I am building a lifting platform for my Rogue R-3 rack (the classic set up with two layers of OSB and then a central plywood board with horse stall mats on the sides). I want to anchor my rack to the platform itself, using some through bolts with nuts and washer recessed into the platform from underneath. To do this, is it best to set out the theoretically correct position of the baseplates, to then build the rack from the bottom up from those fixed anchor points? Or is it better to build the rack, and then mark where the baseplates and baseplate holes land, and drill accordingly?
In my mind, the first method guarantees a correct setting out of the rack, but I imagine can end up with alignment problems when trying to thread the bolts through. The second method will guarantee the anchor bolts fit easily, but I am worried if I build the rack with a slight skew, I'd then be "locking in" this small drift or deviation, resulting in stressing some parts of the rack too much or it coming loose in the future.
Or am I overcomplicating this and I should just use lag screws and be done with it? Any tips or recommendations greatly welcomed! Thanks!