, which I often use for panel cutting.
Question though - Is that a 6 mm shaft holder you got in it? Mine is 8 mm and I would love to have a 6 mm.
Would have liked more than one cut. Long video to see one cut that did not look great. More cuts and more close-ups with different wood have been a seller if good cuts. Thanks. Love from Scotland, X.
Thank you so much
Love the shirt.
Best trimmer, use it for teak decking on super yachts..
Hi, could you tell me the measurement from center bit to the shortest edge?
i am more interested on that round cover located on the opposite side of the switch. You know what that is by any chance?
Matt, are there collar attachments for following router templates when using narrow diameter cutters (too narrow to have bearings)?
How does it stand up as a laminate trimmer?
Any idea where to get the right collet for the UK model (different to eu for some reason) to receive 1/4 inch bits as mine only came with a 6mm chuck
Your hairstyle is nice.
I'm a home DIY'er that likes to buy 'professional' , well-made tools so would probably only use it for hinges on doors (not daily use) and for rounding hard edges etc. Would this be ideal for that? Most of my gear is Metabo 18v and 12v, so obviously it would be a new system for me (battery wise). Can you recommend a different make/system?
but the name of the video says BOSCH GKF 12V-8, i was told the 8 stands for 8mm shaft. but you are saying 1/4" shaft. A friend told me that is the GKF 12V-6 that has a 1/4" shaft?? am i right?
Could it be used to plunge? Maybe with a small upcut bit? It looks like it
Do you happen to know the part number for the L-BOXX insert you show in the video?.
Good review, have you considered doing a review for the 12v planer?
I've bought some ¼ inch cutters but they don't fit into the router?
Can you fit guide bushes for routing out hinges ETC?
theres 100 ways to route hinges, why are you using guide bushes
Take note that all Bosch routers are not made equal. UK version is issued with a 1/4" collet (as I understand it), Europe is 8mm (I have this), although I think you can get 6mm. I'm waiting for a response back from Bosch to find out it there is a 1/4" collet for the Euro version as I have bought quite a stock of 1/4" router bits and zero 8mm - ya, I know.... a school boy error when I purchased it.
My GKF 600 palm router turns up this week with a 1/4" collect... I hope they are interchangeable - at least I have a router to use the bits in!
Heres an update... EU/UK collets are not interchangeable... It cost me Eur 35.00 to get an imperial collet, which is a bit of a rip off considering the cost of the router itself!
Having used it, and not giving a review straight out of the box or being sponsored to do so, its ok... nothing special. It you are considering a small router, get the GKF 600 and give this one a miss.
Need a M12 version of this lol
Wonder if this would be any good for hinge cutouts? Anyone know?
Great for hinges
That is an expensive tool and as you stated the price is without batteries. The 3Ahr battery is $50.
I wonder why Bosch did not make this variable speed, since it is a DC motor.
It is smaller than my DeWalt 611 router. I could achieve a similar footprint by making a plate for the DeWalt. Something to add to my future project list. Thanks for the inspiration.
This router could also be used for routing boxties and other inlay work but I am not sure if the baseplate is designed to use the guides/bushings.
Dave.
Hi Matt, I enjoy the video very much while I do own the older corded version and to really love it. I think you sold me to move over to this one. Thank you for the review. I am also looking forward to your Router training videos I feel I can get a lot out of that training. I would like to ask and maybe it could be something down the road. I see you have the Tormek unit with a CBN Grinding wheel on it. I have the T7 and do really like it, I have seen and read enough info on the CBN wheels to be interested in purchasing one. I am just not sure which Grit would best suit me. So not sure if you would be willing to do a video on the different grits and where they best would fit into a person shop. I have hand planes and chisels all LN and other planes from Veritas as well. Thank you. I will admit I am not a paying customer as with fixed income I only have so much to go around. thanks Matt
I'm sure its not the main purpose but is it possible to cut a 1/2 rabbet for a picture frame out of a piece of soft wood? Great review - seems like one of those tools that I'd pick up most often because its the easiest to use. (just saw the earlier comment but I'll leave this here for the almighty algorithm lol)
No dust collection?
Is it good for a biscuit channel?
Perfect tool !
How is the performance with just plunge cuts through basic materials like OSB, MDF etc?
Not really made for plunge cuts! This is made to mimic the function of a fixed base / palm router. You want a dedicated plunge router for what you’re looking for!
So 1:30 in and you clearly recommend it 😂 buy one via the link if you like it, I'll get a tip 👍
lol i got this edge router for $39 and the planer for $43 at lowes in the US, they are getting rid of Bosch 12v tools. I got 6 ah batteries for $25, the multi tool for $24.
Hi Matt, bought and received the katz-moses guide through yr link and received it today. Interested in this Router but the uk link say's out of stock.
Sorry it's available on the Axminster site
Asimo S. is a nickname of local writer.
Where do I get the OSB T-Shirt!
Hear it doesn’t have drop protection. Was a flaw in marketing.
O S B awesome!
Im 99% sure bosh made that design using the bottom half of their drill molds XD
can i use this model with panel pilot bit to create a window opening? thanks
Thanks for the lefty take!
Starts 1:42
You know, I would want this … but I really don’t want to invest in yet another battery system.
Interesting Hairstyle...I thought the 70s are out...??!!
The box must be a european thing? I just bought the planer over here in the U.S. and it come in the cardboard box.
followed link but out of stock
I see this has become a sales channel. No dust extraction? A positive! Of course.
Wait, thought you are pure hand tool user.
No sod that! Primarily hand tools but I mix it up a bit
i'll just wait for the chinese version.
14 minutes into the video before we see a proper demonstration is, to me, far too long. Much too much talk and too little action. Show it, don't tell it :)