We know that the best woodworking equipment can make a workpiece look more professional.
You must have seen that every time you use a high-quality router or a jig, the results are 10 TIMES incredible. You will surely get the piece to speak for itself!
I don’t know much about you, but this is what I have been saying from my own experience. Whatever you say, if you are using suitable equipment, no one can stop you from creating the best art!
After all, woodworking is a form of art, right?
In all that, one power tool that most people prefer DIYing is a router table. Hey! Hey! Wait, don’t come at me all at once! Let me finish first.
I know making your router table can save you Hundreds of Bucks. But you should keep one thing in mind as it also comes with a Long List of Cons!
Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 Review
If you are still doubtful about this big purchase, look at Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181. I am sure its easy-to-use, exciting features will throw your mind.
I think Bosch has truly outdone themselves with this one! Though, they always do.
It is a bit pricier than other products, but who doesn’t like the original design, right? If you look closely, all its competitive products are just low-quality CLONES! (Scary, Isn’t It!)
Every single characteristic shows how you must purchase this router table for your upcoming projects!
(Who doesn’t like a competitive edge, right!)
Why should we Prefer a Portable Router Table?
The thing is, I want you to know this item and its importance before moving into the product’s details and review. This way, you can understand the specs easily and choose wisely.
Technically speaking, a Router table is a piece of convenient equipment for making fast molds, accurate edges, and clean surfaces. It gives your wood a refined look, adding a touch of professionalism.
Who doesn’t want it, right?
So, now coming to the main topic of buying the best one in town. And what’s the best table? Yes, that’s right!
Let’s have an in-detail review of the Bosch Benchtop router table RA1181! (the best in the market)
Bosch has been manufacturing quality power tools for years. When you search for the best power tool on the internet, the first product will always be Bosch!
It comes with a large base table that can easily accommodate most of your workpiece. Other than that, its compatibility with different routers is also commendable.
It is a US-based brand that believes in making low-priced products with quality as an ultimate goal.
About the Company (Bosch)
Bosch has been manufacturing quality power tools for years. When you search for the best power tool on the internet, the first product will always be Bosch!
That’s why their products make them stand in the front line every time.
It is a US-based brand that believes in making low-priced products with quality as an ultimate goal. And how can we doubt a 118-year-old brand located in almost 100 Locations?
You can look at its manufacturing, every one of them is built with high-quality materials, and no inadequacy is acceptable. It makes its products reliable and durable.
And what else do you need in a good router table, right?
Not just that, Bosch always keeps the safety of its products in mind. Even the innovation it brings to the table makes it a sucker in the market. (Take the example of Application Specific Integrated Circuit).
So, get ready to use one of the best TOOLS ever made!
Overview of Bosch Benchtop Router Table
The Bosch router table is the ultimate father of all the benchtop tables you are on the market today. Though most are altered ones, some are the exact copies with different names.
But no one could defeat the quality you get with this product to this date.
It comes with a large base table that can easily accommodate most of your workpiece. Other than that, its compatibility with different routers is also commendable. (No need to buy a new one now!)
And yes, its dust collection is something that no one could copy. It’s not that those manufacturers didn’t try. No one could give the results as Bosch does!
Here, you get two outfeed shims, a built-in cord, MDF faceplates, pins, a guard, and many more. If I keep going at this speed, I’ll tell you all the features in a single go.
After all, it is such an incredible tool, right?
So, to know it a little better, let’s get into its features.
Features of the Product
Here are some of the exciting features.
- Durable Body:
With a large aluminum table, you get to have the durability you look for in a router
table. Other than that, the bits and blades are all certified and give maximum
reliability.
Even the overall build of the router base is impressive.
- High Compatible:
Compatibility adds a lot of value to the product. If your router table can work with any
router, you are in for a treat.
We know router tables can be expensive, so buying a specific router can be
hard on our pockets.
So, no need to worry a bit, and use your good old router and make some cool
designs!
- Side Storing:
With Bosch’s new design, you can store your bits and pins with side storage. It is
convenient and highly accessible.
The best part is that it is durable and won’t break over time. And yes, you are in
for not just one but two of these attainable storage compartments!
