Router table
Bosch RA1181 benchtop router table: rings, slot and routers
Bosch RA1181 benchtop router table: the routers Bosch lists, its ring sizes and bit limits, the 3/4 in slot, featherboards, starter pin and hose fit.
Also listed as Bosch RA1181, Bosch 1181
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Short answer
Bosch lists the RA1181 for its 1617-series and MRF-series routers in a fixed base only, on a predrilled aluminum plate that supports above-table height adjustment. It takes no template guides. Its slot works with most 3/4 x 3/8 in miter gauges (none supplied), and 2-1/2 in hoses attach directly.
What fits
- Router lift (maker's claim)SpeTool P01004 Router Lift Pro (for the Bosch RA1181 table)Check price on Amazon
- Miter gaugeKreg KMS7102 Precision Miter Gauge SystemCheck price on Amazon
- Miter gaugePOWERTEC 71391 precision miter gauge system with 24 in multi-track fence and flip stopCheck price on Amazon
Key facts
- Plate opening or plate outline
- Not confirmedBosch describes its own aluminum mounting plate; no outline figure was read.
- Plate thickness
- Not confirmed
- Corner radius
- Not confirmed
- Plate support and leveling
- Bosch: an aluminum mounting plate, predrilled for various routers, that supports above-table height adjustment.[1][2]
- Insert ring system
- Three Bosch rings with 1, 2 and 2-3/4 in holes, listed for bits up to 7/8, 1-7/8 and 2-5/8 in; no ring for bits over 2-5/8 in up to 3-1/2 in. Bosch: keep no less than 1/16 in per side between the bit and the ring, do not alter the ring or plate hole, and do not use bits over 3-1/2 in.[3]Bosch's rules for this table only, not a general clearance rule.
- Miter or accessory slot
- Aluminum slot for 3/4 in accessories; Bosch says it works with most stationary table saw miter gauges 3/4 in wide x 3/8 in deep. No miter gauge is supplied.[1][3]
- Fence fit and mounting
- Bosch's own fence has a T-slot on top; the included fence featherboard mounts there with 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 in carriage bolts.[3]
- Dust ports and hose fit
- Common 2-1/2 in vacuum hoses attach directly; 35 mm hoses need Bosch's VAC004 adapter.[1]Hose fit only, not dust capture. Bosch's page does not show the VAC004 in the box.
- Routers the table maker lists
- Bosch 1617-series and MRF-series routers, fixed base only.[1]
- Lifts and plates whose makers name it
- SpeTool markets its P01004 Router Lift Pro as compatible with the Bosch RA1181.[4]SpeTool's claim, not Bosch approval; SpeTool names no Bosch router model.
- Top size and material
- Not confirmed
- Not confirmed
- Not confirmedPlate outline, thickness and corner radius; top size; any Bosch statement about lifts.
Watch out for
- Bosch lists routers for the RA1181 in a fixed base only.
- No template guides: Bosch says the RA1181 does not accept any.
- Bosch's two included featherboards help hold the work, but Bosch says they are not meant to hold it alone while it touches the bit or the bit is turning.
- Bosch's starter pin threads into a 1/4-28 hole, works only with pilot-bearing bits and always with the starter pin guard, per Bosch's manual.
- SpeTool's RA1181 fit for its P01004 lift is SpeTool's claim, not Bosch's.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Router lift (maker's claim)
SpeTool P01004 Router Lift Pro (for the Bosch RA1181 table)Choose the P01004 Router Lift Pro.
SpeTool markets it for the Bosch RA1181; Bosch has not approved it, and SpeTool names no Bosch router model.
Miter gauge
Kreg KMS7102 Precision Miter Gauge SystemChoose the KMS7102 with the 24 in fence.
Bosch says the RA1181 slot works with most 3/4 x 3/8 in miter gauges but names no model; check the gauge maker's slot size against Bosch's.
Miter gauge
POWERTEC 71391 precision miter gauge system with 24 in multi-track fence and flip stopChoose the 71391 kit with the 24 in fence and flip stop.
Bosch says the RA1181 slot works with most 3/4 x 3/8 in miter gauges but names no model; check the gauge maker's slot size against Bosch's.
Questions
Can I use guide bushings in a Bosch RA1181?
No. Bosch states the RA1181 does not accept any template guides.[1]
Which miter gauge fits the Bosch RA1181?
Bosch says the slot works with most stationary table saw miter gauges that are 3/4 in wide by 3/8 in deep. No gauge is supplied, and Bosch names no model.[3]
Which ring should I use for a 2 in bit on the RA1181?
Bosch lists its 2-3/4 in ring for bits up to 2-5/8 in, and says the gap between the bit and ring should be no less than 1/16 in per side. These are Bosch's rules for this table.[3]
Does a router lift fit the Bosch RA1181?
SpeTool markets its P01004 Router Lift Pro for the RA1181. That is SpeTool's claim; Bosch has not approved it.[4]
What hose fits the RA1181 dust port?
Bosch says common 2-1/2 in vacuum hoses attach directly and 35 mm hoses need its VAC004 adapter. That is hose fit, not a dust-capture figure.[1]