The base is really no big deal. One piece of 1Xwhatever and you have a base. Literally takes 5 minutes to construct a base and mount this to it(if you are slow). No base means you are free to mount it how YOU want it. The way it comes, it is so easy to mount to anything. The flat-head bolt easily recesses in any pine board. For hard wood, you may have to drill for a recess. Also there are clamps available for mounting if you wish. I may send back my clamps as I see no need for them after making a simple base out of scrap 1X12. Also, after mounting it to 1X??, it is now "portable". You aren't "tied" to tying in one place. I like that, as I tie at home, work and go to a friend's house occasionally. And now everything is the same wherever I go.