CASO- yeah...I noticed the quick change of heart myself- thanks for the boot to my rear end. That's all it takes sometimes...
"pie" cuts are not the best choice as now you have more welding to do and it also runs a greater risk of missed welds for rust trap voids, especially given the dirt/road spray, mud that will get thrown up there from the tires..
That's a really good point about the location of the curve & future road spray. That helps me to back up & review what the actual function of this piece is. The 16 ga is perfect for the lower flange that the steps bolt into- shaped somewhat like a 'dogleg'. They are still there, but need to/must be replaced.
Aside from the lower curve (that Robert linked tips on), the last piece of practice 18 ga came out decent from using a plastic 3 ring notebook cover as a pattern. It bent similar to what the metal would do, and didn't cut me up. It'll be paper from now on. The English Wheel is at an auto skill center I have access too Wed-Sun; it took a while to get the hang of it even though it is a simple machine to use. I've since watched a video on what some people CAN do with one & I'm nowhere near that proficient.
Another note in my 5 days of this patch panel attempt: metal work is THE epitome of a hands-on skill; the videos & write ups are an amazing help, but doing metal work as opposed to theorizing on the work could not be any more contrasting. I like it & plan to practice some more tonight.
Brad
