The BOSCH Router Table (RA1181) is the Best Selling Router Table In The World but is it any good?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- The best selling router tables in the world are the Bosch RA1181 and the Bosch RA1171, but are these Bosch Router Tables Really That Good?
In Todays video, we will go over everything the Bosch RA1181 has to offer, and why this Bosch Router Table could be the perfect purchase for you and your woodshop
Buy Here
International Tool
Router Table
RA1181 www.tkqlhce.co...
Ra1171 www.jdoqocy.co...
Bosch Router www.jdoqocy.co...
Wood Routers that will work on the Bosch RA1171 Router Table
Bosch 1613 series
Bosch 1617 series base models only)
Bosch 1619EVS
Craftsman Most Craftsman
DeWalt DW616, DW618 (fixed base only)
Hitachi M12VC
Makita RF1100, RF1101
Milwaukee 5615, 5616
Porter Cable 690 series,
7529 plunge router,
and 892-895 series (fixed base only)
Ryobi R161, R162
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Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table
The Bosch RA1181 benchtop router table provides a large work surface for precision and versatility. The large aluminum top makes the table both durable and portable. Designed to fit a variety of routers, this router table is a versatile piece of equipment that will serve as an indispensable part of any woodworking shop. Its rigid aluminum router mounting plate is pre-drilled for compatibility with a variety of routers and for above table height adjustment with many common routers. Its 2-1/2 In. dust-collection port offers better dust collection for a cleaner work environment. This benchtop router table includes mounting hardware, features a tall aluminum fence with adjustable MDF faceplates, two outfeed shims, and an aluminum router mounting plate. The starter pin and guard for routing curved workpieces is also included, in addition to the built-in cord wrap for convenient storage and portability.
4:52 Ok, THIS had me rolling…so much so, watched it 5x in a row, having to rewind to that mark🤣🤣.
Clint, you have that personality and ability to “connect” to audience thru camera like we were in front of ya. It’s so funny, the way you do your reviews; which is why love em. (Love your vids too VCG, and all the rest out there and that everyone is different 👍🏻😃)
The uniqueness, quirkiness, and fun you have with the tools, video, and us……is what makes your Channel special and imo, why we love ya. Every TH-camr has their own style etc…& yours is like a comedian but not in the cheesy way where want laughs, you’ve got style & grace to go along w/ the reviews/channel….SUBSTANCE👍🏻
The Bosch Router is a beast, and a great corded router, and pretty cool that able to do 1/2 and 1/4 it’s b/c of the 2 diff included collets.
Cheers to You😊
Hahahaha, whaaaaaa????? Bro, this comment just made my day Aepek. It's getting pinned brother 👊
lol. Dude, this is great. It reminds me of the scene in “The Rain Man” where they’re driving over a bridge and Ramen starts humming to match the hum of the tires on the bridge. 🤣
I have owned this table for around 2 years. I have 3 big complaints: 1) there's a ton of slop in the height adjustment. Fine adjustments are next to impossible because the mechanism that holds the router in is not beefy enough. The slop isn't just vertical, it's side to side, which is really bad and potentially dangerous. When adjusting the height Comparing this mechanism to a router lift shows the huge gulf between the two. 2) the aluminum top has sharp edges that marred my workpieces. 3) dust collection is a joke. Some of the dust goes into the port in the fence, but most gets sucked under the table and then all over my shop.
After much frustration, I bought an Incra router lift and built a new table with a melamine top. Much better option.
I absolutely agree. I have this exact setup. My complaints are: 1. Dust collection sucks. You can see the aftermath in this video how there is dust everywhere and how it shoots out in front of the workpiece when you start. 2. Bit changing is a huge pain. I’ve gotten to the point that I just take the router out because it’s easier and safer to change a bit. 3. The micro adjust is difficult. Unlocking and locking the router to adjust takes a lot of extra time. Plus, as you stated, when you unlock and lock the router to adjust, there is slop in the vertical and horizontal. It may be small but it eliminates precision. 4. For someone that uses their router, as I do, with the plunge base outside of the table, removing and reinstalling the router back into the table is cumbersome and time consuming. I understand most people will dedicate a router to the table but I don’t need multiple routers laying around that can all do the work I need that the 1617 does.
