Thank you for this video. Like others who have commented, I had the very problem you solved here. It took me a while to realize that the c-clip was the issue. I had just gotten table and wound up taking the router out three times to see why I wasn't able to adjust it from above the table. When I had it out and on its side. the friction of the adjustment shaft allowed the fine adjustment to work even without the c-clip in the right place. But, when I put it back in, the weight of the router made the router simply fall when I loosened the clamp. I was able to get the original c-clip back in the groove but I've ordered a drill stop set to make a more permanent fix. I'm surprised, and frankly disappointed in Bosch, at this sub-standard engineering on an otherwise well-made router from a company with a good reputation. The fix you devised should not have been necessary but, given that it was, I'm really glad I found your video.
Oh my God. The first time I used the router, everything worked perfectly. Then, for some reason, my fine adjustment wasn't working. I wasted 2 hours on this before I came across your video. I was SO frustrated because I'm pretty mechanical. You saved my marriage, my friend, by providing this quick and easy fix. 😂 😂 😂
You da man!! I had this EXACTLY same problem within the first 10 minutes of use. Terrible that Bosch has such a flimsy mechanism but thanks a ton for the fix !!!!
O'Skool's makes a router lift that fits the bosch tables you should contact them and see if they will send it to you. I want one but I wanted to see a review on it first and cant find any. The model is Router Lift RTS017. People were buying the standard size lift and cutting it down to make the lift fit in the bosch tables. Anyway thanks for sharing your videos I enjoy them.
John, Thanks for watching and thank you for the feedback. Yes... the lever lock must be opened to raise or lower the router. That wasn't the issue here. The issue is the spring retaining clip on the height adjustment pops out of its slot when the rod is turned beyond its stop point. See my companion video for more detail showing the clip popping out of its slot. ua-cam.com/video/NK5-tMwq5tQ/v-deo.html
Your fix is a good idea. You may have damaged the retaining ring by trying to force it beyond its limit. Before starting your work make sure that the adjustment mechanism is mid-range and only use it for small adjustments. If you have the removable motor router, make sure the motor is UNLOCKED when making the adjustment.
I have the same table/router. Never a problem with many yrs. of use.I find using the top adjustment, it's easy to forget unlocking. This causes damage as you've noticed.I use only under table adjustment so lock lever is right there.Mine is not perfectly flat either. I think at this price it's to be expected.Notice you have mounted it to Powermatic saw...Powermatic makes their own extension for router table...check it out.
Good video. I’m on the market for a benchtop table and this one seems like a popular choice. How did you overcome the warped table? There are lots of comments from folks having similar issues. Cheers.
Greetings, The table is pretty flat for approximately 6-8” on either side of router bit. It’s the edges of table that drop off by 1/16” or so. I’ve been able to work around this by applying downward pressure to the work piece near the center of table / bit. Hope that helps helps.
Hi! No, I did not have issues with the insert plate. It did take some fiddling of the adjustment screws to get it dialed in and flush with the table. But no issues with it since. Thanks for watching.
Why not flat? My guess is poor QC at factory. Note: The table is pretty flat immediately before and after the router bit opening… its at the edges of the table where its no longer flat. It hasn’t effected my routing tasks. Thanks for watching.
The lift mechanism is built into this Bosch router’s base assembly. Doubtful it can be used with a Dewalt router. Maybe Dewalt offers something similar?
Looks like you had a router issue, not a router table issue. I would have liked to see how you actually accessed the end of the lifting rod in your video, disassembly and reassembly.
Yes, turned out the issue was with the router’s height adjustment rod... not the table itself Also, thanks for the feedback on wanting more detail on the disassembly and reassembly. I may do a follow up video detailing all the steps. Thanks again for watching.
Hey Pete. Good vid. A few questions.. would you buy the 1181 again? If so, what table saw do you have? Finally, hiw did you hang the router table on your table saw? Is that a universal mount that works with other table saws?
