Uplifting benchtop risers

 

Tape the top and bottom together
before drilling holes to establish
the slot corners. Separate the
pieces before cutting the slots.

Create the clamp slots

Set up a 1/2" bit in your drill press, and position the fence to align the bit over a centerpoint; then drill out the corners on one side of each slot as shown in photo. Rotate the boards end for end, and drill the remaining corners. To complete the slots, separate the pieces, draw lines connecting the outside edges of the holes, and cut along the lines with a jigsaw. Sand the edges smooth.

Rout 1/8" round-overs around the top and bottom of each slot and along the tops and bottoms where shown. Then plow out the grooves in the tops and bottoms to accept the spacers, and glue and clamp the risers together. Keep the risers near your bench; you'll reach for them time and time again.

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