I do agree with the video assessment that the router itself is awesome. However, you’d think buying a router that mates perfectly to a table would be much more user friendly.
I agree - I have this table too and I thought I'd find out more about how to use if better. This guy seems to have nothing to add. Poor review.
I purchased the RA1181 a few days ago. Had trouble getting the plate that holds the router to level with the surface. I put a level on the table with the router plate removed. To my surprise, the table is not flat! The table is slightly bowed!!!! The level is 1/16 " off the table on the left side if you press down on the right side of the level. Unbelievable! I checked twice with a different level in a different area of the table. Same result. i returned the table and got my money back. I do not believe my experience was a fluke. I have now come across other reviews with the same complaint.
I wish to cut precision parts for a billiard rack, and this table won't do! Looks like I'm going to have to build my own.
You'll sound like you do lots of work with the router and it would make sense to buy the more profession setup. If I did as much work with this as you'll seem to do, I would not have even considered this sort of set up. I'd gone straight to the something like the Rockler setup and not wasted my time and money. This seems more for your DIYer who doesn't want to spend $5-600 on a table setup.
How do you like you router? I realy need a good one the first time, thanks for your help😊
Same here, brotha. Ive had this router table for years and used it to build the doors on my kitchen cabinets. Its a solid choice overall and especially for the price
seems simple enough, but you're the only one who has covered the locking tab, and the option to adjust from the top side!!! great job!
I went with the Skil ver1 over this. I've only used it a few times. Many of the parts are recolored clones, but this table is better. The most important thing is that a dedicated router is used for tables. Removing is a pain even if it's simple. 90% of the time a simple board with a hole is good enough... Heck I've turned the router upside down and clamped a straight edge to it instead of setting up the table.
I know you’re not a Lowe’s fan but I have the Kobalt version of this table and it’s as handy as that one and it came with the router. I haven’t had anything bad to say. Just wish it was easier to pull the routers out of these things for times when you want to freestyle your router.
I've got the Kobalt one too. I actually think the Kobalt one is better. This has a lot of bad reviews on getting the insert for the router plate level. I like Kobalt is a one surface table. No leveling to do. I keep the router on that table though. Because I've got the Bosh router kit also. I bought the one with the plunge kit part of it. And I got a small router for making signs.
I have the “Other” Bosch version of router table and it does everything I need! Solid overview, you’re a BEAST Cuz!
Other than being a cabinet/having storage, whats the difference between the two? I would have thought the cabinet style would be more expensive, but the links in the descriptions show the cabinet style being cheaper.
@@jacksmith2315 the cabinet style router table is MDF except for the mounting plate. I prefer the MDF top. The cabinet style also keeps down on dust a bit more
I bought the other one too. Great machine
Haha, you're ahhhhhh beast!
@@ToolReviewZone WWWHHHHAAAATTTT???
I am really happy with the CMT Orange router bits myself, and I can't believe menards carries such a high quality brand lol
I know zero about tools but my girlfriend wants a router table for Christmas and this has made my decision super easy. Thanks bro!
She will really like this Alex
I mounted mine to a movers Dolly and it makes it so easy to move around.
I bought a floor model from Lowe’s made by an Australian company called Global Machinery Company. Same animal but taller. Got it for under a hundy.
Had to assemble it. No problem. t works well I still have it. I bought a bench top Drill Press about the same time. Same Mfg. still works great. A couple years later I saw Bosch selling the very same machine with their brand on it. Bob’s your Uncle…………..
