Thread: Bosch 1600CE Base Mounting Clamps

Is there any adjustment on the clamp so that it doesn't require so much force to release it?

Hi Dallas. I came across some pictures of another version which does have adjustment (which I think is the 1617, and as sold in America). So I got all excited and had another look at mine, but they have no adjustment, and it would be almost impossible to modify to add adjustment

Bosch 1617 Fixed Base.jpgAdjuster.jpg

Hah! Check this out. When I was taking the second image above I noticed this set screw, and it looks very much like it might adjust the tension. So thanks for making me take a closer look. I tell you what. It's a bugger getting old. When I had my second cataract done they didn't warn me that I would lose my close vision. It's nice having my distance sight back and being able to drive at night, but I can't even see my car dash without glasses now.
Adjustment.jpg

Thanks again Dallas. I haven't tried it yet, but that _has_ to adjust the pivot position, and is going to fix the over stiff clamp.

Originally Posted by Trevor Dennis

.......... I'm thinking this is going to be less than ideal when you are having to reach under the table top every time you need to adjust the height so I am wondering if anyone has this router and has worked out some sort of tool to make life easier?..........

This might be too late but I only just spotted this thread. I had the same issue and solved it this way . . . drilled and tapped an M5 hole in the lever and added a little brass extension - very easy to release the router now

Bosch1600CE-01.jpgBosch1600CE-02.jpg

Hey thanks for that. It turned out that the tiny allen bolt, you can see in the lowest image in my last post, did indeed adjust the clamp tension, so I have it set so I can comfortably undo the clamp. I've already had a lot of use out of the router while table mounted, and while it is an excellent router, I don't find it as convenient to use table mounted as the Triton TRA001. The above table adjustment works in three stages with each only giving about 10mm of movement. It's not a huge deal reaching under to use the central clamp (and the main clamp) to move to the next 10mm range, but what is a concern is that the router does lift as well as it might using the above table adjustment. It lowers nicely, but whereas the TRA001 is as easy to wind up as it is to drop it down, the 1600E feels like it needs a bit of help, so I am reaching under the table taking some of its weight to ease the load on the thread.

Another issue is that I am not convinced that unclamping and reclamping leaves the bit at exactly the same height. That is to say I have had some inconsistencies. I need to make the time to do some definitive testing. This is only with the fixed base. I am loving using the plunge base. To be fair I have only ever used the Triton TRA001 and MOF001 table mounted, so can't compare, but the Bosch has a real quality feel to it with the plunge base.

If you get too frustrated with it at least you can now get the Triton at Carbatec again.

Originally Posted by Treecycle

If you get too frustrated with it at least you can now get the Triton at Carbatec again.

I actually had a TRA001 delivered a couple of weeks ago. I love the Bosch 1600CE, but it is not working nearly so well as the Tritons I am used to when table mounted. While you can adjust the height from above the table using the fixed base to mount the router, it does so in three position which each have about 10mm of vertical adjustment. So when you run out of movement in the current slot, you have to unclamp and move it to the next slot, and wind the adjuster to the other end of its travel. What is worse is that I have found that it does not like to be raised from above the table, so I have to reach under the table and support its weight when lifting it. The Triton's height adjustment is smooth and reliable and the full range is available without having to mess about under the table.

The exception being that you have to operate the interlock to move the Triton up to its spindle lock position, but that also works better than the Bosch. I don't regret buying the Bosch, and with its plunge base I think it is better than the TRA001. It has had some very heavy use and hardly even got warm. I am looking forward to not having to drop it out of the table to use with its plunge base, and I am REALLY looking forward to having the Triton permanently table mounted.

The change has also been driven by the current build not working out as well as I'd hoped. The 31mm laminated kitchen worktop I used is not staying perfectly flat, and the Acetal insert I made also distorts a wee bit when tightened. So I have bought a Kreg insert — which weighs way more than the Acetal insert and is definitely stiffer — and I am going to use two thicknesses of 26mm finger jointed Acacia benchtop by Interbuild, which they import from Vietnam. 2200mm X 600mm X 26mm cost just over NZ$100 from Bunnings and Mitre10 and NZ$170 for 36mm.

Unfortunately, I tore a ligament in my knee a couple of days ago, and ended up in ED coming away with a big black knee brace, and crutches, so I 've had to delay the router cabinet rebuild. It's a bugger getting old!

I hope you're back into it soon so you can finish off your build and get to play with the Triton.

On hold for the moment after tweaking my right knee. ( The hospital ED said six weeks which I don't believe, but it's not the best fun I've ever had. It's a bugger getting old.