BOSCH POF 1200 AE 1/4 Inch Electric Router 230V User Manual

: June 9, 2024
: Bosch

Table of Contents

BOSCH POF 1200 AE 1/4 Inch Electric Router 230V
Safety Instructions
Safety information for routers
Product Description and Specifications
Technical data
Noise/Vibration Information
Fitting
Operation
Starting Operation
Working Advice
Maintenance and Service
Disposal
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

BOSCH POF 1200 AE 1/4 Inch Electric Router 230V

BOSCH-POF-1200-AE-1-4-Inch-Electric-Router-230V-
product

Safety Instructions

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING Read all safety warnings, instruc-tions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all in- structions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cord-less) power tool.

Work area safety

Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical safety

Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded sur-faces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerat-ors. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of elec-tric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carry-ing, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an exten-sion cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suit-able for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
If operating a power tool in a damp location is un-avoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protec-ted supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inatten-tion while operating power tools may result in serious per-sonal injury.
Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal in-juries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or en-ergising power tools that have the switch on invites acci-dents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal in-jury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jew-ellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection of dust ex-traction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can re-duce dust-related hazards.
Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe in-jury within a fraction of a second.

Power tool use and care

Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was de-signed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or re-move the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing ac-cessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for mis-alignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly main-tained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into ac-count the working conditions and the work to be per-formed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

Service

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Safety information for routers

Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the cutter may contact its own cord. Cutting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by your hand or against the body leaves it un-stable and may lead to loss of control.
The permitted speed of the cutting bit must be at least equal to the maximum speed marked on the power tool. If cutting bits run faster than their rated speed, they may break and fly off.
Routers and other accessories must be able to fit ex-actly in the tool holder (collet) of your power tool. Ap-plication tools that do not fit exactly in the tool holder of the power tool will turn unevenly, vibrate heavily and may cause a loss of control.
Only bring the power tool into contact with the work-piece when switched on. Otherwise there is danger of kickback if the cutting tool jams in the workpiece.
Do not put your hands in the routing area or close to the router. Grip the auxiliary handle with your other hand. Holding the router with both hands avoids injury.
Never rout over metal objects, nails or screws. The router could become damaged and cause increased vibra-tion.
Use suitable detectors to determine if utility lines are hidden in the work area or call the local utility com-pany for assistance. Contact with electric lines can lead to fire and electric shock. Damaging a gas line can lead to explosion. Penetrating a water line causes property dam-age or may cause an electric shock.
Do not use blunt or damaged routers. Blunt or damaged routers cause increased friction, create imbalances and may become jammed.
Always wait until the power tool has come to a com-plete stop before placing it down. The application tool can jam and cause you to lose control of the power tool.
Hold the power tool firmly with both hands and make sure you have a stable footing. The power tool can be more securely guided with both hands.

Products sold in GB only:
Your product is fitted with an BS 1363/A approved electric plug with internal fuse (ASTA approved to BS 1362). If the plug is not suitable for your socket outlets, it should be cut off and an appropriate plug fitted in its place by an au-thorised customer service agent. The replacement plug should have the same fuse rating as the original plug. The severed plug must be disposed of to avoid a possible shock hazard and should never be inserted into a mains socket elsewhere.

Product Description and Specifications

Read all the safety and general instructions. Failure to observe the safety and general instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. Please observe the illustrations at the beginning of this operating manual.

Intended use
The power tool is intended for copy routing as well as routing grooves, edges, profiles and elongated holes in wood, plastic, and light building materials while resting firmly on the workpiece.
Can even be used to machine non-ferrous metals when used at a low speed with the appropriate router bits.

