Thread: Bosch GOF1600 CE router - First impressions.

No s%#t! 3.5" of carbide on 1/2" shank is the wrong ratio for me...

I was thinking about it last night. The only other reason I could see why they say it won't fit is the included sizes of clamps don't specifically fit that size outta the box. Less of an issue if you're happy to modify the smaller ones by milling them down or putting spacers is the larger ones. Everything I read about the PC says it's bigger than the Bosch (which also makes sense if you're thinking about running things jon 110v and higher current but I digress).

It may just be a case of an American company not really caring about the rest of the world and not being prepared to take the time to work it out. Easier to just say no!

Not that there's a precedent for that

Everything you say stands to reason. The clamps are adjustable for the diameters.

To be honest, if it fits, then there is a whole Euro market out there for the plundering. They'll need to be edjacated first on the benefits of a lift (think they are unknown in Europe), but it's a bloody big market....

Dale, maybe I'm getting somewhere. Jessem just came back to say:

"Unfortunately the difference is that the Porter Cable 7518 is a fixed base router whereas the Bosch GOF 1600 is a plunge router. You would not be able to mount the Bosch into the Mast-R-Lift Excel II because of this reason."

Now you and I both know this is not the case, so I sent him you pic of the can, and awaiting a response. Meanwhile, the tent is rising again....

The plunge base has a plunge capacity of 76 mm, both bases have transparent subbases and LED lighting, powerful 1600 watt motor unit with Constant Electronic. The motor unit fits tightly in both the plunge unit and the fixed-base unit using an SDS tool free locking system.
The "After-Lock" fine adjustment enables a routing depth that has already been locked to be readjusted in 1/10 mm steps. The patented "Trigger Control" - a switch system in the handle - is unique to combination routers and adds increased safety.
The powerful plunge and fixed-base router with Trigger Control
Patented switch system in the handle (Trigger Control) for optimum control from the beginning.
Powerful 1600-watt motor with Constant Electronic and Softstart for material-specific working.
SDS quick-change system: for tight fitting of the separate motor block either in the plunge or fixed-base unit.
Flat rubber top cap to stand router on its head for easy bit change and adjustments.
Patented fine adjustment for precise adjustment of the routing depth in 1/10-mm steps when plunge function is locked.
LED illumination of the work surface, and transparent sub-base for precise working.
Maximum router cage stroke: 76 mm

Taken from here http://www.lawson-his.co.uk/bosch-go...n-rout-p148228

Buy the router lift and have it sent here. I'll let you know how it fits

Originally Posted by dalejw

Buy the router lift and have it sent here. I'll let you know how it fits

Ok, done.

You can most probably get a better deal if you buy two and you then you can send one to me. BTW that link above is for a 240V machine.

FF; I don't need one, but thanks for offering.

Sooooo any word? Quite interested in that lift.

Ah. So sorry for no update - been camping. It was a nice big tent too because my apron became a marquee after finally getting some understandable info from Jessem.

The short answer is at this stage the GOF1600 cannot be mounted. They just keep telling me that it won't fit, it won't fit, without telling me the reason why.

It will, in fact, actually fit, as you and I had reasoned. The diameter is no problem. The problem is (and they don't bloody tell you this on the website) that when you order an Excel II and presumably other lifts, you have to tell them what router you are going to use so that they can supply mounts for that router diameter. It would seem that the mounts must not be dia adjustable. I guess they must send you an email when you order one because there isn't even anywhere in the cart to nominate your router.....

Quite clearly, none of the router mounts that they make are for 3 5/8" dia bodies, so the GOF must be a unique dia.

Well I can't see why I can't get an alum bushing made to pack out the dia to 4 ¼" or the next one up from 93mm. Perhaps a band that is 30-40mm wide.

As it turns out, because of my persistence (insistence?) the chap at Jessem has now been given instruction to go off to all the router manufacturers to see what they have got. I have warned him that as far as my research shows there is only one 240v 50Hz motor available in the world (of sufficient power).

So, hopefully there may be some developments in the coming months. How hard can it be to make a new set of mounts (after they move into their new factory which will upset production for a while)?

Hi Dale

I've been back in touch with Jessem (they've finished moving), and they raised a point about a "new" Bosch Router. Don't know if it's the GOF1600 or not that he's talking about, but the switch is not on the body, so it doesn't work when removed from the base (although I'm sure a bright spark(y) could work around that ).

What's the story with the GOF - where's the switch? I can see that the speed control is on the body. Will it work when removed from the base?

Originally Posted by FenceFurniture

Hi Dale

I've been back in touch with Jessem (they've finished moving), and they raised a point about a "new" Bosch Router. Don't know if it's the GOF1600 or not that he's talking about, but the switch is not on the body, so it doesn't work when removed from the base (although I'm sure a bright spark(y) could work around that ).

What's the story with the GOF - where's the switch? I can see that the speed control is on the body. Will it work when removed from the base?

I reckon the switch is on the handle on each base, see what appears to be a switch and lock in this video Bosch GOF 1600 CE Professional Router - YouTube When the motor is removed from the base the tracks that supply volts and switching etc can be seen down one side.

This page confirms the switch location with a video. Lawson HIS: Bosch GOF 1600 CE 1/2" Multifunction Router GOF1600CE

Originally Posted by Chris Parks

I reckon the switch is on the handle on each base, see what appears to be a switch and lock in this video Bosch GOF 1600 CE Professional Router - YouTube When the motor is removed from the base the tracks that supply volts and switching etc can be seen down one side.

This page confirms the switch location with a video. Lawson HIS: Bosch GOF 1600 CE 1/2" Multifunction Router GOF1600CE

There's gotta be a way around this. the power lead goes to the body (of course), and it could be turned on or off with a remote socket or switch. Just need to figure a way around that switch.....

Dale....heeeeeelllp!

I'm on it. There's a couple of rails that run down the body of the router with contacts for the switch.

I'm assuming that it's low voltage to the switch so should be able to just short something out internally.

I'll measure some stuff and get the screw driver out when I get home tonight and work out a way around it. Can't see it's going to be a problem.

Hold tight.