Thanks for watching and the feedback. As for the RA1181… I would buy it again. It has it’s issues but is a good value IF you only use the router table occasionally. I would suggest looking at a more substantial table if you plan on doing alot of router work. My tablesaw is a Powermatic PM66. I posted a video on how I mounted the RA1181. Here’s the link… ua-cam.com/video/rjwlu9bzMnY/v-deo.htmlsi=bA0VcWHT9jPJwbaw
You will need a new c-c;ip, you damaged it. Also, just take a Dremel tool and make the retaining groove deeper. It should fix that. For sure a problem with the router, Bosch should do better than that. I think I like your collar fix better though, simple. Great idea. Great video by the way. I'm selling my Festool CMS router table and buying this one. A major downgrade but I just don't need the Festool one anymore.
Hello. Are you asking about router body diameter? Or the height actuator rod’s diameter? Here’s a link to the spec page… www.boschtools.com/us/en/products/1617evs-0601617763
Thanks for the feedback @leecook7672 You are correct, the retaining clip pops out when height adjustment is over tightened. However, in my case it didn’t require much over tightening for it to pop off the shaft. Thanks for watching!
What does the Router itself have to do with the table? I know what you did wrong. You tried to lift or lower the router without unlocking the router before you tried to move the router up or down. So don't try to say the Router Table is bad. This was a problem that YOU created and has NOTHING to do with the Table.
Thank you for the comment. My critique is focused on the Router / Router Table combo which is sold together. But you are correct, the issue lies specifically with the Router. As for the the retaining clip issue... No, I did not forget to unlock the router. The issue is the clip itself which is very flimsy and pops out as soon as you reach the end of travel on the height adjustment. Thanks for watching and for your feedback!
Thanks for great fix to a common problem. Bosch should include drill stop collar as simple fix to their design flaw.
Appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for watching.
Thank you for this video. Like others who have commented, I had the very problem you solved here. It took me a while to realize that the c-clip was the issue. I had just gotten table and wound up taking the router out three times to see why I wasn't able to adjust it from above the table. When I had it out and on its side. the friction of the adjustment shaft allowed the fine adjustment to work even without the c-clip in the right place. But, when I put it back in, the weight of the router made the router simply fall when I loosened the clamp. I was able to get the original c-clip back in the groove but I've ordered a drill stop set to make a more permanent fix. I'm surprised, and frankly disappointed in Bosch, at this sub-standard engineering on an otherwise well-made router from a company with a good reputation. The fix you devised should not have been necessary but, given that it was, I'm really glad I found your video.
Thanks for the great feedback.
I agree, the clip Bosch utilizes is sub-standard and a poor design.
Thanks for watching!
Hi Pete, I have the identical set up and just installed your fix. Perfect. Thank you for posting this very helpful video!
So glad you found this video helpful and that its working for you.
Thanks for watching!
Oh my God. The first time I used the router, everything worked perfectly. Then, for some reason, my fine adjustment wasn't working. I wasted 2 hours on this before I came across your video. I was SO frustrated because I'm pretty mechanical. You saved my marriage, my friend, by providing this quick and easy fix. 😂 😂 😂
So glad the video was helpful.
Thanks for watching. 👍
Thank you so much for sharing. I have the same lift base and was thinking I need to get another lift - I could not make it work. this is good solution
Thanks. I’m glad the video was helpful.
You saved my life, I was getting ready to throw it away. Now works great
Thank you for letting me know.
So glad that you found this helpful.
Thanks for watching.
Great video...got the table set up today. Ordered and installed the 1/4" collar for the height adjustment right out of the gate...great tip!
So glad the video was helpful.
Thanks for watching!
Love it. Thanks for posting this. I wasted too much time trying to fix it myself
So glad you found this video helpful.
Thanks for watching!
You da man!! I had this EXACTLY same problem within the first 10 minutes of use. Terrible that Bosch has such a flimsy mechanism but thanks a ton for the fix !!!!
