Bosch PR010 Round Subbase for Threaded Temp Guides for Bosch Colt Palm Routers

I wanted to use my Bosch Palm Router for a project and it required the use of a templete guide bushing. I ordered this subbase from Amazon. It arrived quickly from amazon. I noticed that the packaging appeared old and the date on the packaging was from 2005. The subbase appeared to be in good shape and it was flat. I went to mount the subbase using a centering cone and no matter what hole configeration I tried, it wouldn't line up.

This subbase has absolutely zero value now and will end up in the garbage since it's not worth the time and effort to return it. Sadly, I am not able to use my Colt Palm Router now for many important task in the shop.

Until Bosch fixes this issue (and it is an issue based on the other reviews), I would recommend staying away from this subbase. If you see yourself needing to use template guide bushings in the future, I would avoid buying the Bosch Colt Palm Router. There are other nice Palm Routers out there that don't have these problems with their accessories.

The objective of the subbase is to be able to use template guides that are centered around the bit. The problem with this subbase is that Bosch, in saving a few sheckels, chose to have it cast out of high impact plastic. Unfortunately, the result is that there is 1/32" camber in the base. Consequently when you mount it, it's not flat, it doesn't hold the guide template in the proper relationshiip with the base, and even the most minor adjustments to the height of the bit result in a misalignment of the bit to the template guide. I purchased the centering cone, but it had no effect on the usefulness of this base. Since you have to remove the motor in order to get the centering cone out (there isn't enough clearance, as there would be with a normal router), everything gets misaligned and you're better off moving the base around until you get it aligned manually. I wish Bosch would have made the base out of phenolic and machined it rather than having it cast.

Ditto on the Buchholtz review. You can center this subbase using a bushing and snug fitting bit but the centering cone will make your life easier. It would also be nice if Bosch anticipated this and left more room in the router case for this base.

I used my Bosch PR20 Colt router with a P-C 59370 Door Hinge Template. The small base, while very nice for many jobs, does not span the opening in this template. You will want to have either this subbase or the PR009 for template work.

I chose the PR010 over the PR009 due to the ready availability of 1-3/16" bushings and the relatively poor reviews of Bosch's bayonet mount bushing. Milwaukee's bushing kit is fine quality and their service is great.

This base does make the Colt a much more versatile router. It is easy to install, but hard to center. I do not have the centering cone so I had to use a 3/8" round-over bit that just happens to fit the opening exactly. Even with the bit, the base wanted to creep over when the first screw was partially tightened. The only other thing to note is that after the base is installed, you can't put the router back into the case without removing it which means that you have to go back through the pain of re-centering it the next time you need it.

This base was seriously bowed (at least 1/16 of an inch) in the center; I had to sand it flat before using it.