Bosch RA1171 router table: the owner’s review

The Bosch RA1171 makes sense when you want a compact router table with an enclosed cabinet and can provide a sturdy bench to mount it on. The cabinet was the deciding feature in my original purchase: in a small shop, containing chips made cleanup easier. Its modest work surface is the compromise to understand before buying.

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What worked well in my shop

In my original review, the assembled table felt solid and the fence was straightforward to adjust with its knobs. The aluminum mounting plate supports the router, while the cabinet gives the table a useful enclosed space beneath the bit. Those practical details mattered more to me than a long accessory list.

The adjustable fence faces let you change the opening around the bit. The included featherboards help support suitable work when positioned according to the instructions. Neither the fence nor the guard makes an unsafe cut safe: the bit, workholding, feed direction and amount removed on each pass still matter.

Dust collection: a cabinet helps, but is not extraction

Bosch provides two dust ports, one at the fence and one at the cabinet. The enclosure helped contain the chips that missed collection in my original setup. That observation is about visible mess; it is not a measurement of fine airborne dust.

Plan a hose arrangement for both collection points, keep airflow paths clear, and follow the table and extractor instructions. Disconnect power before cleaning inside or reaching near the cutter. Emptying the cabinet is still part of maintenance. Do not treat my old practice of using only the fence port as a recommendation to leave the cabinet port unused.

RA1171 versus RA1181

The RA1171 suits my preference for containing chips below the table. The RA1181 is worth comparing if an aluminum surface and lower published weight matter more to you. Both need secure mounting and enough room around the bench to support the workpiece; a lighter table should not be left unsecured.

Check your exact router before ordering

Match the model and base on your router to Bosch’s current mounting chart. A brand name alone is not enough: a compatible fixed base does not establish compatibility for that router’s plunge base. Check how you will reach the switch, adjust height and change bits once the router is underneath.

This table does not include a router lift. Before adding one, verify the entire plate opening and mounting arrangement; do not assume an aftermarket lift fits because its outer dimensions look similar. Our router lift guide walks through those checks.

When I would choose a larger table

For long rails or broad panels, work support and fence setup become more important than the convenience of a small footprint. I worked with larger pieces on this table, but it took more effort to support them accurately. If that is most of your work, consider a larger station and the space it will occupy.

The Kreg PRS1045 is one larger option to compare, with a 24 × 32-inch top. Compare the complete cost, including the router and any mounting work, rather than using a fixed price ratio between brands. See our router table comparison for the different arrangements.

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Specifications and further reading

Specifications checked against Bosch’s RA1171 page, Bosch’s RA1181 page and Kreg’s PRS1045 page. Check the current manual and mounting chart before installation.