When I installed the insert in my router table, I didn’t bother to rabbet the cutout hole to support the insert. Instead, I attached spacer blocks and two lengths of angle iron (mine came from an old bed frame) to the bottom of the router table. The edges of the angle irons protruded into the cutout about an inch. I drilled a pair of holes in each iron and inserted a carriage bolt in each hole, as shown in the sketch. The four round-head bolts stick up into the cutout space to support the plastic router insert at all four corners. The height of the insert can be adjusted perfectly to match the tabletop by adjusting the height of the four carriage bolts.

Mike Holzhauer, Weare, N.H.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, April 1997 No. 123

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Incra Miter 1000HD

One of many extremely accurate Incra miter gauges, this model offers 180-degree adjustment to 1/10 of a degree, and a long, straight fence with a telescoping stop system.

Buy at Amazon

Estwing Dead-Blow Mallet

A quality dead-blow mallet that packs and punch but isn't too heavy for furniture work.

Buy at Amazon

Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge

The adjuster runs through the beam from a small knob at the back end right to the cutting wheel, which moves in and out as you turn the knob. This arrangement works well but makes adjustments a two-handed operation, requiring a little more effort.

Buy at Lee Valley