Hi Jim,
I went for the Bosch GMF1400CE. I'd read many good reviews of the Bosch combo kit in it's American guise as the 1617EVSPK. Also some of the debates on the relative merits of fixed and plunge bases. However I think a fair few comments read against fixed base routers are from people who have never used one. Each type has it's strengths and weaknesses and I reckoned the Bosch combo would be hugely versatile given it's 1/2" capacity, lowish weight and comprehensive accessory pack, so took a punt on it.
I've tried both bases and the fixed base is excellent - especially the depth adjustment. I'm waiting for a guide bush to arrive to use the Leigh jig. The 10 % deal from Axminster stacked up well, but the clincher was the side fence included at no extra cost. A normally £330 worth for £260. :wink:
Don't laugh but the high gloss lacquered beech handles on the fixed base are a very nice touch I think. I'd read that slippery handles are not a good thing, but you know what?, when I did some freehand edge moulding, it felt well, sort of natural when rotating the router around corners, like having ball and socket joints between me and the machine - precise with some rotational freedom, but allowing slick change of direction.
The handles on the plunge base are the opposite, rubber coated with an extremely comfortable snug grip, and in a slightly different way also giving excellent control.
Having put this kit to various tasks, I'm hugely pleased taking a punt on this model, although i'm yet to try it on a worktop joint. It should in theory cope albeit pushed hard, as my old Hitachi TR12 at only 1300W managed OK.
In short this router is superbly designed and built. To the naysayers out there I say, don't knock it (fixed base routers) until you try it - at least this one anyway.
cheers,
Ike