Bosch has launched a new 18V cordless router, GKF18V, and it sports the same Colt branding found on their corded versions.
The new Bosch 18V router features “optimal performance and portability,” and Bosch claims it offers “the best power-to-size ratio in its class.”
The router features a 1.39 “peak horsepower” brushless motor that operates at 10,000 to 30,000 RPM.
It has a soft-start, and also drop detection that shuts off the motor if it falls.
Bosch adds that the cordless Colt router is backwards compatible “with all pr20 accessories.”
It’s kitted with a compact 4Ah battery, charger, plunge base, dust collection attachments, parallel edge guide, and an L-Boxx tool case.
The bare tool comes with the same, but without the battery, charger, and tool box.
Price: $399 for the kit (GKF18V-25PL14), $219 for tool-only (GKF18V-25N)
Discussion
Given the limited information available to us, the new Bosch cordless router looks to be competitive spec’ed, and there are some nice touches that might help users forget about the late timing.
A growing number of competing cordless power tool brands have already launched full-size 18V-class routers, and Bosch is only now launching an 18V-powered compact 1/4″ trim router.
Does the “best power-to-size ratio in its class” part mean it’s more powerful than competing models? More compact?
Drop detection is good, and something we don’t normally think about. This is usually done with a paddle switch, but that’s not feasible with a compact router. Even if there’s a remote chance of dropping a powered router, it’s not like a user can simply pull the power cord out of an AC outlet as with a corded tool.
Backwards compatible with Bosch’s corded/AC powered Colt routers, or at least PR20 line? This something I’d expect, but it’s still welcome.
My Take
Looks good, but it’s too late for me to care about outside of academic and ToolGuyd interests. It doesn’t push the tool category or industry forward, it’s simply Bosch catching up to competitors.
On top of that, my sentiments towards Bosch USA soured around 2019, and have yet to recover.
To put it plainly, the new Bosch cordless router looks competitive and interesting, but I would not buy it unless I bought into the Bosch 18V platform exclusively.
