BOSCH RA1171 25-1/2 in. x 15-7/8 in. Benchtop Laminated MDF Top Cabinet Style Router Table with 2 Dust Collection Ports
Best for
Best for small shops
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$255.99
Updated May 19, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
6 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Bosch RA1171 is positioned as the cabinet-style sibling of the RA1181, trading the open base for an enclosed compartment with two dust collection ports. A high-trust r/woodworking thread comparing it to the RA1181 frames the choice as "cabinet vs open" rather than performance-tier, and verified-purchase homedepot.com reviewers note the cabinet helps contain chips and gives the table a more finished, ready-for-the-shop feel. The criticism is real and worth airing.
What reviewers liked
- Enclosed cabinet with two dust ports improves chip containment versus open-base benchtops
- On-board storage compartment cited by reviewers for stashing wrenches, throat plates, and accessories
- 1,985 Amazon reviews at 4.4 stars indicates broad real-world satisfaction
- Cabinet style gives the unit a more finished, permanent footprint in small shops
Where it falls short
- r/woodworking commenter calls the plastic base "cheap wobbly" and the fence hard to dial in
- Above-table height adjustment requires a separate Bosch base, contrary to some buyer expectations
- Top is laminated MDF rather than the aluminum used on the RA1181
- Limited high-trust expert testing coverage relative to the RA1181
Across the reviewers we read, the Bosch RA1171 is positioned as the cabinet-style sibling of the RA1181, trading the open base for an enclosed compartment with two dust collection ports. A high-trust r/woodworking thread comparing it to the RA1181 frames the choice as "cabinet vs open" rather than performance-tier, and verified-purchase homedepot.com reviewers note the cabinet helps contain chips and gives the table a more finished, ready-for-the-shop feel.
The criticism is real and worth airing. The same r/woodworking discussion that praises the included router also calls the table's plastic base "cheap wobbly" and says the fence is hard to dial in for accuracy. A commenter in the woodworkingforbeginner Facebook group offsets that by pointing to the cabinet storage as the standout feature, using it to stash wrenches, throat plates, and accessories. Marketing implies above-table height adjustment, but a verified homedepot.com reviewer points out you actually need to buy a separate Bosch base for that to work.
For small shops or anyone short on bench surface area, the closed cabinet design and dual dust ports give this table a niche the open-base RA1181 doesn't fill, which is why it lands here as the small-shop pick.
- Support
- The tall aluminum fence measuring 4 7/8 inch x 25 1/8 inch can handle tall stock with ease; The fence is complete with adjustable MDF face plates for smoother operation with taller work pieces and out feed can be offset for jointing
- Precision
- The Bosch RA1171 features a rigid aluminum router mounting plate that stays flat and precise for accuracy; For added versatility, it’s pre drilled to fit a variety of routers
- Easy to use
- Two easy to use feather boards attach to fence and router table, providing additional guidance and protection against kickback; They’re fully adjustable to fit a variety of work pieces; Accessory slot accepts additional feather boards and 3/4 inch optional accessories such as miter gauge
- Cleanup
- With a cabinet style design, the RA1171 is able to feature two dust collection ports for removing any job site dust and debris; The dust collections ports fit standard 2 1/2 inch vacuum hoses
- Convenience
- Featuring a dual outlet switch with 6 feet power cord; Includes bench top router table, aluminum router mounting plate, 3x mounting plate rings, mounting hardware, 2x adjustable feather boards, adjustable clear guard, starter pin and guard, and 2x out feed fence shims
Love the router and plunge base, hated everything about the table, cheap wobbly plastic base, fence is hard to dial in for accuracy.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of a cabinet style table (RA1171) vs an open option (RA1181)?. Is there a significant performance ...
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“BENCHTOP Router Table!” · YouTube
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