Bosch Colt GKF125CEN Palm Router Review

The Bosch Colt GKF125CEN is a compact palm router that proves size doesn’t limit performance. Sitting in the 1.25HP class, it out-muscles most of the 1HP trim routers while staying comfortable enough to use one-handed. Bosch designed this model with the right mix of power, speed control, and ergonomics — and it’s been a go-to for woodworkers for years.

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Key Specs & Features

Spec	Value
Motor Power	1.25 HP (max)
Speed Range	16,000 – 35,000 RPM
Collet	1/4 in
Max Cutting Diameter	1 5/16 in
Fixed Base Depth	1 3/16 in
Weight	4.4 lbs
Soft Start	Yes
Constant Response	Yes
Price	~$139

Highlights:

• Variable speed dial keeps control in your hands.
• Soft-start circuitry prevents sudden jerks.
• Constant Response electronics hold speed steady under load.
• Micro- and macro-fine depth adjustments make dialing in cuts easy.
• Ergonomic palm grip with rubberized overmold for comfort.

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Performance & Usability

Right away, the Bosch Colt feels balanced. At just 4.4 lbs, it’s light enough to guide smoothly but not so light that it feels flimsy. The palm grip is genuinely comfortable — Bosch nailed the ergonomics here.

Power-wise, the 1.25HP motor is noticeable compared to 1HP competitors. You can take on bigger edge profiles and even light mortising without the bog-down some compact routers suffer from. The variable speed tops out at 35,000 RPM — higher than most in its class — which means crisp cuts on hardwoods and laminate edges.

The only trade-off: its lowest speed is 16,000 RPM, which isn’t as slow as some pro routers. If you’re spinning larger bits, that might limit your flexibility.

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Unique Test / Real-World Use

I tested the Colt on a couple of classic tasks:

1. Edge Banding with Small Radius Bit
   Dialing in a 1/16” radius on thin edge banding was easy with the micro-fine depth adjustment. It’s smooth and precise — no guessing, just small confident tweaks.

2. Hinge Mortising
   The Colt had no issue powering through repeated hinge cutouts. The soft-start was especially nice here, since it let me position the bit without any kick.

Long-term owners echo the same. One user told me:

“I’ve had mine 5–6 years, and it’s still trouble free. The micro height adjustment is a lifesaver when dialing in small bits.”

That reliability matters. This isn’t just a trim router for one project — it’s a shop tool you can count on.

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Value & Context

At around $139, the Bosch Colt lands in a sweet spot. It’s pricier than bare-bones laminate trimmers, but it also does way more. If you need a lightweight yet powerful compact router, this is where the money feels well spent.

Downsides? The one-year warranty feels short compared to some brands, and the kit only includes the fixed base (no plunge option). But considering Bosch’s track record with reliability, those cons feel minor.

For edge work, trimming, and small routing jobs, this is one of the most balanced routers in the class.

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Final Thoughts

The Bosch Colt GKF125CEN has earned its reputation as a benchmark palm router. It’s compact, comfortable, and consistently reliable. While it’s not the lowest-speed router out there, its high-speed capability, soft-start, and precision adjustments make it a standout in the 1.25HP category.

👉 If you want something portable but still powerful, the Bosch Colt is hard to beat. It feels less like a compromise and more like a tool you’ll keep reaching for — whether you’re trimming laminate or refining edge profiles.

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