Thank you for that illustration, Bruce. One last question and I'll quit pestering you, does the billet need to be cut through, or can it be cut nearly through, equally from each side, then welded. Cutting roughly 1/4 through, from each side should give the same effect, but save time and make it easier to manipulate the two pieces for welding.
The only problem I would see with not cutting the billet completely through would be the difficulty in getting the opposing cuts even.
Just kinda think'n...typn' out loud, so to speak...type.
Thanks and God bless,
J.D.