Thanks Brent. Glad you found the video helpful!
just got the table- thanks much for the heads up
Glad you found this helpful.
Thanks for watching!
Excellent work, above and beyond by Bosch engineers. Perfectly saved my 1617. They should be ashamed.
I appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for watching!
Great solution! This has happened to me as well and I'm going to order the drill bit stop collars. Thanks.
Thanks for letting me know.
So glad you found the video helpful!
O'Skool's makes a router lift that fits the bosch tables you should contact them and see if they will send it to you. I want one but I wanted to see a review on it first and cant find any. The model is Router Lift RTS017. People were buying the standard size lift and cutting it down to make the lift fit in the bosch tables. Anyway thanks for sharing your videos I enjoy them.
Thanks for watching.
I will look into the O'Skool's router lift and see if it's worth buying. Stay tuned...
Make sure the lever lock is open before turning the hex key to raise or lower the bit.
John, Thanks for watching and thank you for the feedback.
Yes... the lever lock must be opened to raise or lower the router. That wasn't the issue here. The issue is the spring retaining clip on the height adjustment pops out of its slot when the rod is turned beyond its stop point. See my companion video for more detail showing the clip popping out of its slot.
ua-cam.com/video/NK5-tMwq5tQ/v-deo.html
Thanks so much. I just spent most of the day trying to fix the same problem.
Thanks for the feedback!
Glad you found the video helpful.
Your fix is a good idea. You may have damaged the retaining ring by trying to force it beyond its limit. Before starting your work make sure that the adjustment mechanism is mid-range and only use it for small adjustments. If you have the removable motor router, make sure the motor is UNLOCKED when making the adjustment.
Thanks for the feedback.
Yes, if the collar is locked it will break the retaining ring I found out.
GREAT solution! Ordering bit collar now
Thanks! I appreciate the positive feedback.
That’s what happens when you go cheap
I have the same table/router. Never a problem with many yrs. of use.I find using the top adjustment, it's easy to forget unlocking. This causes damage as you've noticed.I use only under table adjustment so lock lever is right there.Mine is not perfectly flat either. I think at this price it's to be expected.Notice you have mounted it to Powermatic saw...Powermatic makes their own extension for router table...check it out.
Appreciate the feedback.
The issue with the clip happens when the height adjustment rod is turned beyond its range. Thanks for watching.
Good video. I’m on the market for a benchtop table and this one seems like a popular choice. How did you overcome the warped table? There are lots of comments from folks having similar issues. Cheers.
Greetings, The table is pretty flat for approximately 6-8” on either side of router bit. It’s the edges of table that drop off by 1/16” or so.
I’ve been able to work around this by applying downward pressure to the work piece near the center of table / bit.
Hope that helps helps.
Thank you sir. I have a Kobalt table & router that has the same problem. I'll find those collars somewhere.
Interesting to hear the Kobalt has a similar issue. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the tip !
Happy to help!
Got it out the box and that piece was louse .
Quick fix: I used a tie wrap and it works.
Thx for the info and also the people in comments
Glad the video helped. Thanks for watching!
Great video!
Glad you liked the video.
Thanks for watching
How did you make the conversion for the Bosch router table? Thanks
Thanks so much i put a zip tie on mine once I figured it out that clip was gone on mine
Glad you found a solution. The bit collar is working great for my setup. Something to consider if your zip tie doesn't hold up.
@@PetefromBaltimore no I'm getting one from lowes Tomorrow for sure.
thank you so much! Did you have trouble with insert plate on the RA 1181, and if so, how did you fix it??
Hi! No, I did not have issues with the insert plate. It did take some fiddling of the adjustment screws to get it dialed in and flush with the table. But no issues with it since. Thanks for watching.
Way to go Pete!
Thanks for watching!
I thought you need to unlatch the lock to do any adjustments.
That’s correct.
Why the heck is the table top not flat and slopes away from the center? Is it an issue that makes routing troublesome?
