Review: Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table

Woodworkers make sawdust. It’s a natural side effect of the creative process. The Bosch cabinet-style router table helps keep the dust down because it has two dust-collection ports, one at the fence and one at the cabinet. Both take common 2-1/2-inch hoses. When combined with the cabinet-style base that this router table provides, you’ll have access to a clean, stable, and flat working surface whenever you have a project to complete.

Here’s What We Liked About the Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table

Assembly is simple and the instructions are clear. We did find it necessary to avoid tightening the fasteners all of the way until most of the assembly work was done.

The mounting plate was also quite easy to level out.

The dust port can be somewhat difficult to work with because it can interfere with the guard adjustment. It should be noted that there are two different configurations that are available to the user. One does interfere with the guard adjustment, but the other does not.

The aluminum mounting plate is rigid and pre-drilled for many common routers. Bosch's compatibility list covers fixed-base models only, so check it before you buy, especially for an off-brand or plunge router.

Bosch has made it so that the featherboards attach to the fence and the table, making them rather easy to use. They are fully adjustable, offer the right amount of control, and allow you to feed stock across the table with fluid motions.

Here’s What Could Be Improved with the Bosch Cabinet Style Router Table

The laminated top measures 25-1/2 by 15-7/8 inches, and the table stands 14.5 inches tall. The aluminum fence is tall with MDF faceplates, but the shallow depth can feel cramped on larger pieces.

The aluminum router plate can arrive with a slightly rough finish. Inspect it before assembly and smooth any burrs so stock slides cleanly.

Bosch states that this table does not accept template guides (guide bushings).

If you’re looking for an enclosed table that will dramatically reduce the dust in your working area, then the Bosch cabinet-style router table is definitely one to consider. It has a few weak spots, but it does the job consistently, which is why it earns our recommendation.

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Sources

• RA1171 Router Tables, Bosch Tools
• Wood Dust - Overview, OSHA