This wrench is for Ron. Ya know, laterRON

Sorry for the hiatus but I didn't want to talk about my tests in case I fail them, but the process is quite lengthy.

[n. pl. hi·a·tus·es or hiatus 1. A gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity; a break]
...pun or happy accident?

It involves an Inspector who over looks your first passes on each plate, milling off the backs of the plates, cutting them, sanding them and then having the inspector back to put them in the bend machine and either pass or FAIL them. I did four tests, = four plates. Each place is cut into three and all three must be ok to pass that test. I believe you are allowed a mark 1/8th of an inch in size, I think anything bigger then that would result in a total crack anyhow. I have to grind them, coupons, the pieces are called coupons. (not the newspaper kind...good thing I didn't ask the question out loud and just figured it out)  and if the welding wasn't enough stress in the first place, the grinding seems to be. At least I've stopped calling it sanding....
So each piece has a special stamp on it and if you grind if off you FAIL. That is why you will see tape on my coupons. I find it hard to tell what exact spot is actually being touched by the grinder in the first place. The goal is to grind the piece flat. If you go below flush, you FAIL. If you leave any marks you FAIL. As you do this, any imperfection comes up and rips your heart out. Unfortunately doing this with your eyes shut is not an option.
4 plates = 12 coupons, I finished today, now we wait for the Inspector.