Bosch GF1325 Router Review: Is This New Plunge Router A Hidden Gem?

Every now and then a major brand drops a tool with almost zero fanfare, and you have to wonder why. That is exactly what happened with the new Bosch GF13-25 1-3/4 HP plunge router. No big launch, no shelf space at Home Depot or Lowe's at the time of filming, and almost nothing online about it. I tracked one down, put it through the paces in the shop, and there is a lot to love here. There is also one catch you need to know about before you spend a dime.

In this review I will walk you through the features, the real-world performance, how it stacks up against the legendary Bosch 1617, and who this router is actually right for. If you scanned the QR code from the video, all the links are right below so you can jump straight to the tools.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the tool deals coming, so thanks for your support. Prices are valid at the time of posting but are subject to change at any time.

Quick Links: Tools Mentioned in This Review

• Bosch 1-3/4 HP Router (Amazon)
• Bosch 1-3/4 HP Router (Acme Tools)
• Bosch 2-1/4 HP Router (Amazon)
• Bosch 2-1/4 HP Router (Lowe's)
• Bosch 18V Router (bare tool)
• Bosch 18V Router Kit
• Whiteside 4 Piece Router Bit Set
• Bosch 6 Piece Router Bit Set

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First Impressions of the Bosch GF13-25

Right out of the box the packaging on the Bosch GF13-25 is solid, and the router itself looks the part. It is a touch bigger than I expected, but that is not a bad thing in the hands. The ergonomics are excellent. The forward leaning handles feel natural, and the trigger sits right under your index finger for easy control.

The plunge action is smooth with a little resistance, which is exactly what you want. Springs that are too soft feel cheap, and springs that are too stiff fight you the whole way down. These are right in the Goldilocks zone.

What Comes in the Box

• The router with plunge base
• Edge guide with two bars
• Dust collection adapter
• Wrench (the design is a little odd, but it works)
• Instruction manual

Key Features Worth Knowing About

This is where the GF13-25 starts to shine. Here is what you are getting under the hood and on the handles.

Power and Speed

You get a 1-3/4 HP motor pulling 10.8 amps. That is plenty of power for a midsize router. I ran a quarter inch combination bit a full half inch deep into hard maple at full speed, and it did not bog one bit. That is double the depth most folks would normally take in a single pass.

For safe practice, the standard rule is to cut about half the diameter of your bit per pass. So with a quarter inch bit, you would normally take an eighth inch at a time and step down to your final depth.

Variable Speed at Your Thumb

The variable speed dial sits right on the top where your thumb naturally rests. You can adjust speed in real time without stopping or hunting around the body of the tool. Little detail, big quality of life improvement.

Soft Start (But No Brake)

The soft start is satisfying and smooth. The only miss here is the lack of a bit brake. When you release the trigger, the bit just spins down on its own until it stops. Several trim routers now include a brake that stops the bit quickly, and it would be nice to see that here.

Eight Position Turret Depth Stop

Most turret style depth stops on plunge routers only give you three or four steps. This one has eight different increments, which is one of the more detailed turrets I have seen. Combined with the sliding depth bar, you get repeatable and accurate plunges every time.

Safety Lock Trigger

There is a small red safety button on the side that has to be engaged before the trigger will fire. Once active, you can lock the trigger in the on position so you are not squeezing it the whole time you route. A solid squeeze releases the lock when you are ready to stop.

Dust Collection

Dust collection with the included dust boot is genuinely impressive. My Festool hose press fits right into the adapter with no issues. The only limit is that larger profile bits, like a 3/8 inch roundover, may be too big in diameter to fit through the opening. For straight bits and most smaller profiles, you are in great shape.

How It Performs in Real Shop Work

Specs are one thing. Cutting wood is another. Here is what I found pushing this router through real work.

Grooves in Hard Maple

I cut a groove in maple with a quarter inch combination bit from the Whiteside 4 Piece set. Maple is no joke, and this router handled it without bogging or complaining. Stepping the turret up as I went let me work in clean, controlled passes.

Chamfers and Edge Profiles

I ran a decent sized chamfer bit on a piece of maple and the cut was smooth with no power issues. That said, if you plan on doing a lot of edge profile work, this is where I would give you a heads up.

