To reach the maximum precision when you’re doing woodwork, you have to have a reliable and sturdy router table.
And while the factors that qualify a router table to be your chosen one can be a little vague at first, when you understand them, it’s quite simple.
One of the best router tables you can get on the market is the Bosch RA1171 cabinet-style router table, and in this review, I’ll tell you why.
Bosch RA1171 Review
Firstly, I’d like to note that this table’s stability makes it very easy to reach a premium finish.
If you’re an entry-level or a beginner woodworker, you’re not going to face any difficulty figuring out how to work with this router table.
And if you’re more experienced, you’ll appreciate how seamless the whole experience is.
Features at a Glance
The Bosch RA1171 utilizes a great dust collection system with two ports and is versatile enough to execute numerous cuts precisely.
Its fence system is fully adjustable and is made of aluminum which makes it incredibly durable.
Dimensions and Capabilities
The Bosch RA1171 table isn’t heavy at only 35 pounds. Its dimensions are 25.5 x 14.5 x 15.8 inches which is compact enough to leave you plenty of space in your workshop after setting it up.
The 25 x 15.5-inch tabletop is laminated to provide you with the most accurate woodwork.
Moreover, its maximum fence opening measures about 3.19 inches and the maximum throat opening is about 3.63 inches.
So, your router’s rotating cutter should pass through with no trouble.
On top of that, the aluminum mounting plate that the router is equipped with maintains a flat position and consequently the precision of your cuts.
However, while the Bosch RA1171 router table is factory-drilled to be able to accommodate different types of routers, it’s not really that compatible with many models on the market.
Adjustable Aluminum Fence and Featherboards
To reach the maximum control and support for your device as you pass wood through the router, the Bosch RA1171 router table is equipped with two feather boards.
And although I didn’t like the fact that they were made of plastic, I found them durable enough to do their job.
They are flexible to a degree, which enables you to adjust them to fit variously-sized pieces of wood.
Personally, I found the aluminum fence quite an amazing feature as it makes the table very sturdy and durable.
Measuring 4.8 x 25.1 inches, the fence enables the cabinet table to work with taller and longer pieces of wood with no issues at all.
Furthermore, the MDF face plates also work on increasing the support you get to make the operation even smoother.
Dual Dust Ports and a Dual Outlet Switch
The Bosch RA1171 router table comes with dual dust removal ports –an unprecedented feature that no other tables have.
This ensures that no dust or debris will pollute your surroundings.
Moreover, you can even attach a vacuum to it to maximize the dust extraction.
On top of that, it’s also equipped with two switch outlets that give you complete control over all the operations.
The 6-foot cord makes the table more functional and the lock helps you keep away any unauthorized uses.
Have a closer look at the Bosch RA1171 with that video
Operation
You’ll need a 15 AMP power source to operate your table as it’s a corded-electric device (comes with a 6-foot cable).
Warranty
The Bosch RA1171 comes with a 30-day trial during which you can ask for a refund. Moreover, you get a 1-year protection plan for the table.
Bosch RA1171 Accessories
The Bosch RA1171 comes with an accessory slot that accepts feather boards and 0.75-inch accessories. These accessories are optional –for example, a miter gauge.
It also has a mountable base that’s equipped with 4 predrilled holes for screws and the flat extension gives you the freedom to clamp your device to a workbench.
Bosch RA1171 vs RA1181
While the RA1171 and the RA1181 have the same fence size and durable aluminum material, the RA1181’s maximum fence opening is superior to the RA1171’s measuring 3-5/8 inches for the former and 3-3/16 for the latter.
Moreover, although the RA1181 comes with a single dust collector as opposed to the dual ports of the RA1171, it still offers better and more effective dust collection.
And finally, the RA1181 also beats the RA1171 in terms of portability, the wide range of sizes it can work with, and the simpler assembly process.
Bosch RA1171 compatible routers
While the Bosch RA1171 can host various routers, it doesn’t accommodate all models.
So you should make sure it’s compatible with your router before you make the purchasing decision. And one of the most compitable routers that you can use with the RA1171 is the Bosch 1617EVSPK.
It is also compitable with the Porter cable routers, for example, the Porter Cable 690LR. And this makes it the best router table for porter cable routers.
What we liked the most
- Incredibly sturdy design
- A two-port dust collection system
- Full control over operations
- An effective system for noise reduction
- Versatility of functions
- Aluminum fencing
- Suits both professionals and entry-level users
What we liked the most
- Requires assembly from scratch
- Isn’t compatible with many routers
Final Thoughts
The Bosch RA1171 is suitable for both hobbyist DIYers and professionals alike. It’s stable, sturdy, and strong enough to work with variously-sized wood pieces.
Its incredible versatility makes it a choice that shouldn’t be overlooked when you’re shopping for a router table.
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