Bosch RA1141 Portable Benchtop Router Table Review

Are you trying to have a more professional touch on your woodworking? If yes, then this article will help you get that!

Because no one can deny 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. It will surely get the piece to speak for itself!

I don’t know much about you, but this is something that happened at the start of my career. And it certainly gave my pieces the charm I was looking for!

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, there is this one power tool that most people prefer DIYing. And yes, my friend, I am talking about the router tables. Hey! Hey! Wait, don’t come at me all at once! Let me finish first. 

I know making your router table can save you lots of Bucks But remember, it also comes with a Long List of Cons. Sloppy construction and times of effort, trust me, the list goes on and on! 

If you struggle to find the best portable router table, check Bosch RA1141 Portable Benchtop Router Table. I am sure its easy-to-use, exciting features will throw your mind. 

It is even less expensive than its brothers RA1171 and RA1181. You can find similar products with other names, but who doesn’t like the original design, right!

If you look closely, all its competitive products are just its low-quality CLONES! (Yes, you can check online!)

And 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 refine look, adding a touch of professionalism. 

And if people say they can make it themselves, show them the list of potential issues. 

So, now coming to the main topic of buying the best one in town. And what’s that best table? To know the answer to that question;

Let’s have an in-detail review of the Bosch RA1141 portable benchtop router table! 

Top Pick

Bosch RA1141 Portable Benchtop Router Table Review

Bosch RA1141 is one of the best for people looking for stability and portability. With its folded legs, you will surely get the ease you want.
It even 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.
So, get ready to use one of the best TOOLS ever made! 

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 price products with quality as an ultimate goal. And how can we doubt a 118-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? 

And 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 RA1141 Portable Benchtop Router Table Review

Bosch RA1141 is one of the best for people looking for stability and portability. With its folded legs, you will surely get the ease you want.

Now, moving and storing your router table isn’t a big deal. (Still thinking about those legs, right!)

And then that laminated MDF table adds the smoothness making your pieces stand out. So, you can get the best results every time! Even the easy-click router mount helps to get efficient work.

No need to spend more than a few seconds!

It even 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. The tall fence, and feather boards, there’s nothing more to say!

What do you get in the Package?

With Bosch’s router table, you will get other features as well. Let’s have a quick view of them!

Two Feather Boards

Help in keeping the wood piece in place. You can easily mount them either vertically or horizontally.

Plastic Bit Guard:

Help in keeping your fingers safe from the bit. They also protect against the outburst of wood when in process.

Three Insert Rings:

Help the wood piece stay close to the bit.

Starter Pin and Guard:

Help to guide the curved and rotational curves.

Extra Hardware:

 It includes all the hardware needed to mount the router.

Features of the Product

Here are some of the exciting features.

Ultra-Portable Body:

Moving a router table from one place to another is a hectic job. But when you have RA1141 on your side, what’s the problem! With its folding legs and fast set-up, you can use it anywhere.

Do you want to work at the client’s house? No issue, pack your table and set it up in seconds. 

Router Mounting System:

We talked about easy setting-up, so how can we do that without a quick router mounting? Right! But when you have an easy-click mounting system, there is no problem.

And no leveling makes work much more efficient. Just the way you want!

MDF Laminated Top:

Most router tables have a laminated MDF top. It helps to give smooth and straight cuts. What else do you want after all! Best protection and sleek cutting, adding professionalism to your results.

Only a serious woodworker with a precise eye will appreciate such a top.

Storage Area:

It comes with an onboard storage area that helps you against losing any extra accessories or hardware. Even if it’s your bits or router guard plates, you will not lose them any time soon!

Completely perfect if you have several spare parts on your hand. 

Pre-Assembled Body:

Unlike RA1171 and RA1181, it comes with a pre-assembled body. So you don’t have to spend an hour on a single set-up. Just take it out of your box and unfold those legs, and you are good to go!

Not to over-work yourself before the actual work.

Taller Fence:

Most of the time, you see issues with fences. They are either too short or sloppy. And if you are a woodworker, you know how a good one is a game-changer.

So, with Bosch, you get a tall and durable fence that comes with not just one but TWO faceplates.

And not just that, its aluminum built, and width maximizes its precision to a great degree!

Availability of Two Feather boards:

One of the features that help in giving perfection is feather boards. And with RA1141, you will get two of these adjustable boards.

They are easy to use and can very well save your piece from the thrust of your router. 

You can either use both vertically or take advantage of one vertical and one horizontal hold. 

Accessory Slot:

Router tables with an accessory slot can create a huge difference. So, with Bosch, you get a 3/4 inches slot that can adjust anything from miter gauge to feather boards.

