For anyone interested, links for accessories @Amazon Bosch RA1171 Router Table: amzn.to/2qzQvPi Highly Compatible Router: amzn.to/37y1wl9 Compatible Featherboard: amzn.to/2KKW8B6 Wet/Dry Vac Adapter: amzn.to/35oG7ZC Yellow Jacket Outlet Block: amzn.to/35ub3Yx Lowes $20 off $100 Purchase Coupon: amzn.to/3396Hoa We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Just stopped by to say that I'm about to unbox this very table tomorrow. Time has moved along and it's now $219 from Lowes, but considering shortages and so on, still not too bad. Thanks for doing this unboxing -- you invested the time and effort on producing the video and we're still benefiting from it, three years on!
Just purchased the table using your link. Was glad to see a REAL review of the table. There are now WAY too many junk reviews just for ad revenue, so it's nice to find an honest real review like yours.
I was going to buy a $200 lift, but after seeing this, now I know all I need is the plate since I already have the Bosch router, and I can build my own table. Thanks, this video just saved me some money!
Nice I have the BOSH RA1181 bit sturdier since made from plastic and table is aluminum. Got it on Craig’s list in like new condition. For about half the price of a new one and the got the BOSH Router 1617EVSPK on sale on amazon. One was never quite sure how to use the 1/16 spacers thanks for covering that. I used my router the other day as a plane using 1” Trimming bit and square board on top as a guide. Using the shim method looks like a good alternative. Also nice you did the Math I did so also after looking at plans to build my own table and cost to much and more of pain and especially if your a Novice DYI Carpenter. Thus best to keep to something with already good precision.
I wish I would have found your video before I assembled my table. I spent at least 30 minutes trying to find the magic position for the 4 screws to line up on the plate. Haha. I finally gave up and used 3 instead. Then I found this video saying you can’t use 4. Oh well 🤷♂️ 😂
Just got one of these and a Bosch 1617EVS router in an Amazon package deal. Assembly went pretty good with the exception of the screw holes on the left side that join the side and rear panels. They were mis-aligned by 1/16” which leaves a gap between The floor and back panel on the left side. Like you, I found the leveling system on the aluminum center piece to be very user friendly! The leftover parts pile is considerable, and reminded me of two cycle carburetor rebuild kits. You wind up throwing away as many parts as you actually use! Very happy with the operation of the table & router! The top adjust height feature is a total game changer for me! I guess the only part I do not like about this thing is the finger hole in the door! I’ve over extended my finger in the wrong direction several times because it happens so quickly! I’m going to Mount some type of handle so I can stop using the finger breaker!
Thanks for this review. I need a router table something fierce haha and a good in depth review is what I need. I tend to over research even the smallest purchase so this really helped.
Thanks Aaron, can you tell me about that yellow outlet switch? I’ve been looking for one that can accommodate more than 2 tools, assuming that is for the vacuum. Cheers!
I appreciated this because I had stalled on the assembly a few months back. So yeah, not a big urgency. Still, as a relative router newb with a new table and also the 1617, I better visualized how things were supposed to go together...cuz that's how I'm wired. And yes, I subscribed because of this vid. Cheers
For Dust extraction, I find parts at local plumbing suppply stores or hardware stores or even Lowes or Home Depot good choices for very reasonable cost and quick availability.
at about 7 : 19 in when you said the word wonky i kinda chuckled to myself because Matt at 0731 Woodworks uses that word a lot thanks for the video im debating between the 1181, 1141 or 1171
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been on the fence for a while on this table and found your insights helpful. Especially on the fence adjustment tracks. Most upgrades certainly utilize T-track for that possibility making a larger investment on the front side to eliminate that time/ effort in the future.
Glad you found it helpful. My plan on the fence tracks was to just wait until they stop working and then dado out 3/4" for some aftermarket t-track. Interestingly, the "next model up", the Kreg Router table also uses slots instead of tracks as well. Guess everyone wants to cheap out.