Product Features
The numbering of the product features refers to the diagram of the power tool on the graphics page. BOSCH-POF-1200-AE-1-4-Inch-Electric-Router-230V-
fig-1

Lock-off button for on/off switch
Right handle (insulated gripping surface)
Spindle lock button
Wing bolt for parallel guide rods (2x) a)
Chip protection
Base plate
Guide plate
Holder for parallel guide rods
Step buffer
Protective sleeve
Wing bolt for adjusting the depth stop
Slide with index mark
Depth stop
Scale for setting the routing depth
Left handle (insulated gripping surface)
Clamping lever for locking the routing depth
Routing depth fine-adjustment scale (POF 1400 ACE)
Routing depth fine-adjustment knob (POF 1400 ACE)
Marking for zeroing
Unlocking lever for guide bushing
Router bit a)
On/off switch
Speed preselection thumbwheel
Adjusting screws for step buffer (POF 1200 AE)
Cap nut with collet
Open-ended spanner (19 mm) a)
Extraction hose (dia. 35 mm) a)
Dust extraction adapter a)
Knurled screw for dust extraction adapter (2x) a)
Parallel guide rod (2x) a)
Parallel guide a)
Centring pin a)
Wing bolt for centring pin a)
Curve guide a)
Router compass/guide rail adapter a)
Handle for router compass a)
Wing bolt for router compass coarse adjustment (2x) a)
Wing bolt for router compass fine adjustment (1x) a)
Knob for router compass fine adjustment a)
entring screw a)
Guide rail a)
Spacer plate (part of the router compass set) a)
Guide bushing a)

Accessories shown or described are not included with the product as standard. You can find the complete selection of accessories in our accessories range.

Technical data

BOSCH-POF-1200-AE-1-4-Inch-Electric-Router-230V-fig-8

The specifications apply to a rated voltage [U] of 230 V. These specifications may vary at different voltages and in country-specific models.

Noise/Vibration Information

Noise emission values determined according to

EN 62841-2-17.
Typically the A-weighted noise level of the power tool are: 88 dB(A); sound power level 99 dB(A). Uncertainty K = 3 dB.

Wear hearing protection!
Vibration total values ah (triax vector sum) and uncertainty K determined according to EN 62841-2-17: ah = 6 m/s2, K = 2 m/s2. The vibration level and noise emission value given in these instructions have been measured in accordance with a standardized measuring procedure and may be used to compare power tools. They may also be used for a preliminary estimation of vibration and noise emissions. The stated vibration level and noise emission value represent the main applications of the power tool. However, if the power tool is used for other applications, with different ap-plication tools or is poorly maintained, the vibration level and noise emission value may differ. This may significantly increase the vibration and noise emissions over the total working period.
To estimate vibration and noise emissions accurately, the times when the tool is switched off or when it is running but not actually being used should also be taken into account. This may significantly reduce vibration and noise emissions over the total working period. Implement additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration, such as servicing the power tool and application tools, keeping their hands warm, and organizing workflows correctly.

Fitting

Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the power tool.

Inserting the router bit (see figure A)

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 soft-wood and plastic. Router bits with carbide tips are especially suitable for hard and abrasive materials such as hardwood and alu-minium. Original router bits from the extensive range of Bosch ac-cessories are available from your specialist dealer. Only use undamaged and clean router bits.
Pull the chip protection (5) downwards.
Press and hold the spindle lock button (3). If necessary, turn the motor spindle manually until it is locked in place.
Loosen the cap nut (25) with the open-ended spanner (26) (width across flats of 19 mm) by turning it in direction ➊.
Slide the router bit into the collet. The shank of the router bit must be pushed at least 20 mm into the collet.
Tighten the cap nut (25) with the open-ended spanner (26) (width across flats of 19 mm) by turning it in direction ➋. Release the spindle lock button (3).
Pull the chip protection (5) upwards.
Do not insert a router bit with a diameter larger than 42 mm when the guide bushing is not mounted. These router bits will not fit through the base plate.
Do not, under any circumstances, tighten the collet with the tightening nut until a router bit has been fit-ted. The collet may otherwise become damaged.

Dust/Chip Extraction
The dust from materials such as lead paint, some types of wood, minerals and metal can be harmful to human health. Touching or breathing in this dust can trigger allergic reac-tions and/or cause respiratory illnesses in the user or in people in the near vicinity. Certain dusts, such as oak or beech dust, are classified as carcinogenic, especially in conjunction with wood treatment additives (chromate, wood preservative). Materials contain-ing asbestos may only be machined by specialists.

