BOSCH RA1181 Benchtop Router Table Review

BOSCH RA1181 Benchtop Router Table
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I've been contemplating getting around to building a router table for far too long. I've been limping by with my tablesaw router insert. I had gotten a great deal on the Bosch 1617 Plunge/Fixed combo a while back. I thought that this would be a good pair, using the fixed base mounted in the table, with above table adjustment, and the plunge base for handheld use.
The table is cast aluminum and it was as square as I was able to measure. The router mount plate is a strong cast aluminum piece as well. It shouldn't sag from leaving a router mounted as I have seen in some other plates. There are adjustment screws for each corner and each edge (a total of 8). This allows you to mount the plate perfectly flush of the table top. The fence is an extruded aluminum piece with adjustable MDF faces. It was square and true. Also included were two 1/16" plastic sheets to slide behind the MDF for using the table as an edge jointer. This is a nice idea for someone starting out, but I prefer a real jointer.
The power switch is a little odd. You lift a plastic lever to turn on a rocker switch. If you press down on the lever at all, it will shut off the switch. This should work well, but I can see a possibility of breaking the plastic lever. That would not prevent the switch from functioning, it would just be harder to turn off.
The featherboards included will be usable and are pretty well designed. The storage area in one leg is a great idea, but it is impossible to put everything not in use in there. I will most likely mount this on top of a rolling cabinet with some drawers. I could also see eventually keeping the aluminum top and replacing the plastic legs with a cabinet. The top should last for a long while.
Overall, I believe that I will be happy with this purchase. I think it is decent at the regular price and I would consider it a bargain with the total of 30% offers that were applied when I purchased it. I would check the Bosch site and verify that your router will fit this table. There is mention in the instructions about drilling holes for above the table adjustments of some Porter Cable and other routers. However, mounting holes are provided for many routers. If your router isn't listed, you would need to drill accurate holes to mount. If you aren't exactly centered, some operations on the table will be very hard to do (such as routing with a template and bushing.)
Although this Aluminum top doesn't need paste wax for protection, unlike cast iron, it is a good idea. On my BT3100 table saw, the aluminum can leave grey streaks if it is not paste waxed. Just something to think about with this.

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The Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table provides a premium large work surface for woodworking and routing. Designed to fit a variety of routers and able to mount on any workbench, this router table is a versatile piece of equipment that will serve as an indispensable part of any woodworking shop. And its 2-1/2-inch dust collection port offers better dust collection for a healthier work environment. The large aluminum top makes the table both durable and portable.
Designed for Versatility and PrecisionThanks to its versatile design, the RA1181 lets you work with a variety of materials while ensuring precision with every cut. With a tall aluminum fence measuring 4-7/8 x 25-1/8 inches (HxL), the table handles tall stock with ease. The fence also features adjustable MDF face plates for better support and smoother operation.
The rigid aluminum router mounting plate stays flat and true for precise, accurate cuts, and for added versatility, it's pre-drilled to fit a variety of routers.
The easy-to-use featherboards attach to the fence and table and are fully adjustable to fit a variety of workpieces. They provide additional support and control while feeding stock across the routing table.
Dust Collection Port and Accessory SlotThe RA1181's powerful dust collection system excels at dust removal. It features one dust collection port for removing dust and debris, and it fits standard-sized 2-1/2-inch vacuum hoses.
Use the accessory slot to add additional featherboards, as well as 3/4-inch optional accessories, such as any miter gauge measuring 3/4 inch x 3/8 inch deep.
The RA1181 Benchtop Router Table measures 27 x 14-1/2 x 18 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 30 pounds. It has a maximum fence opening of 3-3/16 inches and a maximum throat opening of 3-5/8 inches. It is backed by Bosch's one-year limited warranty, 30-day money back guarantee, and one-year service protection plan.
What's in the BoxRA1181 Benchtop Router Table, set of three mounting-plate insert rings, mounting hardware, two adjustable featherboards, adjustable clear guard, starter pin and guard, and two 1/16-inch outfeed fence shims.

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