So, if you want a round cut or fix guidance, RA1141 is here for you!

Dust Collection:

When you are working with wood, scrapes, and dust are inevitable. They can get stuck in grooves and cause uneven cutting. For this, most router tables come with a dust collection system. 

Here, RA11471 has one of the most efficiently working dust collection systems. With a 2-1/2 inch vacuum hose, your vacuum will suck every last piece!

PROS
  • Durable Body:

With a large MDF table, you get to have the durability you look for in a router table. Even the bits and blades are all certified and give maximum reliability. And the overall build is sturdy and suitable for working with hardwood pieces. 

  • All Essentials Available:

RA1141 comes with all the things you need when working. Hardware like feather boards, insert rings, and guides are all available with the kit. 

Apart from that, you get a pin to have a free-hand cut of your like.

  • Portability:

It is a very lightweight router table that makes it easy to take it anywhere. Other than that, the folding legs help it decrease the overall storage of the table. (You can put it in your car with ease!). 

  • No Assembly Required:

With a pre-assembled body, you will not just save your time but a whole lot of effort as well! Now, no one has to spend 40 to 60 minutes assembling the router table before using it.

It is an incredible feature if you need to save energy. 

  • Great Fence:

The fence of this router is an excellent advantage for the overall working. It is durable and provides the perfect strength to get appropriate cuts.

I guess RA1141 has one of the best fences among its competitors.

  • No Mess:

Yes, you will cut all your beautiful designs without making a mess. With this unbelievable dust collection system, you can have a clean, hollow cut.

Now, you can work with complete ease and finish pieces on time!

  • Excessive Storage:

Among all those exciting features, storage is also the one to mention. You’ll find a handy storage cavity in almost every model, but why not appreciate it every time?

Right! So, if you don’t want to lose stuff, have a pocket right there.

CONS

  • Price Tag:

It is not the priciest item on the market, though it still comes a bit above its competitor Skil. These two products are quite the same, and the price difference is a big turn-off for most people.

It shows that for a worker, price matter a lot.

  • Wobbly Legs:

These folding legs are an exciting addition. But somewhere in the working, it lacks its stability. Though, there is not a big issue.

I still say that if you want your router table to be perfectly stable, give RA1171 or RA1181 a chance. 

How to Get the Best out of the Product? 

If you want your Bosch RA1141 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 with a work demand to move from one place to another. 

In short, workers have to change their workshops from time to time.

Though, professionals may find it a bit inconvenient because of a few features. 

If you are trying to have a portable benchtop, this one is for you!

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 Portable Benchtop Router Table RA1141.

  1. First, when we took that out of the box, seeing a pre-assembled router table made our day. (No need to waste hours of effort anymore!) It has a flawless build, and all the features seem to work perfectly. So, you can say our first impression was 5/5. 
  2. Then, when we look at those folding legs, we know where it is going. So, listen up, workers looking for something portable, it is a treat for you! Those legs got holes to keep them in place. Just screw them on your table, and you are good to go. 
  3. After that, when it was time to attach the router, its compatibility said all. I was happy that I didn’t have to get a specific router with my portable table. I just used my Milwaukee 5615 router, and everything went well. Even the attachment didn’t take more than a few minutes. It was really an impressive part. 
  4. From there, some things went downhill. Those legs were good and helped in traveling. I’d say they were not my favorite. With those legs, I had to struggle to keep my table stable. It was sloppy and may cause a professional to think of other options. 
  5. Oh, Don’t be scared! I fixed them up by attaching a bit of wood on each side. After that, the storage box caught my attention. It was so well placed and helped me from losing my essential hardware (that you get with the router table). So, if you are not a high-end professional, you can easily ignore a minor flaw. 

Other People Comments:

Let’s look at other people’s reviews on Bosch RA1141 portable Router Table.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):

What is the approx. weight of this router table?
It is lightweight with a weight of just 33 lbs.

Do I get a router with the RA1141 router table?
No, you do not get a router with the Bosch RA1141 router table.

I have a 3 1/4 inches bit. Can I use it with the RA1141 router table?
Yes, you can use it to make raised panel doors.

Conclusion:

To conclude my article, I will say that you don’t need to rush your choices. Always compare other products and get the one that covers your needs the most. (For if you are a professional, this may not be the one for you).

You don’t need to run after features or prices. Go for one that offers the maximum deal. (Side Note; if Skil’s product gives more value, go for it!) But in the end, who can After all deny the power of a top brand, right!

And if Bosch RA1141 Portable Benchtop Router Table is the one giving you the value you need, don’t hesitate to get this one Now. 

Just remember, never miss a beat when getting the best!