Last Updated on August 30, 2024 by James Walton

Do you know what makes the Bosch RA1171 special? They are nothing but the wonderful features of the Bosch RA1171 cabinet-style router table, which make it an all-around and suitable power tool for most people. If you are a DIY dad who just enjoys woodworking projects as a hobby or even is a professional woodworker, this is a must have a machine for you. It has been designed in such a wonderful manner that you can work it out with different routers and can also be mounted on any workbench.

Bosch ra1171 Router Table Review

The surface of the Bosch RA1171 cabinet-style router table is great to get you quality woodwork and routing job. This router table is quite renowned for accuracy and versatility, which makes it a necessary asset in your workshop. The cabinet-style design can make the dust collection system more efficient.

Notable Features of Bosch cabinet style router table ra1171

Versatility and Precision

You will thank its versatile design; the Bosch RA1171 allows you to work with a wide array of materials and ensure accuracy with every cut. With a high aluminum fence measuring 4-7/8 x 25-1/8 inches (HxL), the table can easily handle tall stock. The fence also ensures better support and smoother operation featuring adjustable MDF face plates.

The firm aluminum router has a mounting plate, which stays flat for accurate cuts. Due to being pre-drilled to fit a variety of routers, the fact adds versatility to this machine. The easy-to-use feather boards are connected to the fence and table, which are completely adjustable to fit different workpieces. While feeding stock across the table, these feather boards will provide you additional control and support.

Accessory Stand Dust Collection Ports

The cabinet-style design of Bosch RA1171 excels in dust removal. It has two dust collection ports for removing debris, both of which fit standard-sized 2-1/2 inch vacuum hoses. You can utilize the accessory slot to add extra feather boards, as well as 3/4-inch accessories, like any miter gauge which is 3/4 x 3/8 inches deep.

The Router Table weighs 42 pounds and measures 25-1/2 x 14-1/2 x 15-7/8 inches (WxHxD). It features a maximum throat opening of 3-5/8 inches and a maximum fence opening of 3-3/16 inches.

Pros
  • The bosch ra1171 cabinet style router table has two feather boards, which can be fixed to the table and the aluminum fence is there to provide additional support when feeding stock.
  • The metal legs of the router table make it solid during the routing process and ensure the durability of the router.
  • All the mounting accessories are shipped with this router table, and these allow the table to work with different router models.
  • The noise reduction system is so effective that it can ensure a nice and a favorable woodworking environment.
  • It is backed by Bosch’s 30-day money back guarantee, one-year limited warranty and one-year service protection plan.

 

Cons
  • As the router mounting plate is nearly 0.03 inches below the table surface, there can sometimes be when the cuts may not be accurate.
  • There are some of the accessories which are included in the manual, but there are instances that the elements to help in adapting routers may not be available.

How to make a bosch router table

Bosch makes several routers, including their popular Router Jig for making jigs for routing outdoor trim with a circular saw (or any other kind of power tool). For making a router table, you’ll need one of these tools, plus a metal workbench or similar setup to support the base of the router table; this will be your foundation.

Make sure you have all the tools listed below before starting. You’ll need a circular saw (not a jigsaw), band-saw or a chop saw, a drill/driver, hammer, screwdrivers, a file, screws, nuts & bolts if applicable, a cordless drill, glue, a table saw, and woodworking clamps. Start by ensuring you have all the necessary hand tools you need.

Step 1

Begin by cutting out pieces of MDF. I used 2x4s and cut them down to size using a band saw. Use a circular or chop saw to remove any rough edges after cutting. Also, cut out four square holes for the legs using your circular or chop saw. There should only be about ¼” between the holes. These will be your leg supports. Cut them out and then sand them down until they’re smooth. Make sure you check your measurements for these holes at least twice.

Step 2

Next, use plywood to cover your work surface. A table saw works best here, but any power tool will do. You could use two sawhorses if you don’t have a table saw. Now drill holes along the edge of the underside of your wood where the legs will go. Don’t forget to measure twice and cut once! Next, attach your legs to your base using screws. Drill pilot holes first, then countersink and drive the screw. Drive it deep enough that the head of the screw doesn’t protrude.

Step 3

Now we’re going to build our router table. We’re going to start by drilling three holes in each corner of our fence. Then mount your fence to your router table. Attach some scrap wood to hold your fence in place. Next, create a template for your dovetail joint. Once you’ve done this, draw the shape onto your stock piece.

Your template should look something like this. Remember to leave extra room around the corners. After removing the template, mark it out on a few boards. Then lightly pre-drill those marks and then drill the hole. Be careful not to drill through the top board. Sand everything down flush with the bottom board.

Step 4

Next, we’re going to assemble our table. We first want to add a strip of wood across the front of our base. Screw this to the inside face of the tabletop. Next, clamp both sides together tightly. The last step is to attach a crossbar to both ends of the tabletop. Screw the crossbars to the side rails. Now you’re ready to start routing!

Customer Reviews and Scores

The Amazon reviews and scores tell a lot about the excellence of this Bosch RA1171!

Most of the users were quite impressed with its excellent design and strong build. One of them talked about the sturdiness of it, ‘This is a solid, nicely built router table. It’s a far better machine than the old Craftsman table I had.’

Another reviewer mentioned it as a great table, ‘You will have a lot of things to set up before routing boards. Safe, easy to mount and a great tool once you dial in your settings right.’

Conclusion

However, you will find a good number of people who love the versatility and accuracy of the Bosch RA1171 router table and have highly rated it. Whatever you are, an amateur or a professional, you will always find it as a wonderful machine. Embracing the state-of-the-art technology through its amazing features and specifications, this machine will worth every penny of you. Before making any purchase decision don’t forget to read our expert’s buying guide on best wood router reviews.

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Author

James Walton is an active woodworker & maker who is passionate about all things woodworking. He loves to play with power tools and machines.

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