Use a dust extraction system that is suitable for the material wherever possible.
Provide good ventilation at the workplace.
It is advisable to wear a P2 filter class breathing mask. The regulations on the material being machined that apply in the country of use must be observed.
Avoid dust accumulation at the workplace. Dust can easily ignite.

Fitting the dust extraction adapter (see figure B)
The dust extraction adapter (28) can be fitted to the front or the back using the hose connection. When fitting with the hose connection to the front, the chip protection (5) must first be removed. Fasten the dust extraction adapter (28) to the base plate (6) using the two knurled screws (29). To ensure optimum extraction, the dust extraction adapter (28) must be cleaned regularly. Connecting the dust extraction system (see figure B) Attach an extraction hose (dia. 35 mm) (27) (accessory) to the fitted dust extraction adapter. Connect the dust extrac-tion hose (27) to a dust extractor (accessory). The power tool can be directly connected to the plug socket of a Bosch all-purpose dust extractor with remote starter. This dust extractor is started up automatically when the power tool is switched on.
The dust extractor must be suitable for the material being worked. When extracting dry dust or dust that is especially detri-mental to health or carcinogenic, use a special dust ex-tractor.

Fitting the chip protection (see figure C)
Push the chip protection (5) into the guide from the front so that it clicks into place. To remove it, hold the sides of the chip protection and pull it forwards.

Operation

Products that are only sold in AUS and NZ: Use a resid-ual current device (RCD) with a nominal residual current of 30 mA or less.
Pay attention to the mains voltage. The voltage of the power source must match the voltage specified on the rating plate of the power tool. Power tools marked with 230 V can also be operated with 220 V.

Starting Operation

Preselecting the speed
You can preselect the required speed using the speed preselection thumbwheel (23), even during operation.

1−2 low speed
3−4 medium speed
5−6 high speed

The values shown in the table are guide values. The required speed is dependent on the material and the work conditions and can be determined by practical trials.

Switching On and Off
Before switching on, set the required routing depth. To switch on the power tool, first press the lock-off button (1), then press and hold the on/off switch (22).

POF 1400 ACE: A lamp lights up the routing area. To switch off, release the on/off switch (22).

POF 1400 ACE: The lamp slowly goes out.

Note: For safety reasons, the on/off switch (22) cannot be locked; it must remain pressed during the entire operation.

Constant electronic control

POF 1400 ACE
The Constant Electronic keeps the speed at no load and under load virtually consistent, guaranteeing uniform performance.

Setting the routing depth (see figure D)
The routing depth must only be set while the power tool is switched off.To set the rough routing depth, proceed as follows:

Place the power tool with a fitted router bit onto the work-piece you want to machine.
POF 1400 ACE: Set the fine adjustment path to the centre position using the knob (18). To do this, turn the knob (18) until the markings (19) match those shown in the figure. Then turn the scale (17) to 0.
Set the step buffer (9) to the lowest step; the step buffer audibly clicks into place.
POF 1200 AE: Turn the adjusting screws for the step buffer (24) until it is halfway in/out.
Loosen the wing bolt on the depth stop (11) so that the depth stop (13) moves freely.
Push the clamping lever for locking the routing
depth (16) in direction ➊ and slowly move the router down until the router bit (21) is touching the surface of the workpiece. Release the clamping lever for locking the routing depth (16) again to lock this depth. If necessary, push the clamping lever for locking the routing
depth (16) in direction ➋ to fully lock it.
Press the depth stop (13) down until it is resting on the step buffer (9). Set the slide with the index mark (12) to position 0 on the routing depth scale (14).
Set the depth stop (13) to the required routing depth and tighten the wing bolt on the depth stop (11). Take care not to accidentally move the index mark (12).
Push the clamping lever for locking the routing depth (16) in direction ➊ and move the router to the highest position.

