Bolt-on bases for benchtop tools
When you mount some of your benchtop tools on plywood bases, it's easy to clamp them to the benchtop. Unfortunately, the clamps can block access to the top drawers in your bench. Here's how I solved the problem.
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I added a 3⁄4 x2" hardwood cleat to the front edge of each tool base, as shown above, with a 5⁄16 " hole in the middle of the cleat. Through the hole in the cleat, I marked several spots along the front edge of my benchtop where I then installed 1⁄4 -20 brass threaded inserts. A 1⁄4 " hexhead bolt goes through the cleat into the insert, and holds the base and tool firmly in place.
—Jonny Krup, Oxnard, Calif.