This is a plunge router only. Setting an exact depth for edge profiles takes a little more finesse than it does on a fixed base router with a micro adjust. It can absolutely be done, but if edge profiles are most of what you do, you would be better served by a small battery powered trim router from whatever platform you already own. The Bosch 18V trim router (also available as a full kit) is one I really like for that kind of work.

Using the D-Shaped Base With a Straight Edge

This is a beginner woodworking tip worth burning into your brain. The base is D-shaped, which means it has one flat side and one round side. When you reference a straight edge, like a track saw track, always run the round side against the track.

If you reference the flat side and the router twists even a little, the bit moves in and out of the cut, leaving jagged edges. The round side keeps the bit a consistent distance from the track no matter how the router rotates.

The One Big Catch You Need to Know About

Here it is. The GF13-25 only accepts quarter inch bits. There is no half inch collet included or available. There is also no fixed base option. It is plunge only.

For a lot of woodworkers, that is no big deal. Most common bits are quarter inch shank, and you can build a great kit around that. If you want half inch shank compatibility for heavier bits and larger profiles, this is not your router. The Bosch 1617 is where you should look instead.

Bosch GF13-25 vs Bosch 1617: Which One Should You Buy?

The Bosch 1617 is legendary for a reason. I have had one on my router table for years. The plunge base is one of the best in the business.

Here is a quick side by side comparison.

Bosch GF13-25 (New 1-3/4 HP)

• 1-3/4 HP, 10.8 amps
• Quarter inch collet only
• Plunge base only
• Eight position turret stop
• Variable speed at the thumb
• Around $170 at the time of writing

Bosch 1617 (2-1/4 HP)

• 2-1/4 HP, more power overall
• Accepts both quarter inch and half inch bits
• Comes with fixed and plunge bases
• Variable speed
• Typically $250 or more for the combo kit

Which One Is Right for You?

1. Need half inch shank bits or a fixed base? Go with the Bosch 1617 on Amazon or the Bosch 1617 at Lowe's.
2. Quarter inch bits are all you need and you want a plunge router? The new Bosch GF13-25 on Amazon is a fantastic buy.
3. Already own a fixed base router and want a dedicated plunge? The GF13-25 at Acme Tools is almost the perfect second router.

The Only Real Annoyance I Found

The little fold down dust shield on the front is a great idea, but the action is sticky. It folds down easily, but folding it back up takes more force than feels right. I worry about the plastic getting brittle over time. It does not feel as refined as the rest of the tool.

Is it a dealbreaker? Not at all. Just something to be aware of.

Best Router Bits to Pair With This Router

Since you are limited to quarter inch shank bits, your bit choice matters more than ever. Two sets I recommend:

• Whiteside 4 Piece Router Bit Set: Four of the most common bits including a roundover, chamfer, and two flush trim bits. High quality at a great price.
• Bosch 6 Piece Router Bit Set: Another solid value pack with the bits you will actually use.

Skip the giant 30 or 40 piece kits. You will use maybe a third of them and the quality is usually average at best. Stick with smaller, higher quality sets like the Whiteside 4 piece or the Bosch 6 piece and add individual bits as your projects demand.

Safe Routing Practices Worth Repeating

Whichever router you pick, a few safety basics will save your fingers and your project.

• Always feed the router against the rotation of the bit so it pulls into the wood, not away from it.
• Step down to your final depth in shallow passes, especially with smaller diameter bits.
• Reference the round side of a D-shaped base when running against a straight edge.
• Wear hearing and eye protection every time.
• Unplug the router before changing bits or making adjustments.

Final Verdict on the Bosch GF13-25

Bosch quietly dropped an impressive little router for the right woodworker. It is comfortable, has solid dust collection, and has plenty of power for any job in its size class. The only real drawback is the quarter inch only collet, and for many woodworkers that is not a drawback at all.

If you need half inch compatibility and a fixed base, the Bosch 1617 is still the king. If you want a great dedicated plunge router at a lower price, the new Bosch GF13-25 is a hidden gem worth your money. And if you want to go cordless, take a look at the Bosch 18V trim router or the 18V kit.

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Check out more blog posts linked below, and as always, stay safe in the shop.