Bosch Quietly Released This Router (Hidden Gem)
Bosch quietly released a brand new midsize plunge router and almost nobody is talking about it. I tracked one down, ran it through real shop tests, and put it head to head with the legendary Bosch 1617. Here is the full breakdown, including the one catch buyers need to know before hitting order.
The router is the Bosch GF13-25, a 1-3/4 HP plunge router with variable speed, a soft start motor, and an eight-position turret depth stop. Below I cover how it performs on maple, how dust collection stacks up, and how it compares to the Bosch 1617. I also recommend the router bits worth pairing with it, including the Whiteside 4-piece set.
Bosch GF13-25 Router Review and Comparison
1. Bosch GF13-25 1-3/4 HP Plunge Router for Woodworking
This is the hidden gem of the review. The GF13-25 is a midsize plunge router that Bosch shipped with almost no marketing. It feels great in the hands, with forward leaning handles, a thumb-position variable speed dial, and a smooth plunge action that has just the right amount of resistance.
In shop testing, I ran a 1/4 inch combination bit through hard maple at a full 1/2 inch depth in a single pass. That is double the depth of cut you would normally take. It did not bog, did not chatter, and the eight-position turret let me step up the cut cleanly. Dust collection is genuinely good with the included boot and a Festool hose fits friction fit right in.
The catch is this. It only accepts 1/4 inch bits and there is no fixed base. For a lot of woodworkers who already own a fixed base router, that is fine. If you want a second router dedicated to plunging, or your first router, this one is a strong value at around 170 dollars.
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2. Bosch 1617 2-1/4 HP Corded Router Kit
The Bosch 1617 has been a shop staple for years and it earned that reputation. It is a 2-1/4 HP variable speed router that accepts both 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch bits and comes with a fixed and a plunge base. I have one living on my router table and it has never let me down.
Compared to the new GF13-25, the 1617 gives you more power, more bit versatility, and a fixed base for precision edge work. The tradeoff is price. The 1617 plunge kit typically retails around 250 dollars or more, roughly 80 dollars over the new router.
If you only own one router in your shop, the 1617 is still the smarter buy. It covers more jobs and grows with you as your bit collection expands.
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3. Bosch 18V Cordless Router for Edge Profile Work
For anyone doing a lot of round overs, chamfers, and other edge profile work, a small trim router is really the right tool. The Bosch 18V cordless router is one of my favorites and it includes a nice safety switch that prevents accidental start ups.
The plunge routers above are excellent for grooves, dados, and template work. But for setting a precise depth on a chamfer bit or round over, a fixed base trim router will save you time and headaches. This one runs on the Bosch 18V platform if you already have batteries.
Available as a bare tool if you are already in the Bosch cordless family, or as a full kit with battery and charger.
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4. Whiteside 4-Piece Router Bit Set for Beginners
If you go with the quarter inch only GF13-25, the router bits you pair with it matter. The Whiteside 4-Piece set is one of the best values in woodworking. You get a round over, a chamfer, and two flush trim bits, all in high quality Whiteside carbide.
These four bits will cover a huge percentage of common shop work. Whiteside is made in the USA and the bits stay sharp far longer than the cheap kit bits you find in big box stores.
Best for anyone starting out or upgrading from a bargain bit collection. This set punches way above its price.
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5. Bosch 6-Piece Router Bit Set for Common Cuts
Another solid pairing option is the Bosch 6-piece router bit set. If you want a slightly larger starter collection without stepping up to a 30 or 40 piece kit, this is where I would spend the money.
Big bit kits look like a bargain but half the bits usually gather dust. A tight 6-piece set of common profiles gives you what you will actually use in the shop.
Good for the woodworker who wants a little more range than the Whiteside four piece without wasting cash on bits they will never touch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bosch GF13-25 router accept 1/2 inch bits?
No. The GF13-25 only comes with a 1/4 inch collet and there is no 1/2 inch option. If you need to run 1/2 inch shank bits, the Bosch 1617 is the better pick. That is the single biggest thing to know before buying this router.
Is the Bosch GF13-25 a plunge or fixed base router?
It is a plunge router only. There is no fixed base included and Bosch does not sell one separately for this model. That helps explain the lower price versus the 1617 combo kit.
How does the Bosch GF13-25 compare to the Bosch 1617?
The 1617 is more powerful at 2-1/4 HP, accepts both 1/4 and 1/2 inch bits, and comes with a fixed and a plunge base. The GF13-25 is smaller, plunge only, quarter inch only, and about 80 dollars cheaper. If you already own a fixed base router, the GF13-25 makes a great dedicated plunge companion.
How much horsepower does the Bosch GF13-25 have?
The GF13-25 is a 1-3/4 HP router pulling about 10.8 amps. In hard maple testing at 1/2 inch depth with a 1/4 inch bit, it never bogged down. Plenty of power for the work this size router is designed for.
What is the best router bit set for a quarter inch router?
The Whiteside 4-Piece set is the one I keep recommending. You get a round over, a chamfer, and two flush trim bits in high quality carbide. If you want a little more range, the Bosch 6-piece is also a solid buy. Skip the giant 30 and 40 piece kits.
Where can you buy the new Bosch GF13-25 router?
At the time of this post, the GF13-25 is not sitting on shelves at Home Depot or Lowe's. Amazon and Acme Tools are the two easiest places to grab one online. Sign up for The Cut List to catch it when a deal drops.
Prices and availability were accurate at time of publishing and may change. Always click through to confirm current pricing. Some links in this post are affiliate links. 731 Woodworks may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
