Bosch 12V Max EC Brushless Palm Edge Router (Bare Tool) GKF12V-25N

I was a little reluctant to buy this based on some of the reviews but I already have the Bosch 12V drill/driver brushless combo and extra batteries so I went ahead and ordered. I have 5 other routers for heavy duty table work and plunges so I didn't need a beast. I build a lot of cabinets and found that this thing is perfect for flush trimming face frames and light round-overs or chamfers for tops. I was a little skeptical because it does not run very fast but is so light and ergonomic that it works great for what it was designed for. It has plenty of power for those type jobs. Also it doesn't "scream" like most routers so it's easy on your ears. Just take your time and it works great. I rarely give 5 stars for anything but this deserves it. If don't have another router, this may not be for you but if you use it like I do, it's wonderful.

If you're in the market for a small router for edge profiling, look no further than this one. In my opinion, it's the best small router for the job, hands down. Here's why.First off, if you're working with small bits, you don't need a lot of power. Plus, you don't want to hold a heavy machine for long periods of time. This router is the perfect size and weight for those smaller jobs. And because the handle has a smaller diameter than any other router, it's easy to grip firmly and comfortably. It helps keep your hands from getting injured during use.I really appreciate how easy this router is to handle. With other machines, I've had to constantly worry about dropping them or straining my hands. But this one is stress-free to use. Plus, the precision is impressive. You'll be able to control your cuts like never before.While the router only has one speed, it's all you'll need. And when it comes to the batteries, I do have to admit that the Bosch ones can be pretty expensive. Additionally, their line of 12-volt tools is limited. But if you don't already have the batteries, I'd recommend buying a drill kit instead. Bosch's small drills are excellent.The arbor lock is a game changer. No more holding down a button while trying to change bits. With a little practice, you'll be able to turn it on and off with just one finger without having to move your hand.According to the promotional materials, this router also comes with a drop protection feature. If the router is accidentally dropped, the motor will turn off automatically. While I haven't personally tested this feature as I'm afraid of breaking the tool, it's good to know that the manufacturer has taken measures to protect the tool from damage. This feature also adds an extra layer of safety, giving me peace of mind while using the tool.The battery doesn't provide enough power for larger jobs, like deep and wide dados. But that's not what it's intended for. For smaller tasks, this router is the perfect tool. The depth adjustment is incredibly precise, too.Overall, I'd highly recommend this small router for anyone who needs to do edge profiling. It's easy to handle, precise, and has some great features that make it stand out from the competition.

The ergonomics on this are great, especially if you actually are running roundover/chamfer bits, since your grip tends to push into the extension of the base plate. My biggest complaint is the lack of dust collection in any form for it. I have been working on a 3D printed base plate design that accommodates some dust collection for it myself. Honestly I think this is the biggest flaw to it, that and there isn't a corded version with the same ergonomics.The collet is the self releasing type where it loosens to the point you can spin it then it tightens up and you need the wrench. If you set your wrench so you have about 180 degrees of swing, it will loosen the collet in one throw. The lock is awesome, I hope Bosch will make most of their newer routers have this kind of a spindle lock. I don't struggle with trying to get a tight collet off with two wrenches and there isn't a button to keep depressed. You can grip the router pretty well and loosen the collet off easily.Surprisingly it is pretty powerful if you stick the 12V 6ah or 4ah packs on it. I didn't buy this with the intent of running it with my 2ah batteries because I've used it to make rabbets and dados. You can drive it pretty hard. I've driven an Amana 1/2" single flute insert bit at 3/8" and an Amana insert rabbetting bit with a 1/2" full depth of cut and full engagement of 3/8". Yes it'll be slow and it'll take a while, but if you just let the router do the work it'll cut. I advise against doing this, using the same bit in a normal palm router set to max RPM (35000) will pretty much cut right through kiln dried douglas fir.It does seem to warm up if you work it hard and it heats up where your palm is. Looking at the schematics/parts list, it isn't the motor that is heating up, but it looks like the area where the belt drives the spindle is.The baseplate doesn't really center because the countersink holes are small, it comes already sort of centered. I have not made fine measurements, but it looks like if you flip the router from one side to another along the long sides, it seems to be fairly centered. I have yet to try any template guides to see if they'll clear the metal baseplate but it does not have any accommodations for them in the base design.

This tool feels really handy. I bought 2 brand X 6ah batteries for it that work fine. I use my Dremel tool charger for them.I have a large job for this tool. I need to surface cut 1/16” off of some exterior house siding. Enough surface to mount a 2”x8” x 16’ ledger board. So about 1440 square inches.I bought a 1 1/2” surfacing bit and made some test cuts. I think it will work fine if done slowly and rest the tool often. I might use my big router if this little one heats up too much. But it will be a much easier job with the little router held to a vertical wall.The test cut seemed to work well. It was only about 8 square inches though.After using this tool for the pretty big job I bought it for I find the batteries take way too long for recharge. Over 2 hours to charge a 2 ah battery. Much longer for the 4 ah extras I had to buy. The tool works great, but the batteries and charger are not in the tools league. No more cordless routers.