Pros
Easy assembly
Good value for the price
Sturdy and robust construction
Effective dust collection with dual ports
Suitable for small workshops
Adjustable and accurate fence
Convenient onboard outlet for vacs and other tools
Supports various routers with included hardware
Heavy metal top aids in stability
Good customer support for replacement issues
Lightweight and portable
Cons
Plastic base and other components may feel cheap
Difficulty in leveling the mounting plate
Fence setup can be cumbersome
Main Product Advantages
9 Customer Support
Bosch's customer support was praised for replacing faulty parts quickly and without demanding the return of the defective items, which improved the overall user experience.
8 Assembly
Assembly was generally straightforward for most users, taking around 90 minutes or more. Instructions were adequate but could benefit from clearer parts identification.
8 Additional Features
Features such as the outlet for a shop vac and included shims for edge jointing were praised. The light touch-sensitive off switch was also highlighted as a convenient safety feature.
7 Router Plate
The router plate has multiple mounting options and is solid, but some users experienced difficulties leveling it with the table. Despite issues, Bosch provides excellent support, replacing faulty parts.
7 Dust Collection
The table has decent dust collection with two ports, but its efficiency varies. Users reported that small chips are well-managed, but larger chips may fall below the table.
7 Accuracy and Tolerances
Most users found the table to be adequately accurate for hobbyist projects, though some experienced issues with the table being slightly warped or the router plate not fitting snugly.
7 Dust Collection Efficiency
Dust collection was reported as decent with a shop vac, but larger chips were not fully contained. Dual dust ports were appreciated, but efficiency was not flawless.
6 Fence and Featherboards
While the fence is sturdy and stays in place, some users found the featherboards and the fence guard to be a hassle to use, and the fence material received mixed reviews.
6 Material Quality
The table top is solid, but the plastic base and unsupported switch fascia were points of criticism. The table remains sturdy overall, yet certain plastic parts feel flimsy.
6 Build Quality
Though some components like the metal table and the aluminum inlay were appreciated, the plastic parts and the somewhat flimsy on/off switch were points of concern.
Product Review: BOSCH RA1171 Benchtop Router Table
The Bosch RA1171 Cabinet-Style Router Table offers woodworkers a high-quality, versatile work surface for woodworking and routing projects. Its cabinet-style construction not only enhances dust collection and noise reduction but also provides an efficient work environment.
Versatility and Precision
This router table is designed with versatility and precision in mind. The tall aluminum fence, measuring 4-7/8 x 25-1/8 inches, easily handles taller stock. It includes adjustable MDF face plates for better support and smoother operation. A rigid aluminum router mounting plate ensures flat and accurate cuts, and it is pre-drilled to accommodate various routers.
The adjustable featherboards, which attach to the fence and table, provide additional support and control when feeding stock across the table. This flexibility allows for a variety of materials to be used with precision.
Dust Collection and Accessory Slot
The RA1171 excels in dust removal thanks to its cabinet-style design featuring two dust collection ports. Both ports fit standard-sized 2-1/2 inch vacuum hoses, making it easy to keep your workspace clean.
An accessory slot allows for the addition of featherboards and other 3/4-inch optional accessories, such as miter gauges. This expands the functionality and usability of the router table.
Specifications and Extras
The RA1171 measures 25-1/2 x 14-1/2 x 15-7/8 inches and weighs 42 pounds. It features a maximum fence opening of 3-3/16 inches and a throat opening of 3-5/8 inches. Bosch backs this router table with a one-year limited warranty, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a one-year service protection plan.
Included in the box are the RA1171 Cabinet-Style Benchtop Router Table, a set of three mounting-plate insert rings, mounting hardware, two adjustable featherboards, an adjustable clear guard, a starter pin and guard, and two 1/16-inch thick outfeed fence shims.
Conclusion
The Bosch RA1171 Benchtop Router Table is an excellent choice for woodworkers seeking a reliable, versatile, and precise router table. Its cabinet-style design not only improves dust collection and noise control but also provides a stable and efficient work environment. With its range of features and included accessories, the RA1171 is well worth considering for any woodworking shop.
