You do have to remove the bottom plate before using the honeycomb. Once you've installed the riser, it will actually slide back into the riser in one of the slots. But, for certain projects (such as using the cutting mat) you have to install the bottom plate again which is thankfully easy because it's just a few screws and you don't have to take it off the riser to do it!
Is this machine only able to engrave small cutting boards then?
You can engrave much bigger boards than I engraved. It has a laser area of 15 inches x 12 inches.
Do you remove the bottom before using the honeycomb?
You do have to remove the bottom plate before using the honeycomb. Once you've installed the riser, it will actually slide back into the riser in one of the slots. But, for certain projects (such as using the cutting mat) you have to install the bottom plate again which is thankfully easy because it's just a few screws and you don't have to take it off the riser to do it!
There's really no need for you to use the honeycomb attachments for this.
I know :) I just already had it installed so made it easier to use it instead of taking the honey comb out for the base plate.