For larger routing depths, you should perform the cut in sev-eral phases, so that only a small amount of material is re-moved after each cut. You can use the step buffer (9) to di-vide the routing process into several steps. To do this, set the required routing depth with the smallest step of the step buffer and, for the first cutting phases, select the higher steps to start with.

POF 1200 AE: The spacing of the steps can be altered by turning the adjusting screws (24).

Fine-adjusting the routing depth (POF 1400 ACE)
After a test cut, you can set the routing depth to the exact re-quired level by turning the knob (18); turning in a clockwise direction increases the routing depth; turning in an anti-clockwise direction decreases the routing depth. The scale (17) can be used for guidance. One revolution corres-ponds to an adjustment range of 2.0 mm. Each of the gradu-ation marks on the upper edge of the scale (17) changes the adjustment range by 0.1 mm. The maximum adjustment range is ±8 mm.

Example: The required routing depth should be 10.0 mm, and the test cut resulted in a routing depth of 9.6 mm.

Lift up the router and place e.g. some scrap wood under the guide plate (7) so that the router bit (21) does not touch the workpiece when lowered. Push the clamping lever for routing depth stop (16) in direction ➊ and slowly guide the router down until the depth stop (13) is sitting on the step buffer (9).
Turn the scale (17) to 0 and loosen the wing bolt (11).
Turn the knob (18) clockwise by 0.4 mm/4 graduation marks (difference between target and actual values) and tighten the wing bolt (11).
Check the selected routing depth by performing another test cut.

After setting the routing depth, do not change the position of the slide (12) on the depth stop (13) any more, so that you can always read the current routing depth on the scale (14).
Fine-adjusting the routing depth (POF 1200 ACE) You can preset different routing depths using the step buffer (9). The preset method is largely the same as the pro-cess described above, except the height difference between the buffers can be altered by turning the adjusting screws for the step buffer (24).

Working Advice

Protect router bits against shock and impact.
Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the power tool.

Routing direction and routing process (see figure E)

Routing must always be carried out with the workpiece being moved against the direction in which the router bit (21) is turning (up cut). If the workpiece is moved in the same direction as the router bit is turning (down cut), the power tool may be pulled out of your hands. Set the required routing depth (see “Setting the routing depth (see figure D)”, page 18). Place the power tool with a fitted router bit onto the workpiece you want to machine and switch on the power tool. Push the clamping lever for locking the routing depth (16) down and slowly move the router down until it reaches the set routing depth. Release the clamping lever for locking the routing depth (16) again to lock this depth. If necessary, push the clamping lever for routing depth stop (16) up to fully lock it. Carry out the routing process with a uniform feed. When routing is complete, move the router back to the highest position. Switch the power tool off.

Routing with an auxiliary guide (see figure F)
For machining large workpieces, e.g. when routing grooves, you can fasten a board or straight edge securely to the workpiece as an auxiliary guide. The router can be guided along the path of this auxiliary guide. Move the router on the flattened side of the guide plate along the auxiliary guide.

Edge or profile routing
For edge and profile routing without a parallel guide, the router bit must be fitted with a pilot pin or a ball bearing. While it is switched on, guide the power tool towards the workpiece from the side until the pilot pin or the ball bearingof the router bit is touching the side of the workpiece edge that you want to machine. Guide the power tool along the workpiece edge. Pay attention that the router is positioned perpendicularly. Too much pressure can damage the edge of the workpiece.

Routing with a parallel guide (see figures G–H)
Slide the parallel guide (31) with the guide rods (30) intothe base plate (6) and tighten it with the wing bolts (4) according to the required dimension. While it is switched on, guide the power tool along the workpiece edge with a uniform feed and while applying lateral pressure to the parallel guide.

Routing curves (see figures I–J)
Turn the parallel guide (31) so that the guide surface is visible on top. Slide the parallel guide (31) with the guide rods (30) into the base plate (6) and tighten it with the wing bolts (4) according to the required dimension. Fit the centring pin (32) with the wing bolt (33) through the hole on the parallel guide (31). Push the centring pin (32) into the marked centre point of the curve and carry out the routing process with a uniform feed.