So....in further “enjoying Black Friday” off I looked at the RA 1181 some more. The top on the 1181 is in fact metal with a seemingly better adjustment. As a hobbyist I’m wondering in the better support of the 1171 box is worth it? Others seem to have no issue with the rigid plastic support legs. Both the 1171 and 1181 have through the top height adjustment. Guess I’ll have to consider more overall before deciding. Wonder if Bosch has considered combining the two units for a more robust unit overall.
I'm in my garage. Lights on. 20amp table saw and 650cfm dust extractor running and a 2 foot fan running on my 20 amp circuit and no issues. I don't think they max out all the time.
Thanks for the review. I’ve got one of the same and I’m actually going to transfer the plate, lift, power switch, and fence system into a larger DIY base, as the top is really too small to work with longer lumber. Doing so saves me (let’s me put off) for another year or so in buying a quality lift. If, when I do buy a better lift, I’ll have had the router cabinet for awhile by then, have some good lessons learned, and maybe able to use the same top as long as they’re the same size. One complaint is that they only have one cheesy starter pin and only one hole. I updated the standard plate with an additional hole (drilled and tapped) and a set of fulcrum pins. How do you feel about the table now that it’s 2022?
Nice review I was going to say why doesn't any buddy DIY things and little farther in you did nice helps us who are new to all this get more knowledge so nice job with it.
9:25 "lunks be smokin?" level system explained...this was the most critical worry I had about this table due to many critical reviews.,,,"comptuer generated fiat currency....haha,,
The hole in the back of the cabinet that has the slot for the cord is intended as a secondary dust collection hose port. Pages 20 & 23 of the user manual point out that this is a vacuum port.
Thanks for the review, it was helpful. My unit did not include a long Allen / Hex wrench for adjusting router height through the plate. Can you tell me what size hex-head that is?
just bought the same setup over the holiday. I noticed the router does not include the the dust extraction for under the table. I found the "Bosch RA1173AT 3pc Dust Extraction Hood Set for 1617EVSPK" at toolmarts.com for $33, hoping that I can make a y-branch to capture from both the rear and underside of the router to dump into the portable ridgid shop vac.
The only thing I didnt like was the stupid magnet on the door it's never worked quite right. Looks like yours is different. So I guess they fixed it. The slick material you mentioned lasts forever. Weekly use on mine for the last year and it's still brand new.
The hinges are premounted because placing them there during shipping makes the package smaller and the easiest way to keep them from rattling around is to screw them to one side.
Had one, made of particle board so a humid area destroys it. Knobs on fence didn't last long., the plastic knob stripped out. The top plate was difficult to level and maintain the level. Tossed it.
The max possible startup current is not always the normal operating current. Starting them at different times may be an option. Rely on your circuit breaker to tell you the truth. That's what it's there for.
@@aaronstestlab If you have the luxury of multiple 20A circuits to choose from, there's no need to cut it fine. My point is, startup current is momentary, and specs tend to be maximized for legal reasons. My own older house has one 15A circuit per room, so I use a delayed start for my vacuum. The Bosch switch does not allow for that.
Nice review! I especially liked the section about the other routers. I was hoping that I didn't have to go out and buy another router because I have one already.
Nope, no new router needed. All major brands covered. On the off chance something wasn't, it's just cast aluminum. You could always drill your own mounting holes.
@@aaronstestlab Thanks for the reply. I live in Canada and one of the big box stores, Canadian Tire, has an amazing router on sale for over 60% off. It might be worth getting so I can have one permanently installed in the router table. For your Canadian Viewers: www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/maximum-fixed-plunge-router-0546810p.html
My wife got me one for our anniversary. She even assembled it for me. Until this video I didn't even realize it.... Because she never complained about how difficult or involved it was... Ha ha
I just bought and assembled the Bosch bench today. You hit every good and poor point on this product. Except one. The large hole on the back of the cabinet is to plug the vacuum into when routing dust is directed more in that direction. That was noted in the directions. (2 vacuum options) I will be using your idea to relocate or add plugs to the back of the cabinet. I enjoyed your video. Thank you.
