New Bosch Router Table | Model RA1181 - Unboxing & Setup

New tool! With the new Bosch 1617EVSPK in the shop, a router table was a must have to increase the versatility of the router. I purchased this table at the same time as the router with the plan to install the fixed base into the router table.

Setting up the table was easy and the Bosch instruction were very clear all the way through the process. In general, the process is as follows:

1. Mount the table top to the sides
2. Mount the front panel with the power switch
3. Install and level the router mounting plate
4. Assemble the fence
5. **Install router the router mounting plate (If you have a router)
6. Secure the router mounting plate to the table top
7. Install the fence
8. Enjoy!

I’ve already been using the heck out of this router table and the Bosch quality was impeccable! Easy to set up, easy to use, very sturdy and rigid for being plastic aside from the fence and table top. I’m impressed.

If you have any questions about the setup, feel free to leave them in the comments section down below.

Thanks as always and be safe,

Josh
Northwest Craftsman

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Audio Credits:
Room for Two by Dan Lebowitz (Licensed by YouTube Audio Library)

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[leroymellix]

I admire your delivery, your short concise voice over is very easy to follow. You are an good teacher. You held my interest even though I knew what subject matter was up next. Thanks for your evaluation!

[brianbrian]

I just got mine 2 days ago. Found your video and I'm so glad I did. I'm always intimidated by tools that need to be carefully and have in depth assembly. I'm always afraid I'll get something wrong. Your video has eased my tension on getting this right! Loved it and Thank You!!!

[threesonsrestorations]

I appreciated your video, but I appreciated all of the respectful replies you've made to others in the comment section even more. Thanks for being a decent human being. Subscribed.

[jkuang]

Very precise instruction. No rambling nonsense. Great job! Subscribed.

[OdetteHill-hr]

Waiting for my table to come in a couple of days after finding out my Bosch does not fit my old table. Have to say that I enjoyed the video, clear, concise and easy to follow. Have bookmarked it for when the table comes in. Not only did you have great views as you assembled the table, but the speed you did it in along with your oral tutorial was smooth and easy to follow. Thank you sir, I will be checking out your other videos as well. Joey

[lgjmzgl]

I have one of these tables and my top was warped, as someone else has mentioned in the comments. I contacted Bosch and they sent out a new top, so kudos to them for the customer service. Unfortunately, it was also warped. I took a couple hours and was able to flatten it a bit by knocking down the high spots (with elbow grease and some sand paper on a slab of flat granite). It helped a considerably, but there are still low points and the top still isn't flat enough to support workpieces for something like nicely fitting rails and stiles. I've continued to use it for less precise work, but plan on getting a new table top, plate and fence when I finally tackle the upcoming kitchen project.

[rchavez]

Great video. I just bought the same table and router from a fellow woodworker for $225. They were brand new in the box. The table top will fit perfectly in my Ridgid table saw extension. I am happy to hear that you said it comes with shims to joint. Hopefully I can get it set up tomorrow.

[srfwoodworks]

great video thanks for sharing, i bought one on marketplace that someone partially put together got frustrated and sold it for like 100 bucks he had the leveling screws attached to the plate, and a few other things were not correct, i just received the Bosch 1617 for Fathers Day, thanks for sharing

[MarcusRefusius]

I bought virtually the same table 20 years ago made by an Australian Company called Global Machine Company. Came with its own router. I got it REALLY Cheap from Lowe’s. I just had to assemble it. I remember the Manager at Lowe’s was VERY eager to get rid of it.

[JCecere]

Excellent video. Very concise and easy to understand. I am in the process of deciding which router table to buy. Your video has not only convinced me to get this one, but has eased my fears about set up and leveling. Thank you for posting this. It was extremely helpful.

[MrFzrider]

My table is coming next Wednesday (12/13/23. Can't wait to use my new toy with my new router. Great video.

[patty]

Bosch should be paying you as an instructor on how to use their tools. Great vid.

[ralphconnell]

Really helpful. I've read mixed reviews about this table, but this reassures me. I reside in S. Africa so I'll need to import it from the US or Europe. A big investment, so it needs to be good. Thanks for your time making this.

[Haunter]

I purchased the same table from Lowe's about 2 years (had to special order it) ago and it is still going strong (just used it today). Great video!

[johnwallace]

I had the Craftsman version of both the table and router. The router I loved but the Craftsman version of the table fence wasn’t so good because I couldn’t align the fence at the opening and work pieces would hit the out feed fence and get caught. I purchased the Bosch router today and will be purchasing this table next!! Thanks for the review!!

[nickbailey]

Good for you for being able to slide the router in so easily. I CANNOT do it. Ended up buying a second router just so I wouldn't spend 30 minutes of my life trying to get the thing to slide into the housing.

[unlazyfree]

Your review sold me. I have the Bosch dual level miter saw so I expect this sort of complexity (that German engineering), but what surprised me is the dust collection (the dust collection on their miter saw is....cute lol)

[seanrichards]

Just watched the video. Getting mine in the mail tomorrow! Appreciate the tips!

[busy]

Researching router tables, I came across this video. Glad I did. After looking at some of your other content, you have a new subscriber.

[Sulkanator]

Fantastic video. You've sold me on this unit and I will be reverting back to this video to make sure I'm setting it up properly along with the manual.