Brilliant piece of kit

I brought this, my first router, and an Axcaliber 1/4" biscuit jointing cutter set in order to edge joint some mdf to pine board whilst making furniture for my nieces room. I have been incredibly pleased with how smoothly it operates and how stable and solid the plunge mechanism is. I have since invested a good amount on bearing guided Axcaliber cutters and have no doubts that this is the best investment I've ever made in a tool and it's peripheries.

Something to watch for tho - when using the fence to route sheet materials 1/2" and less in thickness the fence is prone to slipping under the sheet. Not ideal! The plunge can also be a little sticky but I'd much rather this than having it move unexpectedly!

Excellent for hand use.

I think the router table part should be omitted from its description, if your going to use a router in a table, go for for a beefier model which takes 1/2" bits more "exotic" cutters can then be utilised and less chatter. Putting that aside, this model is a gem for the hand held work, I have used this everything from rebates for locks, to trimming melamine, and a lot in conjunction with the Axminster dovetail jig. With a good quality bit, its a dream to use, the dust extraction part really is good.

Good Value

When my old ELU finally gave up the ghost I looked around for another comparable router. Being semi-retired I didn't want to spend too much as the machine won't be in use everyday. I chose the Bosch POF 1200 AE based on price and Axminster's description. So far I have only used it for grooving and cutting hinge rebates. For the first process, to use this router in a table you need to secure the switch on with masking tape as there is no lock. I had no problem with this. The dust extraction port worked very efficiently with my dust extractor set on low. For the second process, the hinge rebates, I found the overall bulk
of the machine a bit cumbersome and it was not so easy to see the marking out lines. Overall this is a good router for the price, robust and it seems to have enough power for what I need.

Not for router table use!

My very first router and I am very impressed by the build quality. I am still getting to grips with it, but was very disappointed to discover that it is not possible to use it on a router table as the trigger does not allow for it being 'locked on'! I understand that it is done for safety reasons but I think it is such a limitation that I would have chosen a different model if I had know before I had ordered it. The product description does not state this fact. All that said the router is a vey good bit of kit and the price beats all the competition! I just need to get on using it the way it is intended.

Good introduction to routers

For the price this is a fantastic introduction to the most versatile of tools. Factor in a half decent bit selection set and for around a hundred quid you're away. Corners cut on peripherals such as fence, plunge stop etc to save money but motor is great so especially good for bearing guided cutters. Still use this as well as other routers to save on bit changes.