Router Table #13: Leveling the Insert - Incra Style

Up until now I was leveling my insert (also on my TS) with blue painters tape – yeah, ghetto, but it works, cheap, and available.

When I made the order with Lee Valley last week, I ordered a pack of 10 capscrews and though I’d try to incorporate the leveling concept on the Incra made table. as I stated in my previous post- If I had to start it over, I’d just order the table top from Incra and be done with it – they are worth their price. however. since I already had my top, and from a very suitable material, I figured, I’d just do my best with it.

the Incra insert comes with 10 holes that align with the leveling screws on their table tops, and are also threaded to take socket screws. I placed the insert in place, and using a drill bit with a tight fit, punched a center hole in the table for each of the holes in the insert:

Using a forstner bit, I drilled a notch that will take the screw head. and then drilled through using a 13/64” bit which matches the #7 tap for tapping a hole for 1/4-20 screws. One of the good things about pheonlic is that it can be tapped fairly easily, and it takes the thread very well. this was my first time tapping anything, and I really like how it came out:

the screw goes inside easily, and can be screwed until it’s level with the rabbet holding the insert so that it’s not touching the insert. and it can be brought up 1/2” above the rabbet if needed (the rabbet is 13/32” so there is no need for that much travel).

the beauty of this system is that in order to level the insert, you only need to place a straight edge on the table, and with a screwdriver, raise each screw through the insert until it’s all level. all above the table, easily, and conveniently. very cool design – thank you Incra for the idea:

It’s a very nice leveling system, and even if you have your own insert, you can just drill holes in the perimeter of the insert and do the same thing.

One step closer…
Peace!

-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.