Recently I’ve been using a Bosch GKF12V-25 cordless router. Powered by Bosch’s 12v battery, the compact router is ideally suited to edge profiling—its asymmetrical footprint means more of the base rides on the wood than with a more typical square or round base with the bit in the center. There is a quick-release for coarse depth adjustments and a fine-adjustment thumbwheel. Depth is locked with a small knob opposite the depth control and the electronically-controlled motor maintains its speed. A locking collet allows one-wrench bit changes and there’s a fuel gauge for battery status.

This router works well and a 12v, 2 amp hour battery provides a reasonable runtime. I found I could mortise a single door’s worth of hinges and a strike, but it was totally spent after making a cutout in 3⁄4-in. plywood for a site-built hinge-mortising jig. As you might imagine, this router shines for edge profiling and it’s nice to not have a cord, but for those already on a different cordless platform, I’m not sure it’s good enough to warrant carrying another battery and charger. But if you’re invested in Bosch’s 12v platform, it would be a worthy addition to your finish-carpentry tool kit.

Bosch GKF12V-25

RPM: 13,000

Collet: 1⁄4 in.

Price: $150 (bare tool)

Patrick McCombe, senior editor

Photo: courtesy of Bosch

From Fine Homebuilding #283