Here is the first rod welded to the retaining ring. I have welded the rod
slightly below the edge of the ring. I do this so that I can weld a transition
there. This makes for more comfort on the hands and it leaves it very smooth.
Remember to clean up your welds. Smooth out the metal as much as possible. Note…
a lot of folks use round steel for the retaining ring. You can if you like. It
is matter of preference. I like it this way…
Here are all four rods welded in place and the metal is sanded smooth and “polished
up”. While I am doing all of the welding, I am also applying 5-6 coats of
polyurethane to the shell. Go by the instructions on the product that you choose…you
will do much better in the long run!
Here I am trying out the fit of the tensioning rods on the bottom ring. If
you want, drill out the threads on the bottom ring to make for easier assembly.
Look to make sure that the rods are not angled as much as possible here. Now is
when it can be fixed.
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