Changing the tool

Original router bits from the extensive range of Bosch accessories are available from your specialist dealer.

Before fitting a router bit, you must first separate the fixed routing base (2) from the motor unit (1).

Open the clamping lever (10) and turn the fixed routing base (2) until the rib (47) in the fixed routing base matches the depth adjustment channel (48) on the motor unit.

Pull the motor unit (1) up and out of the fixed routing base (2).

Depending on the router bit used, you may have to change the cap nut with the collet (6) before fitting the router bit.

If the right collet for your router bit is already fitted, please follow the work steps in the following section.

The collet (15) must sit in the cap nut with a small amount of play. The cap nut (6) must be easy to fit. If the cap nut or collet is damaged, replace it immediately.

Push the spindle locking lever (8) to the  symbol. If necessary, turn the motor spindle manually until it is locked in place.

Unscrew the cap nut (6) anticlockwise with the open-ended spanner (17).

Push the spindle locking lever (8) to the  symbol.

If required, clean all the parts you want to fit with a soft brush or by blowing them clean with compressed air before assembling them.

Place the new cap nut on the shaft (16).

Loosely tighten the cap nut.

  • Do not, under any circumstances, tighten the collet with the tightening nut until a router bit has been fitted. The collet may otherwise become damaged.

  • Wearing protective gloves while fitting and changing router bits is recommended.

Router bits are available in a wide variety of designs and qualities depending on the intended application.

Router bits made of high-performance high-speed steel (HSS) are suited to machining soft materials such as softwood and plastic.

Router bits with carbide tips are especially suitable for hard and abrasive materials such as hardwood and aluminium.

Original router bits from the extensive range of Bosch accessories are available from your specialist dealer.

Only use undamaged and clean router bits.

  • Push the spindle locking lever (8) to the  symbol (➊). If required, turn the spindle by hand until the locking mechanism engages.
    Do not activate the spindle locking lever (8) while the tool spindle is moving.
  • Undo the cap nut (6) with the open-ended spanner (17) by turning it anticlockwise (➋).
  • Slide the router bit into the collet (15). The shank of the router bit must be immersed at least 20 mm into the collet (15).
  • Tighten the cap nut (6) with the open-ended spanner (17) by turning it clockwise. Push the spindle locking lever (8) to the  symbol.
  • Do not, under any circumstances, tighten the collet with the tightening nut until a router bit has been fitted. The collet may otherwise become damaged.

To start routing, the fixed routing base (2) must be fitted back onto the motor unit (1).

Open the clamping lever (10) if it is closed.

Align the rib (47) in the fixed routing base (2) with the depth adjustment channel (48) of the motor unit (1).

Slide the motor unit into the fixed routing base until roughly the required cutting depth is reached. Then turn the fixed routing base (2) clockwise as far as it will go in order to activate the fine adjustment mode for the cutting depth.

Use the thumbwheel (4) to precisely set the cutting depth.

Close the clamping lever (10).

  • After assembly, always check that the motor unit is firmly seated in the fixed routing base.

If required, change the pre-tension of the clamping lever (10) see Readjusting the clamping lever (see figure M).