Make Quick Work of Threaded Inserts
A lot of woodworkers use a drill press to install threaded inserts, but large pieces can be too awkward or impossible for this practice. I've used the jig shown at top to install more than 150 threaded inserts into the music stands and other projects I build. I think it would be a great addition to your shop, and it takes only a few minutes to craft.
Start by cutting a 6" length of 2X4 to the shape shown in the drawing. For a 3⁄8 " threaded insert, center a 13⁄32 " hole over the opening in the bottom of the jig. Use your drill press to ensure that the hole is exactly 90° to the bottom. Insert a 3⁄8 X4" bolt through the hole and double-nut the end to capture the bolt.
When you're ready to install an insert, thread the insert onto the bolt and position the jig over the hole. Using a socket wrench, apply downward pressure to the bolt while you turn the insert into your workpiece.
—C. Dean Becker, Waterloo, Iowa