Routing with the curve guide (see figures K–L)
Slide the parallel guide (31) with the guide rods (30) into the base plate (6) and tighten it with the wing bolts (4) according to the required dimension. Fit the curve guide with guide roller attached (34) through the hole on the parallel guide (31). Guide the power tool along the workpiece edge, applying light pressure to the sides.

Routing with a router compass (see figure M)
You can use the router compass/guide rail adapter (35) for circular routing work. Fit the router compass as shown in the figure. Screw the centring screw (40) into the thread of the router compass. Position the tip of the screw in the centre point of the curve you want to rout; make sure the tip of the screw reaches the surface of the workpiece. Roughly set the required radius by moving the router compass and tightening the wing bolts (37) and (38). Then loosen the wing bolt (38) and use the knob (39) to fine-adjust the length. One revolution corresponds to an adjustment range of 2.0 mm. Each of the graduation marks on the knob (39) changes the adjustment range by 0.1 mm. Switch the power tool on and move it over the workpiece using the right handle and the handle for the router compass (36).

Routing with a guide rail (see figure N)
You can use the guide rail (41) to rout in straight lines. To level out the height difference, you must fit the spacer plate (42). Fit the router compass/guide rail adapter (35) as shown in the figure. Fasten the guide rail (41) to the workpiece using suitable clamping devices, e.g. screw clamps. Put the power tool with mounted guide rail adapter (35) on the guide rail.

Routing with the guide bushing (see figures O–P)
Using the guide bushing (43), you can transfer contours from templates or patterns to the workpiece. Select the guide bushing that is suitable for the thickness of the template or pattern. Due to the protruding height of the guide bushing, the template must have a minimum thickness of 8 mm. Move the release lever (20) and push the guide bushing (43) into the base plate (6) from below. The coding cams must audibly click into the recesses of the guide bushing.

Select a router bit with a diameter that is smaller than the interior diameter of the guide bushing.

To rout with the guide bushing (43), proceed as follows:

Switch the power tool on and move it with the guide bushing towards the template.
Push the clamping lever for locking the routing depth (16) down and slowly move the router down until it reaches the set routing depth. Release the clamping lever for locking the routing depth (16) again to lock this depth. If necessary, push the clamping lever for locking the routing depth (16) up to fully lock it.
Move the power tool with the protruding guide bushing along the template, applying pressure to the sides.

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance and Cleaning

Pull the plug out of the socket before carrying out any work on the power tool.
To ensure safe and efficient operation, always keep the power tool and the ventilation slots clean.
In extreme conditions, always use a dust extractor if possible. Clean ventilation slots frequently using a brush and install a residual current device (RCD) upstream. When machining metals, conductive dust can settle inside the power tool, which can affect its protective insulation. In order to avoid safety hazards, if the power supply cord needs to be replaced, this must be done by Bosch or by an after-sales service centre that is authorized to repair Bosch power tools.

After-Sales Service and Application Service
Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare parts. You can find explosion drawings and information on spare parts at: www.bosch-pt.com The Bosch product use advice team will be happy to help you with any questions about our products and their accessories. In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10‑digit article number given on the nameplate of the product. Great Britain Robert Bosch Ltd. (B.S.C.) P.O. Box 98 Broadwater Park North Orbital Road Denham Uxbridge UB 9 5HJ
At www.bosch-pt.co.uk you can order spare parts or arrange the collection of a product in need of servicing or repair.

Tel. Service: (0344) 7360109

E-Mail: [email protected] You can find further service addresses at:
www.bosch-pt.com/serviceaddresses

Disposal

The power tool, accessories and packaging should be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. Do not dispose of power tools along with household waste.

Only for EU countries:
According to the European Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its implementation into national law, power tools that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentallyfriendly manner. If disposed incorrectly, waste electrical and electronic equipment may have harmful effects on the environment and human health, due to the potential presence of hazardous substances.

Only for United Kingdom:
According to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (2013/3113), power tools that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.