Bald Eagle;
Thanks for you detailed description. First off I didn't know about the danger with inhaling the carbon dust. Thanks for the warning[sm=omg_smile.gif]. The way you do it makes more sense to me now. I will drill the holes first and then cut them out. Then screw them together and sand them in a block, duh [X(]. Why didn't I think of it in the first place? [sm=confused.gif] But I do drill glue holes in the footings for mechanical bonding strength as well. Good to find out those square plates are not really needed for strength. My glue joints look clean. No need to cover anything ugly.
Thanks again for the great tips, Bald Eagle
thevirginian