Yes, I would use machine bolts through those holes there. You may want to install some one-by underneath, but you can probably get away with just the plywood if you use a fender washer on the underside. I would also recommend a washer under the head of the bolt.
Yeah, that should be fine. It’s not exactly a massive saw. If OP wants to go “belt and suspenders,” a couple of U-bolts in the mounting holes for the old rod extensions might also be helpful. I think even a single generation later, most miter saws had proper mounting holes, though.
U bolts worked out very well!
Glad to hear it. In revisiting it, the steel will be harder than the casting, which is also a bit thin below those holes, but if it doesn't wiggle a ton, and you don't just drop the whole contraption on the ground, it should last quite a while.
Good caution. It doesn't seem to shift and I tend to flip it pretty slowly, so hopefully it won't put undue stress on the casting.
Yeah, I inherited this one free, but had planned to get a new one when I set out on this project.
I like the idea of u bolts, that seems better than attaching to an extra wood block.
You could countersink some carriage bolts from the other side to hold the miter in place, with the appropriate height block in between to set your height.
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