Determining the appropriate plate thickness for a motor attachment involves calculating the forces acting on the bolts and the resulting bending moments on the plate. For a 17 kg motor, which translates to approximately 50 pounds, a safety factor of 4 is recommended, leading to a total load of 400 pounds. The calculations suggest that the required thickness "t" is around 1/8 inch, but using a 1/4 inch aluminum plate is advised for added safety and rigidity. Steel can also be used for improved strength. Proper calculations and considerations of safety factors are crucial in ensuring the plate can adequately support the motor.