How to Install a Router Table Insert Plate
You can find many routers and router table insert plates available in today's market. They offer you the ability to adjust the router bit height from above the router table without first having to remove the router. In today's shops a router table is a necessity, this is because many router bits require the use of a router table only. By following a few simple steps you can make the installation of the router table insert plate a simple task.
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Things You'll Need
- Router table insert plate
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Tablesaw
- MDF (Medium-density fiberboard)
- Double-sided tape
- Router with 1/2-inch straight bit and 1/2-inch guide
- Drill with 1/2-inch bit
- Jigsaw
Instructions
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1
Start by placing the router table insert plate on top of the router table. Now you need to decide where you want to install the router table insert plate. Keep in mind for small parts, you will want to place the router table insert plate toward the front of the router table. If you are going to be using the router table for large panel work, move the router table insert plate to the back of the table. This option allows for a large work surface to support the panels. If you will be using the router table for a combination of task it will be best to place the router in the middle of the router table.
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2
Align the router table insert plate with the front edge of your router table so that they run parallel to each other.
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3
Put on safety glasses and hearing protection before using any power tools.
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4
Use a tablesaw to cut some material to use as a template for the router table insert plate. The template material needs to be made out of 3/4-inch stock about 3-inches wide and 16-inches long. MDF works great for this. You will need 4 pieces of template material.
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5
Take 2 pieces of the template material and attach them next to the router table insert plate along the long side of the plate. Use double sided tape to hold them in place.
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6
Measure the distance between the 2 pieces of template material you just attached. This dimension will be for the 2 remaining pieces of template material. Cut them to fit and attach them along the short side of the router table insert plate.
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7
Remove the router table insert plate. You now have a template to use to install the plate into the router table top.
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8
Use a router with a 1/2-inch collar and 1/2-inch straight bit to cut a lip for the router table insert plate to set into. The depth of the cut will be specified in the instructions that came with the router table insert plate.
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9
Remove the template material from the router table and drill a 1/2-inch hole in the center of the router table insert plate's location on the top of the router table.
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10
Use a jigsaw to carefully cut out the inside router table tops material. Start your cut inside the 1/2-inch hole and use the inside edge of the lip as your guide.
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11
Install your router table insert plate into the router table top and adjust so that the top of the plate is even with the top of the router table.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the instructions that came with the router plate for leveling information.
Use caution when cutting MDF and be sure to wear a dust mask.
Do not try to plunge cut the router bit.
Use 1/2-inch shank router bit when possible; it provides better stability with less vibration to produce a smoother cut and longer cutter life.
Router at a constant moving speed to avoid burning the wood.
Keep in mind the bigger the bit, the lower RPM recommended.
Don't force feed the bit and overload your router.
