Bosch 1617 vs MRC23 Router Battle - Which is Better? Comparing Bosch combo kit woodworking routers

Which combo router kit is better - the 1617 or the MRC23EVSK - that's the question today. This detailed look at two popular Bosch woodworking routers will help you decide which is right for you!
Next video to watch: Router Compar-O • Router Comparison Revi...
Current Pricing:
Bosch1617EVSPK ... amzn.to/3FkI0un
Bosch MRC23EVSK ... amzn.to/3Q12CN2
Bosch MRC23 Fixed Base Only (Renewed) ... amzn.to/46QV2eL
Dust Collection Kit 1617... amzn.to/3LZKmCH
Dust Shroud for MRC23 Plunge Base... amzn.to/3S1PIB3
Popular Woodworking Magazine Router Review: Issue information will appear here once it goes to print! A massive Midsize Router review is coming your way, so re-up those Popular Woodworking subscriptions.
Whether you're edge profiling of cutting mortises with a spiral bit, a good router is worth its weight in gold. You need details to get the decision right, and I hope this helps. Either way combo kits are great because they offer both fixed base and plunge base options.
Or shop my entire curated collection (Shop Tested) on The Thoughtful Woodworker Storefront…
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Please unplug your router for bit changes or maintenance!
Stay Safe.

[@tcantrell1993]

Ive got the MRC23, about 2 years now. Its a beast. I use mine in a table, router sled, and obviously hand held. I've used a 3hp porter cable and this MRC23 seems just as powerful, and smoother.

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

I totally agree, the MRC23 is sooo smooth!

[@edwardebel1847]

Thanks for this review. I was in the market and the MRC23 was on sale for about $250 at Acme Tools, so I went ahead...Cheers!

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

Nice choice!

[@bobnicholas5994]

I have had the MRC for four years. It is a beast. The micro adjustment is garbage and it is in a bag in my tool box. It is hard to get the plunge to go down. Most important it will not work with a lift because of the way the power supply works. It has paid for itself. I bought the cordless Dewalt trim router and use that the most.

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

Try blowing off the plunge rods with compressed air, and spraying them with Bostik dry lube. Works wonders on plunge routers.

[@earthlyguitars]

I’ve bought mrc23 recently and combined it with a Kreg insert plate. This thing is a beast. I use fixed base with router table and plunge base to dig cavities of my guitars. Money well spent.

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

Yep, it's a good one. Glad it's working great for you!

[@lee3r24]

For any 240V users seeking these out the MRC23 (GOF1600) is now unobtanium and has been discontinued. There are heaps of the fixed bases online to buy still just no motor to mount inside them!

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

Thanks for the additional information. That's too bad.

[@satchelack]

I just bought a GOF 1600 in Brasil; I live in a 220V part of the country, so that’s the model I got. You can’t get the two-base combo here like in the US, but the plunge base does come packaged with the edge guide and a base-centering cone. I bought the fixed base separately.
Thanks for this review! It helped me go with the Bosch.

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

Very Nice! I think you will be pleased with the router. @@satchelack

[@andrewford80]

We call the MRC23 the GOF1600 here in Australia. I've had one for years and regret buying it. I was naieve when I bought it and didn't realise how it was going to be problematic to use in a table.
The internal plunge springs are cool, but they still get sticky. I use a candle, rubbed on the legs as a dry lube.
Overall, I think it's OK for a hand held router, but keep in mind that using it in a table is very tricky.

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

I agree with your comments. It wouldn't be my first choice for a router table. However using the fixed base handheld, it's one of my favorites. Best to you.

[@bgm1911]

I've got a 1617 mounted into a router table, and this thing hasn't missed a beat in 15 years. Money well spent, IMO.

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

That's great, I'm glad it worked out for you. Is yours in a lift? They're ok in a lift, but don't really raise high enough for easy bit changes in the fixed base. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@stephennowlan2637]

Based on comments for this video, the MRC23 is identical to the GOF1600? Just wanting to confirm that the MRC23 will fit in the Bosch FSN OFA guide rail adapter because on Amazon the adapter only has the GOF1600 in the compatibility list (maybe just because of the age of the specs). I've already ordered the adapter in hopes that I can adapt my Ridgid R29202, but a new Bosch router is the back up plan. Even if I end up getting a new router, I will still be set up with 32mm hole spacing for cabinets at a fraction of the festool system.

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

I assumed they were identical, except for power source. Not sure if an MRC will fit your accessories. Let us know.

[@markhopkins7204]

happy so far with my 1617..plenty of power for my applications and to date, reliable..not a fan of the micro adjust design, but not a deal breaker..thanks for sharing..always useful info!

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

Thanks Mark! I like the size and overall capability of the 1617, it's always a good choice.

[@andyf8503]

Great comparison. I've used the 1617 in a table for about 4 years. The adjustment mechanism hasn't held up well, and it's not as robust as it looks. I repaired it using a drill bit stop collar, but it's still sensitive to bearing weight upside down. A lift is definitely the better choice.

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

Thanks for your first hand experience. I know the adjustment mechanism you're talking about, and that clip. Appreciate your input. Best to you.

[@hustletradinginvesting8453]

Can u remove the black plastic MRF01 base handles?? I dont have the witdth clearance on my nw custom router table. Your answer will determine which model i will buy. Thanks

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

No, since the trigger is in the handle, you need to keep them attached for mounting in a table. The 1617 is ok to remove the handles.

[@TWC6724]

I would like the MRC23 but the info on the inability to fit into a router table makes me hesitant to buy it. 🤔

[@TheThoughtfulWoodworker]

Remember you can put the fixed base router in a router table, it just needs to stay in its own base. The only thing you can't do is put the motor into a router lift. I absolutely love that router, it's so smooth. If you want the fixed base router check out the new video at the bottom of the page here... amzn.to/3SojDTY or the two base kit... amzn.to/48ItjOM I bet you'll love it too!

[@TWC6724]

@@TheThoughtfulWoodworker Oh, that’s right. Thanks for the reply. I think I may get this combo then. 👍