I use double sided tape a lot and I use the cheapo stuff from a market stall. To get the best from it, and to ensure the work piece stays put I use the stuff double, put one layer on the face plate and one layer on the work piece and rub both on fairly hard. peel the backing off and carefully position the work piece over the face plate and press down. You only get one go at this, it puts contact adhesive to shame for speed! Press them together well in a vice or use clamps.
Getting it off is another story, for larger items a thin scraper to start off slide it between the two parts and a wide bladed lever to separate them. Cleaning it off is a bit messy, a hot air gun will melt the adhesive and lift off the tape, then a bit of rag and some white spirit will get the glue off, oh and some elbow grease comes in handy.
I also use it to stick down adhesive paper to a board recycled from a cupboard and flatten boxes et cetra