Bosch Portable Router Table Offers Improved Jobsite Accuracy
Portable routing is the name of the game with the Bosch Portable Benchtop Router Table. We called up PTR reviewer and woodworking guru, Chris Wagoner to offer some thoughts and run through the design and function with us.
Editor’s Note: Check out our guide on how to use a router table for some excellent advice, tips, and techniques.
Familiar Face, Intelligent Design
It’s impossible to miss the similarities between the Bosch Portable Benchtop Router Table and Skil’s RAS900 that’s been on the market for a while.
It comes with a fairly universal mounting system that we were able to connect Chris’ Hitachi (now Metabo HPT) router to. It was just a matter of lining up the correct holes and the guide is helpful if you get stuck.
The router doesn’t require any leveling once you have it installed and the bit changes remain accessible. You have power access on the inside of the table with two outlets to choose from.
The tabletop itself is made of laminated MDF. That leaves it somewhat susceptible to water damage, so keep an eye on the weather if you’re working outside.
The fence has a maximum opening of 3-5/8 inches and it’s tall enough to support a pretty solid range of material. A pair of featherboards help guide your material through. You can mount them on either groove or one on each if you like.
We made our test cuts with straight material, but there’s also a starter pin and guard if you’re routing round material.
There’s a 2 1/2-inch dust collection port on the backside in the middle of the adjustment knobs. There’s a lot of plastic running around back there, including the knobs themselves. It’s something to keep in mind if you tend to be tough on your gear.
The legs fold up to make carrying and transporting simpler. They also double as storage for your featherboards, miter gauge, and other accessories. It winds up being pretty convenient when you’re on the go.
Pros or Joes?
It’s pretty clear from the outset that the Bosch Portable Benchtop Router Table focuses mainly on the portability side. It accomplishes that very well, but the trade-off is precision. The fence system is pretty easy to lock down off-square unless you’re taking care when you lock it down.
There are holes in the feet if you’d like to mount the table to your bench. It’s a pretty reasonable option for DIYers, but Pros may want something sturdier with a more precise fence system as a semi-permanent mount.
Where it has some potential for Pros is in the field. If you’re routing material on site for custom work, it can be a helpful piece of equipment to have with you.
Pricing
The Bosch RA1141 is in the middle of the price range for Bosch’s router tables. At $179, it’s a little more than the RA1171 ($169) and a little less than the RA1181 ($199). Skil’s similar design is $149.
Bosch Portable Benchtop Router Table Compatible Router List
- Bosch 1617-Series Routers (in fixed base only)
- Craftsman 17508, 17511, 17528, 17533, 17541, 17542, 26620, 26834, 28190, and 73277 Routers
- DeWalt DW616 and DW618 Routers (in fixed base only)
- Hitachi M12VC Routers
- Makita RF1100 and RF1101 Routers
- Milwaukee 5615 and 5616 Routers
- Porter-Cable 690-Series and 892-895-Series Routers (in fixed bases only) and 7529 Plunge Router
- Ryobi R163K Router
- Skil 1810, 1815, 1820 and 1825 Routers
