Review: Bosch GKF125CE Colt Palm Router

Cutting Power & Motor

This is Bosch’s slightly more powerful corded palm router at the moment and offers a little more capability over the PR20EVS. The GKF125CE clocks in with a 7 amp motor that can produce a maximum of 1.25 HP. It operates at variable speeds of 16,000 RPM to 35,000 RPM which gives it some flexibility in how it can tackle different types of materials with different sized bits. With it’s power it can tackle slot cuts and isn’t just relegated to trim work.

There is a soft-start feature here, which reduces torque during start up. This is always nice to have as it makes the operation of the tool feel a lot more smooth.

Collet & Bit Changes

This router comes with a 1/4 inch collet and can fit 1/4 inch bits. There is no 1/2 collet for this router.

There is a spindle lock button used in combination with a single wrench to loosen the collet nut during bit changes. The spindle lock works fine, but some people can find it a little awkward to get used to if they prefer a two-wrench approach. It has a flat top design so you can just flip it over and stand it upside down when changing the bits. Some people have issues with the supplied wrench feeling sloppy during use. Overall though, changing bits is pretty painless with this router.

LED Light

There is an LED light on the bottom of the motor housing, which helps to provide some visibility during cuts. The light is sufficient, and it’s nice to have when you need to see what your bit is doing during a cut.

Fixed Base

This router comes standard with a fixed base attachment, model number PR101. It’s made from machined aluminum and has a round, clear plastic sub base. The 1-9/16 inch sub base opening is a little wider than some competing routers, which is great and helps this router fit slightly large diameter bits up to 1-5/16 inches wide. The fixed base also has a 1-3/16 inch total depth range.

The depth adjustment on the sub base work ok but for many people who own this router it is a major flaw. The release for the fixed base works well and clamps the base tightly in place with the motor. The fine-tune adjustment knob is where the issues come into play.

The fine-tune adjustment knob has issues connecting properly with the threading on the motor housing, and over time people find that the adjustment threading strips and becomes ineffective due to poor fit and finish. This becomes more of an issue over time as the threading wears down and gets more stripped. Some people don’t use the fine adjustment knob much and this doesn’t give them issues. But for people that want to rely on that adjustment point, it can be a frustrating issue.

Plunge Base

There is an optional plunge base available for this router, model number PR111. The base version of this router doesn’t include the plunge base but there is a kit that does. This plunge base is pretty slick and works well in combination with the power that this router is capable of.

The plunge base uses the same quick clamp system as the fixed base to attach to the motor, making it easy to install or remove. The spring action is pretty smooth and doesn’t feel overly hard or easy to press – it feels about right. There is a lever to lock the plunge into place at any depth.

For height adjustments, the fine tune knob works with a depth rod and doesn’t rely on the threading on the motor housing. Each rotation of the fine-tune knob adjusts depth by about 1/32 inch. There are also marks on the knob that indicate 1/128 inch for dialing in very fine adjustments. There is a stop turret that adds seven depth stops at 1/8 inch for each step.

If you are going to primarily use this router with the plunge base you won’t have to worry about the fine-tune issues presented by the fixed base.

Palm Grip Design

This is a small router, and most people with average to larger sized hands will find it to be more than comfortable in their grip. One handed operation makes this router useful for many situations in the shop and very maneuverable. The grip on this router is great and nothing to complain about.

Build Quality

Generally, this router is a well-built tool with a flaw in the quality of the fine-tune adjustment implementation. It is the typical mix of metal and plastic parts found on most power tools these days, with plastic switches and knobs. People have good luck with the plastic parts on this and don’t experience much breakage.

The biggest noticeable issue in quality though is likely going to be the fine tune adjustment knob and threading, and you should fully test that right away if you go with one of these routers.

Included Accessories

This router comes with a few accessories, and there are more available to purchase depending on how you intend to use your router. Here’s what comes packaged with the base version of this router:

• 1/4 Inch Collet Chuck
• Collet Wrench

Other Available Accessories

There are quite a few extra accessories available from Bosch that work with this router. Depending on your work or projects you may find them useful. Here’s what’s available.

Plunge Base (PR111)

Setup & Assembly

This is a pretty easy tool to setup and get running. There’s minimal parts to assemble and most of your time will be spent installing a bit and getting used to making depth adjustments with the base. Bosch did a good job with making this tool easy to use and to change out parts.

We recommend reading through the manual to make sure you are making adjustments and bit changes safely.

Warranty

Bosch offers a 1 year warranty on defective parts or workmanship. This is good enough to help you out if you have quality control issues in that first year of use.