- No Mess:
Yes, you will cut all your beautiful designs without making a mess. With this
incredible dust collection system, you can have a clean, hollow cut.
And, you don’t have to stop every few minutes to dust away that wood scrap.
Now, you can work with complete ease and finish pieces on time!
- All Essentials Available:
RA1181 comes with all the things you need to work. From effortless assembly to
versatile usage, there is everything for easy working. Even the pins to tighten
the screws come with the box!
Other than that, you get a pin to have a free-hand cut of your like.
- Smooth and Safe Cut:
With Bosch RA1181, you will get an incredible cut of your pieces. Its speed
control will give you the optimum speed. This way, the wood pieces won’t
endure extra force.
And all other features altogether come to make your results come out better
than expected.
- Not Flat Table:
Most people have issues with the tables of this product. They don’t find it flat
enough, causing their pieces to move in slight waves.
It is not too evident, for some woodworkers, that this subtle change can matter
a lot! So, Bosch should try to work on their tables next time.
- Plastic Built:
Plastic is one of those materials that can cause an issue for many workers.
Though the main idea behind it, is portability, people struggle to accept the
plastic built on this router table.
So, if you have no problem with plastic, there’s nothing wrong with the table.
How to Get the Best out of the Product?
If you want your Bosch RA1181 portable router table to work to its full potential, then make sure you do the following steps:
- Make sure you unplug the router before changing the bit.
- Make sure you keep 1/4 of your shank exposed. It will keep it tight in the collet.
- Always keep your bit guarded.
- Make sure you wear safety glasses to have a better view and ultimately better results.
- Hearing protection will also help you like the safety glasses.
- Always move your workpieces from right to left.
- When working with a piloted bit, go counterclockwise.
- Make sure your workpiece positions never between the bit and the fence.
Who is the Target Audience?
Every product has a specific range and a target audience. Most router tables have no professional limit, but some still specify the target audience.
Like here, I’d say, keeping its features in mind, it is basically for woodworkers going through an experimental phase of cuts and grooves.
Though, woodworkers working on projects for clients can also give it a shot. And it will for sure give incredible results.
Our Experience with the Product:
We got this extensive review based on our experience. And to be honest, we didn’t cut slack on this one. So you can get the just evaluation of the Bosch RA1181 router table.
- First, our impression of the router table was super positive, because of the brand name. It was very nicely built with all the features to make my woodworking easy and efficient. It came with handy tools and accessories that no one can deny is a Treat.
- Then, the above-the-table adjustment made my day. We don’t like bending and adjusting the height after every cut. (I guess no one likes it, right). So, it was something that I prefer in any router table, and got with this one. It was for sure a plus point.
- Okay, so when we started assembling the table, we found it pretty easy and not so much of a fuss. It didn’t take a lot of time either. (Maybe a Maximum of 20 to 30 minutes). One thing is that, if you are a beginner, it can take you more than that. So Be ready for that.
- Dust collection worked well, and the storage sides helped a lot. They made work effortless to some extent. Who doesn’t like work without much effort, right?
- Now, one thing that most people complained about was the table surface. At first, I was okay with it. But with time, I saw the issues arising. The table was sort of uneven and made my wood pieces move disproportionately. It was hard to work perfectly with that table. I had to sand it down for better results.
- And lastly, our experience with the price is appreciable! With this budget, the features are extraordinary and simply impressive. Where can you get such an inclusive item for under $200?
Other People Comments:
Let’s look at other people’s reviews on Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table.
- One satisfied customer showed his pleasure on Amazon, quoting, “The table is terrific and an incredible bang for your buck!”
- Most of the customers on Amazon have issues with the tabletop. (You can take help from my own experience).
- Most people appreciated how “effortless” and “smooth” this router table works for them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
To conclude the article, I’d just say that you don’t need to rush your choices. Always compare other products and get the one that covers your needs the most.
You don’t need to run after features or prices. Go for one that offers the maximum deal. (Side note, You can check reviews stating it is the one with the best value!)
Who can Afterall deny the power of a top brand, right?
And if Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 is the one giving you the value you need, don’t hesitate to get this one Now.
Just remember, it is a steal with this price and name!