@@aaronstestlab The American version was acceptable. The replacements for the British version, I avoided it. I saw one review on A GT I think, It was immediately apparent of the guys had no idea about cars. When the boys went over to the grand tour, I love having them back so much. The 3 of them are just fantastic. I hope they come back with something
The Grand Tour is fantastic...but I sometimes wonder if they almost have too much money. I think part of the charm of Top Gear was the fact they sometimes came up with cheap/but hilarious goals.
If your looking for a router table; don't you already own a table saw that has or needs an outfeed table that could incorporate a router table? Wouldn't a home made table and fence with a bought router lift be money better spent?
Titebond = giant bottle of Loctite for way less money per oz hehe. I was a little worried you knew a term for backstage porn staff that I didn't know, and I used to live with strippers. This is going to work so much better than the old tables I got for $25 each with no plates and missing router hole rings. I didn't know about the plate leveling system, awesome. And To be able to just raise and lower the (for me, much-needed) precision depth of the similar Bosch MRF23EVS router from the top instead of crappy old depth systems that moved and tilted the whole mess in the process, hoping it was straight after tighteing which, oh btw, tightening: which would ultimately raise or lower it a bit more every time, requiring one to manually offset the process in a trial and error process of a half hour to dial in a round nose router bit depth that would create a true circle with two work pieces facing one another.
So in your intro, you want to screw "the big box stores" in favor of Amazon? Why? You don't want to support your neighbor who works at a Lowes or Home Depot? Sounds like you need a serious re-thinking about how the world actually works.
For anyone interested, links for accessories @Amazon
Bosch RA1171 Router Table: amzn.to/2qzQvPi
Highly Compatible Router: amzn.to/37y1wl9
Compatible Featherboard: amzn.to/2KKW8B6
Wet/Dry Vac Adapter: amzn.to/35oG7ZC
Yellow Jacket Outlet Block: amzn.to/35ub3Yx
Lowes $20 off $100 Purchase Coupon: amzn.to/3396Hoa
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Aaron Woodwell what type of bit was that for the makeshift jointer?
A Whiteside spiral 2 flute?? Would you provide a link please??
Just stopped by to say that I'm about to unbox this very table tomorrow. Time has moved along and it's now $219 from Lowes, but considering shortages and so on, still not too bad. Thanks for doing this unboxing -- you invested the time and effort on producing the video and we're still benefiting from it, three years on!
It’s on “sale” now for 199 at lowes 😆
Just purchased the table using your link. Was glad to see a REAL review of the table. There are now WAY too many junk reviews just for ad revenue, so it's nice to find an honest real review like yours.
Awesome, thanks for the feedback and support
Thanks!
You're welcome
Thanks! Maui Hawaii
You absolutely nailed the pros & cons of this of this router table. From someone who has owned one for years!
I was going to buy a $200 lift, but after seeing this, now I know all I need is the plate since I already have the Bosch router, and I can build my own table. Thanks, this video just saved me some money!
Nice I have the BOSH RA1181 bit sturdier since made from plastic and table is aluminum. Got it on Craig’s list in like new condition. For about half the price of a new one and the got the BOSH Router 1617EVSPK on sale on amazon. One was never quite sure how to use the 1/16 spacers thanks for covering that. I used my router the other day as a plane using 1” Trimming bit and square board on top as a guide. Using the shim method looks like a good alternative.
Also nice you did the Math I did so also after looking at plans to build my own table and cost to much and more of pain and especially if your a Novice DYI Carpenter. Thus best to keep to something with already good precision.
Thank you. I'm new at wood working and this video has helped me tremendously in putting my table together
Cool beans. Good luck in the new hobby.
