
It's also notable that the fence does span the entire width of the table which allows for maximum stability of the workpiece as your running it across a bit.įinally, in the photos, you'll notice a t-track on the top of the fence and it allows you to place two feather boards, which are included with the table, where ever you need them to hold the workpiece securely against the table. There is never any reason to pull hex key out just to make a minor adjustment. The fence is entirely operated using finger knobs. Replacing one or both pieces would be extremely easy and that knowledge allows you to place the fence where you need it without worrying about damage you might cause. While I haven't yet replaced either of the MDF boards that serve as the surface of the fence, I think it is important to note that these should be thought of as sacrificial. This setup allows you to adjust the width of the opening between the two panels which is very helpful if you using larger bits. The fence system consists of two separate MDF panels that are connected on an aluminum rail to keep the two pieces perfectly aligned. The fact that it is cast aluminum solves that issue and adds significantly to the longevity of the table.

This is an important feature because while I do expect the MDF that the Cabinet is constructed from to hold up for years, I don't think that MDF would have been able to support the weight and vibration of a router motor. While the surface of the router table is mostly MDF, it's important to note that the router plate - where your router will actually be attached to the table - is cast aluminum. Once the table is assembled it feels extremely solid, there is no wiggle in it at all. The router table is almost entirely constructed out of laminated MDF, not the less expensive particle board you might expect to see in a table at this price point. My process is to simply spend 20 seconds after I am done using the table to vac out the inside of the cabinet. I have never connected a vac hose to the cabinet port and have never had a problem with either dust escaping from the cabinet or too much dust building up in the cabinet. It features 2 dust collection ports, one directly behind the router bit, at the source of the dust, and a second lower in the outer cabinet to cut down on the dust that makes it inside. The cabinet is fairly large and while it definitely collects dust, it absolutely contains dust that would otherwise end up on the floor of my shop. I knew that I wanted a router table that could cut down on as much dust as possible. I work in a smaller shop and dealing with heaps of sawdust really cuts into my efficiency. Topping the list of reasons I decided to purchase the Bosch RA1171 was the enclosed cabinet. What this Bosch Router Table Does Well Cabinet Housing Keeps Down Dust
#Bosch router table ra1181 professional#
It has to do with some relatively minor inconveniences that you have to put up with when you're setting up cuts and running a workpiece past the bit.Īs a hobbyist woodworker (presumably one on a budget) you need to decide on whether or not you are willing to put up with some inconvenience in order to avoid paying 2 to 5 times as much on a professional table. The reason you wouldn't be happy if you were using this Bosch router table professionally has nothing to do with the quality of the work it produces.

What you're not going to get is all-metal construction, a huge work surface, or a table you would be happy standing in front 8 hours a day for 250 days a year. You're going to get great build quality and a table you can rely on at a reasonable price. This is a table targeted at serious hobbyist woodworkers. Let's begin with who this table is built for. See Price & Reviews on Amazon Who Needs a Bosch RA1171?