Why not flat? My guess is poor QC at factory. Note: The table is pretty flat immediately before and after the router bit opening… its at the edges of the table where its no longer flat.
It hasn’t effected my routing tasks.
Thanks for watching.
Hello thanks . Are you happy with using the bosch RA1181 now?
The RA1181 has its issues, but is fine for my infrequent use. I would not recommend for the professional who would need to use it every day.
I have a DeWalt installed in the table so I'm assuming the lift is not available for me
The lift mechanism is built into this Bosch router’s base assembly.
Doubtful it can be used with a Dewalt router. Maybe Dewalt offers something similar?
Looks like you had a router issue, not a router table issue. I would have liked to see how you actually accessed the end of the lifting rod in your video, disassembly and reassembly.
Yes, turned out the issue was with the router’s height adjustment rod... not the table itself Also, thanks for the feedback on wanting more detail on the disassembly and reassembly. I may do a follow up video detailing all the steps.
Thanks again for watching.
Hey Pete. Good vid. A few questions.. would you buy the 1181 again? If so, what table saw do you have? Finally, hiw did you hang the router table on your table saw? Is that a universal mount that works with other table saws?
Thanks for watching and the feedback.
As for the RA1181… I would buy it again.
It has it’s issues but is a good value IF you only use the router table occasionally. I would suggest looking at a more substantial table if you plan on doing alot of router work.
My tablesaw is a Powermatic PM66.
I posted a video on how I mounted the RA1181. Here’s the link…
ua-cam.com/video/rjwlu9bzMnY/v-deo.htmlsi=bA0VcWHT9jPJwbaw
You will need a new c-c;ip, you damaged it. Also, just take a Dremel tool and make the retaining groove deeper. It should fix that. For sure a problem with the router, Bosch should do better than that. I think I like your collar fix better though, simple. Great idea.
Great video by the way. I'm selling my Festool CMS router table and buying this one. A major downgrade but I just don't need the Festool one anymore.
Appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for watching!
Is the lift mechanism exclusively for Bosch router/ I mean to do it from the top of the router table.
I don’t think it’s exclusive to Bosch.
Thanks for watching.
sir, what's the diameter of that router?
Hello. Are you asking about router body diameter? Or the height actuator rod’s diameter? Here’s a link to the spec page…
www.boschtools.com/us/en/products/1617evs-0601617763
@@PetefromBaltimore the aluminum body where you can find the scale or lines with numbers? I don't know how to call that one.
@@solo8827 I will be going to workshop later today. Will take a measurement and let you know.
3 1/2” is the router body diameter.
Hope that helps.
@@PetefromBaltimore thank you big time sir..
mabey try a dewalt router
This EXACT thing happened to me...
To you and many, many more people it seems. Thanks for watching!
You screwed it up or down too far. All you would have to do is raise the router up to the next notch. This is what I found.
Thanks for the feedback @leecook7672
You are correct, the retaining clip pops out when height adjustment is over tightened. However, in my case it didn’t require much over tightening for it to pop off the shaft.
Thanks for watching!
@@PetefromBaltimore it sure does not take much effort to make it pop. That's why I bought 2 spare clips.
@@leecook7672 👍
Spare clips are a good idea if you choose not to go with a drill bit collar.
What does the Router itself have to do with the table?
I know what you did wrong.
You tried to lift or lower the router without unlocking the router before you tried to move the router up or down.
So don't try to say the Router Table is bad. This was a problem that YOU created and has NOTHING to do with the Table.
Thank you for the comment.
My critique is focused on the Router / Router Table combo which is sold together. But you are correct, the issue lies specifically with the Router.
As for the the retaining clip issue... No, I did not forget to unlock the router. The issue is the clip itself which is very flimsy and pops out as soon as you reach the end of travel on the height adjustment.
Thanks for watching and for your feedback!
@@PetefromBaltimore nah,,, you forgot to Unclip the router. Just admit it. 😁