>>Base the grids on a common parent class?
>
>If I add a class to the same project as my form, how can I then add this grid visually to my form?
>
>Thanks again.

Is this WinForms?
If so you can use 'Choose Items' on the relevant toolbox section. Browse to select the relevant DLL/EXE. The Grid should show up in the list. Just check it to add it to the Toolbox. But it's probably safer to put the class in a different project - VS can get a bit confused when it's in the same module....