I wish I would have found your video before I assembled my table. I spent at least 30 minutes trying to find the magic position for the 4 screws to line up on the plate. Haha. I finally gave up and used 3 instead. Then I found this video saying you can’t use 4. Oh well 🤷♂️ 😂
Maui Hawai’i
I needed you 👍
Great Video
You’re teaching and showing #1
Aloha
I just bought one from Lowe’s and I have to say it went together very easy and I love it
I think that the larger hole in the cabinet, with the slot for the cords, could also be used for a dust port.
I bought this very same table a about 4 months ago after doing a few projects with it I’m very satisfied with its preference
is there a lift for adjusting the height of the bit?
I actually bought the exact table and router, so this video is PERFECT! Thanks so much!
Just got one of these and a Bosch 1617EVS router in an Amazon package deal. Assembly went pretty good with the exception of the screw holes on the left side that join the side and rear panels. They were mis-aligned by 1/16” which leaves a gap between The floor and back panel on the left side. Like you, I found the leveling system on the aluminum center piece to be very user friendly! The leftover parts pile is considerable, and reminded me of two cycle carburetor rebuild kits. You wind up throwing away as many parts as you actually use! Very happy with the operation of the table & router! The top adjust height feature is a total game changer for me! I guess the only part I do not like about this thing is the finger hole in the door! I’ve over extended my finger in the wrong direction several times because it happens so quickly! I’m going to Mount some type of handle so I can stop using the finger breaker!
You had me at A-a-ron! Subbed
I could be wrong, but it looks like you could attach a regular t-track to the proprietary track along the top of the fence?
Informative *and* entertaining! Thank you for going to the trouble to make this video. God bless!
Thanks for this review. I need a router table something fierce haha and a good in depth review is what I need. I tend to over research even the smallest purchase so this really helped.
I really like this router table. For $10 at a yard sale and I threw a harbor freight router in it, it’s amazing
which HF router?
At @2:13 you say that you will offer links to the time stamp offered, but you don't do so.
Thanks Aaron, can you tell me about that yellow outlet switch? I’ve been looking for one that can accommodate more than 2 tools, assuming that is for the vacuum. Cheers!
I appreciated this because I had stalled on the assembly a few months back. So yeah, not a big urgency. Still, as a relative router newb with a new table and also the 1617, I better visualized how things were supposed to go together...cuz that's how I'm wired.
And yes, I subscribed because of this vid.
Cheers
Thank you soooooooo much! Very funny and informative video. I totally love Bokea and how straight up you are.
Thanks. Glad straight up is how it came across. Some people have said I'm too critical in my vids.
In the process of putting this together. So far, pretty impressed by how solid this product is.
For Dust extraction, I find parts at local plumbing suppply stores or hardware stores or even Lowes or Home Depot good choices for very reasonable cost and quick availability.
Excellent presentation!
Excellent... all the way around!!!
Where did you purchase the miter slide?
It came with my table saw
at about 7 : 19 in when you said the word wonky i kinda chuckled to myself because Matt at 0731 Woodworks uses that word a lot thanks for the video im debating between the 1181, 1141 or 1171
"..for just a few units of computer generated fiat currency.." subscribed. lol
It's true!
After you got this is there a table you would rather have??
For the money not really
using a photocopy for the powerstrip templet was genious
Also, even more genius was the fiat currency comment! You've just been moved into my THIS GUY GETS IT CATEGORY!
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been on the fence for a while on this table and found your insights helpful. Especially on the fence adjustment tracks. Most upgrades certainly utilize T-track for that possibility making a larger investment on the front side to eliminate that time/ effort in the future.
Glad you found it helpful. My plan on the fence tracks was to just wait until they stop working and then dado out 3/4" for some aftermarket t-track. Interestingly, the "next model up", the Kreg Router table also uses slots instead of tracks as well. Guess everyone wants to cheap out.
So....in further “enjoying Black Friday” off I looked at the RA 1181 some more. The top on the 1181 is in fact metal with a seemingly better adjustment. As a hobbyist I’m wondering in the better support of the 1171 box is worth it? Others seem to have no issue with the rigid plastic support legs. Both the 1171 and 1181 have through the top height adjustment. Guess I’ll have to consider more overall before deciding. Wonder if Bosch has considered combining the two units for a more robust unit overall.