Nice video. Thanks. I'm a retired dude and just took up woodworking as a hobby. I have been using a laser for some time and I was having to buy pre-made blanks at the hobby store to crank out decent finished products. I decided to make my own blanks and create a little more profit margin. While I don't doubt any of the (great) comments below about precision, I also know that all I need to do is take rectangles and do a round over or Roman Ogee edge profile. I got the RA1171 and it meets my needs perfectly. Also since I'm new to the woodworking game I don't really have a proper workspace and I was doing some things with my router that probably weren't nearly as safe as running my stock across one of these router tables. I've no doubt there are much higher quality tables out there and would I need one, I'd get one. As it stands the RA1171 suits my skill level perfectly.
The best thing about this model is that the base is made of aluminum and larger than the others, but what is really surprising is that it fits perfectly on cabinet saws.
Good thing I saw this video. I didn't realize the table and router was not all in one. Thanks for posting. Great review! Great video.
I bought that same router. You definitely want the variable speed on a 1/2 in router. Some bits are just knarly at full boogie, and not in a good way. I ordered the bosch offset wrenches when I ordered mine. of course, you can use an external router speed control. HF Tools one is decent. I use it with a soldering iron sometimes too.
Excellent video. Just put that table together and you are right, the directions suck. But all that meant is that it took a little longer to put together. Also purchased the same router and it is working great so far. Looking forward to giving it a workout this coming week!
"I’m gonna bring this right here… shut up bird!" lol, good content and thanks for using the camera very well throughout all aspects of tool operation, that helped me with some basics that would normally take me a few minutes just to look up in the manual or learn through trial and error.
Thanks for not going through the setup...bought this table recently and looking forward to making some molding and trim. Great video.
I have the very same setup and am very pleased. Thanks for your review. Always entertaining.
Watched 3 minutes of this video and you already have a new subscriber 😂. Love the content
Yep! Yep! Yep! I could NOT be without my router a nd table! Love those tools! My table is a weeeeeeee bit older than that one....heck, its probably older than you are, young man, but be that as it may, this is one spiffy table! I'm not in the market for one but Bosch...you did mighty fine with this 'un! I have to say, I did giggle a bit when you said about buying a router if you didn't have one...yeah, funny, since I have 3 but I'm glad to see you're using those HEAVY DUTY bits and not those iddy bitty ones...toss those out! Freud bits are AWESOME! I do have a few Bosch bits but LOVE those Freud bits! I am curious....how can you afford so much wood??? Are you, per chance, independently wealthy??? Heir to the Amazon fortune? Cousin of Elon, maybe?? Wait....you're not Pablo Escobar's love child, are you????
The end of your comment about affording the wood....lmfao! Good one
Hahaha, as always, awesome comment Jim. That said, not wealthy.... I just stole VCG's credit card info brother 👊🤣
Learned a lot, but mostly, you had me cracking up 🤣🤣🤣. Awesome video.
Watched your video and just ordered it. Good sense of humor you have!
I'd like to have seen the cutter change. That looked like a disadvantage. Thanks for the video.
Loved the video! Great review and you helped me make up my mind!
Bosch sells a pair of collet wrenches for that table which would help to avoid ruining your bits when changing them out. Also, I've seen what a router can do to a human hand at the scene of the accident up close and personal and because of that I'd never use a router unless it's in a table and that table has a fence installed. It went through his fingers like they were butter, a truly horrific accident. I respect and fear a router more than any other tool
Absolutely. I almost lost a finger. It turned my middle finger tip into ground meat. I still have the finger, it healed up well, but I lost a lot of feeling in it. I did a stupid thing in a hurry. Never do things in a hurry. I've been a carpenter for 40 yrs and the only times I ever got hurt was when I was in a hurry. I don't get in a hurry... ever , anymore.
@@marcellemay7721 I'm glad you didn't lose your finger. You're absolutely right, haste can cost digits. I've been lucky with my fingers but I've paid the price with broken bones more time than I care to admit
@@PendeltonWhiskey Oh yeah, I got a few of those too. Every time it's about to rain I get reminded.
