K40 laser work area side brackets - without spring

The K40 lasers have a clamp that holds a work piece in place while lasering. Originally the focal point of the laser should be at the top surface of the rim around this clamp mechanism. The clamp will open enough to accept materials about 3.5 x 8 inches. But many suppliers sell wood in 4"x24" sizes. By taking advantage of the area behind the clamp we can easily use the 4 inch wide pieces cut to length.

My design is inspired by several others who use brackets that cause the top surface of the work piece to be at the same level no matter what thickness the work piece is. For these brackets, that is the same level as the top of the rim they push on to. One picture shows scraps of 1/8th inch basswood at the ends to hold the steel bar down that far. This allows the placement of a 1/8th inch thick work piece anywhere on the bars.

I drilled out the holes to receive 16D nails but may eventually replace them with bolt/nut combinations that will allow precise raising and lowering of