I'm in my garage. Lights on. 20amp table saw and 650cfm dust extractor running and a 2 foot fan running on my 20 amp circuit and no issues. I don't think they max out all the time.
I have had this in a box for several months. You have inspired me to put it together! Thanks for the great info and important details!
LOL, that's patience
Can you change the bits top side or do you need to go under the table?
You can drop them in from the top but still need to hold the collet underneath
Thanks for the review. I’ve got one of the same and I’m actually going to transfer the plate, lift, power switch, and fence system into a larger DIY base, as the top is really too small to work with longer lumber. Doing so saves me (let’s me put off) for another year or so in buying a quality lift. If, when I do buy a better lift, I’ll have had the router cabinet for awhile by then, have some good lessons learned, and maybe able to use the same top as long as they’re the same size. One complaint is that they only have one cheesy starter pin and only one hole. I updated the standard plate with an additional hole (drilled and tapped) and a set of fulcrum pins. How do you feel about the table now that it’s 2022?
I still like it. TBH, my projects have slowed down lately, but when I've needed it, it's done well.
Nice review I was going to say why doesn't any buddy DIY things and little farther in you did nice helps us who are new to all this get more knowledge so nice job with it.
Thanks 👍
9:25 "lunks be smokin?" level system explained...this was the most critical worry I had about this table due to many critical reviews.,,,"comptuer generated fiat currency....haha,,
The hole in the back of the cabinet that has the slot for the cord is intended as a secondary dust collection hose port. Pages 20 & 23 of the user manual point out that this is a vacuum port.
is there a lift for adjusting the height of the bit?
Will the Menards Performax router mount to this plate ?
Could not tell you
Did you end up doing the mod to the fence with a T track or anything?
Would the porter cable router fit the Bosch router table?
Does this machine cuts Dovetail for kitchen drawers cabinets
excellent video! Thank you
First, the p-star/fluffer comment earned a sub.
Second, what is the height of the table above the base?
Thanks for the review, it was helpful. My unit did not include a long Allen / Hex wrench for adjusting router height through the plate. Can you tell me what size hex-head that is?
Allen wrench comes with Bosch 1617
just bought the same setup over the holiday. I noticed the router does not include the the dust extraction for under the table. I found the "Bosch RA1173AT 3pc Dust Extraction Hood Set for 1617EVSPK" at toolmarts.com for $33, hoping that I can make a y-branch to capture from both the rear and underside of the router to dump into the portable ridgid shop vac.
That would be a pretty slick setup
The only thing I didnt like was the stupid magnet on the door it's never worked quite right. Looks like yours is different. So I guess they fixed it.
The slick material you mentioned lasts forever. Weekly use on mine for the last year and it's still brand new.
Might try remounting it. I had to adjust mine a couple times to get it right.
The hinges are premounted because placing them there during shipping makes the package smaller and the easiest way to keep them from rattling around is to screw them to one side.
enjoyed the video was very helpful but was the hardest lego set
Lego set?
Had one, made of particle board so a humid area destroys it. Knobs on fence didn't last long., the plastic knob stripped out. The top plate was difficult to level and maintain the level. Tossed it.
So, did you like it in the end. A 'Yes' or a 'No' will do.
yes
Nice 👍 thanks
i cracked the door magnet and it took me a damn week to to get it to joint wood i was freaking frustated
The max possible startup current is not always the normal operating current. Starting them at different times may be an option. Rely on your circuit breaker to tell you the truth. That's what it's there for.
Unless you have Federal Pacific breakers
@@aaronstestlab If you have the luxury of multiple 20A circuits to choose from, there's no need to cut it fine. My point is, startup current is momentary, and specs tend to be maximized for legal reasons. My own older house has one 15A circuit per room, so I use a delayed start for my vacuum. The Bosch switch does not allow for that.
