Overview:

This simple jig is very handy in helping to ensure any soft pads (cabinet bumpers, silicone pads, felt pads, etc.) are placed consistently around the perimeter of the surface you’re working with.  Whether you are attaching the pads to the underside of a homemade item such as a coaster holder or urn, or installing them on cabinet doors, this jig ensures they look symmetrical and even.

I’ve included my Fusion 360 file that is fully parametric with parameters to control the jig width, thickness, opening diameter, pad offset, size of the lip and any label you wish to add. 

The model is set up for multicolor printing for the label, but you can simply print it in one color and skip the label.

I recently made an urn as well as a wooden holder for slate coasters and installed 3/8” (10mm) soft rubber pads on the underside of each to give it some grip and to prevent marring any surface.  This jig worked great to ensure the pads were placed evenly around the bottoms without extra measuring, thinking or stress.

You will want to get an accurate measurement of the pads you are using and adjust the clearance value, so you can fit the pad through the opening in the jig to adhere it to the surface. You don’t want a lot of extra space to ensure accuracy in placement, but you also don’t want to be fighting to push the pad through the jig opening and trying to lift the jig off when complete.

Printing:

You can print it using any type of filament, but I recommend just using PLA.  I recommend a fine layer height such as 0.08 or 0.16 mm to improve the clarity of the text. No supports required if printed in the orientation shown.