Dry-Fit the Table Layers

What you’re doing in this step

Proving the woodwork before glue. You’re checking that the raceway sits cleanly on the base and that the center insert fits the opening the way you planned.

Set the raceway on the base

Place the raceway ring on the baseboard with the center insert out. Look for even overhang, flush joints where halves meet, and a clean pocket for the playing field.

Walk around the table. Sight the edges. If one side sits proud or a joint opens, adjust now—not after the glue is open.

Lay out the full stack

Confirm the full wood stack: baseboard, raceway ring, and center insert. The insert should drop into the raceway opening with a consistent fit.

Tip: Keep the center insert out of the raceway during the next glue-up so you don’t accidentally glue it into the ring. A dry fit with a few clamps (no glue) is cheap insurance—photograph a good dry fit so you remember orientation.