Nice review! I especially liked the section about the other routers.
I was hoping that I didn't have to go out and buy another router because I have one already.
Nope, no new router needed. All major brands covered. On the off chance something wasn't, it's just cast aluminum. You could always drill your own mounting holes.
@@aaronstestlab Thanks for the reply.
I live in Canada and one of the big box stores, Canadian Tire, has an amazing router on sale for over 60% off. It might be worth getting so I can have one permanently installed in the router table.
For your Canadian Viewers:
www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/maximum-fixed-plunge-router-0546810p.html
My wife got me one for our anniversary.
She even assembled it for me. Until this video I didn't even realize it....
Because she never complained about how difficult or involved it was...
Ha ha
haha, nice. Respect for admitting your wife took over assembly duties.
13:30 "...for a few units of government created computer generated fiat currency..." LOL
Ahh yes....the ever mysterious extra screw. I have drawers full of those.
I just bought and assembled the Bosch bench today.
You hit every good and poor point on this product. Except one.
The large hole on the back of the cabinet is to plug the vacuum into when routing dust is directed more in that direction. That was noted in the directions. (2 vacuum options)
I will be using your idea to relocate or add plugs to the back of the cabinet.
I enjoyed your video. Thank you.
I just buy this table today - 219 dollars, - the yellow hold don’t came in box
That's pretty stiff.
Also, Stig poster. Nice.
But for the record, I got that poster before the show turned to shit with the post-Clarkson presenters
@@aaronstestlab The American version was acceptable. The replacements for the British version, I avoided it. I saw one review on A GT I think, It was immediately apparent of the guys had no idea about cars. When the boys went over to the grand tour, I love having them back so much. The 3 of them are just fantastic. I hope they come back with something
The Grand Tour is fantastic...but I sometimes wonder if they almost have too much money. I think part of the charm of Top Gear was the fact they sometimes came up with cheap/but hilarious goals.
If your looking for a router table; don't you already own a table saw that has or needs an outfeed table that could incorporate a router table? Wouldn't a home made table and fence with a bought router lift be money better spent?
Probably, but sometimes I just want something that doesn't require fabrication.
Apprentice fluffers, Mike Tyson post cocaine and hooker days,,, I'm a subscriber!
I used wood glue to make it sturdier
Nice video and demo, got you a sub. You're not as funny as you think though.
Titebond = giant bottle of Loctite for way less money per oz hehe. I was a little worried you knew a term for backstage porn staff that I didn't know, and I used to live with strippers. This is going to work so much better than the old tables I got for $25 each with no plates and missing router hole rings. I didn't know about the plate leveling system, awesome. And To be able to just raise and lower the (for me, much-needed) precision depth of the similar Bosch MRF23EVS router from the top instead of crappy old depth systems that moved and tilted the whole mess in the process, hoping it was straight after tighteing which, oh btw, tightening: which would ultimately raise or lower it a bit more every time, requiring one to manually offset the process in a trial and error process of a half hour to dial in a round nose router bit depth that would create a true circle with two work pieces facing one another.
Not sure what backstage porn term you're referring to, lol
if it came assembled you would be paying another 100.00 for shipping cost
Liked for the fiat currency comment. It's nice being collateral of the Fed.
You’re going way too fast on the assembly of the dust guard and not showing how it’s done?
How r ppl suppose to see it clearly?
You could always play the video on half speed
Switch no good use a toggle .
FIAT currency, root cause inflation. have to pay more for the same unit in 2022.
Bitcoin!
@@aaronstestlabYes it is decentralized money. Politicians cannot print it,but the value fluctuating too much.
Amazon shop smith
So in your intro, you want to screw "the big box stores" in favor of Amazon? Why? You don't want to support your neighbor who works at a Lowes or Home Depot? Sounds like you need a serious re-thinking about how the world actually works.
These are some really inspired thoughts. Thanks.
You should have taken it back, and stop complaining about it