Festool v Bosch Routers

[jacko9]

For my application routing on the Leigh Dovetail jig, I bought the Bosch MR23EVS fixed base router.  I used it yesterday with my Leigh Dovetail D4 with the VSR dust collection attachment and I found it to be the perfect size and power level.  I really liked the power switch in the handle and the ease of bit height control.

I used the Leigh VSR dust and chip collection attachment connected to my CT22 and realized that reducing down to the 27mm hose caused clogging at the hose end which I had to clear every cut.  I just called Tom Bellemare to order the 36mm hose to eliminate the choke point.  Without the choke restriction, the VSR worked pretty well collecting about 90% or so of the chips and dust.  I experimented cutting with and without a backing board and found that with a backing board the dust collection was so much better but, that's where I found the choke point.

I'll follow up after getting the 36mm hose but even now, routing on a dovetail jig without a cloud of dust and chips is a pleasure.

I think that the Bosch MR23EVS is the perfect router for "this application"  I have a smaller series 1000 Porter Cable router but it lacks the horsepower to cut smoothly in this application.

Jack

 

[ali]

I like the integrated digital readout on the depth scale on that Bosch. Assuming is maintains its accuracy, I would like to mess around with that router with that option! Or maybe a Festool router with that option, or an add on part----  

That's been patented so probably won't be on any new Festool (unless they pay for it)