Most of the time, I love what I do. But, as I get older, my body doesn't love it so much. It's a physical job, and I mostly just do interior finish work now. My body can't take framing houses day in and day out anymore.
A router in a table can be just as dangerous as a free hand router. I had a co worker who stuck his hand in the path of a milwaukee 3.5 hp router which was attached to a huge router table & controlled by a computer... he thought he could adjust the cut piece as the router was cutting... needless to say he was NOT fast enough to adjust the cut piece before the computer adjusted the path of the router... router room looked like something out of a horror movie, slung blood/flesh everywhere ...almost 2 years later and he is still undergoing surgeries... he will NEVER use that hand the same, router bit grabbed and cut the muscles/tendons in his hand... I have this router and table, I treat it like a loaded weapon; my set up came with both wrenches to change the bit
When I made my comment above, of course I wasn't thinking about a robotic table router. I've never even been near one and don't want to be. A robotic router table is a different animal altogether. I hope your co-worker is going to be able to use his hand again.
1/ I have considered for months before buying a table top router. I have looked, compared this Bosch and finally went with a Skil RT1323-01 router for 2 reasons. First, Skil is American made while BOSCH is German made. Second, it's about 50 bucks cheaper while it has everything the Bosch has. So far, I'm very happy with it. 2/ Another thing, I don't think your vacuum worked well because I can see dirts all over your router. Thanks for the clip.
In reality Skil is NOT American made and Bosch is NOT German made, guarantee both are NOT made in either the USA or Germany but in our 51st state, Communist China! Bosch battery powered tools are NOT made in Communist China like most other brands, but are made Worldwide, I have some made in Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Poland and many other countries, NONE in Communist China!
I have the version that folds up. Great table with the right router.
I used my buddies BOSCH 1617 on a custom table with woodpecker accessories and was like fk a table saw. So I pulled the trigger on the BOSCH 1617EVSPK that’s been sitting in my cart for the last 6 mo. Now I’m researching table options. I’ve had my eye on this and the cabinet version for as long as the router itself. One question I’m scratching my head over is the capability to install a lift down the road. How easy is it to do with this table? Could I pop in a Jessem with ease?
Check the measurements of the lifts' plate. I haven't found one that fits.
your like Alexa or Facebook I was thinking about getting a router table to make it easier and BAM you put out a video thank you buddy
Hahahaha, that hilarious! 🤣👊
Excellent review!! Bruh you are HILARIOUS!!! I laughed so much watching this omg!! 😂🤣😂🤣😂 Don’t stop being Yourself. 👏👏👏🙌🙌
Hahaha, thanks so much brother 🙏
I've seen it and taught about getting one too Clint.
Yes to both questions Jamal! 🤣👊
100% grade A great video Clint!! 👍💯
Hahaha, thanks KG👊👊👊👊
Great review! Funny and informative.
I’ve had one for years. Used 1/4 inch ply and made walls added some foam insulate took down the noise a bit. Good by
Awesome tip Franke!!!!!
Great video! You are funny and the video is put together really well. I went out and bought this table.
Enjoyed your video, fun and informative. Thank you.
Thanks Andrea!!!
Beautiful explanation.
Are extensions available to make the table longer?
Another great video. I have the other version and had it for years. Great table. You're great at what you do ... definitely keep us all entertained through the video !! Lol
You helped me make a decision! Its purchased!
4:52 I lost it!!!!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤣🤣👊
Hello, I really enjoyed your video. I have a Makita RT0701C corded router and was wondering if this table is compatible to mount that tool. Thanks again.
I almost bought this table until I read all of the negative reviews about it not being flat by numerous people.
