This assumes you have a plate already cut to 300mm x 417mm, as described on the previous page. If you use 20mm square aluminium then the base plate will be lowered by that amount, if you require more depth, then increase the thickness of these spacers, but not by too much or rigidity will be lost. You will need to get an engineer to machine a precision groove 3mm x 10mm as shown, on both pieces. Then fix each spacer to the an appropriate side of the base plate, ensuring that both edge are flush. You have to drill upwards from the underside, as illustrated, and countersinking the holes makes it neat and tidy.

This plate is then introduced by sliding it into the area under the flatbed and upwards, the slots locate on the underside and 4 small g clamps secure each corner. I also bring up the cylindrical attachment, on the underside of this new plate, in the middle, to give a bit of extra support and rigidity. The new base plate can now be drawn out and drilled to whatever layout you may require, as detailed on the previous page. I have one such plate in particular that is very useful. I just drilled three holes in a paralell line across the centre, bought three lathe type chucks and mounted then across the plate. Now if I have to engrave small flat circular items, I can engrave three a time.