Solid-wood grommets hide plywood edges

Holes in hardwood plywood shelves and countertops that allow cords to pass through show the plywood layers and diminish the appearance of a project. To hide the raw edges, I make custom solid-wood grommets in place.

I start by drilling a hole through the top that's larger than necessary for the cable and connectors to pass through—say 1¹⁄₂ " in diameter. Then with a circle cutter I cut a plug the same diameter from solid hardwood that matches the plywood veneer.

I glue it into the hole, making it flush with the face of the plywood. When the glue has cured, I enlarge the center hole to the appropriate size for the cord and rout a ¹⁄₄ " round-over around the hole.
— James E. Hoff Sr., Bosque Farms, N.M.