I have defenitly see this router table and also wanted to purchase one but never have nice video Clint @ToolReviewZone
have been looking i will buy this
5:19 you are lucky, the last time I bought an identical piece of oak I paid $19,000
Isn’t the Kobalt Router Table WITH Router, now on sale for $129 at Lowe’s, a much better deal than the almost $400 for this setup?!? (Me thinks so!)
Nice demo.
Great Vid Brother! Going for it. Thanks for the entertaining style too. Rock On!
👊👊👊👊👊
Good but can I produce a door with it , including making door panels?
At 8:26, the groove is near the edge of the board. Is the router table effective in making groove across the width (not the length) of the board? Or a handheld plunge router works better?
I found that the red guard does not sit flush, which is a problem for smaller pieces. It sits below. I can fix it but I prefer buying things that I don't have to fix.
Thank You.
I love this table, but I just bought the Dewalt DCW600B. I haven't opened it yet. Do you think I should buy the Bosch router? Kind of in a pickle here.
The dewalt is a good router. Thay said, I think this Bosch is a great tool and had my eye on it for a while. I guess it depends on if it would fit your specific needs, but the Bosch is a beast
I currently don’t own a router but have been doing research. The DCW600B is a great cordless trim router. I saw a review by a woodworker that rated it the best cordless trim router available and it’s on my list of woodworking tools to buy. I’m considering that one or the Milwaukee version. That being said that’s a small router both in power and also it only takes 1/4 bits. For a table you want a 2.25 HP router for 1/4 in and 1/2 in bits and the Bosch Clint reviewed is one of the best in that category and what you want for a table router. Both the Bosch router and this table have been on my list as well. Both are solid. Bottom line if you’re doing enough work you’ll want both of them. Based on what Clint said about never taking the router off the table I might get a second corded router if I find myself using it enough and probably go with the Dewalt corded with plunge base instead of having 2 of the same Bosch routers. Hope that wasn’t too long winded.
@@billsedutto8824 Thanks Bill. Based on the reviews the Dewalt seems like a great router and I like the versatility of a cordless. I think I will get the Bosch as well and have two routers in my arsenal!
im on my way to the store - thanks
The voice acting made me subscribe. Very informative but not boring. Loook at iiit!
Haha, thanks for the comment and welcome to the channel Sergio!
What adapter are you using to connect the shop vac?
Im definitely getting it now.
Can you use a flat bar to measure how flat the top surface is?
I use a jet at work I’m looking for one for my home shop
I have this exact router table and exact router (except I have the plunge base, too). I like them both but I HAVE PROBLEMS! I put the table together, no problem. I mounted the fixed base to it, no problem. But from the very beginning I've struggled with getting the router into the base. I believe I have it under control now -- I can adjust the router to any of the three preset heights (though it's a struggle and not smooth at all -- maybe I have sawdust in there somewhere?). I can adjust the height of the router by using that special tool from the top. Again, not smooth, but it works. That;s where my problems start. I can't get the micro adjustment to do a damn thing. I unlock the base and turn the dial and from underneath the indicator moves up and down, but the bit doesn't move at all. Is it really that important to have such fine adjustments? Can't I just eyeball it? Also -- and related -- how do I know just how high to adjust the bit, say a roundover bit when I'm making drawer fronts? I built my own vanity and another cabinet and for that I took the router out of the table and it worked fine. So here I am venting about how to and why make the ultra fine adjustments. Help !!!
I'm confused, you didn't show us how to connect the router cable to the modem 😎🍻
Haha, nice 🤣👊
LOL; your videos always crack me up. And thanks for the great review as well! However, please stop lying: That piece of wood had to cost at least $20K, and not the $18K you claim...
Hahahahahaha 👊👊👊🤣
I’m buying one Clint Dogg
Let me know how you like it Anthony 👊👊👊
Ok you sold me 😂❤
Nice review. Thanks
100% best table out there.
I love tools, there I said it,
It's OK brother, just let it out 🤣👊
Will the DeWalt Router fit this Table
Real nice like!
