Question 1

Does anyone knows the advantage of this router over the Bosch 1617EVSPK which is a bit cheaper?(other than this router being slightly more powerful)

Accepted Answer

Just a quick comment on slightly more powerful. It isn’t. It’s actually a lot more powerful.
The 1617 is 12 amps, which with some math comes out to 1.85 HP not the advertised 2.25. 
The MRC23 is 15 amps, which is 2.3 HP
The reason for the confusion is for the 1617 Bosch advertises 2.25 HP. But that’s not continuous - it’s max developed which includes the inertia of the spinning motor which means to use it you’d be slowing the motor down. Not the right way to use a router or any power tool. Basically it’s a marketing trick - we have Sears to thank for this back in the 70’s. 
But Bosch had a strange flash of honesty on the MRC23 and called it 2.3 HP, which it has continuous.
Also, routers from competitors quote 3.25 HP. That’s the same trick - they are 15 amps also and that’s 2.3 HP continuous.
Pay attention to the amps.  Volts * amps/746 is horsepower.

Question 2

Does it come with an edge guide?

Accepted Answer

No, it an accessory. Look for Bosch #RA-1054. I would also suggest buying the sub base centering cone #RA-1151 and dust hood kit #RA-1177AT which fits Bosch or Fein vacuums and has adapter for other vacuums. Dust collection is very important with routers. Bosch has other accessories for this router so look on Bosch's website.

Question 3

What adapter is required for use with the PC adapter kit for PC dovetail gig.

Accepted Answer

You will need the Bosch Quick Change Template Guide Adapterhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HPUP80/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00and the Bosch RA1100 Threaded Router Template Guide Adapterhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009H5INI/ref=oh_details_o09_s00_i00The problem is that most places don't carry the quick change adapter, not even DIRECT from Amazon. So you have to buy it from Woodcraft online (I  purchased it from Woodcraft through Amazon).  I checked my local Woodcraft store and it was not available.  The shipping is nearly as much as the adapter!  This is a key part because without it you can't mount anything to the stock base plate for this router.  You could change out the clear plastic baseplate and get a PC compliant one, but that may just open up a new set of problems.  The RA1100 threaded adapter fits into the quick change adapter and it allows you to screw in any PC guide that you would need.  Thankfully, this part is available directly from Amazon.  I'm a PRIME member so the shipping was free on this one.

Question 4

can this be used to plunge and cut wall tile?

Accepted Answer

what you need is a route bit that cuts tile, no router bits are included.  The router does plunge, but because of the size you can't get in tight spots.

ASIN	B002LASDGA
Amperage	15 A
Base Type	Fixed, Plunge
Battery Description	Corded electric
Best Sellers Rank	#262,453 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #98 in Routers
Brand Name	Bosch
Color	Black
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (730)
Global Trade Identification Number	00000346391503
Horsepower	2.3
Included Components	Motor, Fixed and Plunge Bases, 1/4 In. and 1/2 In. Self-Releasing Collet, 16 Mm. and 24 Mm. Bit Wrenches, T-Handle Hex Wrench, (3) M4 Screws for Table Mounting, Carrying Case
Item Dimensions W x H	15.25"W x 9.75"H
Item Type Name	Combo Routers
Item Weight	3 pounds
Manufacturer	Bosch
Manufacturer Part Number	MRC23EVSK
Manufacturer Warranty Description	Limited 1 Year
Material Type	Metal, Plastic
Maximum Rotational Speed	25000 rpm
Model Number	MRC23EVSK
Number of Items	1
Power Source	Corded Electric
UPC	000346391503
Unit Count	1 Count
Voltage	120 volts

Bosch MRC23EVSK 2.3 HP Electronic Modular Router System

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