2-1/4 HP routers · Comparison
The short answer
Router table, a case, fine depth knob? Bosch
Bigger bits, dust pickup when plunging? DeWalt
Both are 12-amp, 2-1/4 HP kits with a fixed base, a plunge base and 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. collets, so power isn't the question. The Bosch tops out a little faster (25,000 vs 24,000 rpm), comes in a hard case, and Bosch lists its fixed base for Bosch router tables. The DeWalt takes bigger bits (2-1/2 in. vs 2 in.), its plunge base has built-in dust collection with a vacuum adapter in the box, and its warranty is longer.
Best for a router table
Kit 1617EVSPK: motor, fixed base, plunge base, 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. collets, wrenches, chip shields, hard case.
Check the Bosch kit on AmazonBest for plunge work
Kit DW618PK: motor, fixed base, plunge base, 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. collets, wrench, sub-base, vacuum adapter.
Check the DeWalt kit on AmazonBefore you buy: I compared the two combo kits (motor plus fixed and plunge bases). When I checked on Oct 8, 2026, the Bosch kit was sold by a third-party seller rather than Amazon, and the DeWalt kit was sold by Amazon. Listings change, so check who the seller is, that it’s new, and the return terms before you order.
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This counts the rows below where one is clearly better. It’s a tally, not an overall rating. The Bosch’s two wins (router-table setup and the case) matter most if the router will live in a table.
A green check means that number or feature is clearly better. No check means it's a tie, the gap is tiny, or the makers measure it differently. Every figure comes from Bosch or DeWalt, not from Amazon.
| Bosch 1617EVSPK | DeWalt DW618PK | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 12 A, 2.25 HP (max) | 12 A, 2-1/4 HP (max) |
| Speed range | 8,000–25,000 rpm | 8,000–24,000 rpm |
| Collets included | 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. 3/8 in. and 8 mm sold separately | 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. |
| Largest bit | 2 in. bigger bits won't fit the sub-base | 2-1/2 in. |
| Plunge depth | 2-1/4 in. | Not listed |
| Fixed-base depth range | 1-5/8 in. | Not listed |
| Fine depth adjustment | Micro-fine knob on both bases | Ring with 1/64 in. marks (fixed); depth rod with knurled knob (plunge) |
| Depth stops | Depth stop turret on the plunge base | Five-position turret, one adjustable stop |
| Dust collection | Not included; Bosch sells hoods separately | Built into the plunge base; vacuum adapter included |
| Router table | Bosch lists the fixed base for its RA-series tables; mounting screws and height wrench included | Not covered in DeWalt’s manual |
| Case | Hard plastic case | None listed |
| Weight | 10 lb | Not listed in DeWalt’s manual |
| Tool warranty | 1 year plus 1 year free service | 3 years |
These are common router jobs, checked against each maker’s own limits: bit size, collets, bases and what comes in the kit. I haven’t tested either router. If a job goes past a limit the maker publishes, it gets a CAN’T.
| Job | Bosch 1617EVSPK | DeWalt DW618PK |
|---|---|---|
| Edges and profiles | ||
| Edge profiles (1/2" shank) | Can do1/2 in. collet included; 12 A motor. | Can do1/2 in. collet included; 12 A motor. |
| Large bits (2-1/4") | Can’tPast the 2 in. that fits through its sub-base. | Can doUnder DeWalt’s 2-1/2 in. bit limit. |
| Raised panels (3-1/2" bit) | Can’tPast its 2 in. limit. | Can’tPast its 2-1/2 in. limit. |
| Joinery | ||
| Dadoes (straight bit) | Can doFixed or plunge base; set depth with the micro-fine knob. | Can doFixed or plunge base; fixed-base scale reads in 1/64 in. steps. |
| Plunge cuts | Can doPlunge base is in the kit. | Can doPlunge base is in the kit. |
| Repeat depths | Can doDepth stop turret on the plunge base. | Can doFive-position turret, one stop adjustable. |
| Setup | ||
| Dust pickup | Just barelyNo dust collection in the kit; Bosch sells hoods separately. | Can doPlunge base has built-in collection; vacuum adapter included. |
| Template guides | Just barelyBase has a quick-change guide lever; guides sold separately. | Just barelySub-base takes standard guide bushings, sold separately. |
Limits are the makers’ maximums. Bit sharpness, wood species, and how deep you cut per pass all affect how a cut actually goes.
How the verdicts were made: each job was compared with the maker’s published limit or kit contents. Bit limits, collets, and depth features come from the operator’s manuals. Speed, base sizes, and kit contents come from the product pages. Nothing here comes from hands-on testing or owner reviews.
Raised panels: panel-raising bits are commonly around 3-1/2 in. across. That is past both makers’ limits, so both get a CAN’T.
Template guides: Bosch’s manual shows a quick-change templet guide lever on the base and lists the guides as optional accessories. DeWalt says its clear sub-base accepts standard template guide bushings. The guides themselves are sold separately for both.
Sources:
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if you want dust collection out of the box or plan to use bits larger than 2 in. across.
if you want a case, or if a router table is your main use and you want the maker’s table instructions.
They’re rated the same: 12 amps and 2-1/4 HP (max). The Bosch tops out at 25,000 rpm and the DeWalt at 24,000 rpm.
Yes. Both kits include a 1/4 in. and a 1/2 in. collet.
The Bosch, on the paperwork. Bosch lists the 1617 fixed base for its RA-series router tables and includes table screws and a T-handle height wrench. DeWalt’s DW618 manual doesn’t cover table mounting.
Not within the makers’ limits. Bosch allows bits up to 2 in. and DeWalt up to 2-1/2 in., and panel-raising bits are usually bigger than that.
Specs checked October 8, 2026 against Bosch's and DeWalt's own pages and manuals. Links are in "Notes and sources" under the chart above.