Haha 👊
Real nice like
It has a lift?
It's a slap in the face from Bosch to all their EU customers that they don't sell this product in Europe. And the US one is rated at 120v.
One thing I have to say is the Fence could have been rack n pinion, then it would have been the ultimate router table.
Think I can play alittle better air guitar but your not bad.
Hahaha, I don't know bro, I layed that down bro 🤣😎🤟🤟🤟
As with all tools, the deciding factor for cost is what is the application, how often is it ever going to be used, and what are your expectations of quality in what you're trying to make. Remember, it's your money, your circus, your monkeys.
👍
You sold me
Is it hypoallergenic? I have allergies, lot of trouble with my sinuses. Thanks
will it work with m18 router?
It's not on their list, but it's possible that the list was made before the m18 came out 🤔
Kabot is the best
I had one in my early days. No accurate at all. Fence is pain in the ass too.
First?🤔
First!!!!!!
your freud bit is phalic shaped. just sayin
Lmao ADHD woodworker. Fantastic.
Stop drinking the bong water
“COMEDIANS” Don’t quit you’re day job!
I have this piece of trash of a table.
I have one and I love it.
Putting it together isn't hard but it IS time consuming. Anywhere from an hour and a half to two and a half. You'll spend a solid 40 minutes identifying the many many types of screws and nuts packaged together in big unlabelled plastic bags, comparing the length and shape of them to what is shown on the piece list of the instruction manual.
I have a Bosch cabinet version. It works great but I wish they would offer swing up extensions. The plate adjustments are easy but you have to set it up correctly in the beginning.
I will defenitly be grabbing one because of the Real Nassss Like Video Ya Did Clint @ToolReviewZone
My router table is a piece of melamine with my thrift store router bolted under it xD
If it works, and able to get the work done ya need….NOTHING wrong w/ that setup, imo.
Cheers✌🏻
I used an old wood table, cut a square out to drop in the router table insert (from rockler) and mounted my router to it and made my own router table. Works, was what able to afford back then, and got the job done to make money 👍🏻
✌🏻
@@Aepek amen, brother!
Hahaha🤣👊
I wasn't worried as much about the router table holding up to the work as I was about the folding card table you have it sitting on. Again, TH-cam kept this from me for a month. Glad I finally got it.
Just bought this router and table used. I am impressed in the power of that router, I went from a Bauer palm Router to this beast. I love the setup.
How did you get the insert ring to sit flush? Bosch USA specifically states they have the red insert ring sit 1/16" low for "safety". I just unboxed mine and it sits low. I'm debating a return for another brand or preferably a fix. Any suggestions?
That is so cool the vacuum and the router both turn on at the sane time with the main table switch okay I need this router table now was never sure it was worth it now I belive it is going back and forth to turn a vacuum on and off sucks nice thanks Clint for the info @ToolReviewZone
I bought one on special last year at your least favorite big box store ... Same setup as yours I would also recommend it.
Thanks for the feedback Scott!!!!
Let's see a comparison against the kobalt, we know you love low🤮🤮🤮🤮es
Hahaha they may not let me in to buy one after that last video Joe 🤣
@@ToolReviewZone undercover TRZ!! you can do it!
Hahahahaha, sunglasses on Joe! 😎🤫
@@ToolReviewZone The Kobalt is better then this Bosh router table. I've got the Bosh router complete kit. But the Kobalt is a one surface table. This Bosh one has tons of bad reviews on getting that insert level. Also the Kobalt comes with a 2 5 hp router with the table. The fence on the Kobalt is built better. No particle board on it. The Bosh router is the only thing good about that set up. I've got the Kobalt. I've built cabinets with it. No problems at all. The table I replaced was a Bosh one. Gave my old one to my neighbor. Lol.
Could the top just be thrown in the back of the ute with out the legs? And then just set it up on my sawhorses?