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

MicroJig Matchfit dovetail clamps

These unique clamps have angled tips that hold templates and fences in place without getting in the way.

Buy at Amazon

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

Woodriver Circle Cutting Jig

The WoodRiver circle jig, which produces cuts up to 32-1/2 in. dia., and I can confidently recommend it. Unlike similar jigs that can pop off of their pivots mid-cut, ruining a panel in the process, this one has a robust pivot point that registers securely in the jig and workpiece.

Buy at Amazon